2014 GMC Sierra 1500 4WD Crew Cab SLT
By Mauricio Lezcano / carsNtravel.com
The all new 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 full size pickup is the most powerful, most advanced and most refined truck in the brand’s 111-year history. Sierra’s bold new exterior houses one of three all new EcoTec3 engines, a fully updated cabin with available next-generation intelliLink connectivity and other features designed for the most discerning truck owners.
In addition to all new design and technology, the 2014 Sierra boasts the longest list of standard features for a full size GMC pickup. From connectivity solutions, to a standard tie-down system in the rear, to the segment’s only standard projector beam headlamps, many premium features are found on each and every all new Sierra.
Sierra’s engine portfolio is updated for 2014 with increased power, torque and fuel efficiency across the board. New 4.3L V-6, 5.3L V-8 and 6.2L V-8 powertrains are offered, all from a shared EcoTec3 engine family. Each engine features standard direct injection, continuously variable valve timing and Active Fuel Management, which means they seamlessly switch to run on four cylinders during light-load driving to save fuel.
With the new engine designs and additional developments, customers should expect Sierra’s second-generation Active Fuel Management to be more seamless and capable of operating longer in four-cylinder mode.
Premium materials, attention to detail and purposeful technology define Sierra’s entire new cabin. New soft touch materials and available aluminum trim line an interior that’s focused on usable and productive space.
Sierra has an upright instrument panel designed for visibility and accessibility. Knobs and buttons are large, legible and within reach. All knobs are coated using a rubber-over-mold technology, so they’re easy to grip even through gloves.
A second, high mounted glove box with a flat floor joins the traditional box below. Each of Sierra’s doors has storage crafted to hold most beverage containers and other personal items. Along the center stack and center console are additional cup holders, discreet compartments large enough for most laptop computers, and connectivity options. Sierra is available with a 110-volt outlet, up to five USB ports, four 12-volt outlets and an SD card slot.
Available IntelliLink connectivity uses a high-definition, fully reconfigurable eight inch color touch screen with an intuitive layout and easy-to-read icons that control audio features, a Pandora app, Bluetooth phone features, and available navigation with all new map displays. Many of the system’s features can be controlled by voice command, allowing drivers to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.
Several active safety features are available for the 2014 Sierra, including Forward Collision Alert, which uses a forward-facing camera to notify the driver of an imminent collision, and Lane Departure Warning, which uses the same camera to track the truck’s position in relation to a road’s lane markers.
Paired with Forward Collision Alert and Land Departure Warning is GMC’s first ever Driver Alert Seat, which generates vibrating pulse patterns on the left and/or right side of the lower seat cushion bolster to alert the driver of potential dangers, such as an un-signaled lane change or approaching another vehicle too quickly.
The 2014 Sierra features new aerodynamic measures that benefit fuel efficiency and reduce wind noise. Updated mirrors that reduce wind turbulence, triple-sealed inlaid doors, as well as roof and tailgate design features all help air flow smoothly and quietly over the Sierra. Additional sealing around the grille, headlamps and space between the cab and box are also designed to lower drag for the new trucks, along with new aerodynamic spats located in front of the rear wheels.
Updates to Sierra’s body and chassis are designed to improve ride and handling, comfort and capability. The fully boxed frame uses high-strength steel and hydroforming to provide more strength and rigidity with less weight. New cab structures incorporate high strength steel in the A-pillars, B-pillars, roof rails and rocker panels, while ultra-high-strength steel segments of the rocker panels provide added protection for shallow offset crashes.
GMC designers approached the exterior of the 2014 Sierra with respect for its predecessors, evolving its familiar shape while adding distinctive details like standard projector headlamps, available LED signature accent lighting and detailed new grilles. All Sierra models have chrome grille surrounds and premium black wheel arch moldings. Different trim levels feature chrome belt moldings, mirror caps and door handles, as well as unique wheel designs and grille details. Other new features include available front Park Assist, in addition to the rear Park Assist already available, and a sliding rear window with a defroster.
Six months of OnStar Directions and Connections service is standard on Sierra. OnStar’s RemoteLink Mobile App allows smartphone users to control vehicle functions, access vehicle information and send directions directly to the vehicle. An opt-in service called FamilyLink allows subscribers to stay connected to loved ones by checking the location of their vehicle online or by signing up for vehicle location alerts.
The Estimated fuel economy is rated at 16 mpg City and 22 mpg Highway with the 5.3L V8 EcoTec3 engine. Manufacturer’s suggested starting retail price is $43,125.00, the one I drove included the SLT Preferred package, Driver Alert Package and SLT Crew Cab Value Package, and it came in at $49,560.00.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
