Pickup Trucks Part 2: The GMC Sierra and Silverado

Its Another Set of Twins!

The current Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra have been with us since 2007, save for the addition of new 2500 and 3500 models, little much has changed. At this year's Detroit International, Autoshow General Motors unveiled the completely redesigned Silverado and Sierra.

First Impressions

During the design phase of these trucks, GM bosses said they would take measures to differentiate the two. According to press releases, found here , and here, the only difference between them is the exterior packaging, as far as I can see.

2014 GMC Sierra SLT

Overall, the first impression is not what many in automotive the communities were expecting. We were expecting fraternal twins like the GMC Acadia and the Buick Enclave. The Enclave and Acadia are platform mates, sharing some components but overall feeling very different from each other.

Personally, I still do not care for the Silverado, but it has improved. The GMC remains my favorite with its single grille and new projector beam headlamps.

The Power!

For this generation gone are the fire-breathing Vortec V-8s replaced with brand new kinder, gentler Ecotec V-8s.

“Rather than adapting a V-6 intended for use in passenger cars, we built a new engine from the ground up based on the unique demands of a truck,” said Jordan Lee, Powertrain chief engineer. “Sierra’s 4.3L shares its basic design architecture with the latest iterations of the V-8 engines that GMC owners have trusted for generations.”

GM says the new 4.3L V-6 will provide enough power to pull a trailer and provide great fuel economy. If a V-6 does not work for you most models will come with or have the option of a 5.8L V-8. The 5.8L engine will see fuel economy gains over the current engine, which is the segment leader in that respect. This should be all the engine buyers will ever need.

Should you feel the need for even more power under the hood a 6.2L V-8 will be optional. I would expect to see it as standard on the Sierra Denali model.

Currently, EPA, horsepower and torque figures are unavailable. GM says to expect them around them just before production begins.

Improvements

2014 Chevy Silverado Review

Controls get the Range Rover treatment, which means they are big and chunky so you can use them with gloves on.

On the Crew cab trucks, the rear doors are larger for wider and easier entrance and exit. Similarly, on extended cab models back doors now hinge from the front. This allows for easier entrance and exit in tight parking spots as the front doors no longer have to be fully open to open the rear doors. 

2014 GMC Sierra/Chevrolet Silverado
LED Bed Lighting

For easier access to the box, both trucks will feature an integrated bumper step with handholds built into the bed rails. Available options for the bed include cargo tie-downs and LED lights.
a new electric assisted power steering replaces the older rack and pinion steering of older models. This saves weight, which saves fuel. GM also says that it will provide a crisper steering feel.

Safety

The new Silverado and Sierra feature several industry-leading safety features and some segment exclusive ones.

Both trucks will offer many standard safety features, including StabiliTrak electronic stability control with Trailer Sway Control and Hill Start Assist. Hill descent control will be optional on all models.

They will also feature head curtain side airbags with rollover protection and OnStar.

New features include a Lane Departure Warning system alerts the driver if the vehicle starts to drift into another lane, via an audible warning or the available Safety Alert Seat. Forward Collision Alert is optional, which uses a camera to monitor the space in front of the vehicle, and warns the driver on any impending disasters.

The Verdict

2014 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ

For my personal tastes, I would have the GMC. Mainly, because I prefer leather trim. However, overall both I feel you could not go wrong with either truck.

Both trucks have seen significant improvements. Enough to make them competitive, but they could stand to stand to be more fraternal than identical twins. Toyota Tundra will see skin-deep improvements, which makes these completely redesigned trucks more appealing.  For more information check out part 1 of this series . Also the F-150 is planning for a serious overhaul next year.