2019 GMC Sierra 1500 First Look Review: Luxury Workhorse

(到目前为止gasoline-powered six-cylinder engine has not been confirmed by General Motors for either the Sierra or Silverado.) Dynamic Fuel Management is Sierra's big gasoline-engine breakthrough for 2019. In the past, V-8 engines in the Sierra have been able to shut off cylinders to run in a four-cylinder mode. The new system allows the engine to effectively run on just one cylinder, further boosting fuel economy in the process. Meanwhile, the diesel will likely be the efficiency king of all the engines available, though GM has not yet provided fuel economy estimates or output numbers for any of the new and refined engines.

Both the larger 6.2-liter V-8 and 3.0-liter inline-6 turbodiesel are mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission developed in conjunction with Ford. It's the exact same automatic that does duty in the Ford F-150 and Mustang, Chevy Camaro, and Cadillac Escalade. To date, GMC has only given details on Sierra's SLT and Denali trim lines, including a new AT4 off-road package that can be fitted to those trims. Both the SLT and Denali come standard with GMC's new MultiPro tailgate. It can be used as a normal tailgate, but also as tall desk for a laptop while out in the field, a step, a load-stop in two heights for longer cargo, and a notch-out gate so you can get closer to cargo deeper in the bed.

The bed itself is made of traditional stamped steel unless you opt for the Sierra Denali. With Sierra's top-level trim, the traditional box can be swapped out for GMC's new CarbonPro bed. Don't let the name fool you, however, as this is mainly a composite (read: plastic) bed with carbon fiber in unweaved form used as a reinforcing material. It's not one large piece, but rather four composite pieces-bottom, sides, and back-stuck together with a structural adhesive. Still, it lightens the bed while introducing strength and durability to the Sierra's back half. It also means you won't need to buy a drop-in or spray-in bedliner for the Sierra Denali if you opt for CarbonPro, though it's likely to be a pricey option. (GMC has not yet revealed pricing details for CarbonPro.)

Another feature only found on Sierra Denali is GM's Adaptive Ride Control suspension system, which adjusts damping rates to better smooth out less than stellar pavement-a feature it needs as there's very little sidewall offered by the tires wrapped around its optional 22-inch wheels. GMC'snew AT4 subbrandbrings some off-road kit to the party, available on SLT and Denali grades. AT4 begins with a 2-inch factory suspension lift to give Sierra more ground clearance and wheel articulation, thanks to Rancho off-road shocks. 4WD with a two-speed transfer case, locking rear differential, skid plates, and Goodyear Wrangler A/T tires round out the off-road-ready hard parts.

AT4 also gets a distinct look versus standard SLT and Denali grades, starting with exclusive 18-inch wheels with a machined face and dark-tinted appearance, black chrome up front to replace the traditional chrome of SLT and Denali models, and red vertical recovery hooks within the front bumper. Beyond looks and hard parts, AT4 also includes GMC's Traction Select System and Hill Descent Control to keep everything on path and out of the trees. Regardless of trim, Sierra (and Silverado) employ a significant amount of aluminum to drop its curb weight, but unlike the F-150, GMC only uses the metal for the Sierra's doors, hood, and tailgate. Everything else is made of steel.

Other features of note, such as the ProGrade Trailering System, a multi-color 3x7 head-up display, rear camera mirror, and surround vision are either available or standard equipment on SLT and Denali grade Sierras. The 2019 Sierra 1500 is expected to arrive in base, SLE, SLT, and Denali grades along with the newly available AT4 package this fall. Features for base and SLE grades, fuel economy figures, and pricing for all models have not yet been announced.