2020 GMC Sierra Mode Selections

Kyle Funke · April 5, 2020

Hello all,

This is my first post on the forum and I’m fairly new to the truck world. I just went from a barebones 2018 Colorado to a new 2020 Sierra SLT 4x4 with the 5.3L this week. A few questions I had right off the bat that I’m curious about is the off road modes on it. I don’t plan on doing much or any off-roading in it, and too be honest I’m not sure how capable it is not being an AT4. Anyway, I noticed it has an Off-Road mode on the mode dial but there’s also a button for a Terrain mode. I was curious about similarities and differences between the two. Also, how is the Sport mode? Noticeable differences between that and normal? Sorry this is so long, but I’m excited to get out there and test it out but wanted some advice before I do. Thanks so much.

steve841 · April 5, 2020

My second truck of this line and I've never touched the offroad option.

Sport really only extends shift points and makes them more aggressive and is noticeable.

In all truth, I cant really tell a difference between sport and tow modes.

But, with tow mode, the trans temp gauge appears on the upgraded dash.

Enjoy the new ride.

Edited April 5, 2020 by steve841

smrr1 · April 5, 2020

It is plenty capable off road. No need for the at4 to be capable off road and i own an at4. All the at4 really gives you, capability wise, is a little more ground clearance. For decades people used gm trucks off road before there was a lifted option.

Kyle Funke · April 5, 2020

5 hours ago, steve841 said:

My second truck of this line and I've never touched the offroad option.

Sport really only extends shift points and makes them more aggressive and is noticeable.

In all truth, I cant really tell a difference between sport and tow modes.

But, with tow mode, the trans temp gauge appears on the upgraded dash.

Enjoy the new ride.

Is there a way to monitor trans temp without the all-screen dash? I haven’t really gotten a chance to look around yet and I’m doing my best to follow the recommended break in so I haven’t explored much.

steve841 · April 5, 2020

I dont know for sure on other models, but the trans temp is displayed in the information menu. May have to be enabled.

Kyle Funke · April 5, 2020

I’ll take a look. Thanks for the tip!

Mikedfw · April 5, 2020

Haven't used off road mode yet, but sport mode does change the shift points and the steering is heavier. I do prefer sport mode on curvy roads, use tour for everything else, wont get to try off road til this summer, if the virus lockdowns are gone and I can get away for a bit.

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