GMC News: 2019 GMC Sierra Begins to Differentiate Itself

[William Maley]

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The Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra really don't have many traits that set them apart, aside from different front-end styling. But GMC is hoping the new 2019 Sierra, making its debut today, will be able to distinguish itself from its Chevrolet brethren. 

To do this, GMC has two new features that are exclusive to the Sierra. First is the CarbonPro bed. Optional on the Denali, the bed is comprised of lightweight carbon fiber composite panels for the inner panels and floor. Not only does it promise "best-in-class dent, scratch and corrosion resistance", it also drop 62 pounds out of the Sierra's curb weight. Second is the MultiPro Tailgate that offers "six unique functions and positions
" such as standing workstation.

The Sierra's exterior takes a bold approach with a larger front grille and C-Shaped headlights. Denali models appear to have a lot of chrome trim. 22-inch wheels are standard equipment on the Denali and SLT. We don't know much about the exteriors for lesser Sierra models as GMC is focusing on the Denali and SLT models for the time being.

Like the Silverado, GMC has focused on cutting weight in the 2019 Sierra - up to 360 pounds depending on the configuration. Aluminum panels are in use for the doors, hood, and tailgate. 

Don't expect any drastic differences between the Sierra's and Silverado's interior aside from some additional chrome trim. The Sierra does come with some interesting tech including a full-color heads-up display, a trailering smartphone app that allows a driver to check the lights, trailer tire pressures, and perform electrical diagnostics; and hitch guidance system to make hooking up a trailer easier.

Engines will include the 5.3L and 6.2L V8s, and the all-new 3.0L turbodiesel inline-six. 

We'll hopefully have more details and pictures as GMC will be holding an event later tonight in Detroit. The 2019 Sierra arrives at dealers this fall.

Source: GMC
Press Release is on Page 2

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GMC Introduces the Next Generation 2019 Sierra
Commanding design, segment-leading technologies redefine premium truck

DETROIT — GMC is taking its most popular pickup truck to the next level with the completely redesigned 2019 Sierra Denali and SLT.

Distinguished by bold design and segment-leading technologies, the next generation Sierra Denali once again redefines the premium pickup, while advancing Denali’s legacy as the pinnacle of GMC design, capability and refinement.

“GMC ignited the premium truck segment 17 years ago with the original launch of the Sierra Denali,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Global GMC. “The next generation 2019 Sierra Denali establishes a new benchmark in capability and refinement. It exemplifies precision in every detail.”

Powerful proportions and distinctive Denali design help define the Sierra’s unmistakable exterior, while the driver-focused cabin strengthens the brand’s reputation for refinement with premium materials, improved interior space and innovative storage solutions. 

The 2019 Sierra Denali affirms its position as the most premium Sierra ever with segment-leading technologies and exclusive features, including:

• GMC Exclusive, Industry-first MultiPro Tailgate is the most innovative pickup tailgate ever, with six unique functions and positions offering enhanced second-tier loading and load-stop solutions, a standing workstation and easier access to items in the box.
• GMC Exclusive, Industry-first Carbon Fiber Pickup Box, the CarbonPro, was developed to increase durability, efficiency and functionality while offering best-in-class dent, scratch and corrosion resistance, making it the most durable pickup box in the segment.
• All-new ProGrade Trailering System with Trailering App offers a connected comprehensive suite of trailering technology that brings more confidence to the towing experience than ever before.
• Segment-first Multi-Color Head-Up Display projects key, customizable vehicle data on the windshield in a 3x7-inch display to help drivers keep their eyes on the road.
• Segment-first Rear Camera Mirror offers an optimized view via an available dual-function interior mirror that expands vision to overcome common visual obstructions like occupants or cargo. This next generation system features a higher resolution camera and display and the ability to tilt or zoom the view.  

The redesigned Sierra Denali offers a full suite of available advanced safety features, along with exclusive chassis technologies such as Adaptive Ride Control.

“The heritage of the GMC brand is rooted in full-size trucks, of which the Sierra is our cornerstone, with our SLT and Denali models contributing 87 percent of our total crew cab sales,” Aldred said. “The next generation Sierra caters to these unique customers who demand a premium, innovative truck that supports their professional and personal passions.”

