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As even work-spec trucks begin to offer more luxurious amenities, one might think that the position of the GMC Sierra – essentially a Chevy Silverado in nicer duds – might be becoming superfluous. But don't think that GM is euthanizing their golden goose just yet. The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 is all new, and the Sierra continues to stand firmly apart from it's also all-new cheaper twin. The range-topping Denali trim returns to define the GMC experience, and buyers will also find new and exclusive features that convincingly bolster the Sierra's claim of being the leader of the premium truck segment.
What's New for 2019
The Sierra is all new for 2019.
Choosing Your GMC Sierra 1500
The previous generation Sierra saw 87 percent of buyers opting for the SLT or Denali trims on Crew Cab models, so for 2019 GMC simply has made SLT the base model and kept the popular Denali as the uplevel option. Crew Cab is now the only cab style, and the shorter five-foot-seven-inch box is the lone bed size. For anyone who's complained that the seemingly endless amount of potential full-size truck configurations is too confusing, the single-configuration Sierra is a breath of fresh air.
One choice buyers do have is between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. Two-wheel-drive models are only available with the tried-and-true 5.3-liter V8 engine, while four-wheel-drive buyers have the option of getting the also-proven 6.2-liter V8. For 2019, both of these engines feature stop/start technology and Dynamic Fuel Management, a system which lets the engines operate on anywhere from the full eight to just a single cylinder in an effort to optimize power and performance. The 5.3-liter engine puts out 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, which is the same as last year's model, and is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 6.3-liter's 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque is also unchanged, and is sent to the wheels via a new 10-speed automatic transmission.
The big powertrain news, though, is the eventual availability of a 3.0-liter inline-six turbodiesel, which will be paired with the 10-speed automatic. As of this writing there's few other details available on this oil-burner, so we'll update this page as soon as we learn more about GMC's first-ever light-duty diesel.
With the redesign, GMC has introduced a number of notable available features to the Sierra. These include a color head-up display, a surround-view camera, a rear camera mirror, and a full suite of active safety features (well, almost – there's still no adaptive cruise control). Perhaps most appreciated is the new, industry-exclusive six-way tailgate. With it's six distinct positions and functions, the new tailgate can function as a step, seat, or work bench. This nifty piece is standard on all Sierras.
The box that the tailgate opens up to is also redesigned, offering 50 percent more strength than the current model. If that's still too wimpy, a carbon-fiber bed will be available later in the year. Yes, that's right, that haloed stuff of supercar status will now be found in the inner walls of a pickup bed. GM claims that the carbon fiber saves over 60 pounds when compared to the standard steel box and that it'll be the most dent-, scratch-, and corrosion-resistant bed in the class.
All trucks also come with the ProGrade Trailering System. It includes an onboard app that puts a pre-trailering checklist, maintenance reminders, electrical diagnostics, and other helpful functions right on the eight-inch infotainment screen. Many of these features are also available on the MyGMC smartphone app.
Available Packages include the Assist Step and Tonneau Cover Package ($1,295), Cargo Convenience Package ($495), and Tralier Camera Package ($250). 4WD is an additional $3,300, while the 6.2-liter V8 adds another $2,495. Eleven exterior and two interior colors are available.
SLT
Starting at $48,195 (all prices include the $1,495 destination charge), the Sierra SLT certainly isn't your grandfather's workhorse farm truck. The extensive list of standard features includes a trailer hitch and wiring, the 5.3-liter V8 and eight-speed automatic, an automatic locking differential, 18-inch wheels, chrome bumpers, LED lights, heated and power-adjustable mirrors with driver's side auto-dimming, cargo-bed lighting, and the new multi-function tailgate.
Inside, there's an eight-inch color touchscreen (with HD and SiriusXM radio, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth capabilities), six speakers, a 40/20/40-split front bench seat with 10-way power adjustments for driver and passenger, heated front seats and steering wheel, leather upholstery, built-in WiFi, a 4.2-inch driver information cluster, remote start, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, and two each of 120-volt and 12-volt outlets.
Packages abound with the SLT. Starting things off is the $1,070 SLT Preferred Package that includes navigation, a Bose seven-speaker audio system, and wireless charging. An SLT Convenience Package costs $1,460 and includes includes heated and ventilated front bucket seats, a power sliding rear window, heated rear seats, and two USB ports. The SLT Premium Package runs for $3,060 and includes the contents of the Convenience Package as well as chrome assist steps and 20-inch wheels.
The most expensive and comprehensive package is the $5,875 Premium Plus Package, which includes all the aforementioned features along with a spray-on bedliner, as well as the active-safety features of Driver Alert Packages I and II. The first includes front and rear park assist, lane-change alert, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert; while Driver Alert Package II includes forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, low speed automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, auto-dimming headlights, and a following distance indicator. If you want only the safety equipment, GMC sells the Driver Alert Package I for $940 and II for $745.
A Max Trailering Package costs $850 and includes a 3.42 rear axle, 220-amp alternator, upgraded suspension, a trailer brake controller, and additional trailering equipment.
Denali
In it's usual place at the top of the Sierra's lineup is the $56,195 Denali. Additional standard features over the SLT include genuine wood trim, perforated leather seating, dual exhaust, navigation, Bose audio, heated and ventilated power-adjustable front bucket seats, heated rear seats, an eight-inch driver information center, adaptive ride control, and the contents of Driver Alert Package I. There's also some additional chrome, Denali badging, a unique Denali grille, and 20-inch chrome wheels.
As with the SLT, buyers can opt for the Cargo Convenience Package, Trailer Camera Package, and Driver Alert Package II. Exclusive to the Denail is the $1,625 Technology Package, which includes the rear camera mirror, surround-view camera system, and head-up display. Oddly enough, the Max Trailering Package isn't available.
AT4
Not yet available but due out later in the model year is the off-road focused AT4 trim. It comes standard with the 5.3 V8, but will be available with either the 6.2 V8 or 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel. Standard features include a factory two-inch lift, off-road shock absorbers, 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, hill descent control, a selectable traction system, the multi-function tailgate, black chrome finish, body-color grille and bumpers, exclusive interior trim, and red recovery hooks. As of this writing pricing hasn't been announced, but expect the AT4 to have a sticker price that's closer to the Denali than the SLT.
As enticing as the Denali's snob appeal is, save money by getting the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT and adding the equipment package(s) that most strikes your fancy. Even if you opt for the priciest $5,875 Premium Plus Package, the total out-the-door cost is "only" $54,070 – over two grand cheaper than the Denali.
