GMC SLE Vs SLT – Which One of These Trims Is Way Better?

The purposeful, powerful GMC lineup of trims is designed and engineered to tackle almost anything. Whether you are taking it offroading, tackling a project, or camping, these trucks provide premium features and performance. 

The two most popular trims from this brand are GMC SLE and SLT. In today’s post, we will go through the major differences between GMC SLE Vs SLT and help you decide which is the better option for you. 

Main Differences Between GMC SLE Vs SLT

Here are the key differences between GMC SLE Vs SLT:

• The SLE MSRP starts at $44,800, whereas the SLT MSRP starts at $48,500.
• The SLE comes with a standard 2.7L turbo engine, whereas the SLT features a standard 5.3L V8 engine.
• The GMC SLE is equipped with a standard 8-speed automatic transmission, whereas the GMC SLT features a standard 8-speed automatic and an optional 10-speed automatic transmission.
• The SLE trim can tow up to 11,200 pounds, whereas the SLT trim can tow up to 13,000 pounds.
• The SLE has available Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel and 5.3L V8 engine with 10-speed automatic transmission, whereas the SLT has available Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel and 6.2L V8 engine with 10-speed automatic transmission.
• The SLE features both leather and cloth seating, whereas the SLT is full leather in the back.
• GMC SLE city fuel economy is 20 mpg whereas GMC SLT city fuel economy is 17 mpg.
• The SLE delivers 310 horsepower at 5600 rpm whereas the SLT delivers 355 horsepower at 5600 rpm.
• The SLE provides 348 ib-ft of torque at 1500 rpm whereas the SLT offers 383 ib-ft at 4100 rpm.

What Is GMC SLE?

This is a trim level that offers a base to medium starting price points. The abbreviation SLE refers to special luxury edition. It is one of the popular trim levels in the GMC family of vehicles. When compared to the base trim, the SLE is a big upgrade with superior traits.

The regular cab has a drivetrain that is identical to the one found in the base trim. But you’ve got an increase in GVWR to 6900 pounds. There is an automatic rear differential, and you’ve also got an electronic transfer case that is found on the left side of the steering wheel. This helps to clear space on the floor. 

On the outside, you’ve got body-colored mirror caps, door handles, and side moldings. Other convenience features include cargo box lighting, heated power-adjustable mirrors, a remote locking tailgate, an EZ-lift tailgate, and a tinted rear window.

You’ve got a 4.2-inch multi-colored version driver information center on the inside, which is great because it is steering-wheel controllable. The 8-inch infotainment center is considerably large compared to the one found in the base trim. The illuminated vanity mirrors, HD radio, wifi hotspot, and floor carpeting are standard. But you will appreciate the leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise controls.

You also get remote keyless entry as well as a split-bench that comes equipped with convenient under-seat storage. 

What Is GMC SLT?

SLT refers to special luxury touring. This is the go-to GMC trim if you are looking for quality and performance that is in between the SLE and Denali. It is simply an upgrade of the SLE trim that offers more high-end features. Some of the major changes, however, are available as options.

The engine of the SLT is a 5.3L V8, which is an upgrade to what the SLE comes with. This engine is available with a 6.2L V8. You have the option of 8-speed automatic transmission. The GVWR, on the other hand, is increased to 7200 pounds. 

You’ve got a standard external transmission oil cooler that used to be optional with the previous trims. Another feature that is standard but used to be optional in the earlier trims is the trailering equipment (2-inch & 7-pin connector).

The chrome mirror caps, door handles, and side moldings are standard. If you don’t like chrome, you can always consider body colors.

On the inside, the passenger, as well as the driver-side feature, individual climate control, and heated seats. The seats are fitted with leather, which improves the interior beauty of the vehicle. The rear bench seat, on other hand, is split 60/40. You get added convenience with the remote start rear window defogger and power-adjustable pedals.

Using the truck bed is much easier and convenient thanks to the standard lower tailgate and EZ lift. 

Features Comparisons

Here are the key feature comparisons between GMC SLT Vs SLE:

Engine & Transmission

GMC SLE

The GMC SLE comes with a 2.7L inline-4 gas engine as the standard, which is great because it reduces the weight of the truck.

