General Motors introduced the all-new heavy-duty truck lineup. Well, only a year ago we saw the same thing happening to the full-size segment. Now, the first update of the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 will include some of the features coming for a bigger segment. At the first place, there is a stunning transparent trailer view. An upcoming pickup carries over the MultiPro tailgate with all six functions. The new suite of equipment is coming for the Sierra 1500 Denali model. Top of the line truck expects some competition in the future. So, GM will prepare it for any kind of challenge.
The base 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 is not suffering too many changes. The truck received a redesign last year, so only small cosmetic changes could take place. Designers will pay more attention to luxury Denali pickup and some interior and safety details. What’s more, the AT4 off-road package is also getting some upgrades to make Sierra 1500 more versatile and attractive to younger buyers.
2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Transparent Trailer View and MultiPro Tailgate
Multifunctional tailgate drew the most attention on the last edition of a truck. This feature is kind of revolutionary since it has six different purposes. Well, the main function is the same as for any other conventional gate. Still, designers tried to make it special, durable, and easy to use. Furthermore, you can extend the bed with this tailgate and still keep the things safe. Inner gate up, and you have no worries. Set it on the opposite side, and you create an easy and further access to the bed. You can use the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 MultiPro tailgate as steps as well. The inner gate could become a working station, or it can stop the longer items from falling out.
For the next season, General Motors presented the brand-new technology – transparent trailer view. After a heavy-duty segment, the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 will also get this feature. The system will combine two cameras – one standard camera at the back of the truck, and another, behind the trailer. United, the result is a view “through a trailer”. The second camera could be also planted inside the cargo area to monitor items. With this system, the driver will have control of everything surrounding its truck and cargo.
2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Specs, Towing Capacity, Fuel Economy
Under the bonnet of the base model lays a 5.2-liter V8 engine. It is capable to create 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. Buyers will choose a drive method (2WD and 4WD) and fuel management system (Active and new Dynamic). This unit will offer 11,000 pounds of towing capacity. You can get 1,500 lbs more if you choose a 6.2-liter V6 engine. In this case, the power output raises to 420 hp and torque to 460 lb-ft. Still, this powertrain consumes more fuel. The new 10-speed automatic transmission routes power to all wheels only. Smaller sibling, 5.3-l uses an eight-speed gearbox.
These two are the best-selling versions. Still, buyers can opt for a 4.3-liter V6 engine. This one is in the books for Sierra’s twin, Chevy Silverado. Still, it can produce 285 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed transmission is also getting old. Finally, the offer of petrol engines finishes with a 2.7-liter turbo-four unit. This one is the newest addition. It can develop 310 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. Of course, towing capacity has a minimum rating, while the fuel economy is best in the class.
Duramax Diesel Engine
Both GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevy Silverado 1500 are waiting for a green light for its new diesel engines. This unit had a premiere last year in Detroit (Silverado) and a month later (Sierra). Still, it is not part of the lineup yet. The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 diesel will be able to create 282 hp. That is more than Ford F-150 Diesel and Ram 1500 Diesel can do. Torque for all three trucks is at the same level – 450 pound-feet. A ten-pace gearbox is a power distributor and the new unit will return 28 mpg combined. Towing capacity is estimated to 8,000 pounds.
2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Premium and Off-Road Models – Denali, AT4
Variety of models make the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 different from its twin-truck Chevy Silverado. We already got used to the premium Denali model. For the next season, it will bring even more features. The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali will still be the only luxury full-size pickup truck. We expect other companies to step into this market soon. Lincoln Mark LT, Cadillac Escalade EXT, Lexus Pickup Truck, and others, are just rumors for now.
The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 will borrow some of its parts to the new off-road oriented Chevy Silverado ZR2 model. It’s been tested for a while and experts predict its arrival in 2020. Whatsoever, the AT4 remains the only truck in the lineup capable for riding in tough terrains. The lifted truck gets two inches of ground clearance more than the base model. Off-road tires, dual exhaust, unique front fascia with new headlamps are upgrades for the Sierra 1500 AT4 pickup. Towing capacity of this model is 9,500 pounds, and it consumes 17 mpg combined.
Release, Price
Without big changes, the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 has fallen out of the pecking order for the next season. The focus in on the heavy-duty class. But, as soon as the situation in this segment calms, the full-size truck will become the main priority again. Prices for the 2020 Sierra 1500 will be the same as for the current truck. The offer starts at $37,000 for a pickup with a V6 engine, while the new 4-banger adds $3,000. Sierra 1500 with V8 unit is not cheaper than $39,000, and bigger 6.2-l one costs at least $53,000. AT4 trim level starts at $55,000 and Denali truck above $60k.
2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Vs Ram 1500
The main rival for the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 will be the 2020 Ram 1500. Ford F-150 is out of a reach for all other pickups. Chevy Silverado is a twin truck. Nissan Titan and Toyota Tundra are not as popular as these two models. Similarities between Sierra 1500 and Ram 1500 are numerous. Both trucks will add a diesel engine very soon. But, while GM offers an off-road AT4 version, Ram is not in this market yet. However, we can read rumors about the development of the most powerful pickup truck ever – Ram Rebel TRX with 707-hp rated Hellcat engine. However, it still needs to debut as a concept. On the other hand, Ram’s top trim levels, Limited and Laramie Longhorn, are not even close to the luxury offered by Denali version of GMC Sierra 1500.