A commanding presence
The 2019 Sierra Denali debuts a profound new GMC design. A taller, more confident stance gives Sierra Denali powerful proportions complemented by hallmark details such as a chrome grille with a sharp, precise dimensional pattern that epitomizes the truck’s attention to detail.

“The next generation Sierra Denali has a deliberate, commanding presence,” said Matt Noone, director of design, GMC Exteriors. “Its unmistakable design embodies the essence of GMC, while advancing the brand’s core styling elements — rooted in inherent capability — with a new expression of its signature cues.”

Sierra shows refinement and strength through a larger, more-dominant upright grille, a taller hood, and a bolder, more pronounced take on GMC’s C-shaped lighting signature.

Advanced lighting technology distinguishes the Sierra Denali from every other truck on the road. GMC’s front lighting signature is conveyed through a prominent “light blade” that delivers uniform LED illumination for the daytime running lamps. LEDs are also used for the headlamps, taillamps, fog lamps and other illuminative elements, with lenses constructed from durable material with an almost crystalline quality.

The truck is larger than the previous truck in virtually every dimension, and the larger grille and dramatic lighting accentuate its broad-shouldered stance. The wheels are pushed closer to the corners and wear larger diameter tires. Denali features available 22-inch Ultra Bright aluminum wheels; the SLT model offers its own unique 22-inch dark aluminum wheels finished with chrome accents.

New, more prominent badging includes a bold DENALI nameplate on the tailgate —expressed in a new block-style typeface that echoes the truck’s strong proportions — below the signature GMC identification.

An elevated interior refined
The Sierra Denali’s new interior builds on the refinement and sophistication that have become synonymous with Denali, topping the segment with best-in-class front head- and legroom (maximum), providing a more spacious, driver-centric environment finished with premium materials. 

Putting the driver at the center of experience starts with a higher seating position that offers a confident view behind the wheel. The optimized ergonomics emphasize easy, intuitive interaction with the vehicle’s technologies, such as the all-new Trailering App and segment-first Head-Up Display.

Denali-exclusive materials — including premium leather-appointed seating, authentic open-pore wood trim and dark-finish aluminum decor — help raise the interior to a new level of refinement. The exclusive leather appointments have a distinctive, large-pebbled grain with a contrasting stitch pattern that is both premium in appearance and touch without sacrificing durability, and the wood trim features an open-pore texture evocative of hand-planed furniture.    

When it comes to the space and storage vital to truck customers, the 2019 Sierra’s crew cab has nearly 3 inches of additional rear-seat legroom compared to the current model. The outboard rear seat backs open to reveal rectangular storage spaces large enough for storing tablets or laptops, tie-down cords, umbrellas or other important accessories.

Groundbreaking cargo box capability and materials
The next generation 2019 Sierra debuts a GMC exclusive, industry-first MultiPro Tailgate that is the segment’s most innovative tailgate ever. Standard on SLT and Denali, the MultiPro Tailgate features six unique functions and positions, offering enhanced second-tier loading and load-stop solutions, a standing workstation mode and easier access to items in the box.

The MultiPro Tailgate also incorporates a step entry and egress mode that, when paired with the assist handle, offers both step and seated functionality, with a maximum weight capacity of 375 pounds (170 kg). Ease of use is enhanced with two buttons on the tailgate handle that allow convenient inner gate release.

This multifunctional tailgate offers proven strength and durability, having undergone more testing and validation than any tailgate in GM’s history. Sierra is the first and only truck to offer the MultiPro Tailgate, providing premium truck customers the ultimate flexibility. MultiPro Tailgate will be standard on Denali and SLT.

The cargo boxes also offer best-in-class cargo volume — 63 cubic feet (1,784 liters) on the short box, as well as additional tie-downs and a new, available 110-volt power outlet. The bed continues to be made of roll-formed, high-strength steel, yet a revised alloy offers 50 percent more strength than the current model.

The 2019 Sierra Denali will offer, later in the model year, an available GMC exclusive and industry-first carbon fiber box — the CarbonPro — developed to increase durability, efficiency and functionality of the truck. It replaces the standard steel inner panels and floor with a lightweight, purpose-designed carbon fiber composite that offers best-in-class dent, scratch and corrosion resistance, making it the most durable pickup box in the segment.

