What Does SLT Stand for GMC?: A Guide to GMC Vehicles

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The question “What does SLT stand for GMC?” no doubt crosses the minds of most GMC vehicle owners. The most recent models of GMC vehicles are equipped with novel features, and you may notice the SLT label on the trucks or SUVs.

What Does SLT Stand For GMC A Guide To GMC Vehicles

Is the label there for the sake of design, or does it have to do with the vehicle’s features? If these questions cross your mind, read this guide until the end as we explore the trim levels in GMC vehicles.

What Does SLT Mean on GMC Pickup Trucks?

SLT means “Standard Luxury Touring,” and it is a trim level in GMC pickup trucks. It’s an advancement of the Standard Luxury Edition (SLE) trim that includes extra luxurious features. These additional features, for example, leather seats and infotainment systems, improve user comfort and eliminate boredom while driving.

However, these SLT features do not stop the utility use of these trucks. Over the years, trucks have been seen and used as utility vehicles because manufacturers don’t consider luxury in their designs. However, the narrative has recently changed as their use is beyond carrying loads. Thanks to the latest innovations in the market. Interestingly, some people have transitioned from using regular sports cars or coupes to buying trucks for their normal daily transport.

However, do you think people would let go of the luxury of sports or saloon cars for just a common truck? Definitely not. This is where the SLT trim comes to play. The extra features in these trucks attract regular car owners because they know that the truck can double as a luxurious utility vehicle as well.

Some standard SLT trim features that attract buyers include a remote start, rear-view camera, GPS, power sunroof, and heated steering wheel. Imagine starting your vehicle before entering; you can warm your truck’s engine while having breakfast or attending to other issues. 

– GMC Vehicles With SLT Trim

You may be wondering why the discussion so far is centered around trucks. Well, it is worthy of note that manufacturers are now applying the SLT or its junior trim, SLE, to trucks. More specifically, GMC applies both trims in their various vehicle models. Examples include:

  • GMC Acadia
  • GMC Sierra (1500, 2500HD, 3500HD)
  • GMC Terrain

– Elements That Make SLT Trucks Unique

SLT is a high-end trim and is not the only luxury offering in the industry, so what makes it unique among other types like SLE or Denali?  

Aside from the few features mentioned earlier, the cabin, which is the driver’s compartment, is equipped with light materials with spacious headrooms and legrooms. Take note that some cars don’t have all the features mentioned above. For example, you may not always find ample headroom in regular vehicles, but this is available in GMC trucks. So it’s reasonable for someone with such a car to switch to luxurious trucks. 

Another reason is that the SLT trim offers a complete view of the environment. Thanks to this feature, it limits the blind spots. As a result, users can easily maneuver their way out of parking spaces.

Also, GMC SLT trucks are less expensive than their counterparts from different manufacturers. This is because some SLT features that come with GMC are purchased as extras in other brands. In addition, SLT trucks are built with high-end materials that guarantee longevity. 

How Is SLT Different From SLE in GMC?

SLT is different from SLE in GMC vehicles because of many factors such as the price, the wheels, the towing capacity, engine and transmissions, and some external features, among others. However, many GMC trucks with SLE and SLT trims are still often confused with being the same.

This is because users find it challenging to identify their differences. Here, we’ll compare a series of GMC vehicles and see what distinguishes their trims.

– Differences Between SLE and SLT Trims

As you would expect, price is the primary difference between the SLE and SLT trims. SLT packages cost more than SLE due to their extra features. For example, the GMC Sierra 1500 SLT trim costs $53,295, while the SLE costs $49,555.

We’ll be specific with other differences because the SLT and  SLE vary among GMC vehicles. Recall that we’ve listed the GMC vehicles with the SLE and SLT trims; now, let’s find out how they differ among them.

– GMC Terrain

With respect to the 2022 Terrain model, the significant differences between the SLE and SLT trims are in the vehicle’s interior and exterior. The first external feature we’ll cover is the silver-colored aluminum wheels. While the SLE model is 17 inches, the SLT is 18 inches.

Other features in SLT trim that are absent or optional in SLE include indicator-equipped heated side mirrors, fog lamps, and a hands-free power liftgate. Now we move to the interior features. First, the ambient lighting found in the SLT model is absent in SLE. Also, the SLT package has more adjustment variations to the driver and passenger seats.

A larger infotainment screen and heated steering wheel, driver, and passenger seats are other distinguishing features in SLT but are absent in SLE.

– GMC Acadia

The 2022 SLT Acadia model has a towing capacity of 4,000 pounds, while the SLE has 3,500 pounds. Also, while they have similar engines with nine transmission speeds, 2 liters turbo, 258 pounds-feet of torque, and 228 horsepower, the SLT package can be modified to 3.6 liters with a six-cylinder piston. However, the 3.6 liters engine features 271 pounds-feet of torque and 310 horsepower.

Furthermore, the SLT package includes sophisticated tech features like HD surround vision which gives multiple displays of the external environment and the heads-up display. However, these are absent in the Acadia SLE. Other standard features of the SLT model include an infotainment screen and the GMC Pro Safety Plus. 

– GMC Sierra 1500

The standard engine in the 2021 Sierra 1500 SLE and SLT are a 2.7-liter turbo with eight-speed auto transmission and a 5.3-liter eight-cylinder piston, respectively. This SLE engine has 310 horsepower with 430 pound-feet of torque, and 9,400 pounds max towing capacity. On the other hand, the SLT engine has 355 horsepower with 383 pound-feet of torque, and 11,200 pounds max towing capacity.

