2017 GMC Sierra Road Test and Review

2017 GMC Sierra SLT exterior front angle ・ Photo by General Motors

The perennial No. 4 among the big pickups, the GMC Sierra combines the same advantages found in the mainstream Big Three from Ford, Chevy, and Ram, but with a dash of added sophistication. That, in theory, is GMC's Professional Grade difference, and it’s exemplified today by the 2017 Sierra SLT. The Sierra shares key mechanical underpinnings with the Chevrolet Silverado, while the SLT trim builds on GMC’s distinct character traits with high levels of standard technology and customer comfort. In fact, the only Sierra trim with more is the range-topping Denali truck. All Sierra models also maintain plenty of robust, real-truck capability, including a segment-leading tow rating that’s complemented by impressive EPA scores. Also, newly standard for all models are active grille shutters, a capless fuel-filler system, and Teen Driver technology, which helps teach better road habits to younger, more inexperienced drivers.

Pricing

Pricing for fullsize pickups has nudged upward in recent years, as the new wave of midsize trucks has become an increasingly credible option for value customers. Thus, the MSRP of an entry-level Sierra now starts at $28,205, and although part of that has to do with GMC’s Pro Grade positioning, even a Chevy Silverado work truck opens at $27,195. The 2017 GMC SLT in its crew-cab, short-box configuration, with rear-wheel drive, then opens at $44,690. And if you think that’s getting into luxury-car territory, remember that the SLT trim is indeed an upscale package, plus it provides the kind of capability you can’t count on from a premium sedan. Moreover, to put the Sierra SLT into a competitive context, keep in mind that a number of range-topping pickups currently have MSRPs above $50,000.

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Power, Performance and Fuel Efficiency

Drivers have a choice between two V8 powerplants for the 2017 GMC Sierra SLT, both of which can be upgraded with 4-wheel-drive systems. The standard 5.3-liter engine delivers a healthy 355 horsepower and 383 lb.-ft. of torque, and with the truck's standard 6-speed automatic transmission, owners benefit from robust ratings for towing and fuel economy. In that same crew-cab, short-box setup mentioned, the Sierra can handle up to 9,400 lb. of trailer and return EPA grades of 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway/19 mpg combined. That’s a segment-best mark for V8 fuel efficiency, according to GMC, which also claims the segment’s top trailer rating for crew cabs: When the crew-cab Sierra is equipped with its available 8-speed automatic transmission and 6.2-liter V8—with outputs of 420 horsepower and 460 lb.-ft. of torque—the truck’s towing maximum climbs to 12,500 lb. EPA ratings for this configuration are 15/20/17.

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Exterior Design and Lighting

A steeply vertical grille, set off by thin-profile LED fog lamps and a chrome surround, create a bold yet sophisticated look up front for the 2017 GMC Sierra SLT, and that carries through along the truck’s sculpted sides with angular wheel openings, until you get to the distinctive LED taillamps. Heated, power-adjustable and power-folding mirrors are standard on the SLT trim, as are 18-inch polished-aluminum wheels with six thick spokes. Further detailing the Sierra SLT are chrome door handles, bodyside moldings, and front and rear bumpers, all of which supply the kind of uplevel design cues you’d expect from GMC. Functionality-wise, the Sierra pickup features many of GMC’s top productivity boosters, such as access steps built right into the corners of its rear bumpers, cargo-box LED lighting, and a remotely lockable EZ-Lift and Lower tailgate. The box itself is offered in 6.6-foot and 8-foot lengths, and rear wheelhouse liners are standard as well.

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Interior Design and Capacities

Two different cab configurations are offered for the 2017 GMC Sierra SLT. The Double Cab version has two full-size front doors, two smaller rear doors, and rear-seat accommodations on par with a subcompact car. The Crew Cab leverages two full-size doors along with more back-seat legroom than a full-size sedan.

But regardless of cabin size, the Sierra SLT serves up an elegant interior environment that’s highlighted by leather-appointed seating. Additionally standard for this trim are heated seats for the front-seat passenger and driver, who also get the use of a leather-wrapped, multi-function steering wheel and power-adjustable pedals. Dual-zone automatic climate control and carpeted floor mats are some of the other premium touches in the SLT cockpit. Finally, GMC engineers have put a significant effort into maintaining a quiet cabin for the Sierra, deploying triple-sealed doors, aerodynamically tuned exterior mirrors, specially designed engine and body mounts, and a valved-exhaust system.

