Pick-up trucks came from a purely utilitarian need for a commercial vehicle, but in the 1950s certain models were gussied up for the average consumer who enjoyed having the cargo capacity but wanted something more refined. And so began the escalating war of features and options between the Big Three automakers.
All pick-ups, domestic or foreign-made, are front-engined, RWD, 4WD or AWD, cab in the middle with a cargo box in the back. The areas that are open for innovation are the powertrain and the cab, be it two-door or four.
Design:
The 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 is the most popular offering from General Motors and is up against the F-150 of Ford and the Dodge RAM 1500. The exterior styling has been freshened up with a chrome mesh grille and bumper while our SLT model had a colour-matched grille and bumper which in Onyx Black looked very slick.
A pair of six-inch chromed oval tubular “assist steps” or running boards add some flash below the rocker panels and give you a leg up when getting in and out of the truck. The Z71 4X4 Package adds some decals to the flanks of the cargo box along with a higher ride height.
The squared-off styling makes for a tough-looking vehicle and follows today’s trends quite nicely. Large double-stacked headlights and a large pair of fog lights dominate the squared-off front fascia.
Inside the crew cab there is a continuation of the black on black theme with some dark grey to break up the monotony.
The front bucket seats have leather inserts, and feature power 10-way driver and front-passenger seat adjusters (including power two-way lumbar adjuster), heated seat cushions and seatbacks, two-position driver memory, a cavernous centre floor console and seatback storage pockets for maps, etc. The rear seats are stadium-style fold-up seats on both the Extended and Crew Cab models with a 60/40 split.
For entertainment there is a Bose Premium sound system with subwoofer (in the centre console), auto tone control, speed-compensated volume, TheftLock and USB port.
Performance:
The Sierra 1500 SLT had been graced with the 5.3L Vortec V8 motor upgrade, which is a flexfuel engine meaning it can burn unleaded gasoline or up to 85 per cent ethanol thanks to with Active Fuel Management. Variable Valve Timing helps this engine generate 315 horsepower and 335 foot-pounds of torque. Power is distributed through a six-speed transmission with overdrive to a transfer case that can drive either the rear wheels or all of them at the simple turn of a knob.
This is all part of the All Terrain Package – includes "All Terrain" badging on front fenders and carpeted floor mats, brushed metal accents on instrument panel 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels, P265/65R18 On/Off road tires and Z71 Off-Road suspension. The Z71 Off-Road Chassis Package adds 46 mm monotube Rancho shock absorbers, off-road jounce bumpers and heavy-duty front stabilizer bar, also includes high-capacity air cleaner, skid plates, an industry-exclusive Eaton automatic locking rear differential, and the Z71 decals.
Driving/utility:
The 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 is a well-designed truck that combines utility with comfort. Even with the more aggressive All-Terrain Package, F85 and ZR71 suspension upgrades, the Sierra’s ride was never annoyingly rigid, a pitfall with unloaded trucks. I took the Sierra on an extended trip from Montreal to New Jersey with a few hundred pounds of cargo and it rode like a car.
Pick-up trucks do require prudence when driving on winding roads. They are heavy and have a higher centre of gravity than a car, but you don’t get this cargo capacity in a smaller vehicle. GMC provides their StabiliTrak electronic stability control system to automatically help control lateral skids and have proven to reduce some types of crashes by up to 63 per cent. StabiliTrak now includes electronic trailer sway control.
The 5.3L Vortec V8 had plenty of power for passing and climbing through the mountains while returning decent fuel mileage. Once again, this is a big boxy truck, not a sleek sports car.
Access to the cargo box was more awkward than its two main rivals, which have clever retractable steps that make loading and securing your cargo easier.
The 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT is certainly a contender for the domestic pick-up truck marketplace. It can be well optioned to suit your needs and deliver both your passengers and cargo with style.
2012 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT
Price: $39,785, $52,830 (as tested plus taxes)
Engine: 5.3L V8
Power: 315 horsepower, 335 foot-pounds of torque
Fuel economy: 14.4 litres per 100 km (city), 9.5 litres per 100 km (highway)
Transmission: six-speed automatic w/OD
Seating Capacity: five
Pros: modern exterior styling, comfortable seats, great suspension (optional Z71)
Cons: dark interior, cargo box access, modest fuel efficiency
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