2014 GMC Sierra Delivers Professional Grade Fuel-efficiency

GM designers are boasting that the automaker’s two new full-size pickups—the 2014 GMC Sierra and 2014 Chevy Silverado—are more differentiated from each other than ever before, providing two distinct ownership experiences backed by two distinctive appearances. But luckily for truck buyers, the new pair of pickups will share their powertrain choices, which means that they also share the top fuel-efficiency ratings in the country for V8-powered full-size pickups.

When kitted out with its brand-new 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 engine, the 2014 GMC Sierra is expected to ring up an EPA line of 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway/19 mpg in its rear-wheel-drive configuration and reach 16/22/18 with AWD. There’s no sacrificing power for efficiency here, either; that same V8 makes 355 hp and 383 lb.-ft. of torque, and also allows the 2014 Sierra to tow up to 11,500 lbs. when properly equipped. Again, that’s a best-in-class mark (that’s shared with the Silverado).

And on the odd chance you missed the news, the 2014 GMC Sierra also will outperform the Ford F-150 EcoBoost model, with its turbocharged V6, in efficiency and towing as well.

Thanks to that kind of math, Tony DiSalle, vice president of GMC Marketing, was able to note: “In the core of the full-size truck market, the 2014 Sierra is second to none. Truck owners expect durability, capability and fuel efficiency, and this latest generation of our proven V8 is designed to deliver on those expectations.”

(For more on the 2014 Chevy Silverado, see: http://www.autobytel.com/chevrolet/silverado-1500/news/2014-chevy-silverado-out-ecos-the-ecoboost-116212/.)

2014 GMC Sierra: MSRPs

Now, there will be a modest uptick in pricing for the 2014 GMC Sierra, but that’s to be expected with the kind of wholesale upgrade GMC is providing to the new truck, which, compared to the 2013 base model, adds an all-new powertrain, including a fresh six-speed automatic transmission, along with nifty standard features like the CornerStep rear bumper; it has a step built right into the bumper to help owners get a leg up on bed access.

Other new standards features include a 4.2-inch display audio system, locking tailgate, projector headlamps, cloth seats (entry-level rivals often use vinyl), DuraLife brake rotors, and the Pro Grade Protection plan that delivers complimentary maintenance for up to 2 years/24,000 miles. The bottom line?

With all this and more, the 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 regular cab, fitted with a new 4.3-liter EcoTec3 V6 engine, will start at $25,085 including destination charges; double and crew cab models are set to open at $29,110 and $33,210, respectively. Want to move up to that stellar 5.3-liter V8 with best-in-class efficiency and tow ratings, the expected choice of about 75 percent of Sierra owners? It’s an $895 option, but one that brings an added 40 hp and 43 lb.-ft. of torque over the comparable 2013 V8.

There’s a super-sized V8 on the menu as well, displacing 6.2 liters and providing a significant power-up over the mid-range motor, but details will have to wait until closer to the on-sale date for the 2014 GMC Sierra, due to arrive in dealerships this summer.