Whats New For 2014
Redesigned for 2014, the gmc sierra advantages from weight reduction as well as a lineup of recent, additional fuel-efficient engines as well as a now-competitive v6.
Introduction
New Cars Reviews - Modern pickup trucks serve not as hauling and towing workhorses, other then daily drivers and family shuttles furthermore. In fact, the grunt work needs a few muscle, thus its no surprise that within the past buyers sometimes passed upon 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 also the redesigned 2014 gmc sierra has joined the party. Among its several improvements, this all-new sierra possesses a competitive v6 engine which will fulfill the wants associated with a nice several truck buyers.
In fact, the 2014 gmc sierra 1500 still offers v8 power within the sort of burly 5. 3-liter and 6. 2-liter mills, that currently take pleasure in direct fuel injection and cylinder deactivation for higher power and efficiency. Though, if you do just like the sierras generous passenger/cargo house other then dont have huge hauling/towing requirements, the new 4. 3-liter v6 ought to a little over suffice. It makes 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque and might tow up out to 7, 200 pounds when properly equipped. Fuel economy ratings are impressive furthermore, with an estimated 18 mpg town and 24 mpg highway on two-wheel-drive models.
Additionally out to receiving a stronger base v6 engine, the gmc sierra has shed a few pounds during this redesign, thus theres virtually such a lot truck to shift around within the first place. A regular cab model in the v6 as well as a 6. 5-foot pickup bed, for instance, weighs 250 fewer pounds than its predecessor. This year conjointly brings revised suspension tuning and get a smoother ride, forward-hinged rear doors on extended cab models ( in spot where the awkward, reverse-opening half doors upon the recent sierra ) and newly on the market safety features an example would be 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 to a tiny degree. Among the updates absolutely really undoubtedly are a huge new grille, revised bumpers and additional sculpted sheet metal along the wheelwells. Those who frequently haul a whole lot of individuals and cargo will certainly be pleased out to be aware that the sierra 1500 crew cab currently offers a 6. 5-foot cargo box additionally in the previous 5. 75-foot box. Within, gmc has upgraded the sierras upholstery, dash and door-panel materials, and you'll be able to currently purchase 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 furthermore like the toyota tundra. This is often particularly true currently that gmc offers a v6 engine that promises ample performance beside smart fuel economy. With such a powerful cluster of choices, your decide and get a full-size pickup could come back right all the way down to feature availability or maybe even styling preference.
Body Designs, Trim Levels, And Options
The 2014 gmc sierra 1500 may be a full-size pickup offered in a spread 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 often is had with either a 6. 5-foot normal bed or an 8-foot bed. Extended cabs include the 6. 5-foot normal bed, whereas crew cabs often is had with either a 5. 75-foot short bed and the 6. 5-foot normal bed.
Regular cabs often is 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 as well as a four-speaker am/fm sound system with the use of 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 data 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 in 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 an example would be special shock absorbers, a heavy-duty air cleaner, hill-descent management, underbody shields, recovery hooks and a number of unique exterior and interior styling tweaks.
Several of one's items upon the higher trim levels are offered upon the lower ones as choices, whereas alternative on the market features ( looking on trim level and configuration ) embody varied axle ratios, a power sliding rear window, a power sunroof, aspect steps, parking sensors, ventilated front seats, a bose audio system, a navigation system as well as a rear-seat entertainment system with the use of a blu-ray player. Notably, the max trailering package features an integrated trailer brake controller, heavier-duty suspension calibration as well as a higher-capacity radiator.
Another key possibility cluster is that 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 may be a number of alternative packages on the market furthermore -- highlights embody 20-inch wheels, aspect steps, front and rear parking sensors as well as a power sliding rear window.
Powertrains And Performance
Normal on several however the slt trim may be a 4. 3-liter v6 with 285 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque. As with all different sierra 1500 engines, it comes matched to firmly a 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 as being 18 mpg town and 24 mpg highway for rear-wheel drive. With 4wd, it drops to firmly 17/22.
The 5. 3-liter v8, that's normal inside the slt and optional on different sierras, makes 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. Properly equipped, trucks from this 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 inside the slt may be a 6. 2-liter v8 ( late availability ). Gmc has nevertheless to firmly release its power, fuel economy and towing numbers.
Safety
Normal safety features inside the 2014 gmc sierra embody antilock disc brakes, traction and stability management ( with trailer sway management ), front and rear seat facet airbags and facet curtain airbags. Conjointly normal is onstar, that includes services inclusive of automatic crash notification, roadside assistance, remote door unlocking and stolen-vehicle assistance. All-new cab structures regarding the 3 configurations ( normal, double and crew cabs ) bring improved structural stiffness and crashworthiness in 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
From this redesign, all-new cab structures bring improved structural stiffness and crashworthiness in the 2014 model. Gmc conjointly improved the cabin quality on lower trims, on that materials and build quality are noticeably higher. There may be conjointly a lot of 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 obtainable 8-inch touchscreen that features clear, intuitive controls ; redundant knobs and buttons ; and a awfully effective voice command interface. Youll use this interface to firmly maintain most navigation, audio and phone functions within the gmc sierra.
Utilizing a selection of bench or buckets ( counting on trim level ) too soon, also as obtainable heating, ventilation and adjustable lumbar support, the sierras thickly padded seats promise lots of long-trip comfort. Though the cabs basic dimensions are unchanged from those of last year, you can find a smidge a lot of rear legroom than before, and front occupants have a lot of fore/aft seat adjustment vary.
Gone are classified as the awkward reverse-opening rear doors of one's previous extended cab, like the newly minted double cab has ancient forward-hinged doors that build it a lot of easier in order to get in and out of one's backseat. The new cabin conjointly rides on improved body mounts for reduced noise and vibration, whereas clambering straight into the 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 prior to the recent v6, not just in terms of power and performance but in addition refinement. Another indication of the engines all-around legitimacy is which it is obtainable on nearly all trim levels and body style levels, as an alternative to being relegated just to firmly work truck variants, as was the case in the recent v6.
While you would expect, the 5. 3-liter v8 delivers solid thrust with smart manners, though theres still alittle of vibration throughout onerous acceleration. A lot of 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 sleek and timely gearchanges in normal driving. However despite the pull of one's sierras huskier new engines, weve noticed that theres still too big a gap connecting transmissions gear ratios when towing. There may be rumors in an upcoming eight-speed transmission -- it is certainly 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 therefore the max trailering package, and there was lots of reserve grunt.
Overall ride and handling dynamics are noticeably improved over those of one's recent truck. The 2014 gmc sierra 1500 feels robust structurally, nevertheless 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.