This engine offers better fuel economy in the city of 20 mpg and an impressive 23 highway mpg. This engine is just perfect for running errands in the city without wasting too much gas, considering the idling and slower speeds. Other optional available engines for this trim are 5.3L Turbo V8 and 3.0L Turbo inline-6 diesel.

The standard transmission on this truck is an 8-speed automatic with an optional 10-speed automatic. The horsepower provided by this engine is 310 hp at 5600 rpm with a 348 ib-ft torque at 1500 rpm. You’ve also got a rear-wheel drivetrain, which is good because you get even weight distribution and improved handling.

GMC SLT

The GMC SLT comes with a standard 5.3L V8 gas engine, which is one of the most reliable options on the market. You will hardly experience any issues for around 220,000 miles.

This engine provides 17 city mpg, which means it may not be the most economical option for city driving when compared to the standard engine of the SLE trim. On the highway, it offers the same fuel economy as the SLE of 23 mpg. Other available engine options for the SLT trim are 3.0L turbo diesel and 6.2L V8 with 10-speed automatic transmission.

The standard transmission for this trim is an 8-speed automatic with an optional 10-speed automatic. The 5.3L V8 engine delivers 355 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 383 ib-ft torque at 4100 rpm. The drivetrain, however, is rear-wheel drive just like the one on the SLE.

Interior

GMC SLE

The SLE interior has a seating capacity of 6 seats. You’ve got cloth seat trim with dark walnut and jet black colors. Other standard interior features include bucket seats and a leather steering wheel.

GMC SLT

The SLT interior also has a seating capacity of 6. You have perforated leather-appointed seat trim in dark walnut and jet black colors.

Infotainment and Comfort

GMC SLE

The standard infotainment features include Bluetooth connection, auxiliary audio input, wifi hotspot, satellite radio, and mp3 player. Optional features include smart device integration and HD radio. 

Features not available on the SLE trim include hard disk drive media, premium sound system, and entertainment system.

The standard comfort features include steering wheel audio controls, power mirrors, AC, climate control cruise control, power driver seat, multi-zone A/C, keyless entry, heated steering wheel, heated front seat, keyless start, rear A/C, and remote start.

GMC SLT

The standard infotainment features for the SLT trim include HD radio, Bluetooth connection, mp3 player, auxiliary audio input, wifi hotspot, smart device integration, and satellite radio.

When compared to the SLE trim, the SLT is packed with more comfort features, including a head-up display, steering wheel audio controls, navigation system, A/C, power mirrors, adaptive cruise control, climate control, cruise control, telematics, keyless start, universal garage door opener, seat memory, remote engine start, power passenger seat, power driver seat, multi-zone A/C, keyless entry, heated steering wheel, and heated rear and front seats.

Steering, Wheels, and Tires

As far as the steering is concerned, both the SLE and SLT come with an electric rack and pinion with a turning diameter of 46.3 feet. They both have aluminum wheels, but the SLE has 17-inch by 8-inch front and rear wheel size, while the SLT has 18-inch by 8.5-inch front and rear wheel size. 

The SLE comes with 255/70R17 front, rear, and spare tires. The SLT, on the other hand, is equipped with 265/65R18SL front and rear tires and a 265/70R17SL spare tire.

Other Features

Both trims have best-in-class cargo box volume. The SLE maximum towing capacity is around 11,200 pounds. The SLT, on the other hand, has a maximum towing capacity of approximately 13,000 pounds. The SLE delivers 20 city mpg, 23 highway mpg, and 21 combined mpg. The SLT provides 23 highway mpg, 17 city mpg, and 19 combined mpg.

Both the SLE and SLT have a fuel tank capacity of 24 gallons. The SLE, however, has a cruising range city of 480 miles and a cruising range highway of 552 miles. The SLT, on the other hand, has a cruising range city of 408 miles and a cruising range highway of 552 miles.

Related: Which Is the Best 3/4 Ton Truck?

GMC SLT Vs SLE – Verdict

The battle between these two trims has been fierce, right? But one thing is for sure, the SLT is the better version of the SLE. The SLT has more infotainment and comfort features. But as far as fuel economy is concerned, the SLE appears to offer better city, highway, and combined mpg.