GMC is a truck company at its core. The company was born when General Motors bought and combined the Rapid Motor Vehicle Company and the Reliance Motor Car Company, two of the earliest commercial truck makers. The 2012 GMC Sierra is the beneficiary of that century-plus of experience building trucks, and because of that long history, the GMC dealership remains the place to go when you’re looking for a brawny pickup that’s ready to work as hard as you do.
The 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 (MSRP $21,945) is where it all starts. A solid foundation is provided by the Sierra’s frame, which features a hydroformed front section and boxed side rails. Multi-stage leafsprings provide support for the rear axle and the cargo in the bed. Available trims are Work Truck, SL, SLE, SLT and XFE. Motivation is provided by a standard 4.3-liter Vortec V6, which delivers 195 hp and 260 lb/ft of torque. Smooth gear changes are provided by a standard four-speed Hydra-Matic® transmission with electronic control or an available six-speed automatic, and GMC stands behind its powertrains with a five-year/100,000-mile warranty.
New for 2012 are exterior, technology and safety upgrades. Outside, a chrome three-bar grille design is available and Quicksilver metallic is added to the color scheme. The standard StabiliTrak now includes Electronic Trailer Sway Control and Hill-Start Assist, and a hard drive Navigation Radio with CD/DVD player is now available on select models as well.
Sierra 1500 SL models add to the standard features by including a 302-hp 4.8-liter V8, cruise control, keyless entry and heated mirrors. SLE trim makes a strong, E85 FlexFuel-capable 5.3-liter Vortec® V8 engine available, so you can tow nearly 11,000 pounds. This 315-hp 5.3-liter V8 is standard in SLT trims, along with a heavy-duty Trailering Package, automatic locking rear differential, a Bose® audio system and a luxurious interior outfitted in leather.
While fuel efficiency is a part of the design brief for every flavor of Sierra with some models even featuring Active Fuel Management (AFM), the Sierra “Xtra Fuel Economy” (XFE) trim delivers better V8 fuel economy than any other truck in its class. With the Sierra XFE, you get more than 300-hp while still achieving 22 mpg on the highway.
The Sierra 1500 Denali tops the underlying hardworking competence with handsome styling changes and an interior that’s easily described as truly luxurious. New this year, heated and cooled front seats, a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel and rear-view camera system are now standard. A distinctive grille and big, 20-inch chromed alloy wheels set the Denali off as something different. A 6.2-liter Vortec V8 puts 403 hp underfoot, which is ably managed by a six-speed automatic transmission. The handsome cabin is a comfortable, serene place to spend time thanks to Nuance leather upholstery and a Bose® surround-sound audio system that’s more capable than most home stereos. Hydraulic body mounts add to the refinement by quelling objectionable vibes, fit and finish is more luxury-car than it is work truck and the Sierra Denali can capably serve both missions without breaking a sweat.
Cab configurations have your needs covered, starting with a Regular Cab and standard box combination. A long box and Extended Cab are available, and can be combined as well. Crew Cab models feature four standard-opening doors and a short cargo box to make it as easy to haul people as it is to pack the back with cargo. Two four-wheel drive systems are also available. A floor-shifted traditional transfer case features 4WD High and Low ranges, along with a Neutral position that enables you to tow your Sierra without worry. The optional Autotrac®-controlled transfer case puts control at your fingertips with a dashboard-mounted rotary switch. In addition to the 2WD, 4WD High and Low and Neutral functions, the Autotrac® transfer case has an Auto position that puts sensors to work detecting wheel slippage and reacting to your traction needs without asking you to lift a finger.
GMC Sierra pickups cover all the bases from Work Truck to Denali luxury with a long list of standard features augmented by loads of optional equipment. The Sierra also covers ground effortlessly thanks to its flexible drive-system configurations. Rain, snow, mud or shine, a Sierra is always going to be your partner, whether you’re clearing your back 40 or going to the corner store for milk. Contact us today to see which model works for you.