Also, both trims are available in 10-speed auto transmission 3 liter Duramax turbo diesel engine. Furthermore, the SLE can be modified into a 5.3-liter eight-cylinder piston engine while the SLT into a 6.2-liter eight-cylinder piston engine. 

In addition, the SLT model features 20 inches aluminum wheels, a broader bumper, HD surround vision, a trailer brake controller, and LED headlamps with dual projections. Another improved feature in the SLT model is the 10-way power seats.

– GMC Sierra HD

The 2022 model of the SLE and SLT trims have Duramax 6.6 liter turbo-diesel eight-cylinder piston engine with 10-speed auto transmission. However, while you’ll find the leather seat and HD surround vision in the SLT package, they are absent in the SLE. Also, the SLT trim is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and includes a digital variable steering assist.

Another exciting feature in SLT but lacking in SLE is the transparent trailer view that allows the driver to see the trailer’ back with the trailer being invisible. However, this function is not compatible with all trailers. Also, with the SLT trim, users can start the engine with a remote. In addition, the SLE model has 17 inches alloy wheels while the SLT has 18 inches.

Also, the Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD have a maximum towing capacity of 18,500 pounds and 20,000 pounds, respectively.

– GMC Yukon

The 2021 Yukon model of the SLE and SLT trims have a 5.3-liter, eight-cylinder piston engine. Also, both trims are available in Duramax 3 liters turbo-diesel engines with 460 pounds-feet of torque and 277 horsepower. Also, both engines are automatic and feature a 10-speed transmission. 

The features present in the SLT but absent in the SLE package include contracted navigation, HD surround vision, heated leather seats, and GMC Pro Safety Plus. Some external features unique to the SLT package are illuminated labels and chrome door handles.

– GMC SLT vs. Denali

So far, we have discussed two basic trims as regards GMC’s luxurious offerings; SLE and SLT. But there is something bigger and better, the Denali trim. Like the SLT and SLE, Denali is available in various GMC vehicles, including Sierra, Acadia, Yukon, and Terrain. 

Ordinarily, we can say that the SLT trim is an intermediate model between the SLE and the Denali. Thus, the Denali package obviously includes more exciting features and modern technologies. Therefore, the significant difference would be their prices. For example, the Sierra 1500 SLT costs about $52,200, while the Denali model costs $62,800.

In terms of features, while the SLT offers driver convenience features with a plain heads-up display, the Denali model has an improved interface with its multi-color display. Hence, the driver gets all the vital information while focusing on the road.

Also, while the rear-view hitch guidance camera feature may be optional in some SLT models, it is standard on Denali. Another difference is that the Denali package includes six inches of chrome side steps that is absent in the SLT trim. In addition, while both trims have a remote locking tailgate, the Denali package has an extra folding feature that allows easy access to the cargo bed. However, the SLT brand does not have such.

Talking about towing capacity, both trims can tow over 9,000 pounds of load. However, Denali can accommodate more load than SLT, and this is due to the variation in their engine performance. 

– Similarities

With respect to the GMC Terrain 2021 models, the SLE and SLT trims are equipped with brighter headlamps known as high-intensity discharge bulbs plus LED rear lights. Also, the steering wheel of both models is covered with leather for proper grip and comfort for drivers. 

In addition, the automatic engine in these trims has four cylinders with a 1.5-liter turbo offering about 170 horsepower and 203 pounds-feet of torque. As a result, the trucks can tow over 1,000 pounds of load but not up to 2,000 pounds.

Another feature that possibly confuses you about these trims is their engine and transmission layout, in which both can have an all-wheel drive (AWD) or a front-wheel drive (FWD). Also, the GMC SLE and SLT trucks have Wi-fi, the Amazon Alexa digital assistant, real-time navigation, and audio systems. 

A feature common to both models is the GMC pro safety, an advanced driving assistance system that guides against accidents. 

Furthermore, both trims of the GMC Terrain have collapsible passenger and rear seats, which you can adjust at various degrees to suit your needs. The rear seats typically have a 60/40 split-folding. The SLE and SLT trim also have smart features such as android and IOS connectivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is SLT the Same in All Vehicles?

No, SLT is not the same in all vehicles and features vary across manufacturers and models. While some brands offer minimal luxurious inputs, others go to the extreme of creating more comfortable trucks. For example, the Sierra 1500 SLT model features 20-inch aluminum wheels.

However, the case differs from the Terrain SLT, which has 18 inches of aluminum wheels. 

2. What Is the Best GMC SLT Trim Level?

The best GMC trim level is Denali overall. This is because it features more advanced inputs than the SLT and SLE trims. Some unique Denali features include wireless charging, side steps, an improved heads-up display, a power-sliding rear window, and a premium sound system, among others.

GMC offers five primary trims: the Sierra base, SLE, SLE, AT4, and Denali. These trims differ in internal and external designs and engine performance. The base Sierra has a minor design with basic features, while the Denali has the most sophisticated designs with technological features.

Conclusion

So far, we’ve been able to answer the question, “what does SLT stand for GMC?” Also, we’ve been able to differentiate between the GMC Standard Luxury Touring trim from other types like SLE and Denali. Here is a summary:

  • SLT means Standard Luxury Touring, and it’s less advanced than Denali.
  • Some luxury features in SLT trim include remote start, rear-view camera, GPS, power sunroof, etc.
  • SLE represents Standard Luxury Edition, and it’s less developed than SLT.
  • SLT features vary across GMC truck models from Yukon to Acadia, Sierra, and Terrain.

Having gone through the various trims on the GMC truck, what model do you think best suits your lifestyle?

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