“In 116 years of making GMC pickup trucks, our industry-first carbon fiber box is the toughest and most durable pickup box we have ever made,” Aldred said.

The new CarbonPro box is 62 pounds (28 kg) lighter than the steel version, and is one example of GMC’s strategic use of materials in engineering the Sierra. The strategy also incorporates aluminum for the doors, hood and tailgate, while relying on steel for the fenders, roof and standard cargo box to shave up to 360 pounds (163 kg) from Sierra compared today’s model.

ProGrade Trailering System with Trailering App
The 2019 Sierra offers a more confident towing experience thanks to GMC’s new ProGrade Trailering System, standard on Denali and SLT. The trailering system includes an all-new Trailering App featuring a Pre-Departure checklist, Maintenance Reminders, Trailer Light Test, Trailer Electrical Diagnostics and Trailer Tire Pressure and Temperature Monitoring.

Many of the Trailering App’s functions, including the lighting test and pre-departure checklist, are also available with the MyGMC app on compatible Android and iOS smartphones, a feature that offers great convenience when outside the truck or trailer.

The next generation Sierra also offers Hitch Guidance with Hitch View and Auto Electric Park Brake to help with perfect positioning when hitching. The available side view cameras and a trailer-mounted HD camera provide additional assistance when driving down the road or in reverse. With exclusive Trailer Theft Detection, owners can receive text and mobile alerts from OnStar when the trailer has been detached from the truck without permission.    

Purposeful technologies
Seamless, driver-focused technology has long been a Denali standard, and the 2019 Sierra Denali establishes a new benchmark by incorporating purposeful technologies.

These technologies work together to increase functionality and enhance comfort and convenience. Highlights include:

• Segment-first Multi-color 3x7 Head-Up Display: The 2019 Sierra is the first full-size truck to offer this technology, which projects key vehicle information on the windshield within the driver’s line of sight.
• Advanced GMC infotainment: This new, dynamic platform offers a smartphone-like experience with an intuitive interface, faster response and improved voice recognition. Sierra Denali’s standard 8-inch diagonal system includes navigation. 
• Segment-first Rear Camera Mirror: This available dual-function interior mirror offers an optimized camera view that can help the driver’s view around potential vision obstructions such as occupants or cargo, while also offering a greater field of vision. This next gen system features a higher resolution camera, a higher resolution display and the ability to tilt or zoom the view. A conventional mirror view is also available.
• Surround Vision: Offering a bird’s-eye view of the truck, this available feature displays an overhead image on the infotainment screen, helping the driver detect potential obstacles when backing up, including when trailering.
• Full suite of advanced safety features: The 2019 Sierra Denali offers a full range of available advanced safety features, including Side Blind Zone Alert, Pedestrian Detection and Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking.

Sierra performance
New versions of the proven 6.2L and 5.3L V-8 engines will be joined by an all-new 3.0L inline-six turbo-diesel engine, expanding the powertrain lineup for the 2019 Sierra.

The 5.3L and 6.2L engines feature stop/start technology and new Dynamic Fuel Management that enables the engine to operate on one to eight cylinders, depending on demand, to optimize power and efficiency. The new diesel builds on GMC’s expertise with Duramax turbo-diesels offered in Sierra HD and Canyon models. The available 6.2L and 3.0L engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Sierra Denali features an exclusive Adaptive Ride Control suspension system designed to provide premium driving refinement with exceptional responsiveness. It employs sophisticated sensors to monitor road conditions and chassis responses in real time, enabling adjustments to active dampers every 2 milliseconds.

Coming this fall
The 2019 GMC Sierra Denali and SLT go on sale this fall. Additional details will be released closer to the start of production.

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[G. David Felt]

This Rocks!  

I love this look so much better than the Chevy version and the tailgate I think is very cool. This is right up there with the Ram Stagecoach tailgate. Both are very useful and cool.

Love the Dash, clean easy to use and well laid out. I am gonna be excited to see one in person.

[Drew Dowdell]

Love the exterior. Not sold on the interior of the Chevy, so not sure some fancy trim is going to help.

Another power train announcement is coming later this month.

[G. David Felt]

Wonder how long before videos are made about the Carbon Fiber bed versus Aluminum bed since Chevy went batt shit crazy on Aluminum versus Steel? 

I also like that the Carbon Fiber can lift inside as a stop measure for materials in the bed.

