2014 GMC Sierra 1500 Review

Whats New For 2014

Redesigned for 2014, the gmc sierra edges from weight reduction while a lineup of recent, additional fuel-efficient engines together with a now-competitive v6.

Introduction

New Cars Reviews - Modern pickup trucks serve not simply as hauling and towing workhorses, other then daily drivers and family shuttles and even. After all, the grunt work needs a few muscle, therefore its no surprise that within the past buyers typically passed by the base v6 engines and opted for substantially stronger ( other then thirstier ) v8s. Other then in the increased emphasis on fuel economy lately, manufacturers are beefing up their trucks six-cylinder engines, and of course the redesigned 2014 gmc sierra has joined the party. Among its several improvements, this all-new sierra possesses a competitive v6 engine which can fulfill the desires associated with a nice several truck buyers.

After all, the 2014 gmc sierra 1500 still offers v8 power within the sort of burly 5. 3-liter and 6. 2-liter mills, that currently enjoy direct fuel injection and cylinder deactivation for higher power and efficiency. But, if you prefer the sierras generous passenger/cargo house other then dont have huge hauling/towing requirements, the new 4. 3-liter v6 ought to more often suffice. It makes 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque and could tow up out to 7, 200 pounds when properly equipped. Fuel economy ratings are impressive and even, with an estimated 18 mpg town and 24 mpg highway on two-wheel-drive models.

Additionally out to taking out a stronger base v6 engine, the gmc sierra has shed a few pounds during this redesign, therefore theres nearly most truck out to move around within the first place. A regular cab model in the v6 while a 6. 5-foot pickup bed, for instance, weighs 250 fewer pounds than its predecessor. This year conjointly brings revised suspension tuning to produce a smoother ride, forward-hinged rear doors on extended cab models ( set up on your awkward, reverse-opening half doors by the previous sierra ) and newly on the market safety features such being a forward collision-alert system, a lane-departure warning system and trailer sway management.

Though the new sierra retains the boxy, all-business look of previous gmc sierras, the automakers designers have modernized the styling a little. Among the updates absolutely really undoubtedly are a huge new grille, revised bumpers and additional sculpted sheet metal close to the wheelwells. Those who often haul lots of individuals and cargo will surely be pleased to discover that the sierra 1500 crew cab currently offers a 6. 5-foot cargo box additionally out to the previous 5. 75-foot box. Within, gmc has upgraded the sierras upholstery, dash and door-panel materials, and you'll currently have an 8-inch touchscreen show in the brands intellilink infotainment interface ( the gmc equivalent of chevys mylink ) and smartphone integration.

All told, the 2014 gmc sierra 1500 is totally competitive with its long-time and similarly capable rivals, the ford f-150 and ram 1500 and even like the toyota tundra. This can be particularly true currently that gmc offers a v6 engine that promises ample performance in conjunction with smart fuel economy. With this sort of sturdy cluster of choices, your choose to produce a full-size pickup might come back down out to feature availability or maybe styling preference.

Body Designs, Trim Levels, And Options

The 2014 gmc sierra 1500 could be a full-size pickup offered within the kind of cab/cargo-bed configurations in each two- and four-wheel drive. Body designs embody regular cab, extended ( double ) cab and crew cab. Regular cabs might well be had with either a 6. 5-foot customary bed or an 8-foot bed. Extended cabs come back in the 6. 5-foot customary bed, whereas crew cabs might well be had with either a 5. 75-foot short bed and even the 6. 5-foot customary bed.

Regular cabs might well be had in base or midlevel sle trims. Double cabs and crew cabs are on the market in base, sle, well-appointed slt and off-road-oriented z71 trims.

The bottom sierra is equipped with 17-inch steel wheels, chrome bumpers and grille, air-conditioning, cruise management, power windows and door locks, a tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, rubber floor covering, a 40/20/40-split front bench seat while a four-speaker am/fm sound system utilizing a 4-inch color show and usb and auxiliary inputs.

The sle adds stainless steel end wheels, deep-tint glass, an e-z lift/lower tailgate, led cargo box lighting, power/heated mirrors, keyless entry, a rearview camera, bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, adjustable driver lumbar support, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, onstar telematics, a color driver info show and an upgraded intellilink audio system ( with an 8-inch color show, satellite radio, hd radio, pandora radio, a cd player and voice management functionality ).

Stepping up out to the slt adds chrome trim, 18-inch alloy wheels, remote beginning, power folding mirrors, a trailer towing package, universal garage opener, an anti-theft system, a rear window defroster, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, power-adjustable pedals, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 110-volt power outlet, dual-zone automatic climate management, leather upholstery, heated eight-way power driver and passenger front seats and driver-seat memory settings.

The z71 trim, that's added atop the sle or slt, features off-road-oriented hardware like special shock absorbers, a heavy-duty air cleaner, hill-descent management, underbody shields, recovery hooks while a few unique exterior and interior styling tweaks.

