The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 lasts around 250,000 miles with relatively minor touchscreen and brake wear problems reported. At $35,000 to $61,984, it’s expensive, but worth the money for a powerful and luxurious truck.
Is the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 a Good Used Truck?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2020 is a good year for the GMC Sierra 1500 series since it offers luxury while still being a capable full size truck. Owner reviews praise the spacious interior, low running costs, along with the luxury features.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are more luxurious than other full size trucks, the seats are supportive and comfortable, two bed lengths are also offered.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread complaints on the 2020 Sierra 1500 series. Avoid models from 2014–2016 which have mechanical issues. Models from 2017–2022 are much more dependable options.
- Performance 8/10 – Performance is good from all of the engines, while the 6.2L V8 is one of the most powerful motors available in a full-size truck.
- Safety 7/10 – The 2020 Sierra is safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. There’s a standard rearview camera. Optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, along with automatic emergency braking.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 26 MPG, giving 624 miles of range from the 24 gallon tank. Gas costs are $39 cheaper than average at $243 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Series is a good value since depreciation is slow and it features a lot of technology for the money.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the GMC Sierra?
- Consumer Reports says the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 offers unique tech features not found on other trucks, with good owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Sierra 1500 at 3.7/5, enjoying the efficient engine choices available, but doesn’t like the infotainment screen taking up a lot of space in the dash.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Sierra 1500 a 4/5, praising the luxurious interior in the Denali model, but owners don’t like the lower max towing rating.
What Common Problems Does the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Have?
Common problems found on the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 series include the touchscreen freezing, premature brake wear, along with excessive battery drain. Overall, these problems are similar to other large trucks on the market, leading to average repair bills as it ages.
The touchscreen freezing is the most widespread complaint from 2020 Sierra 1500 series owners in the first 5,000 miles. There are software updates available for the touchscreen which improves its reliability. Most dealerships will install those software updates for free, while some charge around $50.
Premature brake wear has also been reported on the 2020 Sierra 1500 in the first 10,000 miles. If you use your truck to tow and haul a lot of weight then the brakes will start to wear down quicker. Replacing the brake pads costs around $500, while new rotors are roughly $800. There are some stronger brake pads which last longer on the market too, which cost about $600.
Excessive battery drain is another issue in the 2020 GMC Sierra in the first 20,000 miles. There are a lot of electrical accessories in the Sierra which sometimes draw power while the truck is parked and off. Diagnosing the problem costs around $50, while fixing it can cost $20 to $200, depending on the source.
There are 10 recalls on the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 series, which is more than many other large trucks on the market. The most serious recall is for the driveshaft, which may separate in some cases. General Motors will replace the driveshaft on affected models for free. Other recalls cover the fuel pump, along with tires, which GMC will also fix for free.
How Long Will the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Last?
A well-maintained 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 can last around 250,000 miles, which is only around 50,000 miles less than the long-lasting Toyota Tundra. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other full size trucks according to data provided by Repair Pal at $635 per year.
As a used 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 series reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the fuel evaporative canister for $425, transmission oil pan gasket costing $300, along with the active suspension height sensor which costs $150.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is very good in the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 series with a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple Carplay and Android Auto capability. Optional upgrades include a larger 8-inch touchscreen along with a premium sound system.
Standard safety technology is basic for a full size truck only, offering a rearview camera.
Optional advanced driver assistance features available include:
- Head-up display
- Surround-view parking camera system
- Blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert
- Forward collision warning with pedestrian detection
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Rearview mirror with integrated camera display
- Lane departure warning with lane keep assist
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control
- Safety alert seat which vibrates when there are potential hazards
Is the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 a Good Value?
Yes, the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 series is a good value since it offers more luxury than other full size trucks while still being capable of towing and hauling. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $35,000 to $61,984, making it more than a Nissan Titan or Ram 1500. When new, the price range was $29,600 to $58,900. In current market conditions depreciation is non-existent, but in normal conditions expect the truck to lose about 6% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the GMC Sierra?
There are six models of the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 series offered from the entry-level Base model all the way through to the more luxurious Sierra 1500 Denali. The Sierra comes standard with rear-wheel drive, while four-wheel drive is available as an option.