This should make many happy! Inline Smoothness Baby!  

2019 Sierra will be available with a 5.3-liter gas V8, a 6.2-liter V8 or a new 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder Duramax diesel

[ocnblu]

The Wheel Arch Police are going to have a collective coronary over the new Sierra.  They're not round.  They're not square.  WHAT ARE THEY???  

I hope the announcement is some sort of gasoline 6.

Edited March 1, 2018 by ocnblu

[ocnblu]

I'm confused by the title of this thread, when since the 2007 redesign, Silverado and Sierra have shared only roof panels and doors... all other exterior panels are different.

[daves87rs]

Wow....sharper than the Silverado....

Like this!

[William Maley]

8 minutes ago, ocnblu said:

I'm confused by the title of this thread, when since the 2007 redesign, Silverado and Sierra have shared only roof panels and doors... all other exterior panels are different.

I'm talking generally - I know they are different. But to the normal person, they may only notice the different front ends.

[balthazar]

Oh God, I'd really really like one of these!

• I said a long while ago here I'd like to see the tailgate utilized instead of just being a drop door; I use mine as a work surface all the time. GMC put a lot of engineering into this gate, very interesting & versatile. What I'd like to see & proposed in the past is some sort of hold-down/clamping system, such as a lateral V-groove and some sort of 'T' lockdowns one can slide into grooves- so you could clamp & cut material off the gate.

• 'Work surface' is fine for a laptop (that's not work ) but too high for anything else.

• I would also like to see some sort of shielded arms that replace the tailgate cables- truly freeing up that surface. If they can make the gate power-drop in a controlled manner, it could be readily possible to have something in the bed walls that isn't open to the bed, yet lowers & HOLDS the tailgate open/ supports the same weight.

All in all tho, I'm pretty in awe of the MultiPro gate.

[Robert Hall]

That's a pretty slick tailgate..I like how the center can be used as a step.   

[ocnblu]

Over at GMC's preview site, they only list crewcab short and long (er) bed, and SLT and Denali trim levels.  Is GMC truly only going to try to sell upscale trucks with no regular cab, no 8 foot bed, and no lower trims?

[Robert Hall]

4 minutes ago, ocnblu said:

Over at GMC's preview site, they only list crewcab short and long (er) bed, and SLT and Denali trim levels.  Is GMC truly only going to try to sell upscale trucks with no regular cab, no 8 foot bed, and no lower trims?

That would help differentiate them from Chevy more... the sales of regular cab and long bed GMCs are probably a very low percentage of production now...the profit is in luxury trim 4drs...

[G. David Felt]

1 hour ago, balthazar said:

Oh God, I'd really really like one of these!

• I said a long while ago here I'd like to see the tailgate utilized instead of just being a drop door; I use mine as a work surface all the time. GMC put a lot of engineering into this gate, very interesting & versatile. What I'd like to see & proposed in the past is some sort of hold-down/clamping system, such as a lateral V-groove and some sort of 'T' lockdowns one can slide into grooves- so you could clamp & cut material off the gate.

• 'Work surface' is fine for a laptop (that's not work ) but too high for anything else.

• I would also like to see some sort of shielded arms that replace the tailgate cables- truly freeing up that surface. If they can make the gate power-drop in a controlled manner, it could be readily possible to have something in the bed walls that isn't open to the bed, yet lowers & HOLDS the tailgate open/ supports the same weight.

All in all tho, I'm pretty in awe of the MultiPro gate.

I agree with what you said, what sold it for me was the change into a step system to get into the truck much easier than the Ford system I think. I also loved the flip up lip to hold stuff in when the tailgate is down.

35 minutes ago, ocnblu said:

Over at GMC's preview site, they only list crewcab short and long (er) bed, and SLT and Denali trim levels.  Is GMC truly only going to try to sell upscale trucks with no regular cab, no 8 foot bed, and no lower trims?

I totally think it should be that way, above Chevy. Yet with that said I bet you can get the basic stuff from the fleet sales rep.

[balthazar]

• Steps in the bumper aren't really useful at all, since they aren't any lower than the hitch step. But a step halfway between the bumper top & the ground is.
• Ocn- are you referring to the 'Standard Bed'?
• The 'load stop' feature is OK, but anyone can use the raised tailgate as a load stop just as easily.
• BIG QUESTION : does this tailgate feature any sort of locking mechanism to the truck? Not a locking latch, but a way to insure someone doesn't take the gate off your truck? These have got to cost every bit of $2000 to replace.

