2013 GMC Sierra 1500: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 is mostly a carryover. Its main change is automatic grade braking in normal transmission mode for trucks pairing the 5.3L or 6.2L V8 with the six-speed automatic.

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About the 2013 GMC Sierra 1500

2007–2013 design generation, final model year before the all-new 2014 redesign

GMC positioned the Sierra 1500 as a full-size pickup combining serious towing and hauling ability with more comfort and detail than a basic work truck. The central “Professional Grade” theme emphasized a strong boxed frame, broad cab and bed coverage, V6 and V8 power, and purpose-built controls. XFE and Hybrid focused on lower fuel use, while SLT and Denali brought SUV-like comfort, giving the model a wide work-to-luxury identity.

The lineup runs from the job-focused Work Truck to the Denali, a crew-cab luxury model with a 403-hp 6.2L V8, heated and cooled leather front seats, and Bose surround sound. The Hybrid uses a gas-electric system and regenerative braking, while the XFE combines a 5.3L V8 with weight-saving and aerodynamic details aimed at better fuel economy.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

Automatic grade braking now works in normal transmission mode on trucks with the 5.3L or 6.2L V8 and six-speed automatic. It helps reduce brake use on descents without requiring Tow/Haul mode; other powertrains carry over without significant changes.

2013 GMC Sierra 1500 specs and features by trim

Feature	2013 GMC Sierra 1500SL0 in stock	2013 GMC Sierra 1500SLE3 in stock	2013 GMC Sierra 1500SLT1 in stock	2013 GMC Sierra 1500XFE0 in stock	2013 GMC Sierra 1500Denali0 in stock	2013 GMC Sierra 1500Hybrid0 in stock	2013 GMC Sierra 1500Work Truck0 in stock
Engine	V8, Flex Fuel, 4.8 Liter	V8, Flex Fuel, 4.8 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 5.3 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.2 Liter	V8, Flex Fuel, 5.3 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.2 Liter	V8, Flex Fuel, 5.3 Liter	V8, Flex Fuel, 6.2 Liter	V8, Hybrid, 6.0 Liter	V6, 4.3 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 4.8 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 5.3 Liter
Transmission	Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive	Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive / Automatic, 6-Spd HD	Automatic, 6-Spd HD	Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive	Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive	Automatic, EVT	Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive / Automatic, 6-Spd HD / Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive
Drivetrain	4WD / 2WD	2WD / 4WD	4WD / 2WD	2WD	AWD	4WD	2WD / 4WD
Fuel Type	Flexible Fuel	Flexible Fuel	Flexible Fuel	Flexible Fuel	Flexible Fuel	Hybrid	Gas / Flexible Fuel
MPG City	14 mpg	13–15 mpg	13–15 mpg	15 mpg	13 mpg	20 mpg	14–15 mpg
MPG Highway	19 mpg	18–21 mpg	18–21 mpg	22 mpg	18 mpg	23 mpg	19–22 mpg
Horsepower	302 hp	302–403 hp	315–403 hp	315 hp	403 hp		195–315 hp
Torque	305 lb-ft	305–417 lb-ft	335–417 lb-ft	335 lb-ft	417 lb-ft	367 lb-ft	260–335 lb-ft
Max Towing	5500–6700 lb	9100–10400 lb	9300–10400 lb	7000 lb	9200 lb	5900 lb	9100–10000 lb
Rear Legroom	34.3–38.7 in	34.3–38.7 in	34.3–38.7 in	38.7 in	38.7 in	38.7 in	34.3–38.7 in
Seats	6	3–6	5	6	5	6	3–6
Doors	4	2–4	4	4	4	4	2–4
Safety & Security
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
Alarm System
Hill Start Assist
Rear Parking Sensors
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors
Fog Lights
Heated Mirrors
Power Moonroof
Power Folding Exterior Mirrors
Power Mirrors
Privacy Glass
Side Steps
Tow Hooks
Entertainment & Electronics
Bluetooth
Built-In Hard Drive
Front DVD Entertainment System
Navigation System
Rear DVD Entertainment System
Satellite Radio
Subwoofer
USB Ports
Comfort & Convenience
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Cooled Seats
Dual Power Front Seats
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Integrated Garage Door Opener
Leather Seats
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Memory Driver's Seat
Power Adjustable Pedals
Power Windows
Remote Start
Tilt Wheel

How the 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 compares

The 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 is a full redesign and the first year of a new generation. Its biggest change is an all-new truck underneath and on top, including a new body, cab, cargo box, quieter interior and EcoTec3 engine family.

See the full 2014 changes

Frequently asked questions

What changed on the 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 compared with the 2012 model?

The main change is automatic grade braking in normal transmission mode for 5.3L- and 6.2L-V8 trucks with the six-speed automatic. The rest of the Sierra 1500 received no significant styling, safety, structural, or cabin-technology updates.

Is the 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 a redesigned truck?

No. The 2013 Sierra 1500 is the final model year of the design introduced for 2007; the full redesign arrived for 2014.

Which 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 models have the new grade-braking feature?

The feature applies to 2013 Sierra 1500 trucks that pair the 5.3L or 6.2L V8 with the six-speed automatic. That includes qualifying Work Truck and SLE configurations, plus the XFE, SLT, and Denali powertrains described for this year.

What does the 2013 Sierra 1500’s grade braking do?

It helps control speed downhill by using the transmission to reduce repeated brake use. For 2013, it operates in normal transmission mode on qualifying 5.3L- and 6.2L-V8 trucks, so Tow/Haul mode is not required.

Is the 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 meaningfully different from the 2012 model?

Not for most shoppers. The added normal-mode grade braking is useful on descents, but otherwise the 2013 Sierra 1500 is largely unchanged from 2012, making condition, maintenance history, and configuration especially important when comparing used examples.