The 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 features six trims and four powertrain options from the reliable Vortec engine family. GMC also offers trim-specific packages providing added convenience, tech, suspension, and appearance features.
Key Points
- Trim levels for the 2013 GMC Sierra are diverse, from bare-bones to extremely well-equipped, and include the Work Truck SL, SLE, SLT, XFE, and the luxurious Denali.
- For powertrain selection, the 4.6L V6 is exclusive to only the Work Truck while all the E85 capable, Flex Fuel, Vortec V8 engines (4.6L, 5.3L, and 6.2L) are offered on other trims.
- The Work Truck is the base trim but it has features not available to the more expensive SL. An example of this is the external engine oil cooler.
- Although considered the mid-tier model, the SLE has the most options and packages available. Only the SLE and SLT can be in all cab-type configurations.
- The Denali is the only trim offered with AWD, and the XFE is only offered in 2WD. The rest of the trims can be in either option.
2013 Sierra 1500 Work Truck is Jobsite-ready with 315-hp 5.3L V8 and Trailering Package
The Work Truck (WT) rolls off the assembly, standard with the 4.6L V6 and the four-speed automatic transmission. The availability of either a 302 horsepower 4.8L V8 or the 315 horsepower 5.3L V8 (with active fuel management) expands its capability even more. Here are some more options and packages to give the WT more functionality:
- Heavy-duty Cooling Package which adds external engine oil and transmission cooler, electric fan, and heavy-duty radiator
- Work Truck Preferred Package that comes with power door locks, keyless remote entry, EZ-lift locking tailgate (regular and extended cab only)
- Work Truck Plus Package with 17-inch chrome steel wheels, chrome grilles, and fog lights (regular and extended cab only)
SL Lacks Trim Exclusive Features and Doesn’t Feel Like a Step up from the Work Truck
Next in the trim roster is the SL. While being offered only in extended cab and crew cab versions, the SL comes standard with more muscle through the 302 horsepower 4.8L V8. That, however, is the only attribute of the SL that makes it unique from all the other trims. This is still a good commuter though, and can still tow 6,700 pounds (in two-wheel drive) and give owners a decent 19 miles per gallon on the highway. Some add-ons of the SL include:
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel that can be equipped with audio controls
- Integrated trailer brake controller
- Skid Plate Package which protects the underbody using frame-mounted shields
SLE is in the Middle of the Lineup but Tops All Other Trims in Safety, Convenience, and Tech Options and Packages
From the SL comes the SLE, but surpasses the whole roster with combinations and add-ons. It comes in all cab types (regular, extended, and crew cab) and be powered by any of the Vortec V8s (4.8L, 5.3L, and 6.2L). Add packages like the All-Terrain plus Chrome Essentials and you can make the SLE appear more upscale than the upper trim SLT.
Here are some packages of the SLE trim:
- SLE Convenience Package: Includes power-adjustable pedals, universal home remote and remote vehicle starter, rear parking assist, and rear window defoggers (for extended and crew cab only).
- SLE Preferred Package: Equips the SLE with steering wheel-mounted controls, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, six-way power driver seat, CD/MP3 player, Bluetooth compatibility, EZ-Lift tailgate, and fog lamps (for extended and crew cab only).
- SLE White Diamond Edition: Includes White Diamond Tricoat color, chrome mirror caps and door handles, and side moldings with chrome accents.
- Z71 Off-Road Suspension Package: Adds high-flow air cleaner, off-road jounce bumpers, heavy-duty skid, and decals.
- All-Terrain Package: Starts with Z71 Suspension Package equipment (plus Trailering Package) and adds 18-inch wheels wrapped in P265/65R18 on-/off-road tires, power heated (and power-adjustable) body-colored mirrors, auto-dimming rearview mirror, Rancho shocks, fog lamps, and carpeted floor mats with “All-Terrain” logo.
2013 GMC Sierra 1500 XFE is a Variation of SLE Trim and Delivers 22 mpg Highway
The XFE is technically a variant of a two-wheel-drive crew cab SLE. It was put together with select components to improve fuel economy. With the weight savings and improved aerodynamics, the XFE was able to record an EPA fuel economy of 22 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined.
The XFE is a Sierra 1500 SLE crew cab and two-wheel drive and adds/changes:
- 5.3L V8 aluminum block paired with six-speed automatic and Eton differential
- 3.08 axle ratio
- 17-inch aluminum wheels wrapped in low rolling resistance P245/70R17 tires
- Aluminum lower control arms and spare wheel
- Soft tonneau cover
- Air dam
SLT Boasts Higher Towing Capacity with Trailer Package, and Enhances Off-road Capability with Eton Locking Differential as Standard
The SLT comes second to the Denali with almost all of the creature comforts and safety features coming as standard. It rolls out of the factory with the 5.3L V8 and six-speed automatic and adds all the other features like Bluetooth compatibility, dual-zone climate control, 10-way leather power seats, steering wheel-mounted controls. To top it off, GMC equipped the SLT with the Trailer Package, Heavy-duty Cooling Package, locking differential, and external engine oil cooler.
Other options include:
- High-performance Suspension Package when fitted with 20-inch chrome aluminum wheels
- Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS
- 403 horsepower 6.2L V8 available
- Ultrasonic rear parking assist
- Power sunroof with universal home remote
2013 Denali is the Only AWD Model and Offers Premium Interior Appointments not Available in Most of the Lineup
The Denali is the top of the line in the 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 trim levels. It is the only trim that offers all-wheel drive and the 403 horsepower 6.2L V8 as standard. The exterior sets the Denali apart from the other trims with body-colored front and rear bumpers, chrome door handles, and power and heated mirrors with integrated turn signals. The interior also has Denali exclusive standard features:
- Six-disc cd player with MP3 and auxiliary input jack
- Centerpoint surround sound system
- Universal home remote
- Heated, leather-wrapped, and color-keyed steering wheel
- Color-keyed floor mats for first and second row
2013 GMC Sierra 1500 has Plenty of Tech and Safety Features Spread Across All Trims, but SLE Is the Best Value Overall
If one is in the market for a full-size pickup with the intent to primarily use it as a work truck, then the Work Truck trim is the best bet, especially considering that the more expensive SL has fewer options available.
However, if you are looking for more than 200 horsepower on tap for hauling, and creature comforts that fit your needs (and your budget), then you will have better luck with the SLE crew cab with the 4.8L V8 engine. With the SLE as a crew cab, you get the availability of a host of different packages (like the White Diamond and All-Terrain Packages) that will surely mark the checkboxes in your wish list.
Photos: GMC