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Infotainment and Audio Technology

Fiat-Chrysler and Ford are beginning to catch up in this area, but for the current model year, GM still brings a compelling advantage: a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot with 4G LTE connectivity. A three-month, three-gigabyte data trial for the system actually comes standard in the Sierra SLT, and that technology is bolstered by an IntelliLink infotainment system. The setup has both advanced voice recognition and an 8-inch color touchscreen that recognizes typical smartphone-style swiping and dragging commands. Bluetooth also is standard, for handsfree audio streaming and calling. For listening resources, there’s an interface for Pandora Internet radio, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, HD radio, and USB ports. SLT customers can order a variety of popular infotainment options, too, including navigation, a premium Bose audio system, and a rear-seat entertainment system with two independent display screens mounted in the rear of the front headrests.

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Safety Technology and Ratings

Beyond its car-like comforts, the 2017 GMC Sierra SLT also offers car-like driver-assistance measures. Standard, for instance, is a rearview camera system with guidelines, while GMC’s optional Enhanced Driver Alert package bundles lane-keeping assistance, automatic Intellibeam headlamps, low-speed automatic forward braking, front and rear parking assistance, forward collision alert, and a GM-exclusive Safety Alert Seat for the driver: If the Sierra’s other alert systems detect a potential crash risk from one side or the other of the truck, the cushion of the Safety Alert Seat will vibrate with a “tapping” movement on the same side. New for the rear-seat is a system that can, in certain scenarios, remind the Sierra driver to check the rear seats before leaving the vehicle. Moreover, the Sierra has earned 5-Star Overall Safety Scores from the NHTSA in all cab styles, and its rearview camera, forward collision warning, and lane-departure warning are all listed as “Recommended Technologies.”

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Available Equipment

The 2017 GMC Sierra SLT addresses the growing customer demand for personalized pickups with an assortment of appearance and function packages—including multiple All Terrain bundles. At its most extreme, the Sierra SLT All Terrain X rides on a Z71 off-road suspension and 18-inch black-painted wheels that are wrapped in Goodyear Wrangler DuraTec tires, then wears blackout-style design details ranging from Gloss Black mirror caps to black-vinyl-wrapped B-pillars. Next, GMC fits a black sport bar into the truck’s cargo bed, attaches black sport-assist steps, and improves the forward view with high-performance LED headlamps.

For added performance, the All Terrain X gets an extra 10 horsepower for its 5.3-liter V8, thanks to a high-performance cat-back exhaust system that raises output to 365 horses. As for that Z71 suspension, it’s worth noting that among the hardware here are Rancho Tenneco shocks, protective underbody shielding, and a high-capacity air cleaner.

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Other Cool Info

A key reason for the recent uptick in pickup sales has been the increased popularity of heavy-duty trucks. Previously, the primary customers for HD pickups had been satisfied with fairly basic work trucks, provided they had the power to get the job done. Nowadays, however, even entries like the 2017 GMC Sierra SLT can be ordered in both 2500 and 3500 HD configurations. To be clear, these beasts boast many of the same premium cues as their light-duty counterparts, from mobile Wi-Fi to heated, ventilated, and leather-surfaced seating. Yet they also raise the capabilities bar with a workhorse of a diesel engine. A 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel, this unit was re-engineered for the 2017 model year to produce an eye-popping 445 horsepower and 910 lb.-ft. of torque, with a maximum 5th-wheel/gooseneck trailer rating of 23,300 lb.

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Final Thoughts

Standing out in the fullsize pickup segment is no simple task, for at least two different reasons: First, the segment is incredibly competitive; second, most of the top choices meet the needs of most of the customers.

The three best-selling pickups are so popular that they alone made up more than 10 percent of all vehicles sold in 2016. In other words, wherever you are, you’re going to see a lot of Ford, Chevy, and Ram pickups on the road. And although you won't run into a GMC pickup anywhere near as often, the 2017 Sierra SLT can run with any of those rivals in capability and content.

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