[regfootball]

love the chevy, love this, both home runs.  the interior of the chevy is kinda cheap but its not going to keep anyone from liking the truck.  they each have their own look.  both done well.

GM scored bullseye with these new trucks as well as the Traverse / Enclave.  Curious why they can't seem to hit dead center with some of the other products like the bizarre new Equinox, FUBARred Acadia etc.

Can't wait for the Yukon / tahoe / Suburbans that get birthed from this.

Edited March 2, 2018 by regfootball

[balthazar]

How are the #2 selling Chevrolet & the #2 selling GMC "bizarre" & FUBAR'd"?

[William Maley]

2 hours ago, ocnblu said:

Over at GMC's preview site, they only list crewcab short and long (er) bed, and SLT and Denali trim levels.  Is GMC truly only going to try to sell upscale trucks with no regular cab, no 8 foot bed, and no lower trims?

I highly doubt it. I think GMC will be slowly dolling out information up until the fall launch.

[G. David Felt]

1 hour ago, balthazar said:

• BIG QUESTION : does this tailgate feature any sort of locking mechanism to the truck? Not a locking latch, but a way to insure someone doesn't take the gate off your truck? These have got to cost every bit of $2000 to replace.

Considering that the auto fob has a remote tailgate opener button, I would have to doubt it is easy to remove the tailgate unlike older trucks where you just disconnected the tailgate cables and then lifted a corner and disconnected the gate.

[balthazar]

Yes; makes sense if it's motorized it cannot be removed. I don't think that's a big thing outside of farmers / base model trucks.

[ocnblu]

They're putting that stop on there because the bed, at 5', is not useful for hauling anything big unless the tailgate is down.  And if the gate locks, and it is closed and locked, how is it going to be stolen?  It still has to be raised up off the trunnions to remove it, and it can't be raised if the latches are locked.

The "bigwigs" speaking at the launch said "starting with the SLT..." which indicates to me, in addition to the preview site, my concern about the availability of lower trims.  I hope you're right about different cab styles, bed lengths and trim levels.

Anyway, I won't be able to afford any of them so maybe I shouldn't cry.  But the farmer or contractor, etc, who has always bought GMC work trucks might have something to say.  If this is indeed the case, it is GM's strategy of selling fewer units at higher prices in play.

[balthazar]

Have to see what configurations, on what bed lengths, and at what option price the MultiGate is going to be. I think as an option (if made so), it's going to be quite expensive- like close to a grand. Bill- what's your off-hip guess at replacement cost for something like this for accident repair?

[Drew Dowdell]

Don't fret. There will still be GMC work trucks. Work trucks are generally not news makers, so that's why you haven't seen anything about them.  Flash (Denali) and wow (MultiPro) are what generate headlines, not base model white trucks that will be found at a local construction firm. 

I like the MultiPro gate, but I wonder the weight it can support. It would be good for hauling a motorcycle.

[Robert Hall]

Given how huge the grille is on the 1500, I wonder how big it will be on the HD versions..the front is less overwrought than the Chevy, but still pretty busy in all the details. 

[Robert Hall]

16 hours ago, ocnblu said:

I'm confused by the title of this thread, when since the 2007 redesign, Silverado and Sierra have shared only roof panels and doors... all other exterior panels are different.

Trivially different bulges in the front and rear fenders didn't mean real differences, though..same meat, slightly different toppings. 

[G. David Felt]

1 hour ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

Trivially different bulges in the front and rear fenders didn't mean real differences, though..same meat, slightly different toppings. 

Like a Banana Split Sundae!  

[balthazar]

What kind of real differences are you going to have in a pickup tho? It must conform to an even more rigid 3-box approach than cars do.

[G. David Felt]

[ocnblu]

Yeah, I read Motor Trend's coverage of the Sierra reveal today on my lunch break, so I am satisfied that GMC will still offer something for the blue collar man.  They mentioned 5 total trim levels.  I'm guessing SL, SLE, All-Terrain, SLT and Denali.

