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Identifying the First-Gen Ford Mustang2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Review
A fancy tailgate and fancier materials set the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 apart from its corporate brethren. The handsome new looks don’t hurt either.
2019 GMC Sierra 1500 – gmc.com | Shop 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500?
Fresh from the ground up, the 2019 GMC Sierra takes strides to differentiate itself from its mechanical twin, the Chevy Silverado. Positioned as a more luxurious take on the full-size pickup, the new Sierra has several features that cannot be found on its stablemate. That includes a trick cargo bed, large-scale application of carbon fiber, and adaptive suspension. Compared to the last generation, this latest Sierra 1500 adds a diesel engine option, is dimensionally larger, but lighter in overall weight. It also sports a fresh design that it is a relatively dramatic difference from the latest Chevy look.
The Breakdown
Handsome design nails the pickup truck ethos
360 pounds lighter, but longer and more rigid
MultiPro tailgate is the Swiss Army knife of bed gates
Loads of trailering features and technology
Denali should offer more luxury to stay competitive
GMC offers a compelling reason to look past the Silverado
2019 Sierra 1500 Specs
- 285 horsepower from base engine
- 305 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 6 available trims
- 63 cu-ft short bed
- 72 cu-ft standard bed
- 89 cu-ft long bed
- Towing capacity of 12,200 lbs
- Color heads-up display (HUD)
- Rearview mirror with live-feed camera function
- First maintenance visit is complimentary with first year
- Trailer Theft Detection alerts when trailer is detached
2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Powertrain
Buyers have a choice of 4, 6, or 8 cylinders and gas or diesel power in the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The four-cylinder is turbocharged, producing 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque. On the six-pot front, a gas-powered V6 is the base engine that puts 285 horses to the wheels via a 6-speed auto. For diesel fans, an inline-6 engine is turbocharged and cranks out a whopping 460 lb-ft of torque.
There are technically three V8 options, though two of those are the same 365-horse, 5.3-liter engine model. One has the 6-speed transmission and basic cylinder deactivation while the other is paired to an 8-speed and features the latest Dynamic Fuel Management tech. The honking 6.2-liter 8-cylinder motor makes 420 hp and pairs with a 10-speed automatic.
Denali trim comes with a new, adaptive suspension system that is sure to improve the ride and handling of this leaf-sprung, body-on-frame truck. Available on lower trims is the Traction Select System with preset drive modes tailored for a variety of terrain and weather conditions. It will adjust shift points, throttle mapping, and stability control programming to optimize the Sierra’s handling based on real-time conditions.
Towing & Payload
Properly configured, the 2019 GMC Sierra can tow up to 12,200 pounds and handle a payload of 2,240 pounds. Loading the bed is made easier with the new MultiPro tailgate that can flip, fold, and swing into six different shapes allowing for a standing workstation and a full-width bed step amongst other things. Carbon fiber is used on the available CarbonPro bed that is 62 pounds lighter than the steel version and, according to GMC, is more durable and functional.
Trailering tech includes the ProGrade Trailering System and Advanced Trailering Package. Features of the two include trailer electrical diagnostics and tire temperatures, a hitch camera view, and hitch guidance to make trailer hook up, without a spotter, a relative breeze.
2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Fuel Economy & MPG
Stop/start idle technology is in use across the powertrain board as are two different cylinder deactivation systems that can shut down as many as 6 of 8 cylinders to nudge up the fuel efficiency. However, you’re still dealing with a 5,600-pound truck and as such, the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 hovers at or under 20 mpg in the city and around 23 on the highway with the gas-powered engines. The breakdown is as follows:
- 2.7-liter I4 – 20/23 city/highway (2WD)
- 4.3-liter V6 – 20/23 city/highway (2WD)
- 5.3-liter V8 – 17/23 city/highway (2WD)
- 6.2-liter V8 – 15/20 city/highway (only available with 4WD)
As expected, the Duramax diesel power plant is the, relative, fuel economy champ for the 2019 GMC Sierra. EPA estimates put it at 23 mpg in the city and 30 on the highway in 2WD setup.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Thanks to the longer wheelbase over the outgoing model, 2019 GMC Sierra picks up 3” of additional rear legroom on the crew cab. Behind those rear seats are storage cubbies large enough to hold things like a laptop or umbrella. From a functional perspective, physical buttons compliment the touchscreen display making it easier to manage vehicle settings with your work gloves on.