Base is the entry-level fleet-focused model with:
- Steel Wheels
- Vinyl Seats
- Tilt-Only Steering Wheel
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- 7-Inch Touchscreen With Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Six-Speaker Sound System
- Available Prograde Trailering System
SLE is a step up, adding:
- Remote Keyless Entry
- 8-Inch Touchscreen
- Bed-Camera System
- Cloth Seats
Elevation is next in the lineup with:
- Remote Locking Tailgate
- LED Fog Lights
- Two USB Ports For Rear Seat Passengers
SLT adds features such as:
- Locking Rear Differential
- Front Bucket Seats
- MultiPro Configurable Tailgate
- Dual Zone Climate Control
- Leather Seats
- Tilt-and-Telescoping Steering Wheel
- Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Heated Second Row Seats
AT4 focuses on off-road performance with:
- 2-Inch Suspension Lift
- Standard Four-Wheel Drive
- Two-Speed Transfer Case
- Skid Plates
- Monotube Shock Absorbers
- All-Terrain Tires
- Hill Descent Control
- Terrain-Selectable Traction Control System
Denali is the most luxurious model which adds:
- Adaptive Suspension Dampers
- Premium Leather Seating
- Power Assist Steps
- Carbon-Fiber Composite Bed
- Seven-Speaker Bose Stereo System
- Unique Front Grille Styling
What Engines Come In the GMC Sierra?
- The base engine is an average 4.3L V6 which makes 285 horsepower and 305 lb.-ft of torque while getting 17 MPG. It comes standard with a six-speed automatic transmission.
- An available upgrade is the more efficient 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder, which produces 310 horsepower and 348 lb.-ft. of torque and gets 21 MPG. This engine has an eight-speed automatic transmission.
- Next in the lineup is the stronger 5.3L V8, which is good for 355 horsepower and 383 lb.-ft. of torque, which gets up to 20 MPG. It has a standard 6-speed automatic transmission, while the eight- and ten-speed automatic transmissions are both optional.
- The most powerful engine is the 6.2L V8, which generates 420 horsepower and 460 lb.-ft. of torque at up to 17 MPG. This engine comes standard with the ten-speed automatic transmission. Properly equipped, this engine has serious power which can tow up to 12,100 pounds.
- The most efficient engine is the turbocharged 3.0L six-cylinder diesel, which makes 277 horsepower and 460 lb.-ft. of torque and gets an impressive 26 MPG. It also features the ten-speed automatic transmission. It is also capable of towing up to 9,000 pounds.
What Colors Does the GMC Sierra Come In?
How Comfortable Is the GMC Sierra?
The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 offers a comfortable and refined driving experience. The crew cab model in particular is spacious, with ample legroom and headroom for both the driver and passengers. The front seats are well-cushioned and supportive, with a variety of adjustments to accommodate different body types and driving preferences.
The interior is also designed with practicality in mind, featuring numerous storage compartments, cupholders, and charging ports for electronic devices. The cabin is well-insulated, providing a quiet and peaceful ride, and the available dual-zone automatic climate control allows the driver and front passenger to set their preferred temperature independently.
How Much Storage Space Does the GMC Sierra Have?
The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 offers two bed sizes: a standard box and a short box. The standard box measures 79.4 inches in length, and 62.9 inches in width at the wheelhouse. The short box measures 69.9 inches in length, and 71.4 inches in width at the wheelhouse.
Inside the cabin, the Sierra 1500 offers a spacious interior with ample storage options. The center console features a large storage bin with a lockable lid, providing a secure place to store valuables. Additionally, the cabin includes multiple cup holders, door pockets, and storage compartments throughout the interior.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fourth generation of the GMC Sierra 1500 series came out for the 2019 model year.
2015: Stronger 6.2L V8 engine offered, 4G LTE WiFi offered on all models, Denali model has an upgraded magnetic suspension.
2016: New eight-speed automatic transmission added to 5.3L V8 engine, standard Xenon headlights, upgraded touchscreen stereo system.
2017: Capless fuel-filler added.
2018: Standard 7-inch touchscreen and rearview camera on all models.
2019: Fully redesigned for the fourth generation with new styling, engines, and technology.
2020: Turbo Diesel engine added, new 10-speed transmission offered on 5.3L V8, adaptive cruise control also available.
2021: Double cab model removed from SLT and AT4 models, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered.
How Does the GMC Sierra Compare to the Competition?
The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 is a great full size truck since it offers a lot more luxury than the competition on the market, although for the luxury and latest technology you do sacrifice some long-term reliability.
The Ford F-150 is another popular truck which starts at about $2,500 more. Towing performance is better in the Ford F-150, while the GMC Sierra 1500 series has a better interior for the money. We recommend the Ford F-150 since it’s a better all-around truck, although both are worth test driving to see which one you prefer.
The Toyota Tundra is another truck available in the same price range. Long-term reliability ratings are better in the Toyota Tundra, while the GMC Sierra 1500 series has a more luxurious interior. We recommend the Toyota Tundra since it lasts longer, although both are worth taking a look at to find the right truck for you.
