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What are the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Trim Differences?

GMC Sierra Trim Differences graphic of GMC Sierra Denali

When shopping for a pickup like the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500, you’re faced with a ton of options, thanks to 6 different trims that all offer their own set of unique features and upgrades. How are they all different from each other, and what Sierra 1500 trim is perfect for you? Here at Ernie Dean we’ve taken the time to outline the differences in these trim levels for you, so you can more easily see how their highlighted features differ, and what’s included on each. Read on below with us at Truckville in Alliston, and get acquainted with each 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 trim and their features!

The following trims and features are for the Crew Cab, Standard Bed 4WD configuration.

Front side view of the GMC Sierra 1500 Sierra BaseSierra (Base)

The perfect introduction to the world of the GMC Sierra 1500, its base trim known just as the Sierra is your ticket to the most iconic GMC truck available. Everything you’d want from a versatile truck is here, from traction control to stylish exterior elements to cargo utility to safety and tech features, it all starts you off right in a Sierra. This base pickup comes with engine options of the 4.3L EcoTec3 V6, 2.7L Turbo and 5.3L EcoTec3 V8.

Highlighted features:

  • 4.3L V6 engine
  • StabiliTrak, with Traction Control
  • Duralife brake rotors
  • Signature C-shape LED daytime running lights
  • Front, rear chrome bumper
  • CornerStep rear bumper
  • 12 cargo tie-downs
  • Vertical recovery hooks
  • GMC infotainment system
  • Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
  • Hill Start Assist
  • Rear air vents (Double and Crew Cab models)

Starting From $44,298* (*base price before freight, not including increases)

Click here to browse the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Base trim

Front side view of the GMC Sierra 1500 SLE

SLE

Want to add a little chrome to your Sierra 1500? The SLE trim is for you, upgrading on the base level with can’t-miss chrome elements that provide an extra level of elegance on this hard-working pickup. A Traction Select system and automatic locking rear differential invite this truck to excel over even more off-road demands. As well, gone is the 4.3L EcoTec3 and entering is a 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel I6 engine for those who want a diesel variant, alongside the 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 and 2.7L Turbo engines.

Highlighted upgrades from the Sierra (Base) trim:

  • 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel I6 (available)
  • Chrome grille
  • Chrome bumpers
  • Chrome window surround
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • Remote keyless entry
  • GMC Infotainment system
  • Traction Select system
  • Automatic locking rear differential
  • Best-in-class Crew Cab front head and leg room

Starting From $52,398* (*base price before freight, not including increases)

Click here to browse the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE trim

Front side view of the GMC Sierra 1500 Elevation

Elevation

The Elevation is a middle-ground Sierra 1500 upgrade that remains incredibly popular due to its offering of a variety of enticing features, but not priced as high as the upper trims. Its unique look is brought forward by its large black grille, monochromatic exterior and body colour surround that presents a tough and aggressive looking truck. The Elevation engine options remain the same as the SLE.

Highlighted upgrades from the SLE trim:

  • 20-inch black wheels
  • LED fog lights
  • Monochromatic exterior
  • Large black grille
  • Body colour surround
  • Keyless open/start

Starting From $55,698* (*base price before freight, not including increases)

Click here to browse the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Elevation trim

Front side view of the GMC Sierra 1500 SLT

SLT

The SLT Sierra 1500 is all about adding on even more utility and convenient features. Whether it’s the MultiPro tailgate and its six configurations, or the ProGrade Trailer system and integrated trailer brake controller, you’ll have all the functionality you need on your truck to get work done, and efficiently. Not only is it high capable, but gorgeous as well, with a chrome bumper and door handles. The SLT sees the 2.7L Turbo engine dropped, but adds on an available 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 as an option, alongside the 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 and 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel I6.

Highlighted upgrades from the Elevation trim:

  • 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine
  • ProGrade Trailering system (including in-vehicle trailering app)
  • Integrated trailer brake controller
  • Maximum trailering capacity to 5,352 kg (11,800 lbs)
  • Six-Function MultiPro tailgate
  • High-intensity LED headlights 
  • LED taillights
  • Heated steering wheel
  • 10-way power heated leather-appointed outboard front seats
  • Rear seatback storage capacity

Starting From $60,298* (*base price before freight, not including increases)

Click here to browse the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT trim

Front side view of the GMC Sierra 1500 AT4

AT4

Do you want your Sierra 1500 to go off-roading? If so, then the AT4 trim is for you. Specifically designed and filled with features to aid in your adventuring, like the 2-inch suspension lift, 2-speed Autotrac transfer case, recovery hooks, off-road shocks, skid plates and so much more. It’s fit for any environment that lays ahead, with available engines in the 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 and 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel I6.

Highlighted upgrades from the SLT trim:

  • 2-inch factory-installed suspension lift
  • 2-speed AutoTrac transfer case
  • Spray-on bedliner (complete with AT4 logo)
  • Black chrome grille
  • Black accents
  • Front vertical red recovery hooks
  • Off-road suspension
  • Rancho monotube shocks, skid plates
  • Integrated dual exhaust
  • Traction Select System (with Off-road mode)
  • Front leather seat surfaces (in Jet Black, with Kalahari accents)
  • Heated, ventilated front seats
  • Heated rear outboard seats

Starting From $66,998* (*base price before freight, not including increases)

Click here to browse the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 trim

Front side view of the GMC Sierra 1500 Denali

Denali

For the height of luxury and ability in your GMC Sierra 1500, the Denali stands above them all. Premium features abound across this top-level trim, balancing an expert level of off-road utility with its suspensions, recovery hooks and more, to interior elements like the Open-pore Ash Wood trim and safety tech like Lane Change Alert. If you want the most out of a GMC Sierra 1500, the Denali is the ultimate way to go. Available engines are the 5.3L EcoTec3 V8, 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel I6 and 6.2L EcoTec3 V8.

Highlighted upgrades from the SLT trim:

  • 20-inch multi-dimensional polished aluminum wheels
  • 22-inch wheels (available)
  • 10-speed automatic transmission
  • 2-speed AutoTrac transfer case
  • Spray-on bedliner (complete with Denali logo)
  • Premium Suspension (with Adaptive Ride Control)
  • Front vertical chrome recovery hooks
  • Lane Change Alert (with Side Blind Zone Alert)
  • Integrated dual exhaust
  • Perforated forge leather seat surfaces
  • Open-pore Ash Wood trim
  • Heated, ventilated front seats
  • Heated rear outboard seats
  • Bose premium audio system

Starting From $69,998* (*base price before freight, not including increases)

Click here to browse the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali trim

Hopefully this has helped you narrow down what 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 may be best for you. But if you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at Truckville at Ernie Dean, as we’re always here to answer them and talk trucks with you.

Interested in other trucks than just the GMC Sierra 1500? Explore some others we have available:

2021 GMC Canyon

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT Trail Boss