You’ll find cloth surfaces on base trim, but as you move up the ladder, pebbled-grain leather with contrasting stitching, open-pore wood trim, and dark-finish aluminum add a touch of the high life. Climate controlled seats can be optioned as can soft-touch interior surfaces and heated rear seats.
Entertainment & Technology
Even entry-level Sierras come with a touchscreen infotainment display, though you’ll want at least a SLE trim for the larger 8” model. Android and Apply smartphone software are standard, as is a backup camera. Higher-level amenities include a heads-up display, W-Fi hotspot, and 360-degree exterior camera views. Navigation, satellite radio, and a rearview mirror that can display a rear-facing camera live feed are also available depending on trim.
Safety Features
A host of driver aids is available on the 2019 GMC Sierra including blind spot monitoring and low-speed forward auto-braking. Teen Driver software, rear seat reminder, and six airbags are standard equipment while an upgraded rearview mirror-camera with tilt and zoom ability is optional. Across the board, owners will find LED lighting on fog lamps, head- and taillights.
2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Trims & Pricing
Sierra – $29,195
Even the high-end pickup truck world has a basic utility model, which in the 2019 GMC Sierra lineup is the trim of the same name. Manual locks and windows with black plastic exterior trim are typical of this trim segment though you will find 17” alloys and LED headlights, which are nice touches. Tech-wise, the included backup camera is operated via the 7” touchscreen display that includes Apple and Android smartphone software.
SLE – $39,395
Upgraded features like a leather-wrapped steering wheel, body color trim, and heated side mirrors denote the Sierra SLE. The infotainment screen bumps to 8” in diagonal dimension and adds advanced voice recognition, in-vehicle apps, plus a 1-month trial for the 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Tick the Technology Package box for a surround-view, exterior camera, multi-color HUD, and the rearview mirror that can display a real-time feed of what’s behind you.
Elevation – $41,895
Positioned as a more athletic, street-style pickup, the Elevation model has a monochromatic paint job with gloss black accents and 20” rims. Only available in double cab configuration, this trim adds LED fog lamps, and remote start capability. Tack on the Driver Alert Package for front and rear parking sonar, lane change alert with blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
SLT – $45,895
Sierra SLT trim comes with an enhanced version of the 8” touchscreen utilizing a multi-touch display. 18” wheels dress up the outside and the Driver Alert II package is available with a long list of driver assistance aids. They include forward collision alert, lane keeping assist, front pedestrian braking, automatic high beams, and a following distance indicator.
AT4 – $52,595
The off-road focused model, AT4 trim nets a 2” suspension lift from the factory along with a locking rear differential, skid plates, Rancho monotube shocks, and 18” all-terrain tires – though 20” is an option. Ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and rear outboard seats plus the MultiPro tailgate round out AT4 trim.
Denali – $56,295
Given its top-trim status, the Sierra Denali comes with all the bells and whistles like the HUD, rearview mirror-camera, and adaptive suspension. The infotainment system adds navigation while 22” chrome wheels and power-deployable running boards punch up the looks. High-end leather seating, all the towing technology, and driver assistance features combine to justify the nearly $60,000 price tag.
Warranties
The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 vehicle warranty is good for 3 years or 36,000 miles and the powertrain extends to 5 years/60,000 miles. The same term covers roadside assistance while corrosion perforations are covered for 6 years or 100,000 miles. All 2019 GMC Sierras include one complimentary maintenance visit in the first year.
What we think
2019 GMC Sierra 1500 – gmc.com | Shop 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 on Carsforsale.com
GMC has done an admirable job of making the Sierra a distinct pickup truck as compared to its Silverado cousin. Interesting features only found on the 2019 GMC Sierra, for not a whole lot more money than higher-end Silverados, make it a worthwhile consideration for any would-be pickup buyers.
