2020 GMC Sierra 1500: Here’s What’s New And Different
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The GMC Sierra light duty was only recently completely overhauled, receiving a redesign and re-engineering for the 2019 model year. We still have a few months remaining in the 2020 model year, so here’s what’s new and different for the 2020 Sierra 1500.
Model Line
The Sierra half ton continues to be available in six trim levels for the 2020 model year, as follows:
| Trim Level | Sierra (base)1 | SLE2 | Elevation2 | SLT2 | AT43 | Denali4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment Group | 1SA | 3SA | 3SB | 4SA | 4SB | 5SA |
- Available on on Regular Cab, Double Cab, or Crew Cab
- Available on Double Cab or Crew Cab
- Available on 4WD Double Cab or 4WD Crew Cab
- Available on Crew Cab
Those awaiting the availability of the Regular Cab model in med- or high-end trim levels are out of luck, as GM will not make those available for North American markets (while selling those models overseas)… at least for the time being.
Exterior
On the outside, the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 replaces the Smokey Quartz Metallic color with Carbon Black Metallic in the second quarter of 2020.
In addition, the Chrome Exterior Appearance Package is deleted outright. For the 2019 model year, the package was offered on the Sierra base (1SA) and included the following features:
- Chrome front bumper
- Chrome rear bumper
- 17-inch 6-spoke Bright Silver painted aluminum wheels
In addition, two new wheels join the lineup: the first is a 20-inch 6-spoke Carbon Grey painted aluminum wheel (NZQ) available on AT4 CarbonPro Edition, while the second is a 22-inch multi-dimensional polished aluminum wheel available on Denali.
Rounding out the exterior changes are the addition of two features: the long-requested Trailer Tow Mirrors as an option on all trim levels, and a new Bed View Camera as part of the Technology Package available on SLT, AT4 and Denali. The feature was initially introduced on the 2020 Sierra HD, and is now making its way to the Sierra 1500.
Interior
There’s only one change to the interior of the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500: the addition of new all-weather floor liners with the AT4 logo (as an LPO-level item). These are standard on the Sierra AT4.
Mechanical
A few changes are made in the powertrain department, and they are quite welcome. These include the addition of the 2.7L Turbo L3B engine as an option on Sierra base (1SA) models. The boosted four cylinder, which makes 310 horsepower and 348 pound-feet of torque, was not available on the base/1SA trim for the 2019 model year. The base engine for the 2020 Sierra remains the naturally-aspirated 4.3L V6 LV3, rated at 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque.
In addition, the 10-speed automatic transmission replaces the 8-speed auto on 4WD 3SA, 3SB, 4SA, 4SB, and 5SA models equipped with the 5.3L EcoTec3 L84 V8 engine.
Packages
Several package-level changes are also in store for the 2020 Sierra 1500. A new Sierra Value Package joins the lineup as an option on the base Sierra (1SA) model. The package includes:
- Convenience Package
- Trailering Package
- It is not available with pickup bed delete
The previously-announced CarbonPro Edition package becomes available on AT4 and Denali models. Available only on Crew Cab, Short Bed models, the package includes:
- 22-inch high gloss Black wheels (SGM) (LPO-level item)
- MultiPro Audio System by Kicker
- CarbonPro Composite Bed
- On Denali models, the package now includes 22-inch high gloss black wheels (SGM), replacing low-gloss black wheels for the 2019 model year
Also, the Denali Ultimate Package now includes 22-inch multi-dimensional polished aluminum wheels, which replace 22-inch polished aluminum wheels. The package is available only on Denali and includes:
- Technology Package:
- HD Surround Vision
- Rear Camera Mirror
- Multi-color 15″ Diagonal Head-Up Display
- Driver Alert Package II:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Front Pedestrian Braking
- IntelliBeam headlamps
- Following Distance Indicator
- Sunroof
- GMC MultiPro Power Steps
- Wheel locks
- Trailer Tire Pressure Monitor System
- The aforementioned 22-inch polished aluminum wheels
Additionally, the Driver Alert Package II on the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 now includes Adaptive Cruise Control. The package is available on SLT, AT4 and Denali models and also includes:
- Forward Collision Alert
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Front Pedestrian Braking
- IntelliBeam headlamps
- Following Distance Indicator
The final package-level change is to the Technology Package, which includes Bed View Camera. Available on SLT, AT4 and Denali models, the package also includes:
- HD Surround Vision
- Rear Camera Mirror
- Multicolor 15-inch Diagonal Head-Up Display
Safety
The final changes to the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 are the addition of Adaptive Cruise Control as part of the aforementioned Driver Alert Package II. The package and the associated Adaptive Cruise Control feature, are optional on the three higher trim levels of the pickup truck – the SLT, AT4 and Denali.
Finally, the HD Surround Vision suite gains two Trailer View Camera provisions that it didn’t have for the 2019 model year.
Looking Ahead
The 2020 model year represents the second iteration of the fourth-generation GMC Sierra 1500. We expect the pickup truck to receive minor changes for the 2021 model year, followed by a midcycle refresh for the 2022 model year. That refresh should bring minor cosmetic updates as well as a revamped interior, as first exclusively reported by GM Authority.
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Is this supposed to be a reference to 2021 instead? Or did you not share with us 2020 model updates prior to the start of the year?
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I would like to understand why my 2015 Sierra Z60 SLT white diamond Tri coat is popping paint off the hood of my truck that has not been in my possession 5 years. A truck with only 18000 miles on it. I have owned Chevy or GMC all my life and I think that is about to change.
If it wasn’t in your possession for 5 years, who knows what happens to it…
I have a 2014 Summit white Silverado and paint is fine….. So far. Had a 1990 Sierra and white paint started flaking off around 5 years old. Hated to wash with hose cause paint just washed off.
Hey Alex Luft,
Alex on Autos was saying that suspension on all 2020 Silverado/Sierra was changed slightly to provide a slightly better ride. Can you confirm if this is true and what was changed?
Thanks
Dale, As far as I know the suspension tuning hasn’t changed. the folks over at motortrend based the 2019’s when they ordered a high county Z71 with offroad tires and compared it to a Ram Limited with street tires and ultra low profile rims. They then remarked when they drove the 2020 RST Silverado with the new 6.2 and street tires that it drove better. Motortrend also remarked when they first dove the 2019LT that its tuning was way supperior to the 2018 Silverado. You think they would realize that tire and wheel configurations make a huge difference.
Hi, I previously owned a 2015 denali sierra, bought it new. It had email and text function integrated to the car thru bluetooth. My 2019 sierra slt does not have that capability. My android auto still didnt pull it up on the display, or my phone for that matter. Can you tell me why GM took a giant back step in the technology dept?
SLT should have colour match bumpers. Bulk chrome is not a signifier of higher end or luxury. Elevation and Silverado RST look much better
So wait no more chrome bumpers? I’m confused. I have chrome on my bumpers and I say they look nice but when a dent happens, the truck looks like a junker. If they’re removing chrome thank god.