While there are three different models of the 2019 GMC Sierra available to choose from, there’s really no wrong answer, there are simply different answers for different people. Each of these Sierras offers a suite of great features and solid performance, and it really comes down to the kind of tasks and needs a driver has when looking at them and comparing them. All three next-generation Sierras have some similar features, but the differences between them are important and worth considering.
Are any of these trucks going to convert a life-long Chevy lover? Well, maybe not, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t terrific offerings in their own right. Think about what you need and want from a light-duty truck, and whether you need a vehicle for just around town or want to take your ride off road. These kinds of questions and their answers can help you narrow down your search when considering any vehicle, including the 2019 GMC Sierra. Have a look and see what the future of GMC has to offer.
Similarities in the 2019 GMC Sierras
There are three different versions of the 2019 GMC Sierra coming out, and while there are important differences between them, there are also some key similarities. All three of them are designed as light-duty pickup trucks, each just over 19-feet long from tip to tail. While the Sierra AT4 stands slightly taller, the SLT and Denali are both just over 6-feet tall, with 43 inches of front headroom and just over 44 inches of front legroom. All three of them also have nearly 63 cubic feet of cargo volume and come in a variety of color choices.
All three Sierras include the GMC MultiPro tailgate that is designed with six different functions, including a button-press lowering system. This makes the tailgate easy to use, and it can act as a step, be opened for easier access, and even be used as a stop to keep long loads in place with the tailgate down. These features make the tailgate more user-friendly and make loading and unloading, or accessing, cargo in the bed of the truck easier than ever before.
With those similarities in mind, however, each of the three major versions have clearly distinct design concepts and differences. The Sierra SLT is intended as the standard Sierra, built and offered for general use for a wide range of truck drivers. The Sierra AT4, on the other hand, is designed for all-terrain and off-road functionality, meant for drivers who like to explore and leave the city behind. Finally, the Sierra Denali is the luxury model with impressive features for anyone who appreciates comfort and luxury in a powerful truck.
2019 GMC Sierra SLT
Also referred to as the Sierra 1500, the SLT has 2-wheel drive and a crew cab. It includes the ProGrade Trailering system that monitors connections and functions of an attached trailer, and then displays this information on the truck’s 8-inch GMC Infotainment System. This makes it easier to ensure a trailer is securely attached and that brakes and lighting on the trailer are functioning properly.
The Sierra SLT also includes Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free phone calls, and a built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot for smartphones and other devices. There are additional features and options available on the SLT, including navigation features on the Infotainment System, additional USB ports, and a Bose premium sound system. The driver information center on this truck is just over 4 inches in size, quite a bit smaller than in the Denali, and it has no option for a Head-Up Display, if that’s important to you.
In terms of performance, this Sierra has a 5.3L V8 engine with a maximum haul of 12,100 lbs. and maximum payload of 2,140 lbs. That’s actually the highest level of haul performance for the series with a standard engine, which is in part thanks to the lack of additional features that truck drivers only interested in city driving and optimal hauling may find unnecessary. This is why it is so important to look at what’s available in each model and consider personal needs.
2019 GMC Sierra AT4
Designed as the off-road variation within the Sierra series, the GMC Sierra AT4 sets itself apart with a 2-inch factory-installed lifted suspension that provides almost 11 inches of ground clearance. This is ideal for off-roading in tough terrain that can easily tear up the undersides of lower trucks. This lift increases the overall height of the AT4 to just over 6.5 feet, without sacrificing head or leg room.
The GMC Sierra AT4 has 4-wheel drive, a crew cab, and comes with a short box though there is a standard box available. It includes the same ProGrade Trailering system that the Sierra SLT features, making it ideal for hauling a small trailer for camping. The Sierra AT4 has a 5.3L V8 engine with a maximum haul of 9,400 lbs. and a maximum payload of 1,720 lbs. Additional features include an 8-inch GMC Infotainment System, with optional Navigation features, Bluetooth connectivity and 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, a built-in compass, and options for a Bose Sound System and a Head-Up Display.
2019 GMC Sierra Denali
The GMC Sierra Denali is designed as the ultimate combination of luxury and performance, offering a pinnacle truck-driving experience. The Denali is a 2-wheel drive crew cab, much like the SLT, and it includes an 8-inch driver information center, while the other Sierra models have driver information centers about half that size. This provides a great deal of information for the driver. But if that’s not enough, the Denali also features an available Head-Up Display that provides key information for the driver on the windshield itself, including directions and current speed.
When it comes to performance, the Sierra Denali has an available 6.2L V8 engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This gives it a maximum haul of up to 9,600 lbs. and a maximum payload of 2,030 lbs. There’s even 4-wheel drive available if you need additional control and power, or want to take your Sierra Denali into some pretty uneven terrain.
The interior is a model of luxury in a crew-cab truck. There are numerous power outlets and USB ports in the cab, along with six airbags, and an 8-inch GMC Infotainment System with navigation functionality standard. The Denali comes with Bluetooth connectivity and is a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and also includes a Bose Premium sound system and both front and rear park assist. The interior includes ash wood with brushed aluminum trim, along with leather-appointed seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The Road Ahead
No matter what 2019 GMC Sierra you look at, there are great features to be found and the kind of reliable performance and power you want out of a truck. Figuring out the right model and options for you, however, really comes down to determining what you want and need on a daily basis. Are you looking to go off-road with your truck? Or do you need something to drive around town every day and haul loads of lumber, drywall, and pipes? If safety and reliability are a concern, then all three models are ideal and can help keep you, your friends, and your family safe while on the road.
