The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 is in the sixth model year of its fourth generation. The popular pickup truck offers several minor changes to next year’s lineup with two new bold exterior paint color choices, premium aluminum wheel options, and more. The new model year will offer eight different GMC Sierra trims with the option of a single cab, double cab, or four-door crew cab. While all these variants provide consumers with a wide selection of choices, they can also confuse shoppers, complicating the truck-buying process. The growing trend makes it increasingly difficult for consumers to differentiate between the actual differences and advantages of each model, resulting in frustration and a poor overall shopping experience.

The difference between the GMC Sierra 1500 trim levels

The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 pickup truck starts with its entry-level PRO trim and tops off with its luxurious Denali Ultimate trim. Each level appeals to different consumer preferences and budgets, with varying combinations of tech features, amenities, safety systems, and performance capabilities. 

The GMC Sierra provides four engine options, which include:

• 2.7-liter TurboMax™ inline four-cylinder gas engine – 310 hp / 430 lb-ft torque
• 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 gas engine paired with 10-speed automatic transmission – 355 hp / 383 lb-ft torque
• 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8 gas engine – 420 hp / 460 lb-ft torque
• 3.0-liter I-6 turbodiesel Duramax engine – 305 hp / 495 lb-ft torque

We have broken down each trim level to give you a better idea of what to expect from each model. The MSRP price excludes tax, title, and dealer fees but includes a $1,895 destination charge.

No. 1 – The GMC Sierra 1500 PRO trim (base model)

• Price Range: $39,695 – $50,885
• Configurations: Regular cab standard box/double cab/crew cab short box/crew cab standard box
• Drivetrain: 2WD & 4WD
• Standard Engine: 2.7-liter TurboMax™
• Engine Options: 5.3-liter V8 paired with 10-speed automatic transmission
• Key Features: LED headlamps, taillamps, and daytime running lamps

While it’s on the expensive end, you can still get a good amount of features and options. But if you want more, you’ll have to pay a pretty penny to get to the next trim level.

No. 2 – The next-up SLE trim

• Price Range: $50,995 – $59,385
• Configurations: Double cab/crew cab short box/crew cab standard box
• Drivetrain: 2WD & 4WD
• Standard Engine: 2.7-liter TurboMax™
• Engine Options: 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 paired with automatic 10-speed transmission / 3.0-liter I-6 turbodiesel Duramax engine
• Key Features: 13.4″ diagonal center touchscreen, 12.3″ diagonal driver infotainment center

There’s a pretty big price jump between the base model and the SLE trim. You’ll have to figure out if these features are worth it or if you want to just stick with the entry-level trim.

#3 – What to expect from the GMC Sierra 1500 Elevation

• Price Range: $52,695 – $61,285
• Configurations: Double cab/crew cab short box/crew cab standard box
• Drivetrain: 2WD & 4WD
• Standard Engine: 2.7-liter TurboMax™
• Engine Options: 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 paired with automatic 10-speed transmission / 3.0-liter I-6 turbodiesel Duramax engine
• Key Features: Monochromatic exterior with gloss-black mesh inserts within the grille and 20″ gloss-black painted aluminum wheels

Whereas the price difference between the first two models is so great, the difference between the previous configuration and the Elevation trim isn’t so big. It’s almost always worth it to go for the Elevation if you’re already in this price bracket.

#4 – The GMC Sierra 1500 SLT

• Price Range: $56,695 – $64,460
• Configurations: Crew cab short box/crew cab standard box
• Drivetrain: 2WD & 4WD
• Standard Engine: 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 engine paired with automatic 10-speed transmission
• Engine Options: 3.0-liter I-6 turbodiesel Duramax / 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8 engine
• Key Features:
  • Tow/Haul mode
  • 13.4″ diagonal center touchscreen with 12.3″ diagonal driver information center
  • 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated perforated front leather seating surfaces

The standard engine is different here, and there are a few options that make this trim a bit more useful for the day-to-day of owning a truck. Additionally, the larger screens inside make for a more luxurious experience.

#5 – What do you get from the AT4 configuration?

• Price Range: $67,995 – $69,795
• Configurations: Crew cab short box/crew cab standard box
• Drivetrain: 4WD
• Standard Engine: 3.0-liter I-6 turbodiesel Duramax engine with 10-speed automatic transmission
• Engine Options: 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8 engine
• Key Features:
  • 2″ factory lift with off-road suspension and Rancho® Monotube shocks
  • Jet black interior with Kalahari accents
  • Two-speed transfer case
  • Automatic locking rear differential
  • Underbody skid plates
  • Available CarPro™ composite bed

When you get to the AT4 model of the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 trims, you’re going to start to see the price climb up there. The AT4 adds some quality-of-life upgrades for those willing to take their truck off the beaten path.

#6 – What’s the difference with the AT4X?

• Price Range: $81,095 – $89,490
• Configurations: Crew cab, short box
• Drivetrain: 4WD
• Standard Engine: 3.0-liter I-6 turbodiesel Duramax engine with 10-speed automatic transmission
• Engine Options: 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8
• Key Features:
  • Multimatic™ DSSV dampers
  • Front and rear electronic locking differentials
  • 12-speaker Bose premium surround sound audio system
  • AEV stamped-steel front bumper – front winch capability
  • AEV stamped Boron steel front skid plate

The 2024 GMC Siera 1500 AT4X adds even more off-road upgrades. This model has a super-powerful engine standard, and you can upgrade to get an even more powerful V8 engine under the hood.

#7 – The luxury that the Denali trim adds

• Price Range: $68,495 – $74,790
• Configurations: Crew cab short box/crew cab standard box
• Drivetrain: 2WD & 4WD
• Standard Engine: 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8
• Engine Options: 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 paired with 10-speed automatic transmission / 3.0-liter I-6 turbodiesel Duramax engine with 10-speed automatic transmission
• Key Features:
  • Continuous damping adaptive ride control
  • Signature Denali front grille with chrome header
  • Available CarbonPro composite bed
  • Available Super Cruise™ Hands-Free Driver Assistance Tech

The Denali is where things get super interesting in the interior while still offering impressive engine options. If you want a truck that feels as good as it drives on and off the road, you’ll want to check this one out.

#8 – The fully loaded Denali Ultimate

• Price Range: $82,895 – $84,395
• Configurations: 2 variations – crew cab short box
• Drivetrain: 4WD
• Standard Engine: 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8 engine with 10-speed automatic transmission
• Engine Options: 3.0-liter I-6 turbodiesel Duramax engine with 10-speed automatic transmission
• Key Features:
  • Signature Denali Vader chrome grille
  • Exclusive 22-inch 7-spoke aluminum wheels with chrome accents
  • 16-way heated and ventilated power front seats with massage  

As you can see, there are a lot of options and configurations to choose from. How do you pick between all of them? Budget may play the ultimate deciding factor, but if that’s not a constraint, you really have to do due diligence to see which of the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 trim levels is right for you. At least you have this breakdown to make comparing them a bit easier.