2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Spied: Making the Grade
What It Is: The all-new GMC Sierra 1500, the “professional grade” companion to the redesigned 2019 Chevrolet Silverado that debuted in December, as evidenced by the LED running lights and GMC logo bulging through the camo. This is the light-duty 1500 model; the 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty trucks will follow later. The 2019 Sierra continues as a mechanical twin to the Silverado, and beneath the disguise the GMC gets restyled front and rear fascias, new head- and taillights, plus more chrome, especially on the inevitable top-trim Denali versions. Lower curb weights, a wider bed, conveniences such as a power tailgate, and new efficiency measures are just part of the Sierra’s story. Expect greater payloads and tow ratings, adding more to what’s already too much capability for most pickup buyers. Pretty much everything you need to know about the Sierra already has been revealed by Chevrolet.
Why It Matters: General Motors likes to point out that GMC buyers spend more than those at Chevrolet. Also, forget EVs, car-sharing, and autonomy, in the United States the market still is dominated by full-size pickups. GM nets its highest profit margins with vehicles like the Sierra.
Platform: GM’s new T1 platform features a high-strength steel frame that the company says sheds 88 pounds and boasts 10 percent higher torsional rigidity. Thanks to the new trucks’ aluminum doors, hood, and tailgate—plus two separate stampings for the bed, which is said to be 50-percent stronger—GM touts an overall weight reduction of 450 pounds on V-8 crew-cab Silverado models; we look forward to putting one on our scales to test the claim. Wheelbases increase by up to 3.9 inches, while the overall length grows slightly.
Powertrain: We may see a true hybrid setup, as opposed to the eAssist option available on current Sierra trucks. We do know the Sierra will add the option of an Italian-built turbo-diesel 3.0-liter inline-six and receive updated 5.3- and 6.2-liter gasoline V-8 engines that gain the ability to deactivate individual cylinders instead of an entire bank. The 6.2-liter V-8 and diesel six will pair with a 10-speed automatic. It’s likely the 4.3-liter V-6 will return to serve in base models.
Competition:Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ford F-150, Nissan Titan, Ram 1500, Toyota Tundra.
Estimated Arrival and Price: The 2019 Sierra should go on sale later this year after debuting in March. Look for prices to start around $31,000 for the base two-wheel-drive regular-cab model and climb high from there.
