From the bare-bones Base model work truck to the Denali’s plush and feature-rich interior with Bose sound system, the 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 is a versatile vehicle perfect for virtually any lifestyle.
Key Points
- The 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 comes in four trim levels: Base, SLE, SLT, and the luxurious Denali. Also on offer are three bed lengths, cab options, and engine configurations.
- The Base trim (or simply Sierra) is very much a work truck with rudimentary features like 17-inch steel rims, vinyl floors, and cloth seats.
- The SLE adds more interior creature comforts, like remote keyless entry and Bluetooth connectivity, while the SLT gets dual-zone climate control, leather seats, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Both also see unique exterior styling and alloy wheels.
- The top-spec Denali comes with heated/cooled seats, seven-speaker Bose audio system, and an exclusive Magnetic Ride Control feature that adjusts the shock absorbers in real-time in response to changes in terrain.
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 Offers Many Cab, Bed, and Powertrains, Including 2WD or 4WD
The 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 is available in Base, SLE, SLT, and Denali trims, along with three bed-lengths, engines, and cab options. All models get the choice of either 2WD or 4WD.
The Base and SLE trims get a 285 horsepower 4.3L V6 as standard; a 355 horsepower 5.3L V8 is optional. The latter is standard on the SLT and Denali, while a more powerful 420 hp 6.2L V8 is an available option. The top-spec V8 is paired to an eight-speed transmission, whereas the rest of the lineup makes do with a six-speed automatic.
The 2015 Sierra 1500’s maximum payload and towing are rated at 1,840 pounds and 9,500 pounds, respectively. However, with the available Trailering package, the capacities increase to 2,130 pounds and 12,000 pounds.
As for cab options, all four trims are available in crew cab, while the double cab configuration is offered on all but the Sierra Denali. The regular cab seats up to three and is limited to the entry-level Base and SLE trims.
In terms of bed lengths, the 2015 Sierra regular cab can be had with either a long or standard bed; the double cab is limited to a standard bed, while the crew cab gets either a short box or standard bed.
Base 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 is Better Suited as a Work Truck
The Base trim looks and feels like a proper work truck right off the bat. Standard features include 17-inch steel rims, vinyl floors, cloth bench seats, and manual air conditioning. However, GMC has provided creature comforts like cruise control, projector headlamps, and a six-speaker radio with AM/FM, USB, and AUX input.
In terms of safety, the Sierra gets ABS, and tire pressure monitoring along with dual front, side, and curtain airbags. Optional extras include the Convenience Package that adds powered mirrors, remote keyless entry, and a backup camera.
2015 Sierra SLE Adds Host of Convenience Features, like Power Windows and Heated Mirrors, Plus Optional Packages
Step up to the SLE, and you get 18-inch alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, a leather steering wheel with controls, and an eight-inch touch display with Bluetooth and hands-free connectivity. Other standard features include carpeted floors, LED bed lighting, power windows, heated mirrors, and a backup camera.
Available extras include:
- All-terrain package
- Driver Alert package
- SLE Convenience package
- Preferred package
- Value package
The All-terrain package includes heated and powered front seats, fog lamps, Z-71 off-road suspension, rear park assist, and the Trailering package.
Lane departure warning and forward collision alert come as part of the Driver Alert package. The Convenience pack adds power-adjustable pedals, while the Preferred package gets dual-zone climate control and remote vehicle start.
GMC picks a couple of key features from all the packages and clubs them into the available Value Package.
2015 GMC Sierra SLT Offers Leather Seats, Climate Control, and Trailering Package as Standard
In the Sierra SLT, you find much of the SLE’s optional extras as standard fitment. These include dual-zone climate control, remote vehicle starter, power-adjustable pedals, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The Trailering Package is offered as standard along with leather seats, Homelink, and a 110V power outlet.
Available extras include the All-terrain Package, All-terrain Plus Package, Driver Alert Package, and SLT Value Package.
The All-terrain “Plus” gets 20-inch alloys, a heated steering wheel, and front and rear parking sensors. The available SLT Value Package adds chrome side steps and a Bose premium audio system.
Magnetic Ride Control and Plush Interiors Make the 2015 GMC Sierra Denali Standout
The Denali sits at the top as the Sierra 1500’s flagship trim. Its exclusive Magnetic Ride Control feature smooths out bumps in the road via sensors that read the terrain every millisecond. Other standard features include aluminum and wood inserts on the interior, perforated heated and cooled leather seats with memory settings, and a seven-speaker Bose audio system. Also available is an eight-inch touchscreen with built-in navigation, along with front and rear parking sensors.
The Denali badge can be found on the front doors and the bed liner to distinguish the top-spec Sierra from the rest of the lineup. As for optional extras, the Driver Alert Package is available, as are several wheel options ranging from 20-inches to 22-inches.
Reasonably-priced Sierra 1500 SLE Offers the Best of Both Worlds
If you’re looking for a dependable work truck, the Base trim with its rudimentary features should prove ideal. However, if you can cough up the extra for a Denali, get ready to experience the best of what the Sierra 1500 has to offer. But, for an everyday truck, most buyers would find the decently equipped and reasonably-priced SLE to be adequate.
Photos: GMC
