GMC Sierra Pickup Moves Upscale, Adds Flexible Tailgate

General Motors Co. unveiled the high-end SLT and Denali versions of the 2019 GMC Sierra pickup truck this week.

The new model is further differentiated from its Chevrolet Silverado twin with a host of upscale amenities and technologies. GMC says the pickup is 360 lbs lighter than the current Sierra, even though it is larger in every dimension than its predecessor. The new truck is an inch longer, seven inches wider and boasts a one-inch-taller ride height.

As with the even lighter Silverado, the Sierra’s weight savings are achieved through the use of aluminum doors, hood and tailgate panels. An industry-first carbon fiber pickup bed on the top-end Denali variant saves another 62 lbs.

Compared with the redesigned Silverado, which debuted in January, the new Sierra’s exterior styling has a reworked chrome grille, new bumpers and "light blade" LED headlights. Front air curtains enhance aerodynamics.

The Sierra SLT and Denali trims will come with a standard 5.3-liter V-8 engine mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Optional powertrains are a 6.2-liter V-8 and 3.0-liter inline-6 diesel engines, both of which are teamed with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The two V-8 engines include GM’s cylinder deactivation technology.

The current Sierra also is available in entry-level Sierra and SLE trims with a standard 4.3-liter V-6 engine. GMC hasn’t provided information about those variants for the 2019 model year.