The 2020 GMC Sierra Denali receives minor updates to the Sierra 1500 light duty model, while the heavy duty Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD Heavy Duty models undergo a complete overhaul (redesign and re-engineering).
With more than half of Sierra HD customers choosing the range-topping Denali trim level, the automaker ensured that the nameplate continues to offer the ultimate expression of professional grade materials and refinement. As GMC puts it, the all-new model delivers power, intelligence and segment advancements to meet the needs of heavy-duty customers with discerning taste.
| Assembly Location | GM Flint Assembly in Flint, Michigan, USA, GM Fort Wayne Assembly in Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA, GM Silao Plant in Mexico | |
| Body Style(s) | Light-Duty and Heavy-Duty Pickup Trucks | |
| Layout | Front-Engined, Longitudinal | |
| Engine(s) | 6.2L L87 V8, 6.6L L8T V8, 6.6 L5P V8 Duramax (Diesel), 3.0L LM2 I6 Duramax (Diesel) | |
| Transmission(s) | Allison 6-Speed Auto,6-Speed Auto, 8-Speed Auto, 10-Speed Auto | |
| Drive Wheels | Rear-Wheel-Drive, Four-Wheel-Drive | |
| Availability | U.S.A., Canada, Mexico | |
| Predecessor | 2019 GMC Sierra Denali | |
| Successor | 2021 GMC Sierra Denali | |
Changes, Updates, New Features
2020 GMC Sierra Denali 1500
An all-new, fourth-generation Sierra Light Duty was released for the 2019 model year. As such, the updated Sierra Denali 1500 receives minor changes and updates for the 2020 model year.
Exterior
- Deletion of Chrome Appearance Package
- Smokey Quartz Metallic replaced with Carbon Black Metallic in second quarter of 2020
- Two new wheel options
- New Trailer Tow Mirrors
Interior
- New all-weather floor liners
- New Bed View Camera
Mechanical
- Revised availability of 10-speed automatic transmission
- 2.7-liter Turbo Engine now available on base (1SA) models
Packages
- New Carbon Pro Edition availability and content
- New Sierra Value Package
- New Denali Ultimate Package content
- New Technology Package Content
- New Driver Alert Package II content
Safety
- New HD Surround Vision option with two Trailer View Camera provisions
- New Camera-Based Adaptive Cruise Control System
See detailed 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 changes, updates and new features here: 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 change log.
The updates and changes described here are specific to the U.S. market and may differ for other markets.
See complete 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 details and features, including powertrain options and availability, here: 2020 GMC Sierra 1500.
2020 GMC Sierra Denali 2500HD & 3500HD
As mentioned, the 2020 Sierra Heavy Duty receives a complete overhaul (redesign and re-engineering), aligning it with the exterior, interior, convenience and capability features of the all-new, fourth-gen Sierra 1500. As such, the new Sierra Denali HD model is the strongest, most capable it’s ever been, with a max towing capability increases an enormous 52 percent to an available 35,500 pounds.
GMC says the all-new Sierra HD is “bigger, stronger and smarter,” and that it combines greater trailering capability with technologies designed to provide customers with a world-class towing experience.
“Trailering is the most important consideration for Sierra Heavy Duty customers, and the new features and technologies in the 2020 Sierra HD make it easier than ever to hitch a trailer and tow it confidently,” said Jaclyn McQuaid, vehicle chief engineer, Heavy Duty Trucks. “We’ve developed this new truck to offer the greatest trailering experience ever offered by GMC.”
Here are some highlights of the all-new 2020 Sierra HD:
Model Line
- Introduction of the all-new Sierra AT4 HD model
Exterior
- Available MultiPro tailgate
- Available CarbonPro box
- More integrated placement of DEF tank that disguises it better than K2 models
- Improved CornerStep rear bumper
- New box access step ahead of the wheel wells
- High-tech LED front headlights
- LED lighting signatures in the front (Daytime Running Lights) and taillights
Interior
- New interior design
- Introduction of next-generation GMC infotainment system (third-generation)
- Introduction of new towing tools
Mechanical
- Introduction of 6.6L L8T V8 engine
See complete 2020 GMC Sierra HD details and features, including models, trims and availability, here: 2020 GMC Sierra HD.
