2014 GMC Sierra 1500

The 2014 Sierra 1500 is offered in 2 trims, the base model costs $26,075 and the SLE costs $32,400 and comes powered by a 4.3L V6 engine. There’s also a 5.3L V8 engine which can be fitted as optional. In the base model, the cabin comes covered with Jet Black Faux Vinyl and the seats come covered with Dark Ash Cloth. The long box version costs 390 USD extra.

The standard features include 22” 7-spoke Silver Painted alloy wheels, Aluminized Stainless steel muffler, and tail-pipe, heavy-duty maintenance-free battery, Transfer Case, 3.5 monochrome driver information display, Tilt and telescopic steering, Front 3-passenger cloth 40/20/40 split seats, Folding 3 passenger rear seats, climate control, 4.2” Multimedia display, Front bumpers, cargo box, halogen projector lamps and many more. While the SLE costing 6 grand more offers many additional features, cosmetic decorations, and many more.

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SLE is the better trim to choose. It comes equipped with an additional and better set of features, which is visually significant in the exterior, interior, and safety. Priced at $6,000 more than the latter, the upper trim offers an advantage of the latest safety features and has the same engine options.

There are a couple of engines the manufacturer offers, a 4.3L V6 and an optional 5.3L V8. Conventionally the truck comes fitted with a 4.3L V6 engine coupled to a 6-speed automatic transmission with either 2WD or 4WD drivetrain configuration. This setup generates 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft torque. It helps the truck catch 60 mph from rest in just 7.4 seconds and can cover a quarter-mile in just 15.8 seconds. The engine also offers an impressive towing capacity of 7200 pounds.

The optional 5.3L V8 engine offers more power, but as usual, it offers lesser fuel economy. The 5.3L engine when fitted in the truck offers a power of 355hp and 383 lb-ft of torque when run on regular gas, but with flex-fuel, the engine returns 380hp and 416 lb-ft of torque. The 5.3L V8 helps cover 0- 60mph in mere 6.4 seconds and can cover a quarter-mile in 14.3 seconds. Moreover, the towing capacity is increased to 9600 lbs.

The 2014 Ford F-150 and the RAM 1500 are the lowest-priced trucks, which offer good performance on paper. The RAM 1500 is the fastest of the lot with impressive 0 to 60mph and quarter-mile timings of 7.4 and 15.8 seconds, respectively. The Sierra follows suit. Pickup trucks are not meant for outright acceleration but rather hauling heavy loads and the GMC Sierra is a Picasso in it. In this segment, it is difficult to declare a certain winner in this aspect.

GMC decided to improve the engines of the Sierra 1500 and equip the 2014 MY trucks with a more powerful yet lighter and improved engine. This has shown its merit in the fuel efficiency figures. The truck offers 18,24 and 20 MPG in the city, highway, and combined respectively. With a 34-gallon large fuel tank, it manages an impressive range of 816 miles on the highway and 612 miles in the city.

The Sierra being powered with an improved engine exhibits class-leading mileage. Additionally, being built with a large fuel tank, it has an edge on the driving range. The F-150 and RAM 1500 offer similar mileage, while the Tundra again stays behind in terms of fuel economy averaging 17 MPG. However, the 2014 RAM 1500 gets a sizable tank that can store 32-gallons and consequently it manages 800 highway miles. 

The 2014 Sierra is built with a cabin that has been completely re-designed and now comes with more overall cabin space, passenger volume, and better passenger comfort. In the base trim, the cabin comes wrapped with Jet Black Faux Vinyl and the seats are covered with Premium Dark Ash cloth while an optional Dark Ash Faux Vinyl is also available as interior trim. In the front part, the front seats come as 3-passenger cloth seats with 40/20/40 split-bench seats with manual recline and driver control, outboard head restraints, and fold-down armrest with storage. While at the rear, a folding 3-passenger rear bench seat comes fitted. 

In the SLE, you can add optional clothed front bucket seats which are heated, 10/5-way power adjusted for driver/passenger with adjustable head restraints. A manually operated tilt and telescopic steering come standard, whereas, a leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel with audio and cruise control buttons comes optional. A single-zone manual AC is standard in the two trims, however, one can equip a dual-zone climate control as optional along with a sunroof. The back of the Sierra 1500 lies a customary 61 cubic-foot space that can take care of medium-large cargos with ease. As the seats can be folded, it offers an additional space, which can further accommodate one’s belongings.

