2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?
Drivers who need a pickup truck but do not want to sacrifice comfort may be drawn to the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. This vehicle is very similar to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, especially underneath the hood. What sets it apart are a few luxury touches, which is why the price tag is a bit higher. Drivers will find many reasons to consider buying this truck, but like with all vehicles, there are some drawbacks here as well. The full-size pickup market is competitive, so do the pros outweigh the cons enough for the Sierra 1500 to make it a smart buy?
What's New for 2020?
This truck launched a new generation just last year but continues to make upgrades for 2020. A brand new turbocharged 3.0L diesel engine joins the list of options available to buyers. Drivers who go with the 5.3L V8 engine now have the option of pairing it with a ten-speed automatic transmission. New safety aids become available this year as well. Certain trim levels of the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 can now be equipped with adaptive cruise control as well as trailer and bed-view cameras.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 – The Pros
1. Quiet and Roomy Cabin
With class-leading crew cab leg and head room, everyone can stay comfortable in the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. Plus, GMC went to great lengths to make the cabin stay quiet, even at highway speeds. The doors have inlays and are triple-sealed. There is even sound-absorbing technology built-in to both the dashboard and carpeting. The end result is a comfortable cabin that everyone can relax in.
2. Easy-to-Use Infotainment System
All models of the new Sierra 1500 have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility to easily sync a smartphone with the truck. The standard touchscreen is 7-inches and very responsive. Going with any trim level except the entry-level one will upgrade the screen size to 8-inches. The display design is brand new for 2020 and will likely be a big selling point for buyers.
3. Huge Truck Bed
The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 boasts a best-in-class cargo bed volume. Standard beds have 69.6 cubic feet, while the long bed has a massive 83.5 cubic feet. Plus, there are 12 cargo tie-downs located throughout the bed. Each corner has a 500-lb rating, making it easy to haul even the heaviest gear in the back of the Sierra 1500. The bed itself is made with a roll-formed high-strength steel and a durable spray-on bedliner is an availble add-on in 2020.
4. Multiple Strong Engine Options
When considering the new Sierra 1500, buyers have five different engines to look at, including a diesel option. The entry-level version is a very powerful 4.3L V6 that produces 285-horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque. Going with the SLE trim means getting a turbo 2.7L V6 that generates 310-horsepower and 348 lb-ft of torque. Available for this trim and up is the 3.0L inline-six diesel engine that produces 277-horsepower and an impressive 420 lb-ft of torque. Those who need more power can choose either the 5.3L V8 that gives the Sierra 355-horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque or the 6.2L V8 that produces 420-horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.
5. Available Multi-View Camera
The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 offers a class-leading 15 different camera angles. Adding the Technology Package to select models will give drivers a bed view, rear camera mirror, and HD surround vision. This helps optimize the view not only around the Sierra itself, but also around the trailer. Other views available include a hitch view, transparent trailer view, and even an inside trailer view.
6. Denali Trim with Head's Up Display
Available for the top-of-the-line Denali trim is a 15-inch head's up display. The color display sits low on the windshield so it can display important information without distracting the driver. Many things can be displayed here, including safety alerts, speed, a low-fuel warning, navigation, the tachometer, and even an off-road inclinometer. This is a first-in-class feature for the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500.
7. Six-Function MultiPro Tailgate
Yet another thing that GMC is offering consumers first is a six-function tailgate. The six different functions all aim to help make it easier to both load and unload the bed. They also make it easier to access the cargo box. This feature functions like a traditional tailgate while also adding a small inner gate. It can behave like a step, bed extender, and more. It can even keep people entertained outside with the available Kicker MultiPro Sound System that adds speakers to the tailgate itself.
8. ProGrade Trailering System Available
Drivers have the option of adding the ProGrade Trailering System to select versions of the Sierra 1500. This adds a trailer light sequence feature, which includes an automatic lighting test. It also gives the Sierra an in-vehicle trailer app. It will give the driver important information on the tire pressure and temperature of the trailer. This information is displayed right on the infotainment screen. Finally, it gives drivers the option of downloading a phone compatible app so they can monitor the trailer from a distance.
9. Clever Storage for Smaller Items
Although most people purchase pickup trucks with hauling large items in mind, smaller items need a safe spot as well. Available options for the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 include rear seatback storage bins and a huge center console. This center console is large enough to easily fit a laptop.
10. X31 Off-Road Package Available
Those who plan on going on some off-road adventures will want to check out the X31 Off-Road package. Available on the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Elevation trim level, it adds many performance-oriented features. Drivers gain a two-speed transfer case with low range, a dual exhaust system, and a special suspension with twin-tube dampers. Also added by this package are skid plates, hill descent control, and a heavy-duty air cleaner.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 – The Cons
1. Interior Looks Old
Although the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 is sophisticated, the interior of the truck is starting to show its age. While competitors have been busy modernizing their cabins, the Sierra has focused more on changes to the exterior and underneath the hood. Some consumers may be put off by the look of the cabin but many will be too distracted by all the class-exclusive features offered by the Sierra.
2. Inferior Materials in Cabin
Yet another issue with the cabin of the 2020 Sierra 1500 is the materials chosen for lower trim levels. While the Denali is full of luxury, other models seem a bit cheap on the inside. Whether or not this matters is up to the personal preferences of the driver.
3. Ride Gets Rough
While the ride is not terrible for the Sierra 1500, it is a bit rougher than some competitors. In a field as competitive as this one, this may or may not be enough to drive consumers away from this truck. At the same time, those needing a pickup truck are typically more concerned with capability than they are with a bump-free ride.
4. Crash Test Scores Merely Average
In testing by both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Sierra 1500 had an average score. While this is certainly better than getting bad test scores, it may make some buyers leery. In that case, they can choose to add some of the available driver aids, such as lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, and forward-collision warning featuring automated emergency braking.
5. Possibly Not as Fuel-Efficient as Advertised
One of the most common engines found underneath the hood of the 2020 Sierra 1500 is the 6.2L V8. Although the EPA estimates put this vehicle at 15 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway, test drivers have not gotten these numbers. If fuel-efficiency is a make-or-break factor for drivers, however, they should consider the diesel option, which can get up to 30 MPG on the highway.
How It Stacks Up to the Competition:
Drivers will likely consider trucks such as the RAM 1500 when shopping in this market. While this truck also offers a good deal of luxury, it does not have as many strong engine options to choose from. Another potential choice is the Chevrolet Silverado. These two trucks have a lot in common, especially mechanically. The outer appearance of the Silverado is not nearly as nice to look at, however. It also only offers advanced safety aids on its top trims. The Toyota Tundra is another popular choice. It is very thirsty, however, even for a full-sized pickup truck. It also has a lower maximum trailering capacity. Ultimately, the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 is a nice blend of capability and sophistication.
Conclusion
The best full-size pickup depends greatly on a buyer's individual needs. That said, the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 has a wide variety of appealing features, making it a great choice for many types of consumers. Although the interior could use a bit of work, everything else is above average for this truck. It is easy to see why buyers will be tempted by the Sierra 1500 in 2020.
