GMC makes a single full-size, light-duty truck: the Sierra 1500. With that in mind, you might think you can head to your favorite GMC dealer, and you’ll have just one truck to choose from when looking for this particular type of vehicle. If you do that, however, then you’ll quickly discover that while there might only be one model available, there are many options to choose from when it comes to putting together the version of this truck that works for you. You have four engines, five configurations, and eight different trim levels to choose from for the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500, not to mention drive types, extra options and packages, and much more that’s available. This is why shopping for a truck can quickly become pretty overwhelming. But don’t worry because I’m here with your GMC Sierra 1500 buyer’s guide to help you figure out which of these options will best meet your needs.
Which Engine Is Right for You?
Although you have a number of options to consider, one of the best places to start is with the engine as you put together your next truck. That’s because a lot of your other decisions might be guided by this; not only does the engine dictate performance, but you’ll also find some are restricted to certain trim levels. So you don’t need to waste time looking at some options that aren’t even a possibility if you decide on an engine that narrows things down for you. Also keep in mind when considering these options that two-wheel drive (2WD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) are both available, so choose accordingly.
The standard engine for the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 is a 2.7L TurboMax turbocharged I-4 that provides 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque, which is a great choice for many drivers. If you’re looking for more power, then there’s an available 5.3L V8 engine that boosts performance to 355 hp, though it only has 383 lb-ft of torque. Your most powerful option for a gas engine is the available 6.2L V8 that gives you 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, which is excellent overall. Finally, there’s also a 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel engine available with 305 hp and an impressive 495 lb-ft of torque, which is ideal if you like the capability and dependability of a diesel engine.
Note that your choice of engine also affects the kind of capability your GMC Sierra 1500 offers, so be sure to consider how much towing or payload you need. For example, the standard engine supports up to 9,400 lbs of towing capacity, while the 5.3L V8 kicks that number up to 11,200 lbs of maximum towing. And yet, you can get 2,240 lbs of maximum payload with the standard engine, which is the best rating for this truck. The 6.2L V8 offers 13,000 lbs of maximum towing while the diesel pushes that up to 13,200 lbs of towing capacity, making both options terrific if big towing is what’s most important to you.
Three Bed Lengths + Three Cab Sizes = Five Configurations
If that equation seems confusing, then my work here is done. What this comes down to is that GMC offers three different bed lengths and three cab sizes for the Sierra 1500, but you can’t simply mix and match them however you want. Instead, you have five possible options to choose from, which is important to consider when looking for your next truck. To start, there’s a Regular Cab with a single row of seats inside for just three passengers; this is offered with either a Standard Bed about 80 inches long or a Long Bed that’s more than 98 inches in length.
For a larger interior, you have three configurations available to you. There’s a Double Cab offered by GMC that has two rows of seating inside for up to six passengers; this is only available with the Standard Bed. If you want something more spacious, then there’s a Crew Cab available that still gives you the same passenger seating, but you get a lot more room for people to stretch out in or to cram with stuff you need to take with you. The Crew Cab is offered with either a Short Bed that’s about 70 inches in length or the Standard Bed, depending on what you need and how much stuff you like to toss in the back.
Quick Guide to GMC Sierra 1500 Trim Levels
Now that we come to it, the trim level is probably the most complicated decision you’ll need to make, particularly if you’re not on a strict budget. The price tag will make the decision for some folks, and that’s fine—it makes things easier—but if that’s not an issue for you, then you’ll have to weigh a variety of factors. You have eight different trim levels available, and I’ll very (VERY) briefly touch on each one to give you a sense of what they offer.
- Pro – This is your starting trim, and it has the standard engine or 5.3L V8 available. It features 17-inch wheels, chrome exterior details, and a standard tailgate. Inside, you get a seven-inch Infotainment display, vinyl seating, a six-speaker sound system, and a 3.5-inch monochromatic Driver Information Center.
- SLE – Moving up, the SLE model has the same engines on offer. You get 17-inch wheels here, plus chrome exterior details and similar features. Inside, however, the SLE has a 13.4-inch Infotainment screen, a 12.3-inch color Driver Information Center, cloth seating, and more.
- Elevation – With the Elevation, the 3.0L diesel engine becomes available, which is important if you want that kind of performance. This truck has 20-inch wheels, body-color bumpers and details, and heated power outside mirrors. Interior features are similar to the SLE.
- SLT – This model starts with the 5.3L V8 engine and has the diesel and 6.2L V8 available. On the outside, we find 18-inch wheels, chrome exterior details, and a six-function GMC MultiPro tailgate for added functionality. Inside, you get 10-way power front seats, heated front seats, and more upgrades.
- Denali – One of the best options for luxury features, the Denali has 20-inch wheels, body-color exterior details, and six-inch chrome rectangular assist steps. Looking inside we find a seven-speaker Bose Premium sound system, heated and ventilated Forge perforated leather seating, a wireless charging pad, and much more.
- AT4 – The first of two off-road models, the AT4 comes with 4WD only and either the diesel or 6.2L V8 engine. This truck has 20-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, body-color exterior details, and an off-road suspension with a two-inch factory-installed lift. Interior features are similar to the Denali and quite luxurious.
- AT4X – This is the ultimate expression of off-road performance and luxury for this truck, with an off-road suspension featuring Multimatic DSSV dampers and more. Inside, you get a 12-speaker Bose Premium sound system, full grain leather seating with 16-way power front seats including massage functionality, a head-up display, and much more.
- Denali Ultimate – If you want ultimate luxury and you’re not interested in going off-road, this is the one for you. The Denali Ultimate has the 12-speaker Bose Premium sound system with CenterPoint, full grain leather seating with massaging front seats, a head-up display, and much more. You even get GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving system with this pickup.
I told you they’d be brief. You can see, however, that differences between them can be significant in some ways but much less so in others. For a simple work truck, especially for a fleet, the Pro model is perfect; the SLE, Elevation, and SLT models build on that with more options to choose from. If you want to head off-road, then go for the AT4 or AT4X, depending on the features you prefer; meanwhile, the Denali and Denali Ultimate are your picks if luxury and advanced technology are most important to you.
Final Things to Consider
Keep in mind that even once you have decided on all of these features, there may still be more options available, like extra packages or special editions. For example, you could choose the Elevation for its large wheels and design and then pick the available Preferred Package to add adaptive cruise control and the power-sliding rear window found on higher trims. Similarly, the AT4X has an exclusive AEV Edition designed in partnership with American Expedition Vehicles that adds hot-stamped Boron steel skid plates, bumpers, and more. Just remember to take things one step at a time, consider what you need from your truck, and take the time to do a bit of research so you don’t miss something you really want. That way, you get the right pickup that you’ll enjoy driving for many years to come.
