Kiss the standard GMC Sierra goodbye. The brand is set to release the next-generation of the beloved pickup truck this fall. While we still have a ways to go until this nameplate finally hits dealership lots, GMC has done a great job of providing us with some hints for what we should expect. For instance, we already know that the engineers are planning on completely rebooting the pickup’s tailgate, adding more functionality and convenience. Meanwhile, similar to many of the brand’s other vehicles, the 2019 GMC Sierra is also set to include top-notch technological features, incredible engine offerings, and an array of reliable safety functions. Ultimately, the upcoming truck may quickly establish itself as one of the top offerings in the entire class. Below, we’ve explored what features customers should expect from the next-generation GMC Sierra. Take a look below, and you’ll be fully prepared for that trip to a GMC dealer…
Tailgate
GMC is seemingly looking to revolutionize the pickup segment, and that starts with their complete overhaul of the 2019 GMC Sierra’s tailgate. Specifically, the brand is looking to make the truck bed easier to load, easier to access, and easier to manipulate. Before long, you’ll be wondering why you settled for the old configuration for so long.
It starts with the new Primary Gate, which will access the rear of the truck automatically. As long as you’re equipped with the accompanying key fob, you can easily open your truck bed with a push of a button. Meanwhile, the accompanying Primary Gate Load Stop is one of the more innovative inclusions, as this feature will prevent any of your cargo from sliding out of the truck bed. The Easy Access Inner Gate has a similar impact on convenience, as it can be folded down for optimal loading or unloading.
That Inner Gate’s versatility continues with the Full-Width Step. Thanks to inclusion, drivers will receive an extra boost into their pickup’s bed (assuming the weight is less than 375 pounds). If you’re going to be stacking cargo, you’ll appreciate the Inner Gate Load Stop, which prevents cargo from sliding around and falling out of your truck. Finally, the Work Surface is the icing on top, as this will provide you an extra spot to complete any jobs (which could be especially useful when you’re on the worksite).
Sure, you may have never realized your need for these particular amenities. However, once you begin to take advantage of these various features, you’ll understand why GMC focused in on revamping their pickup’s tailgate.
Technology
GMC wants their 2019 Sierra to be one of the most innovative trucks in the entire industry. If they want to succeed in that pursuit, they’d have to fill the pickup with top-notch technology. Based on the early reports about the nameplate, it sounds like engineers hit this particular aspect of the truck out of the park.
The vehicle includes a number of features that will certainly be appreciated by drivers, like the full-color eight-inch touchscreen (as well as the accompanying GMC Infotainment System), which provides the drivers with an easy-to-use way of accessing their preferred applications. This includes a brand-new in-vehicle trailering application, which will make it that much easier to haul your cargo.
Several of the other technological amenities are intended to boost convenience and safety. For instance, the Head-Up Display will showcase important vehicle information right in front of the driver. Instead of having to strain your neck in an attempt to see essential information like fuel efficiency and vehicle diagnostics, the info will be displayed directly in front of the driver. Meanwhile, the Rear Camera Mirror will allow owners to monitor the back of their pickup truck at all times, while the Reconfigurable Driver Information Center will provide another place to see those all-important specs.
Safety
Regardless of why you want a pickup truck, there’s still one attribute that you’ll be pursuing: safety. Fortunately, it sounds like the 2019 GMC Sierra is going to be equipped with a number of notable safety functions, thus providing the driver and passengers with the utmost security.
Among the reporter, features are the Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, which will provide drivers with an extra set of eyes when they’re traveling on the highway. The Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning will be equally important, as it will assure that the driver is remaining on their intended path at all times. Meanwhile, the Front Pedestrian Braking will be especially helpful when traveling in the city, as the technology will assist the driver when an object has suddenly crossed in front of the ride (thus preventing or lessening an accident).
Even functions like the Surround Vision technology and Rear CrossTraffic Alert are notable offerings. These two technologies will play a role in assuring that the driver can avoid any fender benders, and it will allow drivers to maintain the exterior beauty of their ride.
Power
In their pursuit of creating one of the top pickup trucks in the entire class, the brand’s engineers have focused on providing customers with a pair of capable engine offerings. While we don’t have access to official specs, we know that buyers will have the opportunity to choose the new “advanced” 6.2-liter V8 engine, which is partnered with an intuitive 10-speed automatic transmission. This transmission choice is intended to increase torque, and it’s also supposed to have a positive impact on hauling and fuel efficiency. The alternative option is the agile 5.3-liter V8 engine, which is accompanied by a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission.
While we’re anticipating a next-generation version of the nameplate, we can partly rely on the 2018 variation for help on specific specs. Last year’s model included a 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 engine, which was able to deliver 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8 engine promised 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Thanks to the expected upgraded technology, we can only expect that these specs will either stay the same or improve during the nameplate’s next generation.
