GMC unveils 2020 Sierra 1500 with expanded diesel, 10-speed, tech availability

Updated Jun 2, 2019
2020 Sierra Elevation Crew Cab2020 Sierra Elevation Crew Cab

While the latest Sierra 1500 carries on the design language introduced for the 2019 model, several updates for the 2020 model year might make this a more attractive truck for some customers.

For 2020, GMC is expanding the availability of certain premium features to a wider swath of its Sierra 1500 lineup, while also bringing over trailering technology previously only found on its Heavy Duty trucks.

We’ll start with the powertrain where GMC is expanding the availability of its 10-speed automatic transmission. On the 2019 model, the 10-speed was only offered with the 6.2-liter and 3.0L Duramax diesel engines. For 2020, GMC is now making that gearbox available with the 5.3L gas V8. GMC says the 10-speed will be standard on the Sierra Denali and the Sierra AT4 and will also be an available option on all four-wheel-drive Sierras with the SLE trim level and above.

GMC is also expanding the availability of the 3.0L diesel to the CarbonPro Edition of the Denali and AT4 models. The engine will also be available on the regular Denali and AT4 models as well as the SLT trim, Elevation and SLE models.

Carried over from the HD trucks to the 2020 1500 lineup is the ProGrade Trailering System. The system delivers up to 15 unique camera views to the center console, including a transparent trailer view to provide a better view around what’s in tow. The system constructs this transparent view by stitching together images captured by cameras mounted on both the tailgate and on the rear of the trailer.

2020 GMC Sierra Available Transparent Trailer Rear Camera View2020 GMC Sierra Available Transparent Trailer Rear Camera View

The system also includes an in-truck trailering app with a trailer light test, trailer electrical diagnostic, trailer tire pressure and temperature monitoring, pre-maintenance reminders and a departure checklist.

Further updates on the 2020 Sierra 1500 include:

  • Adaptive cruise control now available
  • Elevation model is now offered in Crew Cab configuration.
  • New trailer tow mirrors are available as a free-flow option.
  • 8-inch-diagonal infotainment system is now capable of supporting SiriusXM with 360L2 (if equipped).
2020 GMC Sierra Denali CarbonPro Edition2020 GMC Sierra Denali CarbonPro Edition

The new trucks also feature:

  • Available CarbonPro Box: A carbon fiber box that GMC calls “the most durable pickup box in the segment,” offering “best-in-class dent, scratch and corrosion resistance” while cutting 62 pounds from the weight of the truck over the steel version.
  • Multi-Color Head-Up Display: A hologram-like projection on the truck’s windshield measuring 15 inches diagonally that displays customizable vehicle data.
  • Rear Camera Mirror: Offers the driver a greater field of view than a conventional rear view mirror. It uses a rear-facing high-resolution camera and high-resolution display to create a view that “can help the driver’s view around potential vision obstructions such as occupants or cargo.” You can even tilt or zoom the view the mirror displays.
  • MultiPro Tailgate: Standard on the Sierra SLT and Denali, this tailgate features six functions and positions:
    1. Primary Gate: Your regular old open tailgate that activates with the touch of a button on the gate or the key fob.
    2. Primary Gate Load Stop: With the gate open, a compartment near the top opens outward from the inside serving as a load stop for securing long objects being hauled in the bed with the gate open.
    3. Easy Access: With the gate open, the inner portion of the top of the tailgate folds down, creating a D-shaped opening in the gate allowing you to get closer to whatever you’re pulling out of the bed.
    4. Full-Width Step: From the Easy Access position, the gate folds downward even further, creating a large step for hopping up into the cab. The step can hold up to 375 pounds.
    5. Inner Gate Load Stop: With the gate closed, folding down the portion of the gate that creates the Easy Access opening when the gate is closed now opens out, with a portion flipping upward to act as a load stop for longer, loads situated higher in the bed.
    6. Work Surface: With the gate closed, flipping down the Easy Access portion of the gate creates a work surface tall enough to act as a standing desk of sorts.

Here’s a video of how all the functions work.