Arriving at Fletch’s Buick GMC Audi in late 2018 is the all-new 2019 GMC Sierra 1500, which is the largest, boldest Sierra ever, providing an even more commanding presence. The next generation Sierra 1500 is a full-size pickup that builds upon proven strengths while introducing a number of industry-first innovations. While GMC has been fairly tight-lipped about releasing information about the new Sierra, there has been enough information released to discover some of the innovations in the new 2019 GMC Sierra 1500.
Fresh Exterior Design
All-new from the ground-up, the Next Generation Sierra 1500 literally stands tall, with a strong, purposeful stance. GMC designers built upon that substantial foundation with bold bodywork, including chiseled shoulders and a tall, powerful hood, which is capped with a grille that’s bigger and bolder than any previous Sierra.
Interior Refinements
The 2019 Sierra 1500 provides a higher seating position that provides better visibility from behind the wheel, as well as the segment’s first multi-color, customizable heads-up display, which projects key vehicle and infotainment system information on the windshield within the driver’s line of sight. Sierra’s cabin puts the driver at the center of everything, thanks in part to a higher seating position that allows for a confident, commanding view from behind the wheel. Driver focus doesn’t mean passengers aren’t forgotten. The new Sierra crew cab is larger than before, providing best-in-class front head- and legroom, along with more rear-seat legroom than ever before.
Choice of Engines
Sierra’s powerful line of engines is topped by the available new 6.2 L V8 with a new 10-speed automatic transmission and the new 5.3 L V8 with an eight-speed automatic transmission. With the 10-speed, the 6.2 L engine is able to operate in its maximum torque range. The 5.3 L and 6.2 L engines now feature stop-start technology and new Dynamic Fuel Management that enables the engine to operate on one to eight cylinders, depending on demand, in order to better optimize power and efficiency.
For 2019 the GMC Sierra has a 2.7 L turbocharged LB3 DOHC four-cylinder engine which will replace the 4.3 L V6 EcoTec3 as the base engine. The 2.7 L four-cylinder develops 310 horsepower and 348 lb-ft of torque. The LB3 engine was developed for truck duty with its 348 pound-feet of torque available between 1500 rpm and 4000 rpm. The LB3 engine also weighs almost 400 pounds less than the V6 engine it replaces.
Next up the line for the 2019 Sierra is the 5.3 L L86 Ecotech3 V8 that develops 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque through a combination of direct fuel injection and continuously variable valve timing. The largest engine that GMC offers in the 2019 Sierra 1500 is the 6.2 L L87 EcoTec3 V8, which develops 425 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque.
What’s new with the 2019 GMC Sierra is the availability of the all-new Duramax 3.0 L turbodiesel inline six, the same configuration found in long-haul travel trailers. Information about the engine, not just horsepower and torque, but even bore and stroke, has yet to be released. It has been confirmed that it will be mated to the sophisticated 10-speed automatic transmission. However, GMC has stated they expect “we’ll have the best-performing diesel in the segment.”
Pro Grade Trailering System
GMC has a new ProGrade Trailering System, standard on the Denali and SLT. By downloading the trailering app on your Android or iPhone you’re able to run a pre-departure checklist while outside the truck and trailer. You will also be able to preview Maintenance Reminders, Trailer Light Test, Trailer Electrical Diagnostics and Trailer Tire Pressure and Temperature Monitoring.
The 2019 Sierra 1500 also offers Hitch Guidance with Hitch View and Auto Electric Park Brake to help position the truck when hitching. The available side view cameras and a trailer-mounted HD camera provide additional assistance when driving down the road or in reverse. With exclusive Trailer Theft Detection, the horn and lights of the truck are triggered and owners receive a text or mobile alerts from OnStar when the trailer has been detached from the truck without permission.
Safety and Security
One of the most interesting features in the 2019 Sierra 1500 is the segment-first Rear Camera Mirror. The Sierra’s dual-function mirror can be used as a conventional rear-view mirror or as a video display showing the live images from the rearview camera at the back of the truck.
The 2019 Sierra 1500 will offer a full suite of available active safety features, including Front Collision Alert, Following Distance Indicator, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Front and Rear Park Assist, and Low-Speed Forward Automatic braking, among others.
MultiPro Tailgate
The GMC Exclusive, industry-first MultiPro Tailgate is the most innovative pickup tailgate ever, with six unique functions and positions offering enhanced second-tier loading and load-stop solutions, and a standing workstation. The Sierra 1500 is the first and only truck to offer the MultiPro Tailgate which also incorporates a step entry that, when paired with the assist handle, offers both step and seated functionality, with a maximum weight capacity of 375 pounds. The MultiPro Tailgate will be standard on Denali and SLT.
While there’s still a lot about the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 that we don’t know, we don’t even have enough space here to cover the information available, like the 2019 Sierra offering best-in-class cargo volume, of the 2019 Denali model that will feature an industry-first carbon fiber bed and available 22” wheels. While 2019 is still a few months away, stop by Fletch’s Buick GMC Audi in Petoskey, Michigan for additional information, and if you’re interested, add your name to the list and you’ll be contacted as soon as the first shipment arrives.
