GMC Sierra Trim Levels Explained

What Are Trim Levels?

Trim levels are pre-selected option groups compiled by manufacturers, offering various features at varying price points. These options typically impact characteristics like on and off-road performance, aesthetics, convenience, and comfort. As a rule of thumb, the more options, the higher the price tag! 

But what’s their purpose? Vehicles are personalized to their owners, and not every individual values the same features. For instance, while trades workers likely wouldn’t have a use for vented leather seats or a massive infotainment display in their work truck, these features would likely attract someone who plans to use their pickup for long road trips or commutes! 

All potential buyers likely prefer different options and price points, and trim levels grant the ability to personalize your new Sierra to your needs and budget.

GMC Sierra Trim Levels

With a general understanding of trim levels under our belt, let’s turn our attention to the star of the show: the GMC Sierra! GMC utilizes eight different trim levels across the Sierra and Sierra HD platforms, and in this section, we’re covering the standout features of each and what separates them from the others.

Pro

Pricing starts at $37,200 for 1500 models and $44,400 for the 2500 models.

The GMC Sierra Pro is a well-optioned, entry-level pickup. This trim level offers impressive standard features for what’s essentially a work truck, including: 

• Standard 2.7L I-4 turbocharged high-output engine pumping out 310 Horsepower and 430 lb/ft of Torque (1500)

• Available 5.3L Vortec V8 (1500)

• Standard 6.6L V8 gas engine (2500 HD)

• Allison® 10-speed automatic transmission (2500 HD)

• Painted steel wheels with all-season tires

• Chrome bumpers and grille trim

• Standard LED exterior lighting (headlamps, DRLs, and tail lamps)

• Standard tow package

• Standard tow mirrors (2500 HD)

• Best-in-class bed volume

• Standard infotainment system with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto

SLE

Pricing starts at $50,300 for 1500 models and $49,200 for the 2500 models.  

The SLE is an incremental update from the already well-equipped Pro trim, adding several convenience and aesthetic features that gear the SLE toward daily driving. This trim level includes all of the features of the Pro, as well as: 

• Available 3.0L Duramax turbo diesel engine with 10-speed automatic transmission (1500)

• Standard 13.4" Touch-Screen infotainment system

• 12.3" Digital Driver Information Center

• Optional X31 off-road package

• Standard MultiPro tailgate

Elevation

Pricing starts at $52,000. 

Next up, we have the Elevation: a 1500-specific trim offering sleek styling with body-color-matched bumpers, trim, and striking alloy wheels. This package offers every feature of the SLE, as well as: 

• Monochromatic Exterior (paint-matched grille fascia, bumpers, door handles)

• Gloss-black mesh grille inserts

• 20” gloss black alloy wheels wrapped in all-season tires

• Optional Elevation Premium package with heated leather upholstery

SLT

Pricing starts at $56,000 for 1500 models and $60,500 for the 2500 models.  

The SLT is a step above the remaining trims regarding luxury, adding several amenities over the previous trims and a standard V8 powertrain versus the standard turbocharged I-4 of the Pro, SLE, and Elevation. 

This model includes all the features of the SLE, as well as: 

• Standard 5.3L Vortec V8 engine (1500)

• 20-inch polished aluminum wheels wrapped in all-season tires

• Optional 10-way power-adjustable front seats

• Optional heated and vented, perforated leather seats

• In-vehicle trailering app offers best-in-class towing assistance

• Dual-zone automatic climate control

AT4

Pricing starts at $66,800 for 1500 models and $69,100 for the 2500 models.  

The Sierra AT4 is a premium, off-road-oriented package offering exceptional on and off-road performance, rugged aesthetics, and plenty of luxurious features! This trim level includes all features of the SLT, as well as: 

• Standard 3.0L Duramax turbo diesel with 10-speed automatic transmission (1500)

• Available 6.2L V8 engine (1500)

• 2-speed AutoTrac transfer case (1500)

• Alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires

• Automatic locking rear differential

• Underbody skid plates

• Available 15” color HUD (heads-up display)

• 2-inch factory lift (1500)

• Off-road suspension package with Rancho twin-tube dampers

• Jet-black perforated leather upholstery with Kalahari accents

• Heated and vented front seats

Denali

Pricing starts at $65,800 for 1500 models and $73,695 for the 2500 models.