The updates and changes described here are specific to the U.S. market and may differ for other markets.
See detailed 2020 GMC Sierra Denali changes, updates and new features here: 2020 GMC Sierra Denali change log (coming soon).
Body Styles
The 2020 GMC Sierra Denali is available as a light-duty, full-size 1500 model, and is also available as the 2500HD and 3500HD heavy-duty full-size pickup trucks. Notably, Denali models are available exclusively as Crew Cab models.
Powertrain
The 2020 GMC Sierra Denali is offered with the following engine and transmission choices:
| Engine | Fuel | Aspiration | Transmission | Horsepower @ RPM | Torque @ RPM | Axle Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.2L L87 EcoTec3 V8 | Gasoline | Atmospheric | 10-Speed Automatic (MQB) | 420 @ 5600 | 460 @ 4100 | 3.23 |
| 3.0L LM2 Duramax I6 | Diesel | Turbocharged | 10-Speed Automatic (MQB) | 277 @ 3750 | 460 @ 1500 | 3.23 |
| 6.6L L8T V8 | Gasoline | Naturally Aspirated | 6-Speed Automatic (MYD) | 401 @ 5200 | 464 @ 4000 | 3.73 |
| 6.6L Duramax L5P V8 | Diesel | Turbocharged | 10-Speed Automatic (MGM, MGU) | 445 @ 2800 | 910 @ 1600 | 3.42 |
Platform
- The 2020 Sierra Denali Light Duty rides on the GM T1 platform shared most directly with the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The same basic architecture will also used on the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe/2021 Chevrolet Suburban, 2021 GMC Yukon, and 2021 Cadillac Escalade.
- The 2020 Sierra Denali Heavy Duty rides on a more capable version of the same GM T1 platform
Production
The 2020 Sierra Denali was assembled at the following factories:
- GM Flint Assembly in Flint, Michigan, USA (HD)
- GM Fort Wayne Assembly in Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA (LD)
- GM Silao Assembly in Silao, Mexico (LD)
Availability
The 2020 Sierra Denali has the following availability:
- 2020 Sierra Denali 1500 – second quarter 2019 launch (carry-over model with some changes)
- 2020 Sierra Denali HD – third quarter 2019 launch (all-new model)
A note on production for the 2020 model year: sources familiar with GM’s production operations have told GMA that the automaker has instructed dealers to no longer accept orders for Regular or Double Cab units of the 2020 GMC Sierra, neither for 1500 nor HD models. Other configurations that will not be available to order are Chassis Cab / Box Delete units, 2WD trucks equipped with the 6.6L V8 L5P turbo-diesel Duramax engine. The restrictions went into effect in June and will remain in place until production of the 2021 GMC Sierra HD begins in the fourth quarter of 2020.
Another noteworthy change is a $1,500 price reduction for Sierra 1500 Diesel models, which GMAuthority was the first to report. Effective September 3rd, 2020, the change in MSRP will also apply for in-stock and in-transit units of the 2020 GMC Sierra Diesel 1500.
Beyond 2020
We expect the following future for the Sierra Denali beyond the 2020 model year:
- The light-duty Sierra Denali 1500, now in its fourth generation as of the 2019 model year, should remain in production thru the 2025 model year
- The heavy-duty Sierra Denali 2500HD and 3500HD, in their fourth generation as of the 2020 model year, should remain in production thru the 2026 model year
An all-new, next GMC Sierra will launch after the aforementioned models reach the end of their respective lifecycles.
Discussion
Discuss the 2020 GMC Sierra Denali in our GMC forum.
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