All the trucks have a seating capacity of 3 people, where the Sierra offers the best-in-class passenger room and on the other hand, the F-150 offers superior cargo space of 81.3 cu.-ft. The offerings from GMC and Ford shine and thrive well in the comparison. On the other hand, the Toyota and RAM trails in terms of not only passenger space but cargo capacity.

Standout interior features.

• Leather Wrapped, Heated, Tilt-telescopic steering wheel
• 10/5-way power seat-adjuster driver/passenger seats
• Clothed Front bucket heated 40/20/40 split-bench 3-passenger seats
• Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control
• Rubberized vinyl floor mats with color-keyed carpeting
• Power-sliding sunroof

How intuitive is the 2014 GMC Sierra 1500’s Infotainment system?

There is a vast range of choices that the manufacturer offers when it comes to Infotainment. GMC packs a 4.2” monochromatic display as standard with a 6-speaker sound system in the base trim which supports AM/FM, USB port, and Aux. Additionally, the base trim’s infotainment unit can be further improved with a 4.2” color display programmed with IntelliLink. It comes with AM/FM/CD Player, SD slot, Bluetooth hands-free and streaming, and Internet radio.

Apart from this, if you happen to choose the SLE, the brand fits an 8” touch LCD. It has good color saturation and resolution, supports navigation and other standard features. A 6/3-month trial of OnStar and SiriusXM comes free/ optional in the SLE and Base respectively.

Standout Infotainment Features.

• 8” Touch LCD with Navigation.
• 6-Speaker system
• AM/FM/CD Player/USB Ports/SD Slot
• Bluetooth Hands-free and Audio Streaming.
• 6-month trial of Onstar Directions and navigation system.
• SiriusXM 3-month trial
• Internet Radio by Pandora.

For 2014 MY, GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab comes with a new fascia, which now looks sharper and smarter than the past models. The primary dimensions of the vehicle remain similar, but it now looks more appealing. The Sierra is the first pick-up truck that comes fitted with projector headlamps. The chrome grille is now larger and sits between the front lights, inside which projector halogens with LED signature bulbs and DRLs.

The 2014 GMC Sierra 1500’s rear bumper is larger and has been placed higher. So being higher and larger doesn’t hug the corners. Owners can now use it as a step to climb while loading. The wheels have been made wider, and fit the arches below comfortably and give a proportioned look. As standard, 22-inch 7-spoke wheels come fitted to the truck. There are also several other alloy options that can be fitted to customize the truck's appeal.

The 2014 Toyota Tundra Regular Cab is the biggest trunk in this comparison, with the highest curb-weight, length, width, height, and a wheelbase of 145.7 inches. Not only is it the largest, but it also has the best ground clearance of 10.2 inches, which provides it with an advantage over the other with better handling in terrains. On the other hand, the Sierra is the smallest and is a light truck compared to the others which makes it handle better in the city conditions and can be parked easily compared to the others.

Standout exterior features:

• 22" 7-Spoke Silver Wheel with Chrome Inserts
• Aluminized Stainless steel muffler and tailpipe
• Front and rear chrome bumpers with corner steps
• High mounted and movable tie-down cargo box
• Halogen Projector headlamps and signature LEDs
• DRLs and Fog lamps
• Recovery hooks
• Heated power-adjustable mirror w/driver's spotter mirror

GMC has equipped the 2014 Sierra with all the necessary safety features and driver-assist programs. All the wheels of the truck come equipped with ABS, EBD, and Emergency Brake Assist. The cabin comes fitted with a standard Airbag system. Sierra shares its platform with Chevy’s Silverado; the truck is based on GM’s popular platform GMT K2XX. The platform comprises chassis built with high-grade steel on which the main vehicle frame made of aluminum is reinforced. The NHTSA and the IIHS have crash-tested the truck and based on its performance, both have presented it with good ratings. The NHTSA rated it all 5 stars, while the IIHS rated it “GOOD”.

Standout safety features:

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Side Blind Zone Alert
• Hill-descent control
• Theft-deterrent system
•  Rear vision camera with guidelines

GMC has introduced the 2014 Sierra with a new look, which looks fresh and more appealing from the past models. The cabin has been replaced with a spacious and comfortable one, compared to the confined and boring one from the past. These changes are significant and make the truck a daily workhorse yet offering a premium feel. GMC further offers many additional packages and options which can be equipped to customize the truck. Ranking 4th in the segment, it justifies itself in the competition. Henceforth, the GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab is certainly a good vehicle to own.