Where the AT4 package centers around off-road performance, the Denali focuses on luxury, adding numerous convenience features and aesthetic upgrades that provide the most premium experience from a pickup. 

The Denali package offers all the features of the SLT, as well as: 

• Optional enhanced 3.0L Duramax turbo diesel engine or 6.2L V8 engine (1500)

• Standard ultra-bright machined 20” alloy wheels wrapped in all-season tires

• Optional Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance system

• Optional 15” HUD (heads-up display)

• Genuine perforated leather upholstery and open-pore wood trim

AT4x

Pricing starts at $81,700 for 1500 models and $81,800 for the 2500 models.  

If you thought the Sierra AT4 was capable, check out the AT4x! This exciting new trim level offers exceptional off-road performance through several chassis and software upgrades. Additionally, the AT4x offers exterior styling to match, making it the ultimate pickup for the weekend adventurer. 

The AT4x offers all the features of the AT4, as well as: 

• Standard 6.2L V8 gas engine and 10-speed automatic transmission (1500)

• Factory suspension lift (1.5” for 2500 HD, 2” for 1500)

• Multimatic DSSV Spool Valve dampers

• Electronic-locking differentials (rear for 2500 HD, front and rear for 1500)  

• Heated and vented 16-way power-adjustable seats with massage function

• Obsidian Rush genuine perforated leather upholstery

• Genuine Vanta Ash wood grain accents

• AEV stamped steel front and rear bumpers (1500)

• 12-speaker Bose premium audio system

• Optional AEV edition (1500)

• Alloy wheels wrapped in 35” all-terrain tires

Denali Ultimate

Pricing starts at $82,200 for 1500 models and $91,900 for the 2500 models.

Last, we have the Denali Ultimate: a luxury pickup offering unparalleled amenities and features. The Denali Ultimate takes what’s so unique about the Denali and improves upon it, resulting in a truly unique driving experience. The Denali Ultimate blends the convenience of a pickup with the luxury you’d expect out of a premium SUV. 

The Denali Ultimate includes all the features of the Denali package, as well as: 

• Standard 6.2L V8 engine (1500)

• Standard 6.6L Duramax turbo diesel engine with Allison 10-speed automatic transmission (2500 HD) 

• Denali Ultimate Vader chrome grille 

• Exclusive 22-inch low-polish wheels wrapped in all-season tires (1500)

• Exclusive 20-inch bright polished aluminum wheels wrapped in all-season tires (2500 HD) 

• 12-speaker Bose premium audio system

• Heated and vented 16-way power-adjustable seats with massage function

• Alpine Umber genuine perforated leather upholstery

• Standard illuminated power-assist steps

• Kicker MultiPro tailgate audio system

Which Trim Level is Right for You?

So, which trim level Sierra is right for you? The short answer is whichever meets your needs, preferred features, and budget; let’s discuss these factors in detail. 

Regarding budget, it’s essential to have a basic idea of what you’re looking to spend. Doing so will help narrow down your options substantially, considering the least-expensive Sierra 1500 Pro comes in at over $40,000 less than the Denali Ultimate! After deciphering your budget, you’ll need to weigh the trims you can afford based on their options and aesthetics. 

Regarding features, you’ll need to determine which options are must-haves, and which are flexible. For example, if you’re on the hunt for a particular powertrain or feature that’s only offered in select trim levels, you’re stuck with those options! 

Last, let’s cover your planned use of your Sierra. Depending on your vehicle's use, whether that be towing a trailer, daily driving, or trades work, you’ll likely prefer different trims. For a weekend adventure rig, we’d recommend an AT4 or AT4x. For a luxurious daily driver, we’d recommend a Denali, Denali Ultimate, or SLT. For a work rig, the Pro is the only logical choice, and for a budget-minded driver, you can't go wrong with the Elevation or SLE! 

And remember, if you’re having trouble finding your perfect Sierra on a dealership lot, you can always Special Order a New Pickup! For additional information and resources, feel free to contact the experts or check out our GMC Sierra resources!