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2020 GMC Sierra 1500: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 is a new 3.0L turbo-diesel six-cylinder engine on five trims. This is otherwise a light update to the truck introduced for 2019, with expanded transmission and trailering technology plus a Crew Cab version of the Elevation.
About the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500
4th generation (2019-2021 pre-refresh), second model year.
GMC positions the Sierra 1500 as a professional-grade full-size pickup that blends real towing and hauling ability with more upscale design and smarter truck hardware than a basic work pickup. The six-function tailgate, strong trailering tech, and wide trim spread are central to that message: the range starts with work-ready versions, then branches into sport-styled, comfort-focused, off-road, and luxury personalities without losing the core truck mission.
The 2020 Sierra lineup ranges from a straightforward base work truck to the street-styled Elevation, trail-focused AT4, and luxury-oriented Denali. The AT4 has a 2-inch factory lift, skid plates, and four-wheel drive, while the Denali adds leather, built-in navigation, an adaptive suspension, and heated and ventilated front seats. SLT blends V8 power and a more comfortable cabin with GMC’s six-function MultiPro tailgate.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
A 3.0L turbo-diesel six-cylinder engine joins the SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4, and Denali. The 10-speed automatic transmission also spreads to more SLE-and-up configurations, including broader use on AT4 and Denali.
Styling
The style-focused Elevation expands to the roomier Crew Cab body style. The AT4 CarbonPro edition also receives a small appearance update.
Tech
The ProGrade Trailering system expands to as many as 15 camera views and adds a transparent trailer view that helps the driver see what is behind the trailer.
2020 GMC Sierra 1500 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, DFM, 5.3 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, DFM, 6.2 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.7 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, DFM, 5.3 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, DFM, 5.3 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, DFM, 6.2 Liter | V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter / V6, EcoTec3, 4.3 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.7 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, DFM, 5.3 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, DFM, 6.2 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.7 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, DFM, 5.3 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Overdrive / Automatic, 8-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Overdrive / Automatic, 8-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Overdrive / Automatic, 8-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive / Automatic, 8-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Overdrive / Automatic, 8-Spd w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 2WD / 4WD | 2WD / 4WD | 4WD / 2WD | 2WD / 4WD | 2WD / 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Diesel / Gas | Diesel / Gas | Diesel / Gas | Gas | Diesel / Gas | Diesel / Gas |
| MPG City | 15–22 mpg | 16–23 mpg | 15–23 mpg | 15–20 mpg | 15–23 mpg | 16–23 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 19–26 mpg | 22–30 mpg | 20–30 mpg | 20–23 mpg | 20–30 mpg | 22–30 mpg |
| Horsepower | 277–420 hp | 277–355 hp | 277–420 hp | 285–355 hp | 277–420 hp | 277–355 hp |
| Torque | 383–460 lb-ft | 348–460 lb-ft | 383–460 lb-ft | 305–383 lb-ft | 383–460 lb-ft | 348–460 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 9300–11100 lb | 6700–11100 lb | 9300–11100 lb | 7500–11300 lb | 11000–11100 lb | 6700–11100 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 71.7 cu-ft | 71.7 cu-ft | 71.7 cu-ft | 71.7 cu-ft | 71.7 cu-ft | |
| Rear Legroom | 35.2–43.4 in | 35.2–43.4 in | 35.2–43.4 in | 35.2–43.4 in | 43.4 in | 35.2–43.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 6 | 6 | 3–6 | 5 | 6 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2–4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Cruise Control | ||||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| 360 Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| HID Headlights | ||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||||
| Side Steps | ||||||
| Tow Hooks | ||||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||||||
| Head-Up Display | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||||
| SD Card Slot | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Power Adjustable Pedals | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 a redesign?
No. The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 is the second model year of the generation introduced for 2019, so its body and chassis carry over without a major redesign.
Which 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 trims have the new diesel engine?
The 2020 Sierra 1500’s new 3.0L turbo-diesel six-cylinder engine is found on the SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4, and Denali trims. It is not part of the base trim’s engine lineup.
What changed in the 2020 Sierra 1500’s trailering technology?
The 2020 Sierra 1500 expands its trailering system to as many as 15 camera views. It also introduces a transparent trailer view that combines camera images to help the driver see what is behind the trailer.
What changed for the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Elevation?
The 2020 Sierra 1500 Elevation adds the Crew Cab body style and the 3.0L turbo-diesel engine to its lineup. It remains the street-styled trim, with a black grille, body-color exterior trim, and an 8-inch touchscreen.
What are the main differences between the 2020 and 2019 GMC Sierra 1500?
The 2020 Sierra 1500 mainly differs through its new 3.0L turbo-diesel engine, wider use of the 10-speed automatic, expanded trailer-camera system, and Crew Cab version of the Elevation. Its basic body and chassis remain largely unchanged from 2019.
2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500.
4.3
2020 GMC Sierra 1500
(233 reviews)
“Excellent use of technology for phone and devices. Love the seat warmers, keyless entry and tons of front passenger storage. The backup camera has great options for needed rv hookups.”
“Pleasure to drive, comfortable, good gas mileage, nice safety features, nice looking truck.”