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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2014 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab

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Overview

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2014 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab Review

By Matt Degen

Like its near-twin the Chevrolet Silverado, the slightly more upscale GMC Sierra arrives in fresh form for 2014 with more power and a well-designed interior blessed with the latest tech and safety features. The 2014 Sierra still spans a variety of trims and configurations to appeal to a broad range of pickup buyers, from a rather basic work truck to the leather-laden Sierra Denali. All benefit from new V6 and V8 engines that can pull more than their predecessors yet travel a bit farther on a gallon of gas. While it's no secret that brand loyalty is a key buying factor in a segment that includes the Ford F-150, Ram 1500 and Toyota Tundra, the Sierra distinguishes itself from rivals with surprising creature comforts and potent powertrains.

You'll Like This Car If...

The 2014 Sierra's innovative powertrains and handsome aesthetics should appeal to longtime GMC fans and tempt buyers new to the brand. In just one of many "mine is bigger" battles in the half-ton truck market, the 2014 Sierra's 12,000-pound max tow rating is expected to be king – at least for now.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The 2014 Sierra's 6-speed automatic transmission isn't as smooth as the Ram 1500's available 8-speed. There's also no denying that this is indeed a full-size truck whose big dimensions are noticeable every time you pull into a small lot or garage. Smaller, more maneuverable alternatives are the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma.

How It Ranks

#4

out of 6

MPG

#1

out of 2

Consumer Ratings

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Consumer Rating

9.5 out of 10

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consumer ratings

2014 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2014

From its exterior and interior design to its three engine choices, the GMC Sierra is all-new for 2014. Gone is the slow-selling hybrid version.

Driving the Sierra 1500 Crew Cab

2014 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions The 2014 GMC Sierra is a truck ready for work and play, with the power and creature comforts ably doing their part in both respects. In our test-drive of a...

Sierra with the new 5.3-liter V8 engine, it felt capable in nearly every situation. On the highway, the Sierra is surprisingly quiet. Most road imperfections are absorbed well by the truck's suspension, though we were reminded of its rugged body-on-frame construction during one particularly bad stretch of the 405 freeway in Los Angeles. There, the Sierra bucked like a bronco, and it would not be our choice if driven daily on that type of road. Towing ability is a strong point. We had no problem hauling a 5,000-pound Airstream trailer up steep grades with the 5.3-liter engine, and appreciated that the available trailer brake controller is within easy reach of the steering wheel. The telematics system gets a solid B grade, but the rear-view camera could be higher resolution (especially if you routinely hitch up), and audio functions could respond faster.

Favorite Features

CONNECTED INFOTAINMENT
The Sierra's available technology gives new meaning to "work truck." Higher trims include the IntelliLink touch-screen system to operate navigation, audio and more. We were equally impressed by its five (5!) USB inputs and an AC outlet that can keep a bounty of devices juiced and ready to play.

DRIVER ALERT SEAT
This optional but important safety feature works with the Sierra's lane-departure and forward-collision warning systems by vibrating the seat to alert the driver of potential danger. Ingeniously, it can vibrate each side independently. If you drift to the left, for example, the left side of the seat vibrates.

2014 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab Details

2014 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

With big buttons and knobs coated in rubber for easy grip even when wearing gloves, the Sierra's roomy interior is built with work in mind. Yet it also can be as luxurious as your checkbook is large, with features such as ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and communication ports that will outnumber most drivers' devices. Cab configurations include regular with a bench seat for up three passengers, double cab with seating for five or six, and crew cab with the most room for five or six. As should be expected in a big truck, the front seats are massive. Flip-up rear seats offer more cargo versatility.

Exterior

GMC has wisely taken an evolutionary approach to the 2014 Sierra's freshened exterior. We'll dub it "contemporary macho." Like previous models, this full-size truck features blocky styling highlighted by swollen fender flares and a grille that would do a semi-truck truck proud. With the new styling come practical innovations like corner steps built into the rear bumper. These provide a foothold for bed access, and by design are covered to mitigate slipping in wet environments. Handgrips and available bed-mounted LED lights are other features we like. Bed lengths range from 5 feet, 8 inches to 8 feet. Double-cab models now have standard front-hinged rear doors for easier access.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The most basic 2014 Sierra is still pretty much that and includes features like air conditioning, cruise control, cloth seats, and an AM/FM radio with a 4.2-inch color display and USB/SD inputs, but no CD player, Bluetooth, or telescoping steering wheel. Step up to an SLE trim and you'll get a rear-vision camera, 6-speaker audio and 17-inch wheels made of premium aluminum instead of steel. SLT trims bring features like the 5.3-liter V8 engine, dual-zone climate control, an 8-inch touch-screen command center, power-adjustable pedals, and leather-appointed seats. Foremen will appreciate the Sierra Denali's 20-inch chrome wheels, navigation system, Bose audio system, and leather-clad front bucket seats.

Optional Equipment

Add-ons are available across the entire 2014 Sierra lineup to make it more functional and comfortable. All Sierras can be equipped with 4-wheel drive instead of the standard rear-wheel drive. Those seeking the most power and towing capability should look to the 6.2-liter V8 available on Sierra SLT and Denali models. Other options of note include the Driver Alert Package with lane-departure warning and forward-collision alert, plus front and rear park-assist. The All-Terrain Package includes an off-road suspension with Rancho shocks, an underbody shield and 18-inch wheels. Interior comforts include heated and cooled front seats, navigation, a power sunroof, and a rear-seat entertainment system.

