The V8 and four-speed tranny are well matched with smooth shifts. However, if you're coming from a V6 powered family sedan, like a Buick Lucerne, Toyota Avalon or Ford Five Hundred, don't expect similar performance.

Where the new Sierra did excel was in its steering.

Precise and very linear, it made placing the large vehicle in corners surprisingly easy. At least for a full-size truck, GMC's engineers have dome a good job delivering a well-controlled ride. At all times the Sierra felt well planted with balanced handling while cornering.

The Sierra offers more passenger and cargo room than a similarly priced Buick Lucerne CXS,

Is a pickup your next family car?
Admittedly, its 13.0L/100 kms combined fuel consumption rating may preclude one in buying this Sierra as daily transportation.

But compared to a similarly priced front-drive, Buick Lucerne CXS V8, the GMC Sierra 1500 4WD Crew Cab SLE offers way more passenger and cargo room, the ability to tow 2,449 kilograms, and a go anywhere 4WD with the requisite ground clearance.


Smooth drivetrain.
Nicely laid out interior.
Room for the whole family.
Solid feel with a quiet ride.


Even with 5.3 litres, the V8 breathes hard.
Can't match new Tundra in braking distances.



Nothing.


Photo Credit : John LeBlanc, General Motors