Several on your items by the higher trim levels are offered by the lower ones as choices, whereas different on the market features ( looking on trim level and configuration ) embody numerous axle ratios, a power sliding rear window, a power sunroof, aspect steps, parking sensors, ventilated front seats, a bose audio system, a navigation system while a rear-seat entertainment system utilizing a blu-ray player. Notably, the max trailering package features an integrated trailer brake controller, heavier-duty suspension calibration while a higher-capacity radiator.

Another key choice cluster will be the driver alert package, that features a lane-departure warning system, a forward collision-alert system, a safety alert seat, and front and rear parking sensors. There will be a number of different packages on the market and even -- highlights embody 20-inch wheels, aspect steps, front and rear parking sensors while a power sliding rear window.

Powertrains And Performance

Normal on several however the slt trim could be a 4. 3-liter v6 with 285 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque. As with all alternative sierra 1500 engines, it comes matched to your six-speed automatic transmission and either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. Maximum towing capability, when properly equipped, is fairly generous at 7, 200 pounds. Gmc estimates fuel economy that should be 18 mpg town and 24 mpg highway for rear-wheel drive. With 4wd, it drops to firmly 17/22.

The 5. 3-liter v8, which is certainly normal upon the slt and optional on alternative sierras, makes 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. Properly equipped, trucks in that engine will tow up to firmly 11, four hundred pounds. With rear-wheel drive, sierras in the 5. 3-liter v8 can achieve 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined ( 16/22/18 for 4wd ), the epa says.

Optional upon the slt could be a 6. 2-liter v8 ( late availability ). Gmc has however to firmly release its power, fuel economy and towing numbers.

Safety

Normal safety features upon the 2014 gmc sierra embody antilock disc brakes, traction and stability management ( with trailer sway management ), front and rear seat aspect airbags and aspect curtain airbags. Additionally normal is onstar, that includes services inclusive of automatic crash notification, roadside assistance, remote door unlocking and stolen-vehicle assistance. All-new cab structures for your own 3 configurations ( normal, double and crew cabs ) bring improved structural stiffness and crashworthiness to firmly the 2014 model.

Choices embody a rearview camera, front and rear park assist while a suite of driver aids that includes a lane departure-warning system while a forward collision-alert system.

Interior Design And Special Features

In that redesign, all-new cab structures bring improved structural stiffness and crashworthiness to firmly the 2014 model. Gmc additionally improved the cabin quality on lower trims, on that materials and build quality are noticeably higher. There will be additionally additional bins and cubbies than before, and slt trims have up to firmly 5 usb ports to firmly keep all your devices charged and happy. The intellilink system deserves special mention to its on the market 8-inch touchscreen that features clear, intuitive controls ; redundant knobs and buttons ; while a terribly effective voice command interface. Youll use this interface to firmly maintain most navigation, audio and phone functions within the whole gmc sierra.

Utilizing a selection of bench or buckets ( looking on trim level ) ahead of time, further as on the market heating, ventilation and adjustable lumbar support, the sierras thickly padded seats promise masses of long-trip comfort. Though the cabs basic dimensions are unchanged from those of last year, there could be a smidge additional rear legroom than before, and front occupants have additional fore/aft seat adjustment vary.

Gone will be the awkward reverse-opening rear doors as to the previous extended cab, just like the newly minted double cab has ancient forward-hinged doors that build it abundant easier to firmly develop and out as to the backseat. The new cabin additionally rides on improved body mounts for reduced noise and vibration, whereas clambering into your bed is created easier by clever steps and handholds built into every rear corner.

Driving Impressions

The 2014 gmc sierra 1500s new v6 provides ample thrust and is light-years ahead as to the previous v6, not merely in terms of power and performance but in addition refinement. Another indication in this engines all-around legitimacy may be that it's on the market on nearly all trim levels and body style levels, rather than just being relegated merely to firmly work truck variants, as was the case in the previous v6.

While you would expect, the 5. 3-liter v8 delivers solid thrust with smart manners, though theres still to a tiny degree of vibration throughout onerous acceleration. Additional seamless than ever, but, will be the fuel-saving cylinder deactivation system, that swaps between v8 and v4 modes with complete transparency.

The six-speed automatic provides swish and timely gearchanges in normal driving. However despite the pull as to the sierras huskier new engines, weve noticed that theres still too big a gap involving the transmissions gear ratios when towing. There will be rumors in an upcoming eight-speed transmission -- it may be a welcome addition. That same, weve towed a trailer with an 8, 600-pound load behind a sierra equipped in the 5. 3-liter v8 and also the max trailering package, and there was masses of reserve grunt.

Overall ride and handling dynamics are noticeably improved over those as to the previous truck. The 2014 gmc sierra 1500 feels robust structurally, however most versions are compliant and comfortable over broken pavement, though the stiffer ride on trucks in the max trailering package will grow tiresome. The 2014 sierra can be terribly quiet, with road noise snuffed out and merely a whisper of wind noise at freeway speeds. The gmc can be steady around turns, and its steering is well-weighted. Off road, the sierra shudders less when bouncing around on rocky trails, exhibiting higher composure than ever before.