Under the Hood

2014 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab Engine photo

Three engine choices are available on the 2014 GMC Sierra: a 4.3-liter V6, 5.3-liter V8, or the top-dog 6.2-liter V8 available for SLT and Denali models. All are linked to a 6-speed automatic transmission and have laudable towing capacity, including the V6's max of 7,200 pounds. On the other end is the 6.2-liter V8 that can pull up to 12,000 pounds. With the ability to tow 11,500 pounds and a highway rating of 22 mpg, the 5.3-liter V8 is the middle child in GMC's new engine lineup and offers a good balance of power and efficiency. All the engines use technology such as direct injection and Active Fuel Management, which allows them to run on fewer cylinders and thus use less fuel. The engines can run on regular unleaded gasoline or E85.

4.3-liter V6
285 horsepower @ 5,300 rpm
305 lb-ft of torque @ 3,900 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: TBD

5.3-liter V8
355 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
383 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/23 mpg (rear-wheel drive), 16/22 mpg (4-wheel drive)

6.2-liter V8 (available late 2013)
420 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm, est.
450 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100 rpm, est.
EPA city/highway fuel economy: TBD

Pricing Notes

With the Sierra's wide range of configurations come a wide range of prices. A base, regular-cab 2014 Sierra has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $25,085. Double-cab models start at $29,110, while Crew Cab models begin at $33,210. Of course, start climbing trim levels and adding options, and these prices can climb by tens of thousands of dollars. A fully-equipped Sierra SLT or Denali, for example, can easily break the $50,000 mark. The Sierra's starting price is in line with that of the Ford F-150, Ram 1500 and Toyota Tundra, while the Nissan Titan (available in King Cab and Crew Cab only) starts around $30,000. Before buying, be sure to check the Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area are paying. The Sierra's resale value is projected to be in line with that of its domestic rivals and the Nissan Armada, but behind that of the segment-leading Toyota Tundra.

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2014 GMC Sierra 1500 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.5

Out of 10

Based on 12 Ratings for the 2014 models.

Review this car

Value

9.8/10

Quality

9.8/10
Reliability

9.8/10

Performance

9.8/10
Comfort

9.8/10

Styling

9.4/10

This is my first GMC TRUCK. LOVE IT!

By New to GMC (PA) on Friday, October 28, 2011

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 2,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great Price, Great Exterior Look, Lots of cab room"

Cons: "No consOnly 2500Miles,but Noregrets at this point"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"After owning several pick up trucks of different size and from different manufacturers, this is my first GMC truck. I love it. The price was great. I have tons of room in the cab. It handles as well as smaller trucks I have owned in the past. It does everything I ask it to do. I will be a returning customer. I am sold on the value of my Sierra. Looks great, runs great and didn't break the bank for me."

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Best Truck Ever!

By Samantha (CA) on Saturday, September 03, 2011

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 280,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Was my first car I ever drove when I turned 16. Went everywhere in it, college, dunes, you name it. I've abused it quite a bit and its still a solid truck. Safe, reliable, and is a great truck all around."

3 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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Great Performer

By AL (MI) on Friday, September 02, 2011

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 11,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Reliability, horsepower, transmission, Driver information System, Payload, Towing capacity"

Cons: "Factory Paint, Factory Paint, Factory Paint, and Factory Paint"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"It was the reliability, lack of problems, and strength of performance that my '04 has shown that persuaded me to buy the 2011. ( I still have the '04 ) The 2011 Sierra SLE, ext cab,4x4 is a strong performer, Payload, tow power, and 17mpg make it a great half ton truck. My ONLY complaint is the factory paintjob which is so very thin. ( I had to have the hood and both fenders repainted at my expense inside the first 10k miles. ) This is supposed to be a truck, by definition it should be able to drive past a bush, without scraping the paint down to the bare metal. Pushing the snow off the hood ( with a soft brush ) should not ruin the paint. While the engine, transmission and frame are strong, GM cut corners when it comes to exterior protection. In daily use, this truck in destined to look like a "beater" in a very short time. I shudder to think what a (brush style) car wash would do to the paint."

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Top Quality

By AmericanMade (Alexandria, LA) on Thursday, April 14, 2011

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

"The 2011 GMC SLE 4X4 is a top quality truck. It offers all the luxury's you want and is a tough truck. From the exterior to the interior, this is one sharp vehicle. I gave it 4 stars, only because of the subpar gas milage. However, I bought this vehicle knowing the gas milage was low. Gas prices, who cares! I want a tough truck. You can't go wrong. This truck is tougher and better looking than the Chevy Z71 package. BUY AMERICAN."

6 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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2011 GMC SIERRA REVIEW. "i'm LOVING IT"

By T.A.T (MARTINSBURG, WV) on Wednesday, April 13, 2011

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

"I love the comfort and nice ride with the sierra. We test drove Ford etc... now the Ford has a couplE more bells and whistles when first looking at their products. BUt we returned to the GMC for its handling and nice ride. Its stlish, handle nicely with surprising power. THe other great features, the stereo quality out performed Ford, It's features are easy to use and at your finger tips. It comes with Onstar as a standard feature for safety. Plenty of room in the cab for full sized adults to ride comfortably, the rear seats flip up for extra storage when it rains. So, I could not ask for more in a truck than what I have here."

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A lot of Truck for the $$$

By GMC Guy (Missouri) on Sunday, March 30, 2008

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

"I have been searching for a truck to replace my '93 Chevy that boasts 190,000 miles. After searching for a couple years I found the answer in the GMC Sierra. It has all of the comforts of a luxury SUV while at the same time affording the lucky owner the ruggedness of a truck. The gas mileage is poor (5.3 Liter) but can be somewhat controlled with the auto 4 cylinder feature. The power and handling rival that of a sedan. The only thing I have found that I really do not care for is the inerior cloth seats which seem to pick up a lot of lint."

3 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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