Having written a lot about specific trucks and SUV’s we know that you’ll likely run into the terms SLE or SLT when you’re in the market for a new car of this type. However, the difference between these trim levels is not always clear. Luckily, we got you covered. Let’s start with a quick answer:
SLT stands for Special Luxury Trim and is a trim level used on GMC trucks, SUVs, and some Dodge trucks. SLE stands for Special Luxury Edition and is a trim level that’s only used on GMC trucks and SUV’s. The SLT package has more luxury features and is more complete than the SLE package. On average, the SLT package costs $5,000 more than the SLE package.
However, that certainly doesn’t tell the whole story. In the blog below, we’ve outlined in detail which trucks and SUVs make use of these trim levels. After that, we also detail the difference for each truck and SUV between the trim levels. Finally, we explain the price difference between the packages for each car model that makes use of it. Read on!
What Trucks Have An SLT Or SLE Trim?
First of all, it’s important to know that only trucks can have the SLT or SLE trim level. There’s no specific reason for this other than that’s what manufacturers have decided upon. Furthermore, it’s good to know that the SLE and SLT trim levels are used on all modern-day GMC trucks. Trucks that have both the SLE and SLT package are:
- GMC Acadia
- GMC Sierra 1500
- GMC Sierra 2500HD
- GMC Sierra 3500HD
- GMC Terrain
- GMC Yukon
Besides GMC, there’s also Dodge, which makes use of the SLT trim level. Since GMC owns Dodge, this is a logical extension. However, please note that not all Dodge trucks have an SLT or SLE trim level. Only the Dodge Ram 1500 and 2500 have an SLT package as an option. The SLE package does not exist within the Dodge line-up.
- Dodge Ram 1500
- Dodge Ram 2500
Also read: What Does Tip Start Mean On A Dodge Or Jeep?
Differences Between SLT And SLE
If you have questions about the SLT and SLE package, you’re most likely also looking for differences within the trim levels. Below we’ve outlined all trucks of GMC that still make use of these trim levels. We’ve also explained the differences between the trim levels for each specific truck. Let’s continue.
GMC Acadia
The 2022 GMC Acadia SLE or SLT trim levels have a 2.0L turbocharged engine with 258 lb/ft of torque. However, the SLT can also be upgraded to a 3.6L V6. The Acadia SLE has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. with towing package, whereas the SLT has a maximum towing capacity of 4,000 lbs. with the V6 and towing package.
Both versions have a 9-speed automatic transmission available for the 2.0L, whereas the SLT can also have this transmission for the 3.6L V6.
The Acadia SLT has a heads-up display and an HD surround vision with heated rear outboard seats. The GMC SLE has none of those features available. Furthermore, the Driver Convenience Package, GMC Pro Safety Plus, and Infotainment Package are standard on the Acadia SLT, whereas the SLE only has the GMC Pro Safety Plus package.
GMC Sierra 1500
The 2021 GMC Acadia SLE has a 2.7L turbocharged engine as a standard which can be upgraded to a 3.0L I6 Duramax Turbo-Diesel. In contrast, the SLT version uses a 5.3L V8 EcoTec3 engine which can be downgraded to the 3.0L I6 or upgraded to a 6.2L V8 EcoTec3.
The SLE has a standard GVWR of 7,000 pounds, whereas the SLT has 7,100 pounds. Both of them can be upgraded to 7,300 pounds maximum. The SLT does have a standard integrated trailer brake controller and the ProGrade Trailering System, which gives you an HD surround vision, making it easier to drive with a trailer. Both of them have the towing package as a standard.
GMC Sierra 2500HD
The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD has a 6.6L V8 engine in both the SLE and SLT trim levels which can be upgraded to a 6.6L V8 Duramax Turbo-Diesel in both cases. Both the trim levels make use of 6-speed heavy-duty automatic transmission, and both have the option to be upgraded to a 10-speed automatic. Only the SLE can have this 10-speed transmission with Integrated Power Take-Off.
The Sierra 2500HD SLT has a Prograde Trailering System and HD Rear Vision Camera as a standard, whereas these are options for the SLE package. The SLT package also has HD Surround Vision, whereas this is not an option for the SLE package. Digital Variable Steering Assist is standard on the SLT trim level, whereas it’s not available on the SLE package.
