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2015 GMC Sierra 1500: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 is a new 8-speed automatic transmission for later-build trucks with the 6.2-liter V8. Denali also gains Magnetic Ride Control, but the rest of the recently redesigned lineup changes little.
About the 2015 GMC Sierra 1500
3rd generation Sierra 1500 (K2XX, 2014-2018), second model year after the 2014 redesign.
GMC positions the Sierra 1500 as an upscale full-size pickup that still takes real truck duty seriously. GMC’s "Professional Grade" message centers on strong towing and hauling ability, smart cargo-bed details, and a noticeably quieter, more polished cabin than many work-first pickups. Compared with the related Chevrolet Silverado, the Sierra leans more premium in design and trim, but it still serves the same broad mission: jobsite work, family hauling, towing, and daily driving in one truck.
The 2015 Sierra 1500 ranges from a straightforward work truck with a CornerStep bumper and cargo-box tie-downs to more comfort-focused versions. SLE brings an 8-inch touchscreen and rearview camera, SLT adds heated leather-appointed seats, and Denali tops the range with navigation, heated and cooled leather seats, and Magnetic Ride Control.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
Later-build trucks with the 6.2-liter V8 gain an 8-speed automatic. The 4.3-liter and 5.3-liter engines retain the 6-speed automatic. Gas powertrains join Base, SLE, SLT, and Denali, while flexible-fuel powertrains leave SLT and Denali.
Structural
Denali gains Magnetic Ride Control, a suspension system that continuously adjusts the shock absorbers to deliver a smoother, more controlled ride.
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, EcoTec3, FF, 4.3L / V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter | V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, 6.2 Liter | V6, EcoTec3, FF, 4.3L / V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter | V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, 6.2 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive / Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive / Automatic, 8-Spd w/Overdrive / Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive / Auto, 8-Spd Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive / Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive / Auto, 8-Spd Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | 2WD / 4WD | 4WD / 2WD | 2WD / 4WD | 4WD / 2WD |
| Fuel Type | Flexible Fuel / Gas | Gas | Flexible Fuel / Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 16–18 mpg | 15–16 mpg | 16–18 mpg | 15–16 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 22–24 mpg | 21–22 mpg | 22–24 mpg | 21–22 mpg |
| Horsepower | 285–355 hp | 355–420 hp | 285–355 hp | 355–420 hp |
| Torque | 305–383 lb-ft | 383–460 lb-ft | 305–383 lb-ft | 383–460 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 8700–11000 lb | 10800–11900 lb | 5500–9800 lb | 9100–9200 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 34.6–40.9 in | 34.6–40.9 in | 34.6–40.9 in | 40.9 in |
| Seats | 3–6 | 6 | 3–6 | 5 |
| Doors | 2–4 | 4 | 2–4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||
| Side Steps | ||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| 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 Driver's Lumbar Support Seat | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2015 GMC Sierra 1500?
The biggest change is an 8-speed automatic transmission paired with the 6.2-liter V8 in later-build 2015 trucks. Most of the Sierra 1500 lineup otherwise carries over from 2014 with few major differences.
Does every 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 have the 8-speed automatic?
No. The 8-speed automatic is paired only with the 6.2-liter V8 in later-build trucks. Sierra 1500 models with the 4.3-liter V6 or 5.3-liter V8 retain the 6-speed automatic.
What changed on the 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali?
The 2015 Sierra 1500 Denali gains Magnetic Ride Control, which adjusts the shock absorbers continuously for a smoother and more controlled ride. Later-build Denali trucks with the 6.2-liter V8 also receive the 8-speed automatic.
Is the 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 a full redesign?
No. The 2015 Sierra 1500 is the second model year of the generation introduced for 2014. It is a light update rather than another full redesign.
Is the 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 much different from the 2014 model?
No, most 2015 Sierra 1500 trucks are very similar to the 2014 model. The clearest differences matter mainly to shoppers considering a later-build 6.2-liter V8 truck or the Denali trim, which gains Magnetic Ride Control.
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2015 GMC Sierra 1500.
4.1
2015 GMC Sierra 1500
(321 reviews)
“Should have option of lower entry height, entry is too high for entering vehicle”
“Most annoying feature/issue is low quality plastic center console/armrest that squeaks when you lean on it (even just a little bit)”