The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE, Elevation, and SLT trim models represent some of the best of what full-size trucks have to offer. For example, all three of these Sierra 1500 trucks deliver powerful capabilities at a fair price. Choosing between these trim models, then, comes down to their differences and what you want out of your daily drive.
Power & Performance
All three trim models are ready for action. The SLE and Elevation supply the same powertrain options. Both feature a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine designed to balance proficient power with fuel economy. However, for even greater fuel economy, you can select the optional turbo diesel engine. These Sierra 1500 trim models are also available with the 5.3-liter V8 engine, which will help you tow and haul extra weight.
The turbocharged four-cylinder engine is not available for the SLT. Instead, the SLT comes standard with the powerful 5.3-liter V8 engine. If you don’t need the extra muscle and would prefer improved fuel economy, you can outfit the SLT with the optional turbo diesel engine.
SLE/Elevation:
- 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder engine (310 hp, 348 lb.-ft.)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive
- Optional four-wheel drive
- Optional Duramax Turbo-Diesel I6 engine (277 hp, 460 lb.-ft.)
- Optional 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine (355 hp, 383 lb.-ft.)
- Optional 10-speed automatic transmission
SLT:
- 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine (355 hp, 383 lb.-ft.)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive
- Optional four-wheel drive
- Optional Duramax Turbo-Diesel I6 engine (277 hp, 460 lb.-ft.)
- Optional 10-speed automatic transmission
Exterior Features
Outside, all three of these Sierra 1500 trim models help you get through the work day with cargo bed LED lighting, a CornerStep rear bumper, and LED headlamps. These trucks also include the EZ Lift assist power locking and releasing tailgate, which of course provides optimal access to the cargo bed.
When it comes to aesthetics, though, each truck has its own style. The SLE mostly keeps things simple, even if it does include some flashy chrome trim. The Elevation offers sporty good looks with 20-inch wheels and its body-colored bumpers. The SLT goes back to the chrome trim, but has its own unique 18-inch wheels.
Standard:
- Cargo bed LED lighting
- CornerStep rear bumper
- GMC MultiPro tailgate
- LED daytime running lamps
- LED headlamps and LED taillamps
- Tailgate with EZ Lift assist, power lock & release
SLE:
- 17-inch six-spoke Bright Silver painted aluminum wheels
- Body-color door handles
- Chrome mirror caps
- Chrome bumpers
- Heated power outside mirrors
Elevation:
- 20-inch Black gloss painted aluminum wheels
- Body-color door handles
- Body-color bumpers
- Heated power outside mirrors
- LED fog lamps
SLT:
- 18-inch six-spoke machined aluminum wheels with Dark Gray Metallic accents
- Chrome door handles
- Chrome bumpers
- LED fog lamps
- Heated, power, driver-side auto-dimming, power-folding outside mirrors
Interior Features
All three of these Sierra 1500 trucks treat driver and passengers to tons of space and generous seat cushioning. Standard comfort features include heated front seats, a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and rear air vents. The Elevation adds to the list of standard features with a rear window defogger. And the SLT provides greater luxury with leather seating, driver memory settings, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Standard:
- 10-way power driver seat with power lumbar
- 40/20/40 split-bench front seat with under-seat storage
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Heated driver and front outboard passenger seats
- Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Rear air vents
SLE:
- Four-way manual front passenger seat
- Optional Dark Walnut/Slate cloth seat trim
- Optional Jet Black cloth seat trim
Elevation:
- Four-way manual front passenger seat
- Rear window defogger
- Optional front bucket seats
- Optional Jet Black cloth seat trim
SLT:
- 10-way power front passenger seat
- Driver memory
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Rear window defogger
- Optional front bucket seats
- Optional Dark Walnut/Slate perforated leather-appointed front outboard seat trim
- Optional Jet Black perforated leather-appointed front outboard seat trim
What Comes Next for the Sierra 1500?
Although GMC had planned to release a refreshed version of the Sierra 1500 for the upcoming model year, it looks like this new model isn’t quite ready. Instead, the 2022 Sierra 1500 will be a carryover of the current version. GMC hasn’t released details on the refreshed version of the Sierra, leaving many to speculate that it will be out by the end of next year or for the 2023 model year.