2019 GMC Sierra Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 is a full-size pickup truck that is built for work or play. There are a lot of different configurations and options for this truck. You can always get a Sierra that caters exactly to your specific needs. In addition to the light-duty Sierra 1500, GMC also makes two other models for their HD series. The Sierra HD comes in 2500 and 3500 variants. These are rugged, powerful trucks that are geared towards heavy-duty work applications.

You can get a Sierra 1500 in 4X2 or 4X4 configurations. The latter is an excellent off-road performer. It's also great for driving over slick roads and in extreme weather. This truck's bed comes in long and shorter variants. You can get a bed that is 5.75', 6.6', or 8' in length. The Sierra 1500 also comes in three different cab types: the Regular, Double and Crew.

The Regular Cab is the smallest of the three. It lacks a rear-seat area and can only seat two or three people. This version of the Sierra only has two doors. The Double adds two small rear doors and an extra row of seats. You can take a couple more passengers along for the ride in the Double. This brings the seating capacity up to five. The Crew Cab model has four, full-size doors for easy access to the rear seats. This model was designed to transport five to six passengers.

GMC offers six different power-train options for their 2019 Sierra 1500. The 2.7-liter, turbocharged I-4 engine produces an impressive 310 hp. The 4.3-liter, EcoTec3 engine is a V-6 model that cranks out 285 hp. There are two versions of the EcoTec3, 5.3-liter V-8. One comes with GMC's Dynamic Fuel Management System. This version cranks out 355 hp with 383 lb-ft of torque. GMC also offers a 6.2-liter V-8 that makes 420 horses and 460 lb-ft of torque. There's even an option for a diesel engine on some models. All choices provide high towing and hauling capacities.

Depending on the model and engine your Sierra 1500 has, you will be able to haul between 1,500 to 2,543 lbs. in the truck bed. When properly equipped, a Sierra can tow between 6,600 and 9,700 lbs. The Sierra 1500 has six different trim levels and one special-edition model for 2019. With so many options and trim levels, it can be difficult to decide which Sierra is right for you. Please read on to see a detailed analysis of the differences between each trim level.

 

Compare the 2019 GMC Sierra Base vs SLE Trims. What is the difference?

The Base model of the Sierra comes equipped with the 4.3-liter V-6 that produces 285 hp. The SLE comes standard with a 2.7-liter, 4-cylinder, turbocharged engine. This model cranks out 310 hp and provides much better acceleration. It has a lower towing capacity, however, coming in at around 6,600 lbs. The Base V-6 can tow up to 7,500 lbs. The SLE engine is more efficient overall and will get you a slightly better fuel-economy rating.

The Base trim allows you to select from all three cab configuration. This means you can also choose a bed length out of all three available options. The SLE is only available as a Double or Crew Cab. This makes the 8' bed length unavailable for the SLE trim. Both of these trims can be had in a 2WD or 4WD configuration. There are eleven exterior color choices for the Base model with two extra choices for the SLE.

If you're looking for the best-in-class cargo volume, the Base model is your truck. You have to, of course, select the 8' truck bed to achieve this. The Base model comes with some nice, standard options as well. You get StabiliTrak with traction control. It comes equipped with 17" silver-painted wheels. The headlamps and taillights are LED models. Cargo-area lamps and a locking tailgate round out some of the best exterior features.

The infotainment system comes with a 7" color touchscreen. You can connect via Bluetooth or USB ports. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are available as well. Included is a six-speaker audio system. You get your standard, power-operated locks and windows. A 3.5" screen in the instrument cluster provides essential driver information. Also included is a single-zone, climate-control system.

Some of the notable safety equipment for the Base trim includes a rear-view camera and six airbags. You also get a Rear-Seat Reminder and a Tire-Pressure Monitoring System. The GMC Teen Driver system allows you to set custom limits on a variety of things to make sure your children practice safe driving habits. An electronic report card gives you information on how your teen driver does while behind the wheel.

