There are only a few vehicles that can be associated as work vehicles and considered favorites on the American highways. The GMC Sierra 1500 falls in this elite category. The latest versions of these workhorses offered by GMC are called Sierra to signify a more modern pickup truck that not only meets the rough demand of work, but also offers a sense of style and luxury. Just like all of its competitors, the GMC Sierra 1500 Truck offers buyers a number of body styles, trim levels and powertrains.
There are four engine choices available. The base model is equipped with a 4.3-liter V-6 engine that delivers 195 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Next up is a 5.3-liter V-8 that bumps performance to 310 horsepower and 334 pound-feet of torque. For heavier workloads, the 4.8-liter V-8 is a great choice, offering 302 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque with excellent towing capacity. Lastly, a 6.6 turbodiesel V-8 delivers 260 horsepower and 525 pound-feet of torque. Depending on engine, size and equipment, the GMC Sierra 1500 may be capable of towing up to 9,700 pounds.
The 1500 name indicates that this pickup truck is a half-ton model, and was redesigned in 2007. Buyers can pick between the Regular Cab, Crew Cab and Extended Cab versions. There are three box sizes that can be opted for including 8 feet, 6 feet 6 inches and 5 feet 8 inches. Though the GMC Sierra 1500 Truck is considered primarily as a work vehicle on and off the road, it is still renowned for its flexibility and durability. Thanks to its added power, the 1500 Sierra can be used for light-duty cargo hauling and to tow boats as well as recreational vehicles with ease. The common complaint with the previous versions of the Sierra 1500 Truck was that there was not enough creativity put into the cabin. Thanks to a number of changes and improvements made on the GMC Sierra 1500 Truck, the pickup now stands tall effectively fusing looks and functionality. This class of vehicle is packed with contenders when it comes to the most functional and efficient pickups, but buyers can count on the GMC Sierra 1500 Truck as a solid choice for work or recreational use.
When it comes to safety, the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 scored "Good" in frontal-offset but only "Acceptable" in side-impact crash tests. That being said, it can brake from 60 mph in only 120 feet, which is excellent for its class.