Skip to main content

If you’re looking for a full-size pickup truck, the GMC Sierra has a lot of different options to choose from. The light-duty Sierra 1500 comes in either two-wheel or four-wheel drive. There are bed length options (5.75′, 6.6′, or 8′) and cab style options (regular, double, and crew). There are multiple powertrain options, and depending on the selection, the truck can haul up to 2,543 lbs. and tow up to 12,100 lbs. The Sierra 1500 even has six trim level options, including the GMC Sierra Elevation Edition.

The Sierra Elevation provides brains and beauty, including what GMC calls “professional grade engineering and smart capability” plus a “sleek, sophisticated appearance.” GMC says the Elevation’s design “conveys a youthful, athletic presence.” Here’s what makes it stand out.

The 2020 GMC Sierra Elevation’s design

The GMC Sierra was redesigned in 2019 to include more rear legroom, upgraded engines, and a new exterior design. The Sierra Elevation Edition was designed to have muscular bodywork, with large strong shoulders, hood, and grille.

For 2020, this special edition package is available on Sierra double cab or crew cab models. For 2019, it was only offered for double cab models. The Sierra Elevation Edition does have a smaller crew cab than the SLT and Denali but has three-inches more legroom for the rear seats than the 2018 model.

The Elevation Edition has a slick, monochromatic look. The grille, bumpers, moldings, mirror caps, and door handles match the body color as well. In contrast to the body color, the grille insert, tow hooks, side window trim, and 20-inch aluminum wheels are all black instead of chrome.

The Sierra has best-in-class cargo volume, with 62.9 cubic feet on the short-box models and 89.1 cubic feet for the standard-box models. The 110V outlet and GearOn rails make it easy to secure and use cargo. The bed also includes a larger CornerStep rear bumper, which, along with hand grabs, make getting into the bed easier.

Features

The GMC Sierra Elevation Edition includes more special features as part of the standard package: soft-touch dashboard and door trim materials, brushed aluminum trim accents, power heated rear-view mirrors, and a remote locking tailgate.

The driver can turn a dial on the Traction Select System and adjust the truck for optimal performance on various driving surfaces, from standard roads (Tour mode) to non-paved surfaces (Terrain mode). The system adjusts the transmission shift points, throttle mapping, and other systems.

The SLE trim and the Elevation Edition have the same trailer and off-road packages available and both include the same standard safety features. The Elevation Edition also includes options for Side Blind Alert, Front, and Rear Park Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

The Elevation Edition is upgraded from 17-inch to 20-inch aluminum wheels plus a stainless steel aluminized tailpipe and muffler. The high-intensity LED headlights include unique C-shaped running light elements, which also appear in the taillights, and give the truck a distinctive look.

The Elevation also has the GMC ProGrade Trailering System, which makes it simple to attach and tow a trailer, while the SLE has the Max system option. The ProGrade Trailering System is standard on the SLT trim.

Powertrain

The Sierra SLE trim and Elevation Edition have the same powertrain options and the same towing capacity. The 2020 Elevation Edition has three engine choices: 2.7-liter turbo engine with eight-speed automatic transmission, 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 engine with DFM and eight-speed automatic transmission, or 3.0-liter Duramax Turbo-Diesel 15 engine with 10-speed automatic transmission.

The standard 2.7-liter engine is intended to be lighter and more fuel-efficient. It produces 310 horsepower and 348 pound-feet of torque. The 5.3-liter V-8 has the Dynamic Fuel Management system, letting the engine operate using from one to eight cylinders as needed. The Elevation Edition offers a start-stop feature, where the engine shuts down sometimes when the truck is completely stopped with the driver’s foot on the brake, while the SLE does not.

Technology

Both the SLE trim and the Elevation Edition have the same infotainment system. However, the Elevation Edition has more USB ports than the SLE plus has a remote start and a rear-window defogger.

The Elevation Edition comes with a seven-inch touch screen system with Intellilink and OnStar. The premium GMC Infotainment System is an optional upgrade that provides a larger, higher-resolution touchscreen plus voice recognition functionality and in-vehicle apps.

The truck has a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot that allows up to seven devices to connect if they’re within 50 feet. It also lets drivers use their smartphones as a remote key fob.

Keep the GMC Sierra Elevation Edition in mind as a sophisticated and powerful truck option that can be personalized to fit your needs.