If you’re looking to buy a brand-new full-size truck in 2023, then you can’t do better than the latest GMC Sierra 1500. Built in eight different trims (Pro, SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4, AT4X, Denali, and Denali Ultimate) and with four engines to choose from, there’s a perfect rendition of the 2023 Sierra 1500 for every prospective buyer out there. But before we get into the details of each trim, let’s take a quick look at what’s under the hood.
Engine options
The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 can be fitted with one in four available engines.
The first is the base 2.7-liter four-cylinder gas engine that replaced the old 4.3-liter V-6 from the outgoing model. The 2.7-liter churns out 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque, and it comes paired with a responsive 8-speed automatic. The pair, when put to use, can tow up to 9,100 pounds.
The second engine is a 5.3-liter V8 that will produce 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. The 5.3-liter engine comes with either an eight- or ten-speed automatic depending on whether you order it with Front- or All-Wheel Drive and it can tow upwards of 11,200 pounds.
The strongest gas engine the Sierra 1500 has to offer is the 6.2-liter V8. This model can belt out 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque and has a maximum towing capacity of 13,000 pounds.
In addition to the three gas engines described above, future owners can also opt for a diesel, the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six diesel engine that produces 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The diesel is not only the most fuel-efficient engine of the four, but it also has the biggest towing ability at 13,200 pounds.
And now let’s talk trims.
The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Pro
The base model is dubbed the Sierra Pro and comes in at around $44,000. For that price tag, the Pro starts you out with 17-inch steel wheels, LED headlights with automatic high beams, chrome bumpers, heated exterior mirrors, remote keyless entry, vinyl floor coverings, a tilt-only steering wheel, cloth or vinyl upholstery, a six-speaker audio system, two USB ports, a 7-inch color touch, plus both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.
The Pro also comes with the 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine plus the Frontal Collision Mitigation and the Lane Keeping Assist systems, not at all bad for a base model and for the money.
The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE
The SLE is probably the first trim that retail buyers will consider as the Pro is designed largely for fleet purchases.
The SLE is around 20% pricier than the Pro, but it also comes with a lot more features. Order it and you’ll get everything listed under the base model plus perks such as 17-inch alloy wheels, body-color door handles, LED bed lighting, a trailer hitch receiver, the MultiPro configurable tailgate with power lock/release, a rearview camera with trailer hitch guidelines, an automatic-locking rear differential, remote start, cruise control, keyless entry and ignition, carpeted flooring, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, a full-color digital gauge cluster, a much bigger 13.4-inch color touchscreen infotainment display, a digital instrument panel, two extra USB ports, dual 120-volt power outlets, a state-of-the-art heated, leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, heated front seats, and satellite radio.
With a huge difference in value for a medium-small difference in price, the SLE is an absolute steal.
The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Elevation
Sierra’s most ordered trim, though, will likely be the Elevation.
Just a bit more expensive than the SLE, the Elevation builds on top of the previous trim by adding 20-inch wheels, LED fog lights, an increase in towing capacity, a single-speed transfer case for 4WD models, and cloth upholstery.
The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT
The SLT is Sierra’s first attempt at being closer to a luxury SUV than a truck. Order is and you’ll get every feature that comes with the Elevation plus premium perks such as 18-inch wheels, chrome exterior trim, heated and power-folding mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, auto-dimming driver’s side and rearview mirrors, leather upholstery, driver’s seat memory settings, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, and a 120-volt power outlet.
The SLT is basically the entry-level luxury trim considering that the following two, the AT4 and AT4X are geared towards off-road enthusiasts, and following them are the top two trims the Denali and the Denali Ultimate.
The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4
The AT4 comes with either the strongest V8 or the diesel engine and it’s created to offer more off-road capabilities than any other trim. To that end, it comes with four-wheel drive, a two-speed transfer case, hill descent control, an upgraded suspension with monotube shock absorbers and a 2-inch lift, all-terrain tires, recovery hooks, skid plates, and adjustable traction control.
On top of the off-road upgrades, the AT4 also includes a spray-in bed liner, rain-sensing wipers, ventilated front seats with a center console, an integrated trailer brake controller, heated rear outboard seats, a seven-speaker Bose premium audio, a safety alert seat, automatic rear braking, pre-wiring for trailer camera view systems, a surround-view camera system, and a wireless charging pad.
The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X
The AT4X is more of a package than a trim as it builds on the AT4 by adding even more off-road capabilities through perks such as off-road-specific adaptive dampers, electronic front, and rear locking differentials, a power-sliding rear window, a head-up display, bed-view camera, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, and a virtual rearview mirror camera.
The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali
Finally, the Sierra Denali is where the model excels in luxury and comfort for its passengers. Order it and you’ll get top-shelf features such as adaptive suspension, an integrated trailer brake controller, a spray-in bed liner, a bed-view camera, a premium Bose audio system, 20-inch wheels, side steps, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a power-sliding rear window, heated second-row seats, ventilated front seats, and wireless charging.
The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate
The Denali Ultimate can be viewed as a fully loaded Sierra. The standard engine on the Denali Ultimate is the 6.2-liter V8 and its long list of features includes 22-inch wheels, a carbon-fiber composite bed, power-deploying side steps, a sunroof, a head-up display, tailgate-mounted speakers, adaptive cruise control, a 12-speaker Bose premium audio, a virtual mirror camera, and the super Cruise semi-automated driving system.
Visit us here at Northwest Hills Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac in Torrington, Connecticut to see the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 in real life in all its eight trims.