Trims, Powertrains, and Configurations
Eight Sierra 1500 trims are on offer: the Pro, SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4, Denali, AT4X, and Denali Ultimate. The Pro, SLE, and Elevation get a 2.7-liter “TurboMax” four-cylinder generating 310 horsepower and 430 lb.-ft. of torque. A 5.3-liter V8 making 355 horsepower and 383 lb.-ft. is optional on these trims and is included with the SLT and Denali. The AT4 and AT4X off-road-oriented editions have the 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel. Rated at 305 horsepower and 495 lb.-ft., this engine is optional on the SLE, Elevation, SLT, Denali, and Denali Ultimate. A 6.2-liter V8, with 420 horsepower and 460 lb.-ft., is standard on the Denali Ultimate and optional on the SLT, AT4, AT4X, and Denali.
The four-cylinder pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the V8s and the diesel use a ten-speed. Rear-wheel drive is standard across most of the lineup, with four-wheel drive optional on the trims that don’t already have it (4WD is standard on the AT4, AT4X, and Denali Ultimate).
The cab choices include regular (two-door), double (two full front doors and smaller rear doors), and crew (four standard doors). The available bed lengths are 69.92 inches (short), 79.44 inches (standard), and 98.2 inches (long). The regular cab is limited to the Pro, while a double cab with a standard bed is offered for the Pro, SLE, and Elevation. All trims are available with a crew cab configuration and a short or standard bed. The AT4X and Denali Ultimate are made only with the crew cab and short bed combination.
The Sierra 1500’s payload limits span from 1,720 to 2,240 pounds. With the proper equipment in place, the towing capacity tops out at 13,300 pounds. Fuel economy as estimated by the EPA varies according to the combination of engine and drivetrain: The TurboMax returns 17 to 19 mpg in the city and 18 to 22 mpg on the highway. With V8s, the 5.3-liter Sierra provides 15 to 17 mpg city/19 to 21 mpg highway, and the 6.2-liter posts 14 to 16 city/17 to 20 mpg highway. The Duramax diesel is rated for 20 to 24 mpg around town and 22 to 29 mpg on the open road.