Text and photos by Emily Chung
I love it when innovation happens in a vehicle – when we take something that already exists and make it so much better. When I think about pickup trucks, I want to know how useful it is to me. In contrast, the performance cars… how fun it is to drive. Full-size sedans… how practical is this for my family? For the 2019 GMC Sierra, I had high expectations as this is one of my favourite trucks already. What new thing could they bring to the table?
GMC has completely redesigned the 2019 Sierra Denali and SLT, and the truck will be available this fall. Several engine options are available including two V8 engines (6.2L and 5.3L) with new Dynamic Fuel Management technology that allows the engine to run on one to eight cylinders. There is also an all-new 3.0L inline-six turbo-diesel engine available.
There are many new features available with the 2019 GMC Sierra but I'll mention a few that really stood out. A couple of segment-first features that are available are the heads-up display, which projects information on the windshield within the driver’s line of sight, and the rear camera mirror. While this mirror functions as a conventional mirror, it can also give the driver a live feed from the camera placed in the rear. You can tilt or zoom the view, and it’s an advantage if there’s anything obstructing your direct view of the rear from your mirror. Just turn on the camera option and you’re good to go.
The MultiPro Tailgate is by far the most interesting thing I’ve come across during this ‘new vehicle release’ season. Traditionally, the tailgate opens and closes. That’s about it. With the 2019 GMC Sierra, the MultiPro Tailgate allows six unique functions and positions, taking multi-purpose of a simple tailgate to a whole new level.
The tailgate converts into a full-width step or seat, has a standing workstation for you to put your laptop, papers or tools on, folds down to make loading/unloading easier, and has two load-stop solutions (primary gate and inner gate). The tailgate is easy to convert into these options, I could do them with one hand.
The 2019 GMC Sierra pricing details will be available closer to the start of production (fall 2018).