The SLE package has a maximum standard GVWR of 10,150 pounds, whereas the SLT has 10,350 pounds. In both cases, this can be upgraded to a maximum of 11,050 pounds.
GMC Sierra 3500HD
The 2022 GMC Sierra 3500HD has a 6.6L V8 engine in both the SLE and SLT trim levels which can be upgraded to a 6.6L V8 Duramax Turbo-Diesel in both cases. Both the trim levels make use of 6-speed heavy-duty automatic transmission, and both have the option to be upgraded to a 10-speed automatic. Only the SLE can have this 10-speed transmission with Integrated Power Take-Off.
Both the SLE and SLT have a standard maximum GVWR of 11,350 pounds, whereas both can be upgraded to a maximum of 12,100 pounds. Only the SLT has an HD rear vision camera as a standard, whereas it’s available as an option on the SLE. Furthermore, the SLT has HD Surround Vision as an option, which is not the case for the SLE.
Autotrac 2-speed transfer case is standard on the SLT and an option on the SLE. Digital Variable Steering Assist is standard on the SLT and not even an option on the SLE. Both trim levels have an auxiliary trailer camera and a bed view camera available as an option.
GMC Terrain
With the 2022 GMC Terrain, the differences between the SLE and SLT packages are mainly found in external looks and internal features. The SLE has 17″ silver-painted aluminum wheels as a standard, whereas these are 18″ for the SLT package. On the SLT package, these can also be upgraded to 19″.
The SLT has fog lamps, a hands-free programmable liftgate, and heated outside mirrors with indicators as a standard. In contrast, the SLE only has heated outside mirrors without indicators as a standard. A liftgate is an option, and the fog lamps are not available on the SLE.
On the inside, we find that the adjustment options on both the driver and passenger seats are much more elaborate for the SLT than they are for the SLE. Furthermore, the SLE also uses a 17″ infotainment screen, whereas the SLT has an 18″ one. Ambient interior lighting is standard in the SLT and not available for the SLE. –
Heated driver and front passenger seats are standard in the SLT and an option for the SLE. A heated steering wheel is standard in the SLT but not available for the SLE.
GMC Yukon
The 2021 GMC Yukon has a 5.3L V8 as a standard in both the SLE and SLT packages. Both packages also have the option for a 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine. In both cases, these engines are connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
The Yukon SLT has HD Surround Vision as an option, whereas this is not the case for the SLE. GMC Pro Safety Plus is standard for the SLT but not available for the SLE. Navigation is available as an option for the SLT but not for the SLE.
Heated and ventilated front seats are standard for the SLT, whereas the SLE does not have this option. Heated second-row outboard seats are an option on the SLT and not available for the SLE. Furthermore, the SLT has many more options in terms of appearance, such as chrome door handles, illuminated logos, and leather seats, whereas the SLE does not have this.
Also read: What Does Deleted Mean On A Truck?
What’s The Difference In Price Between A SLE and SLT Trim Level?
Furthermore, it’s also interesting to know the exact price difference between the SLE and SLT packages. As you have probably figured out by now, the SLE is normally cheaper than the SLT package because the SLT has more luxury features.
Below we’ve outlined the exact price difference for specific FWD versions of the trucks and SUVs with the SLE or SLT package. For all cars, we made use of the 2022 versions except for the Sierra 1500 and the Yukon, which only have 2021 versions available. The conclusion of this is as follows.
On average the SLE package of a GMC truck or SUV costs $5,000 less than the SLT package.
| Make/Model | Price SLE | Price SLT |
| GMC Acadia | $ 35,995 | $ 40,295 |
| GMC Sierra 1500 | $ 45,495 | $ 49,195 |
| GMC Sierra 2500HD | $ 47,095 | $ 55,095 |
| GMC Sierra 3500HD | $ 51,095 | $ 59,095 |
| GMC Terrain | $ 29,095 | $ 33,095 |
| GMC Yukon | $ 52,695 | $ 59,695 |
Sources
Hi! My name is Stefan; I’m the owner and lead writer at TheDriverAdviser.com.
I’m an active writer on this blog myself, as well as a novice car mechanic. For the really technical stuff, I find writers with experience as a mechanic or who have studied mechanical engineering.
Read more about our fantastic team on our about page!