GMC Sierra 2017

Body, cabin and cargo space

Access to high cab is difficult. Running boards a must, but avoid the Denali’s optional power deploying side steps; they are expensive and won’t stand up to Quebec winters.

Crew cab provides ample room for four tall adults. Middle seat is relatively comfortable for a fifth passenger thanks to the nearly flat floor, but it does not have a head restraint. Top anchors for child car seats are easy to reach; lower LATCH points are buried too deep between the bench seat cushion and backrest.

Wide, well-padded front seats easily accommodate all body types but provide little side support in turns. Driving position just adequate; some of our test drivers disliked the slant of the steering wheel—it is offset closer to the dash on the left than on the right—and telescoping adjustment is only offered on certain versions. Lastly, the inadequate footrest provides poor support for the driver’s left leg.

Well-padded rear bench; outboard seats relatively supportive. Adequate thigh support thanks to high seating position. 60/40 split bench seat folds up to create a vast, floor-to-ceiling storage area.

Regular cab available with 195‑cm (6 ft. 5 in.) or 240‑cm (8 ft.) bed. Double cab comes with 195-cm bed only. Crew cab available with either a 170‑cm (5 ft. 8 in.) or a 195‑cm bed. Bed width is 127 cm (50 in.) between the wheels; maximum width 263 cm (64 in.). Maximum height of 53 cm (21 in.) under the edge of the cargo bed.

Shock absorbers make tailgate easier to lower and lift. Power locking system now includes a remote tailgate lock feature still not offered by certain rivals. Integrated corner steps in bumper ease access to the bed.

Finish and convenience

Good-quality fit and finish, especially in high-end models, which have soft-touch dash materials. Sierra SLE trim and up offer a choice of three colour schemes at no extra charge; base model has two-tone black and grey trim but looks less chic because of the absence of aluminum trim accents.

Sober, functional dash mirrors the exterior design. Controls are simple and easy to reach, though very traditional in some cases: gear selector remains on steering column whereas several rivals place it on the floor or centre console.

Likewise, a mechanical lever still controls the transfer case on the base model (electronic system on the other versions is optional). Wiper switch is still on the turn signal lever rather than on a more practical, separate lever to the right of the steering wheel. Lastly, keyless ignition is unavailable, even on the Denali luxury model.

The 20.3-cm (8 in.) touch screen on SLE trim and up is thoroughly modern and easy to use, notably thanks to physical buttons for basic functions. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available along with integrated 4G LTE Internet connection (subscription required). The system comes with no fewer than four USB ports, four 12-volt outlets and even an optional 120-volt outlet.

The power outlets reinforce the impressive functionality; interior also offers a host of practical storage spaces (multiple door pockets, dual glove compartment, immense compartment under the centre armrest, large open bin on the console). However, you’d expect crew cab models would get rear seat heaters or air vents but it was not to be, even on the most expensive versions.

Safety features

• Antilock brakes with brake-force distribution and brake assist
• Stability and traction control
• Front airbags
• Front side airbags
• Side curtain airbags
• Two to six head restraints, depending on seating
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Backup camera (standard, SLE, SLT and Denali; optional, base Sierra model)
• Lane-departure warning and frontal collision alert (optional, SLE, SLT and Denali)

Crash test results

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Overall score: 5 / 5
Frontal impact: 5 / 5
Side impact: 5 / 5
Rollover resistance: 4 / 5

Insurance Institute Highway Safety (IIHS)
Moderate overlap frontal impact: 4 / 4
Small overlap frontal impact: 3 / 4
Side impact: 4 / 4
Rear impact: 4 / 4
Roof strength: 4 / 4

Visibility

Good overall thanks to the large windows and boxy shape that make it easy to judge the vehicle’s extremities. However, mirrors could be a big larger (especially in height). The wide-angle lens on the driver’s mirror helps with lane changes, but you wonder why there is none on the passenger side.

Similarly, you’d expect that the Denali, at $70,000, would be equipped with blind-spot monitoring, but it is not available. Finally, all pickups should have a backup camera to compensate for their height and length, yet it is still an option on the base model.

Engine and transmission

The 5.3L V8 engine is smooth, quiet and well adapted to most situations. However, it doesn’t seem as powerful at low and average speeds as similar engines in certain competing vehicles.

That is especially true with the six-speed automatic transmission on base and SLE models; it shifts too quickly to the upper gears and is often slow to downshift.

Displaying no such behaviour, the eight-speed automatic equipping the SLT and Denali, which first appeared in the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette, doesn’t just improve the Sierra, it transforms it. Here’s hoping the eight-speed will soon become standard across the board, but without the annoying clunk sometimes felt when it shifts into first (at a stop sign or in stop-and-go traffic, for example).

According to Natural Resources Canada ratings, the combined city/highway fuel consumption is about 1 L/100 km higher with the eight-speed transmission. However, we noted the opposite; in real-life conditions, our 2017 Sierra Denali tester registered 14 L/100 km, whereas an equivalent 2014 Chevrolet Silverado equipped with a six-speed consumed 15.1 L/100 km in similar conditions.

That said, when it comes to pickups fuel economy varies widely, depending not only on driving style but also the configuration (two- or four-wheel drive, type of cab, final drive ratio, etc.).

Ride and handling

Smooth and stable, with an emphasis on payload but without sacrificing comfort. Generally smooth ride, except for occasional firm reactions at urban speeds; rear end sometimes bounces slightly over sharp bumps when cargo box is empty. The Denali’s adaptive magnetic shock absorbers erase these irritants almost completely.

The magnetic shocks also afford better lean control in turns, for improved agility. Precise, linear steering is helped by big, 20-inch tires but it remains very light, even at highway speeds.

Wide turning circle, typical of a pickup. Powerful and relatively fade resistant braking, but hard pedal makes brakes hard to modulate. Excellent soundproofing overall.

Automatic transfer case standard on 4WD Sierras except base model, which has a floor-mounted lever. The automatic version is preferable because no driver intervention is required.

Inspection

The following points were noted in our inspection at a CAA-Quebec technical inspection centre:

• Easy access to most parts requiring maintenance or replacement, except the engine oil dipstick located too far back of the engine, and the air filters with screwed‑on cases
• Spark plugs still have cables despite use of independent coils; over time cables often become sensitive to humidity, which can cause backfires
• Several electrical connectors are exposed to road spray under the vehicle and under the hood, which lacks seals
• Wiper fluid reservoir placed on driver’s side of vehicle; dangerous in a roadside fill-up
• Battery is placed on right side of engine compartment, with room for a second battery on the driver’s side; specific poles easily accessible for a boost
• Very sturdy suspension, platform and differentials
• Multiple tow hooks and eyes on and under the vehicle