There was a time when pickup trucks were primarily used for their utility, and tasked with heavy-duty work. Their cabin wasn’t luxurious, but rugged and skimpy on features or technology. However, times have since changed and today, you still get basic pickup trucks if that’s what you desire. But, you can also buy a luxurious, feature-packed one if you so please. General Motors introduced the GMC Sierra and its twin the Chevrolet Silverado in 1998. The GMC Sierra uses a tough and off-road friendly body-on-frame chassis and since its launch in the late ‘90s, the GMC Sierra has amassed a loyal following and remains one of General Motors’ highest-selling vehicles till date.
Where the first-generation GMC Sierra was pretty basic in comparison to modern-day pickups, its current successor is in a league of its own. The all-new third-generation Sierra was launched in 2013 and this is the iteration we still have with us. The 2019 GMC Sierra is the most up-to-date avatar of this truck, and it benefits from better technology, more features and comfort, and better handling than ever before. In the UAE, the new Sierra rivals the Chevrolet Silverado, RAM 1500 and Ford F-150.
Exterior
The exterior design and styling of the all-new 2019 GMC Sierra bears little resemblance to its former self. This pickup has now morphed into a properly modern and sophisticated bit of kit. It’s still as imposing and brash as ever, but it now asks before it shoots. The gargantuan and macho front fascia is dominated by a beefcake hood, enormous chrome grille with a bold ‘GMC’ badge, accompanied by cutting-edge LED headlights and daytime-runners, vertically-stacked LED foglights with chrome surrounds, and a heavy-duty bumper with more chrome and two hooks.
The vast but well-proportioned side profile of the new Sierra draws eyes towards its large yet slick 22-inch shiny chrome wheels, squared wheel arches with massively-flared fenders, buckets of chrome detailing, heavy-duty running boards, and impressive ground clearance. This Sierra’s ruggedly confident stance is ever-present and unavoidable. The rear features a handy, multi-purpose tailgate, large LED taillights, and a well-designed bumper with integrated steps and dual exhaust pipes. The 2019 GMC Sierra is 6.071 meters in length, 2.032 meters in width, 1.884 meters in height, and has a wheelbase of 3.886 meters. Also, its rear bed can easily accommodate over 1,700 liters worth of cargo.
Interior
In keeping with the times, the interior of the 2019 GMC Sierra has been extensively updated and redesigned. The cabin, especially in Denali trim is remarkably luxurious, comfortable, and brimming with features. The recent facelift and upgrades have worked well and the Sierra’s build, material quality, and fit & finish are all top-class. Given its enormous size, its cabin offers more than enough room.
Some of the key gadgets of the all-new Sierra are adaptive cruise control, adaptive LED headlights, adaptive suspension, powered side steps, all-around parking sensors and cameras, leather upholstery, powered, heated and cooled front seats, wireless smartphone charger, ambient lighting, head-up display, multi-zone climate control, and an 8-inch touch-infotainment system with navigation and a premium sound system. It also gets an abundance of passive and active safety tech for the occupants.
Engine and performance
Under the expansive hood of the 2019 GMC Sierra Denali is a 6.2-liter V8 dishing out 420 hp and 625 Nm of torque. A 10-speed automatic handles transmission duties while an all-wheel-drive system puts the power down. The Sierra can hit 100 km/h in 7.0 seconds and its top speed is 180 km/h.
Verdict
The 2019 GMC Sierra range costs from AED 143,100 to AED 232,500, and insurance costs between AED 3,220 and AED 5,231.
