10 Things You Need To Know About The 2014 GMC Sierra

A brand new full-size pickup is cause for celebration amongst those who require the use of a practical, comfortable, and brawny vehicle on a regular basis.  The 2014 GMC Sierra is one of the most popular products in the General Motors portfolio, and as such it has received a well-deserved update that pledges to bring the truck up to date when compared to recently revised foes such as the Ford F-150 and the Ram 1500.  The 2014 GMC Sierra comes across as not just a competent pickup, but also one which has finally begun to separate itself from the shadow cast by its Chevrolet Silverado platform-mate.

Let's take a look at 10 things you need to know about the 2014 GMC Sierra.

01. The 2014 GMC Sierra Has Been Completely Redesigned

The 2014 GMC Sierra comes with a host of under-the-skin updates intended to help it compete harder on capability and comfort.  Significant weight has been taken out of the truck's stronger body-on-frame platform thanks to the use of aluminum, and that same metal also steps in to form the vehicle's front suspension arms.    Electric power steering is additionally in the cards for the pickup.  The Sierra has been given a fresh dose of sound-deadening technology - such as insulation and better sealing - in order to keep its interior more peaceful and befitting of the Sierra's premium status.  The passenger compartment is as enormous as before, but storage space has been vastly improved, with an abundance of pockets as well as a huge center console helping to keep drivers organized. 

02. The 2014 GMC Sierra Features New, But Familiar Styling

The 2014 GMC Sierra certainly doesn't present the same kind of 'blast from the past' offered by certain other obviously retro-themed rides, but the full-size pickup's exterior design is a clear nod to previous editions of the truck.  The GMC Sierra wears this tribute well, as the vehicle's squared-off hood, rectangular grille, and right-angle fender flares call out 70's and 80's versions of the GMC.  The overall effect is an evolutionary one when compared against the 2013 model's more fluid design, and it avoids the brutish, aggressive overtones of the Ram 1500 while still skirting the softer angles of the Ford F-150.

03. The 2014 GMC Sierra Offers A Trio Of Engine Choices

The 2014 GMC Sierra's most impressive engine bay accomplishment is the upgrading of its 4.3-liter V-6 to genuine contender status in the entry-level segment.  Gone is the huffing and puffing of last year's motor, and in its place are 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque.  The GMC Sierra's 5.3-liter V-8 - which the brand expects to be the highest-selling drivetrain - has also seen an improvement in output, checking in at 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque.  Topping the lineup is a 6.2-liter V-8 that has been tuned to provide 420 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of twist.  A six-speed automatic transmission handles the shifting duties for the pickup in all three configurations.

04. The 2014 GMC Sierra Comes With New Fuel Efficiency Technology

A big part of the 2014 GMC Sierra's updated engine performance has to do with the implementation of direct fuel injection across all three engines, which allows for not only increased power production but also much better fuel efficiency.  In fact, when combined with variable valve timing, as well as the ability for each engine to drop to four cylinder operation under light load, the GMC Sierra stands as one of the most frugal pickups in its class.  Fuel mileage for the 5.3-liter V-8 (the first of the truck's available drivetrains to receive an official EPA rating) checks in at 16-mpg in stop and go driving and 22-mpg on the highway.  Numbers go down somewhat when the Sierra is spec'd with optional four-wheel drive.

05. The 2014 GMC Sierra Offers A Trio Of Body Styles

Currently the 2014 GMC Sierra is only being offered in the Crew cab body style, which offers improved access to its up-to six-passenger interior thanks to a redesigned entry point that is wider towards the front than in years past.  By the end of the summer of 2013, it will also be possible to buy Regular and Extended cab versions of the GMC Sierra.  The latter features the biggest deviation from the previous model year, as its rear-hinged back doors have been replaced by easier-to-use front-hinged doors that are a bit smaller than those found on the Crew cab Sierra.

06. The 2014 GMC Sierra Comes With New Cargo Bed Features

The 2014 GMC Sierra can be ordered with a short five-foot, eight-inch bed, a long eight-foot bed, or a six-foot, six-inch bed that fits in between.  Each of these versions of the GMC Sierra's cargo area comes with a new soft-open tailgate, which descends slowly from the closed to the fully-open position as soon as the latch is released.  It is also possible to order a rear bumper with the Sierra that includes a step integrated into each corner, making it easier to access the cargo bed itself, and a set of LED lights installed underneath the bed rails can be additionally had so as to better illuminate items that might be hiding under a tonneau cover or bed cap.

07. The 2014 GMC Sierra Provides Three Trim Levels To Choose From

The 2014 GMC Sierra has done away with the Work Truck trim level that used to signify its entry-level package.  Instead, the GMC Sierra now starts out with the aptly-named Sierra trim, which includes a stereo system with a 4.2-inch color screen, cruise control, a driver information center, a split bench seat up front, and power windows.  Stepping up to the SLE trim provides Bluetooth connectivity, a touch screen for interacting with the truck's IntelliLink infotainment and communications system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and keyless entry, while the SLT trim introduces a 110-volt power outlet, dual automatic climate control, heated leather upholstery, power adjustable pedals, tilt and telescoping steering, and an anti-theft system.

08. The 2014 GMC Sierra Offers An Updated Denali Edition

The 2014 GMC Sierra continues the brand's tradition of offering the Denali luxury edition of the truck.  This year, however, things are a little different in Denali land.  The GMC Sierra Denali is now available with the choice of either a 5.3-liter or a 6.2-liter V-8, whereas in 2013 the 6.2-liter was standard.  Gone, too, is the option of all-wheel drive, replaced by the choice of two-wheel or traditional four-wheel drive.  Additional Denali features include a unique exterior appearance, upgraded leather for the truck's passenger compartment, 20-inch chrome wheels, cooled seats, a heated steering wheel, and a navigation system.

09. The 2014 GMC Sierra Offers The Safety Alert Seat

The 2014 GMC Sierra debuts GM's 'safety alert seat' for the truck-heavy brand.  The feature works together with the GMC Sierra's advanced safety systems such as forward collision warning and lane departure warning to provide a more visceral form of driver notification.  Instead of simply sound a tone or flashing a light inside the cabin or on an exterior mirror, the safety alert seat actually vibrates in order to transmit its warning.  The left and right sides can vibrate individually when the truck strays from its lane, while the entire seat is set to trembling should a collision be detected as imminent.

10. The 2014 GMC Sierra Provides Solid Towing Capability

The 2014 GMC Sierra has been gifted with an excellent range of towing capacities, reflecting the fact that 60 percent of GMC Sierra buyers hitch something up to their trucks during the course of ownership.  The pickup's base V-6 can haul up to 7,500 lbs, which GMC is calling best in class, and the Sierra's 5.3-liter V-8 engine ups that figure to 9,600 lbs.  For those who require additional assistance with a heavier load, a towing package can be installed in order to boost the vehicle's total tugging capabilities to an impressive 11,500 lbs (thanks to the inclusion of heavy duty cooling, a tow/haul mode on the transmission, and a trailer brake controller).