Used 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 cost?

Prices have softened 7.92% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 6,387 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for shoppers comparing trims and prices.

Is the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 a good car?

Generally — you’re looking at a 4.28/5 user rating and an 8.33/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Form and function at 10/10.

Owners consistently praise the spacious interior, advanced technology, strong performance, smooth ride, and the range of available options. The Sierra also fits buyers who want a truck that feels more like part of everyday life than a bare-bones work vehicle, especially if you value comfort and utility together.

The trade-offs are worth weighing: the expert review calls out advanced safety features not being standard, and owner feedback mentions engine-related frustrations, including oil burning and recalls. Even so, the market still shows 31.0% good or great deals, which gives you room to shop selectively.

Is the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 reliable?

Owners rate it 4.28/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction.

Owner feedback points to a truck that many people feel good about living with over time, especially because it’s described as spacious, comfortable, and strong-performing. The review summary also emphasizes that owners appreciate the value and the variety of available configurations, which usually matters when you’re planning to keep a truck for years.

The expert review reinforces that sense of durability by describing the Sierra as a capable, well-rounded pickup with straightforward controls and a powertrain lineup built for real truck use. It also notes that the truck can be configured for work, commuting, or weekend duty, which is a good sign if you want something that can handle long-term ownership demands.

If you’re buying used, the main long-term risk is making sure prior maintenance and engine history are clean, especially given the owner-reported engine concerns.

What should I look for when buying a used 2020 GMC Sierra 1500?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 75.9% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a vehicle history report on any truck you’re considering, even if the listing looks clean at first glance. A pre-purchase inspection matters here because the Sierra’s appeal depends heavily on how well it was maintained and equipped. Focus on condition, feature content, and whether the truck’s setup matches how you plan to use it.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Base truck comes with a V6 engine, a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, and LED “light blade” headlights. The SLE adds an extra USB port, a WiFi hotspot, an 8-inch touchscreen, and remote keyless entry. The Elevation adds heated front seats, remote engine start, and a heated steering wheel, while the SLT keeps many of those comforts with more classic chrome styling. The AT4 is the off-road-oriented version with all-terrain tires and red tow hooks, and the Denali adds luxury touches like a head-up display, navigation, and wireless device charging.
• Powertrain: You can choose from five engines, including a 4.3-liter V6, a 2.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, a Duramax 3.0-liter turbodiesel, a 5.3-liter V8, and a 6.2-liter V8. The lineup gives you a wide spread of power and efficiency, and the 10-speed automatic is paired with rear-wheel drive or available 4WD.
• Safety package: Standard safety features include a reversing camera, traction control, and a full array of front- and side-impact airbags. Available driver assistance features include forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. The AT4 test truck also came with a surround-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, and the rear camera mirror.
• Infotainment: The Base trim gets a 7-inch touchscreen, while the SLE moves to an 8-inch screen. The system is described as easy to use, with clear graphics, large icons, and tactile controls. Wireless charging appears on the Denali and AT4, and the AT4 also includes an HUD.
• Fuel efficiency: The AT4 returns 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 17 combined. The turbodiesel with rear-wheel drive returns 23/30/26, the 2.7-liter turbo returns 20/23/21, and the 5.3-liter V8 with rear-wheel drive returns 17/24/20.

Which 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 trim should I buy?

The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 is offered in 6 trim levels: Base, SLE, Elevation, SLT, Denali, AT4.

Here's the short version:

• Base: This is the most affordable entry point, and it already gives you core tech like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 7-inch touchscreen. It makes sense if you want the Sierra’s utility and don’t need many extras.
• SLE: This is the trim that adds meaningful everyday convenience, including an 8-inch touchscreen, a WiFi hotspot, remote keyless entry, and an extra USB port. It’s the best-value choice if you want a more complete truck without jumping too far up the price ladder.
• Elevation: This trim adds a more distinctive look along with heated front seats, remote engine start, and a heated steering wheel. It suits you if style and comfort matter more than keeping the truck as plain and work-focused as possible.
• SLT: CarGurus recommends this trim because it brings many of the comfort features you’d want while staying more road-friendly than the AT4. If you want a well-equipped Sierra that feels easier to live with every day, this is the one to focus on.
• Denali: This is the luxury-focused choice, with chrome accents, 22-inch wheels, a head-up display, navigation, and wireless device charging. Buy this if you want the most upscale Sierra experience.
• AT4: This is the off-road-oriented trim, with all-terrain tires, red tow hooks, skid plates, upgraded suspension components, hill-descent control, and Rancho off-road shocks. It’s the right pick if you want capability to match the rugged look.

Advanced safety features are not standard.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2020 GMC Sierra 1500?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 31.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 6,387 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.92% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 75.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $33,434, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500's resale value?

The current average of $33,434 sits slightly below last year's $36,310.

That price movement suggests the Sierra has already absorbed some depreciation, which can help future sellers if they buy at the right number today. A softer market now can also mean less upside pressure later, so condition, mileage, and trim content will matter more when it’s time to resell.

If you choose a well-equipped truck and keep it clean, you’re more likely to protect value than if you buy a stripped example or one with visible wear. Trucks with broad appeal and strong owner satisfaction tend to stay easier to move when it’s time to sell.

Vehicles with solid owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.28/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 safe?

The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 earns an 8/10 safety score from our experts.

Standard safety features include a reversing camera, traction control, and a full array of front- and side-impact airbags. Available driver assistance features include forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.

The Sierra also offers the rear camera mirror, which can replace the mirror’s normal view with a camera feed to help with rear visibility. One important caveat is that advanced safety features are not standard, so you’ll want to check carefully which driver-assistance items are included on the specific truck you’re considering.

Should I buy a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2020 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2020 if:

• 31.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 75.9% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.92% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.28/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• It blends truck utility with SUV-like comfort and offers an especially capable AT4 trim.

Consider the 2019 if:

• At $31,220, the 2019 costs less than the current year's $33,434 average.
• It’s a thoroughly redesigned full-size pickup with a more updated feel.

Consider the 2021 if:

• At $35,149, the 2021 costs more than the current year's $33,434 average.
• It adds distinctive styling and an optional carbon-fiber composite cargo bed.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, inventory, and owner satisfaction, the 2020 is the smart default. If you’re trying to save money, the 2019 is the value play, while the 2021 makes sense if you want to spend more for a slightly newer take on the same basic formula.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 15, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.