 

Balthy, my off-the-cuff guess is in the high $2k range... all those hinges, individual parts, trim, expensive electric switches, etc. it is definitely not like the old days.  This trick tailgate looks as prone to being rickety as the Ford gate with man step... only worse.  I'm tickled pink with a normal gate with tension rods for easy open and close operation.

[Scout]

Congrats GM. Ok, not really.  

[ocnblu]

Why so glum, bud?   I mean, I was scared at first but I'm OK now.

[Robert Hall]

I wonder if they are going to duplicate those buttons on the outside of the tailgate for operation with buttons on the key fob.  Seems like that would be convenient.. 

[Scout]

4 hours ago, ocnblu said:

Why so glum, bud?   I mean, I was scared at first but I'm OK now.

I wonder if Honda and Ford will attack the same way GM's marketing did. Does anyone else remember the old Suburban commercial that that backfired when it tried to down the Expedition?  If GM was physically capable of putting foot in mouth, that foot would be there quite often. 

[Robert Hall]

I wonder if the Sierra will get the special tailgate option as an exclusive for a year or two then Chevy gets it...I can't imagine Chevy letting GMC have something like this (if it is successful). 

[Drew Dowdell]

2 hours ago, Scout said:

I wonder if Honda and Ford will attack the same way GM's marketing did. Does anyone else remember the old Suburban commercial that that backfired when it tried to down the Expedition?  If GM was physically capable of putting foot in mouth, that foot would be there quite often. 

I'm not getting what you're referencing here with the Sierra tho... 

[Scout]

28 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

I'm not getting what you're referencing here with the Sierra tho... 

All the boasting about superior steel, and now this.  Or how about the attack on the Ford tailgate step, and now this.  The marketing for GM is awful IMO.  The awful marketing is often followed by copping what they made fun of.  

[Drew Dowdell]

12 minutes ago, Scout said:

All the boasting about superior steel, and now this.  Or how about the attack on the Ford tailgate step, and now this.  The marketing for GM is awful IMO.  The awful marketing is often followed by copping what they made fun of.  

I'm still not seeing it. GM specifically targeted the use of aluminum in the bed material, not in body panels. GM has been using aluminum hoods and doors on other vehicles for years. If the carbon fiber bed is more dent resistant than steel or aluminum, there is no hypocrisy there.

GM's original "man step" goes back to at least 2002 and was always a far simpler and graceful solution than Ford's.  The Ford man step is still a rickity looking piece and is overly complicated. Having a built in cane just puts the cherry on top. Watching the video on the GMC shows it to be simpler in operation than the Ford. 

I'm not blown away by the GM trucks, I like the new Ram better...but GM did get these two things right.

[Robert Hall]

I'm not a truck guy, but if I did buy one, I'd go for the Ram..funny, 25 years ago the Dodge Ram was the brash new look against more conservative Ford and GM designs, and now Ram is the clean, subtle design vs busy, overwrought designs from Ford and GM...

[balthazar]

I don't find any of the Big 3 truck distasteful- well maybe the Super Duty.
Were I to rank them:

1. '19 GMC
2. '19 Ram
3. '18 F-150
4. '19 SIlverado

but I could own any of them.

[ocnblu]

1.  '19 Silverado

2.  '19 Sierra

3.  '19 Ram

4.  '18 F-150

 

I love Chevy's homage to the '99-'01 Silverado in the front end of the new truck.  The mid '60's Ford-style front fender swoosh is my least favorite part of the new Chevy.  I also LOVE the embossed lettering on the tailgate, although that is something others have done before in recent years, and I think I know the reason why.  Also, I am pleased that Chevy has graced the WT with a cohesive exterior look... it is all black in trim, instead of cherry-picked black bumpers with chrome grille of the current WT, or even the inexplicable chrome rear bumper/black front bumper of the '07-'13 WT.  They've not been this proud of their base model truck since the original WT came out, when it went with all-black bumpers and trim, plus it had a trick, super strong, flexible grille.

The Sierra is my next favorite, but I will have to see a lower trim model before I finalize my pecking order.  On the GMC, the wheel arches are a bit weird, and the carbon fiber bed is probably too expensive to put into a base truck where it will more likely prove its worth than in the Denali, which will probably never haul anything "yucky" LOL.  Also that tricked-out tailgate is problematic for me... too too much.

