Trucks like the new GMC Sierra 1500 are getting major makeovers this year. They are no longer the basic, run-of-the-mill truck for hauling and driving. Instead, they are luxury-level vehicles that carry more, hold more, and do more to make you comfortable regardless of where the truck is going or what you are doing. If you want to check out a quality-built truck this year, the GMC Sierra 1500 is the one.
Four Trim Levels
You have trim level options from "basic" to fully decked out. The Sierra 1500 features Pro, SLE, Elevation, and SLT trim levels in that exact order.
The Pro
Why "Pro," you ask? Because a lot of contractors near Watsonville gravitate towards this entry-level truck. The pros love it so much that GMC decided to rename this trim level in honor of them. If you choose this truck, it comes with two engine options and three cab options. The TurboMax 8-speed automatic transmission is standard, but you can request the 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 10-speed automatic transmission for an upcharge. Cab composition is a single, double, or four-door crew cab with a standard, long, or short bed.
The SLE
The SLE is everything you would expect from the Pro but with extra options. The same two engines in the Pro are available, but you can request the third engine option, the 3.0L Duramax Turbo Diesel 10-speed automatic transmission, too. Instead of just five colors, the SLE has two extra exterior color options the Pro does not have. It also offers three-wheel and eight-tire choices to increase aesthetics, precision, traction, and control.
The Elevation
The elevation near Soledad has even more to offer. The whole point of riding in a truck is the elevation you get riding higher than any other driver on the road, and you get that feeling in this truck's trim level. Along with the three engine options offered in the SLE, the elevation takes it further by modifying the third and fourth engines.
The 3.0L Duramax Turbo Diesel and the 5.3L EcoTec3 now come with Electronic Precision shift paddles built into the steering wheel so that your hands never leave the wheel, and you shift into whatever gear you want. As an added touch, these two additional engine options include bucket seats for the driver and front passenger.
The SLT
This is the GMC Sierra 1500 truck to the max. Every possible bell and whistle is built into this trim level and allows you to customize it in dozens of ways to make it uniquely your truck. If that's not enough to entice you, check out the 6.3L EcoTec3 V8 10-speed automatic transmission with the Electronic Precision shift paddles and bucket seats.
Performance and Towing Capacity
Most trim levels offer 13,200 pounds of towing capacity and a couple thousand pounds of bed hauling capacity. In terms of performance, it does vary based on which engine you select when building your GMC Sierra 1500. Multiple sources report that the 5.3L engine has 355HP and the 6.2L engine has 420HP. With its standard 2.7L engine, the base model has 310HP and 420 lb.-ft. of torque. If you want a diesel engine, you are looking at 430 lb.-ft of torque and 310HP.
Toughness and Durability You Have to Test Drive to Believe
These trucks are rugged and made to go over the rockiest of terrains near Monterey. Upgrades in tires, drivetrains, powerful engines, etc., make it possible to drive them nearly anywhere. Take a test drive at our dealership, contact us with any questions, and see how these trucks handle. Remember to keep an eye on our global incentives for great deals.