The 2019 GMC Sierra is completely redesigned. Following in the footsteps of its sibling, the redesigned Chevrolet Silverado, the Sierra features a new look, a roomier interior, and several new technology and utility-related features.
On the outside, the Sierra 1500 is now longer, wider and taller. Overall, the truck looks taller and more commanding than before. The wheels are now farther apart from front to back, increasing the Sierra's wheelbase in both length and width and decreasing front overhang. GMC is using those exterior-dimension increases to provide more room in the Sierra's rear seat. Legroom in the back of the crew-cab model grows by nearly 3 inches, for instance, which should mean plenty of room for adults to sit in back. On the top-level Denali trim level, you'll be able to get the new Sierra with premium leather upholstery and classy-looking open-pore wood trim.
Despite all this extra square footage, the new Sierra is lighter than the current model by as much as 360 pounds. A big part of that weight loss comes from the incorporation of aluminum doors, an aluminum hood, and a unique tailgate that also incorporates aluminum. The Sierra's cargo bed is still made from high-strength steel, but GMC says it's 50 percent stronger than the current truck's bed. A new cargo bed made out of carbon fiber will also be available later in the truck's model year; it's even stronger and lighter than the steel bed, according to GMC.
Another new party piece is the truck's MultiPro tailgate. It has six possible configurations, including one position that uses it for seating, one that turns it into a step, and another that treats the tailgate as a work table. Depending on how the tailgate is configured, it can hold up to 375 pounds. The MultiPro tailgate will be standard on the SLT and Denali trim levels.
On the inside, the 2019 Sierra gets quite a bit of new tech. You'll find a new color head-up display for the driver and an available surround-view camera system for tight parking scenarios. There's also a new rearview mirror that can be used in a conventional fashion or switched to display a live video feed from a rearview camera, giving you the ability to see what's behind you even if you're hauling a tall load in the bed.
Part of the tech upgrade for this new truck is a new trailering system, named ProGrade, that incorporates maintenance reminders, a trailer light test, trailer tire-pressure monitors and temperature monitoring, and even features such as trailer theft detection. As expected, several safety features are also available on the 2019 Sierra, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, and low-speed automatic braking.
If, at this point, you're wondering why we haven't mentioned engines, it's because GMC hasn't released much information about them yet. We know the previous 5.3-liter V8 will return as the base engine, and the Sierra's 6.2-liter V8 will be back as an optional engine. A 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder diesel will also arrive in the lineup later in the year. All are pretty much the same as the powerplants announced for the Silverado as well. Both the 6.2-liter and the 3.0-liter diesel engine will be paired with GMC's 10-speed automatic transmission.
The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 will go on sale in fall of 2018. The Sierra will initially debut in the SLT and Denali trim levels, which are the two highest trim levels currently available. For all your shopping needs and more details on the 2019 Sierra, stay tuned here on Edmunds.