2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Expands 10-Speed Transmission Availability
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General Motors has applied a number of updates to the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500, with the most major being the expanded availability of the automaker’s 10-speed automatic transmission.
Previously the 10-speed automatic was only available on GMC Sierra 1500s equipped with either the 6.2-liter V8 or 3.0-liter Duramax diesel engines, however, it will now be standard on Sierra SLT, AT4 and Denali models equipped with the 5.3-liter V8 and four-wheel-drive. It will also be an optional upgrade for SLE trim level trucks with four-wheel-drive. That means base trim level models with the 5.3-liter engine won’t be offered with the 10-speed, nor will 5.3-liter-powered two-wheel-drive models.

GM 10-speed transmission
Other major changes applied to the 2020 GMC Sierra include the addition of the 3.0-liter Duramax diesel to the CarbonPro Edition engine lineup (it was previously only offered with the 6.2-liter V8) and the expansion of the Elevation trim to Crew Cab trucks. Tech updates are limited to a new camera-based adaptive cruise control system for SLT, AT4 and Denali models and an updated eight-inch infotainment screen that supports SiriusXM with 360L audio.
“The Sierra is delivering the tech customers want in the light-duty truck market, and the 2020 model demonstrates that Professional Grade means never slowing down,” GMC vice-president Duncan Aldred said. “The truck’s 2020 updates show how the Sierra continues to raise the bar year in and year out.”

2020 Sierra Elevation Crew Cab
The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 will go into production at GM’s Fort Wayne Assembly plant in Indiana shortly, with sales slated to begin later this year. Pricing will be announced at a later date.
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Would have been nice to have the 10 speed on the 2WD
Dang I was hoping for a refresh interior to an I wonder why Ford can OFFER the 10 speed on almost every model but Gm act like it’s some kind of privilege to have
I think the 10 speed was Ford’s baby. I would guess the agreement was Ford got them for their #1 product (F-series) and Chevy could have them first for their race cars (Corvette/Camaro).
I get the need for manufacturer’s to share transmissions now but I do miss the days when a Chevy was a 100% Chevy and a Ford was a 100% Ford.
Because GM has hasn’t fulfilled their purchase contract and current inventory of the crappy “shuddering” 8-spd trannies that they have to use up first…at the expense of the consumer! Once all the 8-spd transmissions are used up and contract commitments are fulfilled, then we will see the 10 speed installed in the 2WD trucks. I had the 8-spd in my 2016 GMC Denali and it suffered from the horrible shuddering! My 2018 Camaro ZL1 has the 10-spd and it is awesome!! If GM cared at all about their customers, they would discontinue that horrible 8-spd and put the 10-spd in all of their trucks, SUVs and sport cars!
Was hoping for at least a 10 inch radio touchscreen, and a slight refinement to the interior, but the tech upgrades are welcome. Should be more on the way. Waiting for the order guide to update.
Is the Elevation crew cab going to be available in the US? 2019 is not, but is available in Canada.
10 speed should be available with the 5.3 DFM across the board. Hopefully with 3.42 gears, but I doubt it.
I see the Carbon Pro is part of a major package but the cost of the bed is right around $2k.
The package includes a major tech package, hud and other items like wheels etc.
Where do you “see” the 2020 Sierra order options? I have tried to contact two dealerships regarding 2020 CarbonPro details and they both told me to wait till the fall. 2020 production starts in August, should be able to get an order in yet this summer.
Regular cab short bed please !
Making the 10 available on the volume 5.3 is a great move along with adaptive cruise on upper models (still no larger fuel tank option). Their inability to deliver these options on a brand new platform in 2019 is mind boggling but what we’ve come to expect from GM. It’s not that I can’t live without these options but when they’re bragging about higher ATP’s on the T1’s they need to at least match the competitors by offering their best for the masses and not just high end models. They’re making it hard to be a return customer right now.
I’m not sure GMC can pat themselves on the back for introducing technology the competitors have already had and journalists have criticized them for lacking (especially the adaptive cruise control).
Interior is really bad on the GMC Sierra!
10 years in the making!
https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/general-motors/2019/05/18/gm-multipro-tailgate-pickup-sierra-denali/3669381002/
The eight speed is problematic and they kept putting them into the trucks knowing that there was problems with them.
There is a class action law suit against GM for the problems in the eight speed.
I’m so happy that the elevation crew cab will be available in 2020 United States not just in Canada . I love the way the truck looks
I agree, I like the elevation edition myself but believe the only come with the 5.3L, not 6.2 which I’m hoping to get with the AT4.
What I would like to see are the elevation wheels offered on the AT4 trim, with that color scheme in the picture on this page.
3.0l duramax has been cancelled for the 2019 model year fyi.
Statement on Silverado and Sierra 3.0L Duramax timing.
GM is currently working with government officials to complete emissions certification of this great new product. Unfortunately, the process is taking longer than anticipated. Therefore, rather than do an abbreviated production for the 2019 Model Year, GM will launch the 3.0L Duramax as a 2020 Model Year with production starting soon.
The decision to introduce the 3.0L Duramax as a 2020 Model Year will necessitate the cancellation of existing 2019 Model Year production.
Here are the facts.
Purchased a 2020 GMC 1500 Denali 6.2L, 10 speed Transmission in January 2020.
June 16, 2020 I had to have the truck towed to the closest GMC Dealership from where I broke down. The truck wouldn’t shift out of whatever low gear it was in. Couldn’t go over 25mph. The truck has 5400 miles.
Haley Buick GMC, Richmond, VA has diagnosed the problem and I think they said it could be a bad hydraulic valve body or pump within the transmission.
They STILL have my truck and can not give me an ETA on parts for the repairs. It’s been almost 6 weeks!!!! Time for either a replacement truck or replace the entire transmission assembly!!!!!
Mark,
Good morning, is you truck fixed? I have a 2020 Sierra that is sitting at a dealer waiting on the same part, no eta for the repair.
Nick