The SLE trim provides all of these features plus some upgrades and a few new ones. It also gets a best-in-class cargo award, but this is a best for short-bed trucks when you select the 5.75' box. This will be better than anything else on the road in this class, but less than what the Base model with an 8' bed offers.

GMC throws in twelve tie-downs with a rating of 500 lbs. per corner in the SLE. You also get a Traction Select System with a special terrain mode. Remote, keyless entry is added on for the SLE model. You even get some previously-unavailable options such as a trailering system, an off-road package and the ability to upgrade to the 5.3-liter, V-8 engine. The SLE is also the first trim package that gives you the choice of a 3.0-liter Duramax Turbo-Diesel motor.

Both trim levels share almost the exact same safety features. The SLE adds in OnStar and GMC Connected capabilities. On the inside of the SLE, you get rubberized-vinyl floor mats for the front and rear. The SLE also gives you a 4G Wifi hotspot. You get 4-way, manual seat adjustments up front for the driver and passenger seats in the SLE as well.

Compare the 2019 Sierra SLE vs Elevation Trims. What is the difference?

The SLE and Elevation trims both share the exact same power train. The 2.7-liter I-4 engine is paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission system. The transmission also features overdrive and auto-manual shifting. Both share the same towing capacity. While the SLE is available in Crew or Double Cab versions, the Elevation only comes as a Double Cab. The first major difference you'll notice is the Elevation's black grille and monochromatic exterior.

The Elevation once again gives you the option to upgrade to a V-8 or diesel engine. You can also select the same trailer and off-road packages as before. You get an additional option for the GMC ProGrade Trailer system while the SLE has the Max system. The Elevation also offers a start-stop feature. This means the engine will shut off in certain circumstances when you're at a complete stop. It starts up again once you release your foot from the brake.

The standard safety features are again identical between the two trim levels. The Elevation does also give you some extra options you can tack on though. These are a Side Blind Alert, Front and Rear Park Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. The wheels for the Elevation are upgraded to 20" models that are painted black. A stainless steel, aluminized tailpipe and muffler are added in for this trim package.

On the inside of the Elevation, you get the same infotainment system as before. This time around you can opt for an upgraded Bose sound system for an additional cost. The SLE has two USB ports up front. The Elevation has these as well but also adds two more for the rear-seat passengers. You also get remote start, a rear-window defogger and a 60/40 rear-folding seat for the Elevation.

Compare the Sierra Elevation vs SLT Trims. What is the difference?

The SLT trim can be had in Double or Crew Cab formats with a box size of 5.75' or 6.6'. It comes standard with the 5.3-liter V-8 with the option to have the 6.2-liter or Turbo Diesel installed. The stock engine can tow an impressive 9,600 lbs compared to the Elevation's 6,600 lbs. The ProGrade Trailering System is no longer just an option for the SLT. It now comes already added on as a standard feature.

The trailering package included with the SLT offers a trailer hitch, a 2" hitch receiver, and 4-pin and 7-pin connectors. An automatic-locking rear differential completes this unique package. A few more driver alerts and driving-assist systems are available as options for the SLT. The SLT comes standard with dual-zone climate control instead of the single-zone system found on previous trims.

Most of the exterior features are the same between these two trims. You get chrome front and rear bumpers on the SLT. Rear wheelhouse liners are included as well. On the inside of the SLT, you get upgraded seats. They now offer 10-way power adjustments up front. A memory system lets you save your settings. The seats are also trimmed with leather appointments. The driver seat gets an additional lumbar adjustment too.

The infotainment system gets upgraded to a premium package for the SLT. You can now add on a navigation system as well. HD radio and an HD rear camera come standard on the SLT. You get a suite of trailer-assist options to go along with the trailer package that comes with the SLT. If you plan to haul heavy loads via a trailer, the SLT is a good choice here. The standard and optional safety features are the same for both trims.

Compare the Sierra SLT vs AT4 Trims. What is the difference?

