General Motors has stretched out the introduction of its redesigned 2014 trucks for almost a year, but with production scheduled to begin this month they are now releasing the key numbers for the GMC Sierra. Stats for the Silverado were not specifically given at a news briefing this morning, but I would expect some similarity since the Chevy versions offer the same power plants.
GMC is touting the “best V-8 fuel economy in the industry” for their new 5.3L EcoTec V-8, achieving a reputed estimate of 16mpg city and 23mpg highway with two-wheel drive and 16/22 with four-wheel drive.
2013 vs 2014 GMC Sierra front viewThese estimates would put the new Sierra at 2mpg higher than a comparable 2013 Ford and 3mpg higher than Ram. While a specific advantage over the Ford Eco-Boost V-6 was not provided, Sierra is also reputed to be better, according to GM.
GMC expects that, in line with previous sales numbers, most buyers (as many as 3 out of 4) will choose the 5.3L. It boasts 355hp and 384ft.-lb. of torque — increases of 40hp and 48ft.-lb. over the 2013 Sierra. It also offers a class-leading tow capacity of up to 11,500-lbs.
The 5.3L is one of three engines for the Sierra (and its stable brother the Silverado). The standard is a 4.3L EcoTec3 V-6 which will have a base price of $25,085 (including destination charge) and boasts many standard features lacking in previous years. Included are a 4.2″ radio display, locking tailgate, projector headlights, CornerStep rear bumper, cloth seats, DuraLife brake rotors and other new features.
Later this year, the third engine option kicks in with an 6.2L EcoTec3 V-8 with even more performance features, GMC says. Details will be available closer to its availability.
2014 Sierra 1500 trucks come with ProGrade Protection, incluing a 5-year/1000 mile powertrain warranty and three-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper protection, including two years (or 24,000) standard scheduled maintenance.
Again, here are the relevant stats for the Sierra 1500 with the 5.3L engine:
Rear View of 2014 GMC Sierra
I have seen the new Sierra several times and, while it doesn’t go as far as some competitors in terms of exterior/interior modifications, it is a great improvement for a truck that has not been modified much over the past seven years. If you love GMC trucks, this one will continue to please you and I suspect that it — with the new Silverado — will keep truck sales from eroding.
If you have had your eyes on the 2013 Sierra, this would be a good time to start negotiating with your local dealer. I suspect that they will want to clear their lots of current stock before the new vehicles are available later this spring.
I will be driving the new trucks at the press preview during the first part of May.
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