2014 GMC Sierra 1500, Acadia Lead Pro Grade Brand to Top Industry Honor

Thanks to segment-winning performances by the 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 full-size pickup and 2014 GMC Acadia large crossover, GMC was named "Highest Satisfaction Popular Brand" in the 2014 AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards.

The annual recognition program seeks to "objectively measure owner satisfaction with 50 separate attributes ranging from interior comfort and convenience to fuel economy and performance," and this year relied on customer feedback from more than 92,000 owners.

The win for the 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 has to be considered somewhat of an upset, too, as the truck beat out three of the most popular vehicles in the country in the Ford F-150, Dodge Ram and its own corporate cousin, the Chevy Silverado. Of course, truth be told, GM's Professional Grade division has to be considered among the most premium of the non-premium brands, and satisfaction runs particularly high in its range-topping Denali grade vehicles—like the 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali that was the only pickup recognized on the 2014 WardsAuto list of 10 Best Interiors.

And the award-winning Sierra combines those kinds of luxury cues with full-on full-size pickup capabilities, as well as all of the innovations that came with the recent redesign of GM's big trucks, including the "corner-step" rear bumper, LED bed lights, and driver-assistance measures like a rearview camera, forward-collision alert and lane-departure warning.

Further, while the 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 was besting its rivals in the light-duty full-size pickup segment, the brand was preparing to launch its all-new HD range, highlighted by the Sierra All Terrain HD designed specifically for off-road applications. All 2015 next-gen Sierra HD models also showcase crisp new styling, more sophisticated cabins with enhanced connectivity—including OnStar's 4G LTE service—and then ratchet up the capabilities with a best-in-segment payload of 7,374 lbs., a best-in-segment commercial trailering mark of 19,600 lbs, and higher fifth-wheel/gooseneck maximum that peaks at 23,200 lbs.

As for the 2014 GMC Acadia, it follows a similar approach in AutoPacific's "Large Crossover SUV" category, with a similarly impressive Denali version, and will be fine-tuned for 2015 with the debut of a leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel; new, 20-inch aluminum wheels; and three new exterior colors: Crimson Red Tintcoat, Dark Sapphire Blue Metallic and Midnight Amethyst Metallic.

The party line from Duncan Aldred, U.S. vice president of Buick and GMC: “GMC puts the customer at the center of all we do. We are pleased to receive this third-party validation from AutoPacific.”