Vehicle Overview
The GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado share the same platform, but the GMC product is often positioned as a more upscale offering. Mechanically, the trucks are the same. There might be slight differences in curb weight and payload, but they share the same powertrain and chassis components. There are five engines and five suspensions in the lineup.
The Sierra comes in regular, extended and crew-cab forms. Standard (6-foot, 6-inch) and long (8-foot) cargo beds are available on regular and extended cabs, while the crew cab gets a short (5-foot, 9-inch) bed. All configurations are available in two- or four-wheel drive. The Sierra comes in five trim levels: Work Truck, SL (crew cab only), SLE, SLT and Denali.
Most V-8 models are rated to tow around 9,000 pounds, but some models get more than 10,000 pounds with an enhanced trailering package.
New for 2011
There are only minor changes for the 2011 Sierra half-ton pickup. The Sierra gets the latest OnStar 9.0 system, revised exterior color offerings and insulating enhancements that help reduce wind noise.
Exterior
While GM is trying to differentiate the Silverado and Sierra, the common silhouette is hard to overcome, even with unique front fenders, grille, bumpers, headlamps, cargo box and taillamps. The upscale Denali trim features a unique chrome grille and wheels. Exterior features include:
- Very wide rear-door openings on extended cab models to load passengers, cargo
- Range of 17-, 18- and 20-inch wheels
- EZ Lift tailgate available
Interior
The Sierra showcases two different interior designs. Work Truck and SLE models are more utility-minded, with large controls and door handles that can be operated while wearing gloves. The SLT offers upgraded materials and a different dash design. The Sierra’s cab is inviting, spacious and well-organized. Leather seating is available on the SLE and standard on the SLT. The SLT also gets a Bose stereo, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and a heated windshield-washer system. Denali trim is the most luxurious package available for a GM pickup with upgraded trim and materials. Interior features include:
- Stadium-style rear seating
- Available power-sliding rear window
- Available moonroof
- Available navigation system on SLE, SLT and Denali
- Available rear-seat entertainment system
- Integrated trailer-brake control
Under the Hood
- 195-horsepower, 4.3-liter V-6 with iron block and cylinder heads, cam-in-block, two valves per cylinder and 260 pounds-feet of torque
- 302-hp, 4.8-liter V-8 with iron block and aluminum cylinder heads, cam-in-block, two valves per cylinder and 305 pounds-feet of torque
- Flex-fuel 315-hp (gas) or 326-hp (E85), 5.3-liter V-8 with iron block and aluminum cylinder heads, cam-in-block, two valves per cylinder and 338 pounds-feet of torque (gas) or 350 pounds-feet of torque (E85)
- Flex-fuel 315-hp (gas) or 326-hp (E85), 5.3-liter V-8 with aluminum block and cylinder heads, cam-in-block, two valves per cylinder and 338 pounds-feet of torque (gas) or 350 pounds-feet of torque (E85)
- Flex-fuel 403-hp, 6.2-liter V-8 with aluminum block/cylinder heads, cam-in-block and two valves per cylinder that makes 417 pounds-feet of torque
- Four-speed automatic
- Six-speed automatic
Safety
GM’s electronic stability system includes rollover mitigation technology. It’s standard on all V-8 models. Roof-mounted side curtain and seat-mounted side-impact airbags are now standard on all half-ton models. GM says its seat belt pretensioners activate during rear-end impacts. Safety features include:
- Four-wheel antilock brakes
- Traction control
- OnStar alerts authorities after a crash
- Latch child-seat anchors
- Available ultrasonic rear parking assist
Of Interest to Truck Owners
- Maximum gross vehicle weight rating: 7,000 pounds (4×4 crew cab, extended cab)
- Maximum payload capacity: 1,924 pounds (4×2 crew cab short box)
- Maximum towing capacity: 10,700 pounds (4×2 extended cab with enhanced trailer package, 6.2-liter V-8 and 3.73 rear axle)
- Fuel tank capacity: 26 gallons (SWB), 34 gallons (LWB)
- Axle ratio: 3.08:1, 3.23:1, 3.42:1, 3.73:1
- Minimum ground clearance: 8.4 inches (regular cab 4×2 SWB), 9.1 inches (regular cab 4×4 SWB), 8.9 inches (regular cab 4×2 LWB, extended cab 4×2 SWB), 9.5 inches (regular cab 4×4 LWB), 9 inches (extended cab 4×4 SWB, extended cab 4×2 LWB, crew cab), 9.3 inches (extended cab 4×4 LWB)
- Approach angle: 15.6 degrees (regular cab 4×4 SWB), 15.8 degrees (extended cab 4×4 SWB), 15.5 degrees (crew cab 4×4)
- Departure angle: 24.2 degrees (regular cab 4×4 SWB), 22 degrees (extended cab 4×4 SWB), 23.1 degrees (crew cab 4×4)
- Ramp breakover: 24.4 degrees (regular cab 4×4 SWB), 17.8 degrees (extended cab 4×4 SWB), 19.6 degrees (crew cab 4×4)
- Cargo-bed load height: 35.4 inches (regular cab 4×2 SWB), 34.5 inches (regular cab 4×4 LWB), 34.4 inches (extended cab 4×2 SWB), 33.6 inches (extended cab 4×4 LWB), 33.5 inches (crew cab 4×2), 33.8 inches (crew cab 4×4)
- Cargo floor length: 69.3 inches (short bed), 78.8 inches (standard bed), 97.7 inches (long bed)
- Cargo floor width: 62.4 inches
- Cargo floor width at wheel well: 50.6 inches
- Cargo bed depth: 21 inches