The AT4 trim package aims for something different. It adds on performance features to greatly increase the truck's off-road capabilities. This starts with a 2" factory lift to give you more ground clearance. You also get a special off-road suspension system to help you tackle the roughest terrain. The highest level trailering packages are added on to the AT4 as standard equipment.

Being geared towards off-road performance means that the AT4 only comes in a 4X4 configuration. You can get an AT4 in either a Crew Cab or Double Cab model. It's available with a 6.6' box or a 5.75' box. This trim package comes equipped with GMC's 5.3-liter V-8 with DFM. You can also opt for the bigger 6.2-liter engine.

Some of the mechanical additions to the AT4 include skid plates, a high-capacity filter and hill descent control. On the outside of the AT4, you get 18" aluminum wheels with dark gray accents. GMC adds in black-wall, all-terrain tires to go with the off-road motif. Both bumpers and the door handles are painted to match the body color for this trim level. You also get a nice spray-in bedliner to keep your truck protected at one of its most vulnerable parts.

On the inside of the AT4, you get all of the perks of the previous trims. You get the same premium seats with all of the power adjustments and leather trim. You get the leather-wrapped steering wheel. This trim also features the best sound system and infotainment center options that GMC has to offer for the Sierra. Added in is some all-weather floor mats and ventilation for the front and rear seats. The safety and security features are the same for the SLT and AT4.

Compare the 2019 Sierra AT4 vs Denali Trims. What is the difference?

The Denali model of the Sierra 1500 represents the top tier of available trim packages. This model is geared towards comfort and luxury. It was designed for the driver who only wants the best of everything. It comes loaded with all of the extras. Just like the AT4, the Denali comes stock with the 5.3-liter, EcoTec3 V-8 engine with DFM. Both models give you the option to upgrade to the larger V-8 engine.

The Denali is only available in a Crew Cab version. The top luxury trim level only comes with the most seats and the full-sized rear doors. You can opt for the short bed or the medium-sized truck bed on this model. The 8' box isn't an option here, as it only comes equipped on Regular Cab models.

The driver-alert packages that were previously options are now standard on the Denali. You get the option for GMC's protection package which includes an all-weather floor liner. It also includes front and rear splash guards. An adaptive-ride control system makes adjustments to the suspension and other components to give you the smoothest ride possible.

The Denali gives you the GMC Premium infotainment system. This gets you an 8" touchscreen and a navigation system. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity are available here. You get the most USB ports for this system too. The Bose Premium Sound System is standard for this trim level as well. The Denali even has an extra 8" screen on the instrument cluster for driver information.

On the inside of the Denali, every seat and the steering wheel have a heating function. A universal remote is included so you can access your garage door and home security systems. The seats, interior materials and floor mats are all upgraded for this trim package. The Denali offers all of the safety features that were included on previous trims. It also adds in a few optional features as standard. You now get an alert for rear cross traffic. A sensor warns you if you veer too far out of your lane. It also provides you with an alert if there is an object in one of your side blind-zones.

 

Final Thoughts

Which trim level you should choose largely depends on what you need out of your pickup truck. If it is solely for work, the Base model should suffice. This trim can also be had with an 8' box for more cargo space. It's fuel efficient and can tackle most jobs. The 2500 and 3500 models may be of interest to anyone who needs their truck to do some heavy-duty chores.

If you want the best off-road performance, the AT4 trim package is the way to go. The extra ground clearance, traction control, 4X4 and suspension system are the best available for the Sierra. It's rugged and capable of tackling rough terrain. For most drivers, the SLT trim may be the best option. This is a do-anything truck that is suitable for work and as a daily driver.

The SLT package is the first trim level to come stock with a V-8 engine. This gets you great acceleration and a high towing and hauling capacity. The SLT also comes with a good selection of comfort, luxury and safety features as standard equipment. It's a great truck for long commutes, towing or even some light off-road fun. Most of the higher-level features that are not included with the SLT can be added on as an option.