Review
Introduction
Sierra is GMC’s name for its line of full-size pickup trucks that range from a no-frills half-tonner with a V-6 engine to heavy-duty editions rated for big loads to the luxury-appointed Denali model. As in years past, the Sierras are essentially fraternal twins of the Silverado trucks offered by Chevrolet. The distinctions lie primarily in cosmetic details, interior treatments, slightly higher pricing, and options packaging. This similarity is not a bad thing, because whatever badging they happen to wear, GM’s big pickups are solid goods.
Renewed for 2007, these trucks ride on GM’s GMT900 chassis, arguably the best in the business at this time. Multiply that by the vast array of body styles and load ratings available, as well as an outstanding range of powertrains—for example, there are four different versions of the 5.3-liter V-8 engine, two with aluminum blocks and heads, two with E85 flex-fuel capability—and this GM truck family is hard to beat.
Gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWRs)—indexes of a truck’s work ethic—range from 6400 to 11,400 pounds, and towing capacities range from a modest 4300 pounds for the basic V-6 work truck (WT) to 13,000 pounds for the 3500HD with a Duramax turbo-diesel. As you’d expect of a full-size pickup, the term fuel economy is an oxymoron. EPA ratings run from 12 to 15 mpg city and 17 to 20 mpg highway for 1500-series trucks.
Verdict
Like its close cousin from Chevrolet, the Sierra is an outstanding line of full-size pickups that offer an excellent combination of good looks, work ethic, durability, range of choices, and value.
Click here to read our full review of the GMC Sierra.
Click here to read our full review of the GMC Sierra HD.
What’s New for 2008
For the Sierra and Sierra Denali, XM satellite radio becomes standard, and GMC added a few new exterior colors. Sierra HD trucks now include satellite radio and 17-inch wheels as standard on 3500 models with dual rear wheels, as well as some new colors.
