What's New for 2011

The 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 receives the latest OnStar 9.0 system with improved audio quality and speech recognition.

Introduction

Since the current-generation GMC Sierra 1500 pickup debuted four years ago, competing trucks have outpaced the GMC with recent redesigns. But don't assume the Sierra (or its Chevrolet Silverado twin) is ready to be put out to pasture just yet. Over its production run, this full-size truck has seen its share of improvements on top of the solid foundation on which it started. Despite the mounting pressure from rival manufacturers, the 2011 Sierra 1500 remains one of the best trucks in this category.

In terms of capabilities (like towing), choice of body styles and power, the Sierra 1500 is right up there with the competition. The GMC is notable, however, for its smooth and quiet ride. Factor in comfortable seats -- at least in the upper trim levels ? and the Sierra earns our endorsement as a long-distance road-tripper. The Sierra isn't without a few faults, however. In base Work trim, the interior is aesthetically dull compared to models from Dodge and Toyota. The base V6 engine also struggles to adequately motivate this large truck. And maneuverability is hampered by a large turning radius that leads to frequent multiple-point turns.

All things considered, however, the 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 still represents a worthy choice in the very competitive full-size truck segment. In a recent Edmunds.com comparison test, a nearly identical Chevy Silverado finished a close 3rd place, bested by the Dodge Ram and Toyota Tundra, and narrowly edging out the Ford F-150. The Ford pickup has more powerful engine choices this year, but the close results from our comparison show that all of these trucks are up to the task. As such, the 2011 Sierra 1500 remains a solid choice in our book.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 is a half-ton full-size pickup that is offered in standard cab, extended cab and crew cab body styles. Standard cabs and extended cabs are available with either a standard 6-foot-6 bed or an 8-foot long bed. Crew cabs only come with a short 5-foot-8 bed.

Regular cabs can be had in base Work or midlevel SLE trims, while the extended and crew cabs are also available in the well-appointed SLT trim. An SL trim slots in between the Work and SLE models, but is only available as a crew cab, as is the range-topping Denali.

The Work trim comes with the bare necessities, which includes air-conditioning (for extended- and crew-cab versions), a trip computer, a tilt steering wheel, OnStar telematics, vinyl seat upholstery, a 40/20/40-split front bench seat and a CD/MP3 stereo with an auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio. The SL adds full power accessories, keyless entry, cruise control, satellite radio and adjustable lumbar support for the driver.

The SLE trim adds premium cloth seat upholstery, a lockable compartment with a power outlet built into the center cushion of the split front seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The premium SLT piles on chrome-clad alloy wheels, a premium interior with a full center console and upgraded materials, a Bose audio system with a six-disc CD changer, leather seat upholstery, remote engine start, an exclusive dash design with wood and metallic accents, 12-way power-adjustable/heated front seats and rear audio controls.

Sierra Denali models trump the SLT with a unique powertrain, suspension tuning emphasizing ride comfort, 20-inch cast-aluminum wheels, exterior styling enhancements, a heated steering wheel, a turn-by-turn navigation feature for OnStar, plus USB connectivity (optional on SLE and SLT).

Option availability varies with trim levels and body styles. It includes several towing packages, the Z71 Off-Road package (skid plates and an off-road suspension), special regional packages, the All-Terrain package (similar to the Z71 but with special interior and exterior enhancements) and the XFE (extra fuel economy) trim variant for the rear-wheel-drive 5.3-liter V8 crew cab (which features aerodynamic enhancements and lightweight aluminum components that improve fuel economy).

Other options include 20- and 22-inch wheels, a rear back-up camera, upgraded audio systems, Bluetooth, a navigation system with real-time traffic reports, a rear-seat entertainment system, heated power-folding outside mirrors, a sunroof, a power-sliding rear window, a cargo management system and rear park assist. An "EZ Lift" tailgate is also offered, and requires only about half the effort to open and close compared to the standard tailgate.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 is available with four different engine choices. In the Work trim level, the Sierra is powered by a standard 4.3-liter V6 that produces 195 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Buyers may upgrade to a 4.8-liter V8 that makes 302 hp and 305 lb-ft, or a 5.3-liter V8 that's good for 315 hp and 335 lb-ft. The SLE trims will have one of the two V8s as standard, while the SLT has the 5.3-liter engine as standard.

A 6.2-liter V8 is available on select models and produces 403 hp and 417 lb-ft. The 6.2 V8 comes standard on the Denali. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard on the two big V8s, while the 4.8-liter V8 and the V6 come only with a four-speed automatic. In a recent Edmunds.com test of an essentially identical Chevy Silverado, when equipped with the 6.2-liter V8 it accelerated from a standstill to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, which is quick for a full-size pickup. Properly equipped, a Sierra 1500 can tow up to 10,700 pounds.

Buyers have a choice of two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive and (Denali only) all-wheel drive. The Work and LS trims with 4WD have a traditional floor-mounted selector for the transfer case. All other 4WD trims have Autotrac, which features an automatic setting that shifts into 4WD when it detects the tires slipping.

Fuel economy estimates range from 15 mpg city/22 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined for a crew cab XFE down to 12/19/14 mpg for the Denali.

Safety

Standard safety equipment includes antilock brakes (front disc, rear drum) and stability control. Front, side and side curtain airbags are also standard. Four-wheel disc brakes are available as part of the Max Trailering package.

In government crash tests, the 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 earned the top rating of five stars in frontal collisions. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing, a Sierra 1500 earned a top score of "Good" for frontal-offset crash protection and a second-best score of "Acceptable" for side-impact testing.

In Edmunds.com testing, a crew cab with four-wheel disc brakes stopped from 60 mph in a short 120 feet.

Interior Design and Special Features

On the whole, the Sierra's interior fit and finish ranks highly, though base models tend to look rather dull compared to their rivals. The pricey SLT and Denali trims dress up the cabin significantly, with a unique upscale dash and door panel treatment, a full center console and attractive wood grain and metallic accents. Crew cab models feature comfortable rear seats with flip-up seat cushions that provide a nearly flat load floor. Interior storage is merely adequate, with small cupholders and haphazard organization for the center console.

Driving Impressions

Just like most modern pickups, the 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 is actually pleasant to drive. The steering is light but reasonably precise, and the truck's comfortable seats and smooth, quiet ride make road trips enjoyable. The Sierra's turning circle is a bit larger than you'll find in most other trucks, however.

Acceleration is sluggish with the base V6, while the 4.8-liter V8 provides adequate power. The 5.3-liter V8 feels brawny and the 6.2-liter V8 turns the Sierra into a veritable muscle truck. The six-speed automatic transmission that comes standard with the two bigger V8s does an admirable job of keeping power on tap, while the four-speed feels outdated by comparison.