The most powerful, modern and sophisticated vehicle in the brand’s 110-year history is the 2 014 GMC Sierra 1500 -> 2014 GMC Sierra full-size pickup. One of the Sierra’s three all-new EcoTec3 engines is housed in the vehicle’s striking new body, which also provides additional amenities for the most discerning truck buyers, including a completely renovated interior with optional IntelliLink connectivity.
In addition to technology and style, the 2014 Sierra offers the most extensive of the time standard features on a GMC truck. The 2014 Sierras are equipped with a number of high-end amenities, including connectivity options, a standard restraint system and the only projection headlights on the market.
EcoTec3 motors
The 2014 upgrade of the Sierra engine lineup aims to increase overall horsepower, torque and fuel economy. Three different EcoTec3 engine families – a 4.3L V-6, a 5.3L V-8 and a 6.2L V-8 – will be available. Each engine features constant variable valve timing, standard direct injection and active fuel management. This allows them to automatically switch to four cylinders at light loads to conserve fuel.
More than 10 million hours of complex computer modeling were used to achieve the improved performance and efficiency of the new engines, more than half of which was spent optimizing the combustion process.
For the six out of 10 truck owners, the 4.3L V-6 EcoTec3 engine offers increased torque and towing capability.
The 2014 Sierra has the best V-8 fuel efficiency in the industry, and the 5.3L EcoTec3 engine has been significantly improved to be even more effective. The 6.2L V-8 EcoTec3 engine, available as an option, is designed for exceptional performance.
The second-generation Sierra’s Active Fuel Management system to operates smoother and run longer in four-cylinder mode, thanks to updated engine design and other advances.
All three engines feature strong six-speed automatic transmissions and lightweight aluminum blocks and heads. To reduce brake wear, a feature called “cruise grade braking” makes the transmission downshift on downhill grades. The larger 9.5- and 9.76-inch rear axles used in the V-8 versions are strong enough to carry the engines’ higher output.
Duralife power steering and brake rotors
Strong brakes are essential for stopping trucks, whether they are loaded with freight, passengers, or both. The 2014 Sierra’s four-wheel disc brakes use Duralife brake discs, whose surface has been reinforced and hardened to prevent corrosion. The exclusive Duralife rotors (GM) can last twice as long as standard rotors and provide quieter, vibration-free braking.
The 2014 Sierra also features electronic power steering. Instead of an engine-driven hydraulic pump, an electric motor can be set to provide a more consistent, crisper steering feel and plenty of assistance during parking manoeuvres while saving fuel.
The updated requirements for truck interiors
The 2014 Sierra cabin features high-quality materials, meticulous detailing and thoughtful technology. An interior focused on usable and productive space is lined with new soft-touch materials and optional metal trim.
The Sierra features an accessible, upright instrument panel that provides optimal visibility. Large, easy-to-read and easy-to-access knobs and buttons are provided. All buttons have a rubber overlay coating, making them easy to reach even when wearing gloves.
All versions feature a revised instrument cluster with six gages and an optional 4.2-inch color Driver Information Center in the center that can display radio and navigation information as well as trip and vehicle status information.
The conventional compartment below is complemented by a second glove box that sits high up and has a apartment bottom. The Sierra features storage compartments in each door that can accommodate most beverage containers and other personal items. Additional cup holders, hidden compartments large enough for most laptops, and networking capabilities are located in the center console and center stack areas. A 110-volt power outlet, up to five USB ports, four 12-volt power outlets and a SD card slot are included in the Sierra.
IntelliLink connectivity lets you manage music features, a Pandora app, Bluetooth phone capabilities and available navigation with brand-new map displays through an eight-inch, high-resolution color touchscreen with a simple interface. Drivers can focus on the road and keep their hands on the wheel by controlling various system functions via voice command.
The Sierra’s seats are made of dual-density foam that provides long-lasting comfort and beautiful looks, even after intensive use. The seats are upholstered in a choice of leather or fabric, with the Sierra’s durable fabric said to provide longer life and stain resistance. Spilled drinks bead up on the fabric instead of soaking into it. Heated seats are standard on leather; they are an option on cloth.
