Is a Pre-Owned GMC Sierra 1500 the Right Truck for You?

We get it—finding a truck that provides the power and features you need can be tough, especially when you have a strict budget. But as your used GMC dealer, we have a practical solution to this problem. While owning the latest and greatest all-new model of a pickup truck is always fun, it’s not always practical. 

In fact, there are plenty of reasons why drivers of all ages might find themselves specifically looking for a truck with a little more experience on it. These are the trucks that have proven themselves able to stand up to a variety of jobs, after all. The GMC Sierra 1500 is one such truck. Year after year, drivers trust the Sierra 1500 to haul, tow, stow, and drive over long miles on and off the road. 

Of course, it’s also important to be a smart shopper when looking for any used vehicle. You’ve got to be aware of what years offer which features and which is the best fit for your particular needs. Take a look at some of our favorite recently used GMC Sierra 1500 models to see which has all the right stuff for you.

The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500: A Model With Many Firsts

The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 is a particularly sought-after model because of all of the fantastic features, options, and variety offered in that model year. This was the year the world’s first MultiPro Tailgate was introduced as standard on the Sierra 1500 SLT, AT4, and Denali models. While traditional tailgates were still stuck in the “up” or “down” position in 2019, the GMC MultiPro Tailgate debuted with six various functions that allow greater ease when using the truck’s bed.

The primary tailgate opening function can be engaged with the key fob, inside the truck, or via a button on the actual gate, allowing for hands-free convenience before you even get out at your arrival point. The inner gate can also be folded into a large-capacity step, work surface, or load stop for gear stashed on the second tier of the box, or it can be folded further down to allow a better reach into the back of the truck bed. 

The Sierra 1500 AT4 also made its grand entrance to the world of off-roading in 2019. This trim makes the GMC Sierra 1500 even more adept at climbing through challenging terrain with a factory 2-inch suspension lift, standard four-wheel drive, and off-road-tuned Rancho monotube shock absorbers. A 2-speed Autotrac transfer case, automatic locking rear differentials, skid plates, and signature red recovery hooks round out the AT4’s “ready to rock” attitude.

Besides the AT4 model, the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 can be found in Sierra (base), SLE, Elevation, SLT, and Denali trims. The base model comes very well equipped with necessities like LED head and tail lamps, 12 fixed cargo tie-downs in the bed, and an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, operated via a 7-inch touchscreen. Regular, Double, and Crew cab configurations are offered throughout the lineup.

When searching for a 2019 Sierra 1500, you’ll find very distinct engine options. The first is a 2.7L turbocharged engine that was newly engineered for 2019. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, this engine is good for 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque. This engine is the standard choice for SLE and Elevation models. 

2019 SLT, AT4, and Denali models are equipped with a 5.3L V8 that takes things up more than a few notches with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. But, for those who require even more thrills from their truck, the all-new-for-2019 6.2L V8 could be optioned into the SLT, AT4, and Denali models, bringing with it 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. 2019 may have been more than a few years ago, but for those looking for a truck that can support a high-action lifestyle, this is one of the most-praised used GMC Sierra 1500 models.

Introducing Diesel: Meet the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500

Coming off the fantastic 2019 model year, GMC really didn’t have to change anything with the 2020 Sierra 1500… but they did. In fact, a few very important features designed specifically for those who use their trucks for work made their first appearance in the 2020 Sierra 1500 lineup.

The first of these important upgrades is the 3.0L Duramax diesel engine. Joining the lineup for 2020, this diesel engine provides a cool, calm 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, allowing for towing figures up to 9,100 lbs. It’s also responsible for the Sierra 1500’s 30-mile-per-gallon fuel economy rating, which can be achieved on the highway in two-wheel-drive models.

GMC also took this opportunity to review and redesign the Sierra’s ProGrade Trailering System. While working on refreshing the Sierra heavy-duty series trucks and their trailering technology, GMC also applied their newly-created gear to the Sierra 1500 trucks. In total, the 2020 Sierra 1500 can display images from up to 15 different camera angles. This allows drivers to see in and around the trailer and hitch for ultimate safety when maneuvering around the job site or on the road. Starting with the 2020 model year, the Transparent Trailer View provides a virtual view “through” the trailer to give you a picture of what’s happening behind and around the trailer. Ultimately, the 2020 Sierra 1500 continued in the successful path blazed by the 2019 model, adding a few touches here and there that make this model even more helpful than the prior year’s model.

More Power, More Options: The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500

While the trims and engine options didn’t change for 2021, its capability did. First, the Sierra 1500’s trailering capability increased. 2021 trucks equipped with the 2.7L turbocharged gasoline and 3.0L turbodiesel engines saw a dramatic increase in towing maximums. While the 6.2L V8 tops out the Sierra 1500’s towing power with a trailering max of 11,800, the 2.7L engine bumped up the power to tow 9,200 lbs, while the turbodiesel could now take on 9,200 lbs. 

GMC also continued improving the Sierra 1500’s trailering camera technology, adding a Trailer Length Indicator, a Rear Trailer View with improved guidelines and a Trailer-Angle Indicator, and a Jack-Knife Alert—all of which help drivers navigate through tight situations like work sites, parking lots, gas stations, and narrow city streets. Furthermore, the X31 Off-Road and Protection Package debuted in 2021, providing SLE, Elevation, and SLT trims with more control where the pavement ends with features like Hill Descent Control, skid plates, and an off-road-tuned suspension.

We Can Help You Find a Great Used GMC Sierra 1500

GMC made some fantastic updates to the Sierra 1500 across these highlighted model years, many of which are the building blocks for today’s model. Features like the MultiPro Tailgate and a Transparent Trailer View have revolutionized pickup truck features across the country. These features lead to greater safety for those on the road and the cargo inside the trailer, with greater visibility and a clearer picture of where and how you can safely maneuver your load.

For those who are in need of a truck that can get a wide variety of work done, consider a used GMC Sierra 1500. With a wide variety of trims, engines, and configurations available, it’s likely you’ll find exactly the right truck for your lifestyle. If you need help figuring out which model might best fit you, our team at Patriot Chevrolet Buick GMC would be happy to show you our wide variety of pre-owned options. Contact us today and drive home in a great pre-owned Sierra 1500.

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