The Sierra 1500 is GMC's full size pickup offering. If you need to tow or haul, this is where you want to look. It's available in three cab sizes, with seating for up to six, in three box lengths, depending on the cab, and a variety of engines and transmissions. For 2015, changes include a new eight-speed auto on 6.2L models, magnetic ride on Denali trims, and the latest OnStar.
You can option up the Sierra in regular cab, with seating for two or three, double cab, with minimal seating for three in the second row, or crew cab, with seating for five or six and four full doors for access. All three cabs are available in two or four wheel drive. Regular cab trucks have a choice of an 8' or 6'-6" box, double cabs get a 6'-6" box, and crew cabs come with 5'-8" or 6'-6".
There are three total engine choices, with the regular cab getting the two smaller ones. There is an EcoTec3 4.3L V6 making 285 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque. Step up to a 5.3L V8 and get 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. Both are coupled with a six-speed automatic. The biggest engine is a 6.2L V8 making 420 hp and 460 lb-ft, attached to an eight-speed auto, and is only available on SLT or Denali trims. On the 6.2L, premium gas is recommended. There is also a choice of differential ratios, with 3.08 available (for best fuel economy), 3.23, or 3.42 (for best towing). The 5.3L gets a 3.73 gear when equipped with the Max Trailering pack.
The four available trims are the base Sierra, SLE, SLT and top-of-the-line Sierra Denali. The Denali is only available in double or crew cab configurations. Base Sierra is ready for work, and comes with vinyl floors, manual windows, 17-inch wheels, a front bench seat with three-passenger seating. The regular cab even has manual windows. You do get air conditioning though. OnStar is optional, as is a carbon or chrome appearance pack, a back-up camera, and a convenience pack with 110V AC outlet and LED box lighting. Mechanical options include the 4.3L or 5.3L engine, all three cab configurations, a rear-window defroster and a limited slip differential.
Sierra SLE adds carpeted floors and upgraded manual adjustment seats. There is also a leather wrapped wheel and power windows and mirrors. Power and heated seats are available options, as are two-person slip seats for the front row. SLE Convenience adds power adjusting pedals, and a sliding, defrosting rear window on crew and double cabs. The SLE Preferred includes 10-way power driver's seat, remote start, dual-zone climate control, and fog lights. SLE Premium adds trailer equipment and two-wheel drive models get a locking rear differential. Lane departure warning, park assist, and collision alert are also available.
There is also an All Terrain pack on double and crew cab 4x4's that gives you the heated power seats, park assist, projector headlights with LED DRL's, fog lights, chrome trim, 18-inch wheels and Z71 Off-road suspension. Most of those features are available separately as well. The Max Trailering pack adds a beefier rear axle, 3.73 locking rear differential, and enhanced cooling. There are also a large variety of wheel choices, from 17-inch all the way to 22-inch.
Sierra SLT gets standard dual-zone climate control, rear window defogger, power adjustable pedals, tilt and telescoping wheel, and leather power heated seats. Options include ventilated cooled seats, a heated steering wheel, and lane departure warning, park assist, and collision alert. The All Terrain pack on SLT includes upgraded leather-appointed front bucket seats, a Bose stereo, body colour trim, and the Z71 suspension. The 6.2L V8 is an option, as is the Max Trailering pack. Wheels ranging from 17 to 22 inches are available.
The up-level, luxury Denali comes with automatic climate control, rear window defogger, an up-rated instrument cluster with 8.0-inch display, heated leather steering wheel, leather heated and cooled power front seats, a Bose stereo with 8.0-inch infotainment display and navigation. The only option of note inside is for a rear-seat Blu-Ray player with 9.2-inch screen. The 5.3L V8 is standard, with the 6.2L as an option. A locking rear differential is standard, as are 20-inch wheels. 22-inch wheels are optional.
There are a wide range of trims and engines, but fuel economy varies from 13.4 L/100km city, 9.9 L/100 km highway for the two wheel drive, regular cab V6 to 16.3/11.6 for the four-wheel drive with a 6.2L V8.
If you’re looking for a full size truck, the Sierra is quiet, roomy, and can haul. It’s up against the RAM 1500, Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, and Toyota Tundra in a very competitive spot in the market.
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