Fresh arrangements for the doors and beds
The 2014 Sierra features front-hinged rear doors with exterior rear handles that improve access in tight parking situations. This feature is exclusive to Extended Cab versions. Compared to trucks with rear-hinged doors, rear passengers can enter and exit the Sierra while the front doors are still closed.
Cargo box improvements
Whether the tailgate is up or down, getting into the bed is easy thanks to standard corner steps on the Sierra’s rear bumper. At the top of each side of the bed are handles that match the steps. The four adjustable top tie-downs are also typical. They can support 250 pounds (113 kg) of weight and can be positioned in nine different locations. When the cover is closed, the bed is illuminated by the optional LED cargo area lights, which are integrated into the bed rails. The optional EZ Lift and Lower tailgate features an integrated torsion bar and damper to simplify raising and lowering the tailgate.
Tech Alert for Drivers
A number of active safety technologies are available as options on the 2014 Sierra. These include lane departure warning and rear-end collision warning, both of which use forward-facing cameras to monitor the vehicle’s position in relation to lane markings.
Popular Mechanics has named the camera technology one of the “Top Ten Tech Breakthroughs of 2012”
GMC’s first-ever Driver Alert Seat, which generates vibration pulses on the left and/or right side of the lower seat cushion to warn drivers of potential hazards, such as failing to indicate a lane change or approaching another vehicle too quickly, is coupled with Forward Collision Alert and Land Departure Warning. According to a study by GM, seat vibrations can draw a driver’s attention to the area of a potential accident more quickly and accurately than audible signals. The driver has a choice of vibrating or audible notification.
Stronger, more aerodynamic, and quieter
There are other sources of noise than those in the cabin. The aerodynamic improvements on the 2014 Sierra improve fuel economy and reduce wind noise. Airflow over the Sierra is improved with features such as triple-sealed inset doors, updated mirrors that reduce wind turbulence, a smooth roof and a quiet tailgate. In addition to aerodynamic spats in front of the rear wheels, additional seals around the grille, headlights and the space between the cab and trunk are also expected to reduce drag on the trucks.
The Sierra’s body and chassis have been updated to improve comfort, performance and handling. High-strength steel and hydroforming are used in the all-box frame to increase strength and rigidity while reducing weight. The A-pillars, B-pillars, roof rails and sills of the cab structures are made of high-strength steel, while the sill parts are made of ultra-high-strength steel for added protection in shallow offset collisions.
An equivalent steel hood weighs about 17 pounds more than the Sierra’s aluminum hood. A roll-formed box is stronger, lighter and more durable than a conventional stamped steel rear box.
To increase rigidity and reduce weight, Sierra uses aluminum for various suspension parts. Mostly, new lightweight wheels are combined with low rolling resistance tires. The tires and the newly developed hydraulic scissor-type cab mounts are designed to reduce vibration and noise in the cab.
Paying close attention
The 2014 Sierra’s appearance was developed by GMC’s designers based on its predecessors. In the process, the Sierra’s recognizable shape was evolved to include distinctive features such as standard projector headlamps, optional LED brand accent lighting and a sleek new grille. All Sierra versions feature premium black wheel arch moldings and chrome grille surrounds. The beltlines, mirror caps and door handles are chrome, while the wheels and grille surrounds vary by trim level.
In addition to the rear park assist already available, other features include a sliding rear window with defroster and an optional front park assist.
Unique All-Terrain design
The Sierra All-Terrain features a distinctive exterior design with a painted grille and less chrome, and has been available in a small selection of colors as an Extended Cab or Crew Cab.
Standard features on the Sierra All-Terrain include Z71 off-road suspension with Rancho monotube shocks, hill descent control, front tow hooks, a transfer case shield, and distinctive wheels and tires. In addition, an automatic limited-slip rear differential is standard equipment and responds in milliseconds when traction is low, increasing safety and confidence on wet, snowy or muddy surfaces.
On SLE variants, the Sierra All Terrain is offered with black interior and front bucket seats only. On SLT versions, a carbon fiber-look seat accent is standard.