For both GMs, I am not sold on AFM that shuts down all but one cylinder on the V8.  How red-blooded is it going to sound with Flowmaster exhaust if only one cylinder is making music?

The Ram 1500 at first blush is a sweet truck.  But there are some things that bother me about it.  Its looks have softened v. the current truck... and the grille, I swear, juts out further than the front bumper, which will lead to more expensive repairs in very low-speed crashes.  The front bumper is too tucked-in, clearly visible when seen in full profile.  Also the dial shifter is hateful.  It is awkward in operation, and there is a noticeable pause after clicking it into gear, a disconcerting condition.  I can picture someone trying to "rock" their truck out of a ditch, etc., with this ridiculous dial shifter.

The Ford is a good looking truck, and I love the appealing trim variations at the lower price end, with the XL having Chrome or Sport (monochrome) trims available for a reasonable price, plus the FX4 off-road kit available even on the XL.  However I am not a fan of Ford's tiny engines, or their aluminum bodywork, which has a host of bad points... expensive repair being one thing, wavy appearance being another, plus the fact that aluminum, as a commodity, has supposedly gone up in price almost 25% since Ford's gamble started.  This will eventually put pressure on them with pricing and profits.

[G. David Felt]

2019 GMC

2019 RAM

2019 F150

2019 Chevrolet

Chevy is the least attractive of all these trucks to me.

In regards to displacement on demand or auto off when sitting at a light or less cylinders when cruising. I have come to the conclusion that turning off cylinders when cruising is a good thing, helps with MPG and really does not take anything away from the auto.

Turning the motor off at the signal when you stop, I hate it, I am currently in a 2018 Escalade and the delay of turning the motor off and back on and taking off from the dead stop is very noticeable and clearly hurts an aggressive driver or if you are needing to get the jump to change lanes, etc. I hate that auto off and have gone through the menu but cannot find a way to turn it off. That will hold me up from buying a new auto as I hate the delay of the all auto off when at the stop sign.

[ocnblu]

Ford at least has a switch to turn that dastardly feature off, but you have to bemember to do it every time you start your vehicle.

[Drew Dowdell]

I'm very trim-level specific in my preferences. 

1. '19 Ram 1500 (Limited or Rebel), Hemi

2. '18 Ford F-150 King Ranch or Limited, 5.0

3. '19 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali or SLT, any V8

4. '18 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali or All-Terrain

5. '18 Chevy Silverado 1500 - Z71 of any trim... whatever it takes to get all that chrome off the front.

6. '19 Chevy Silverado 1500 - I might be talked into a High Country for the right deal, but I'm more likely to go for an '18 leftover instead just based on appearances. 

[Scout]

21 hours ago, ocnblu said:

Ford at least has a switch to turn that dastardly feature off, but you have to bemember to do it every time you start your vehicle.

I've been dealing with the start stop for a few days on a new F-150. That is some annoying s#1*. To have the engine shut off for less than a second only to restart itself seems like a lot of excessive wear and tare on the starter and engine. Not to mention the constant needless shifts on the transmission. And I'd be willing to bet all the extra wear on so many components isn't saving fuel in many cases. 

[G. David Felt]

Seems the MultiPro tailgate was actually designed in 2009 during the depression and yet they kept it secret to do extreme testing to make it one of the best parts created by GM.

https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/general-motors/2019/05/18/gm-multipro-tailgate-pickup-sierra-denali/3669381002/

@balthazar seems one of the two lead engineers built his own English Wheel and built from 1974 to 1978 his own car folding all the steel on the English wheel.

His car is now in the North lobby of the Engineering building with 97,000 miles and was used to tow a camping trailer around the country.

Great read, worth checking out the story.

https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/general-motors/2019/05/18/gm-multipro-tailgate-pickup-sierra-denali/3669381002/

[balthazar]

I don't think working or even building an English Wheel is all that "rare". Eastwood sells them, among others, I have seen build threads on them, and have been in at least 1 shop that has/uses one. I myself have not used one, but I understand how they are used.
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I have a great tailgate idea for sale if GM (or FoMoCo or FCA) is buying- guarantee it'll be the next 'box buzz' if it were brought out. There's even a vintage Chevy / GMC nameplate that would work great for it. I certainly could use my idea at work, if it were available.