After being teased for a few weeks now, the 2014 GMC Sierra->ke241 finally made its online debut via Facebook. The model receives a new exterior look, improved interior and three “all-new” EcoTec3 engines. GMC->ke32 also promised that the 2014 Sierra will be offered with the longest list of standard features ever offered on a full-size GMC pickup.

On the exterior the 2014 Sierra has been made more aerodynamic and, thanks to the addition of new features like the aluminum hood, it is now lighter than its predecessor. The interior has also been highly updated and it has been designed to offer a better driving experience.

Under the hood GMC has placed three “new” engines -- a V-6 and two V-8s -- with the 5.3-liter EcoTec3 version delivering best-in-class fuel economy. The company did not reveal any specifications yet, but confirmed each engine will deliver improved output and better fuel economy.

Still, we are wondering if these updates will be enough to deliver the same performance figures as its key competitors: the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500. Hit the jump to find out.

Updated 04/02/2013: GMC announced today that the 2014 Sierra will arrive at dealerships this summer. Also revealed were the official specifications for the 5.3-liter V-8.

2014 GMC Sierra 1500

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Driving Impressions

Exterior

The 2014 GMC Sierra continues the utilitarian tradition of its predecessors, but adds an even more aerodynamic package that not only improves the look of the pick-up, but all reduces fuel consumption and wind noise. The Sierra’s body and chassis have been designed to improve ride and handling, as well as comfort and capability.

GMC has placed updated mirrors that help reduce wind turbulence. Helping further curtail wind noise, GM installed triple-sealed inlaid doors, plus additional sealing around the grille, headlights and space between the cab and box. The rocker panels received ultra-high-strength steel segments that provide increased protection and the hood is now made from aluminum and helps reduce the truck’s weight by 17 pounds.

The 2014 Sierra also received new lightweight wheels paired with low-rolling-resistance tires in most applications.

Interior

On the inside, GMC installed an all-new cabin with better-quality materials, better attention to details and better technologies. The first noticeable change is the pick-up’s new instrument panel, which is designed for visibility and accessibility. GMC placed larger buttons and put them in an easier-to-reach format.

There is also a new instrument cluster with six gauges centrally located, and a 4.2-inch color Driver Information Center with vehicle-status information, a trip computer and other information, like radio and navigation.

In order to offer the driver a better driving experience the 2014 Sierra has received additional cup holders, discreet compartments large enough for most laptop computers and connectivity options. The seats can be ordered in either leather or cloth.

For 2014, GMC is offering an all-new Sierra All-Terrain model that includes:

-Z71 off-road suspension with monotube Rancho shocks

-Hill descent control

-Front recovery hook

-Transfer case shield and unique wheels and tires

-Automatic locking rear differential that reacts in milliseconds in low-traction situations to improve safety and confidence on wet, snowy or muddy surfaces.

Engine

The 2014 GMC Sierra will be offered with a choice of three engines: a 4.3-liter V-6, a 5.3-liter V-8 and a 6.2-liter V-8. All of them feature standard direct injection, continuously variable valve timing and Active Fuel Management, and they bear a new name of EcoTec3 -- no more Vortec.

Don’t let the base-engine size fool you, as the archaic 4.3-liter Vortec engine appears to be museumed and the base engine is an all-new 6-banger that’ll likely rival the Ford and Dodge base engines well.

All three engines will be combined with a standard six-speed automatic transmission.

The 5.3-liter V-8 engine is a huge upgrade to the outgoing model. It pumps out 355 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 4,100 pound-feet of torque at 4,100 rpm. Additionally, the 5.3-liter engine delivers class-leading fuel economy with its 16 mpg city, 23 mpg highway and 19 mpg combine ratings in rear-wheel drive. With four-wheel drive, the 5.3-liter is rated at 1 mpg less in highway mpg and combined mpg. Towing with the 5.3-liter V-8 also leads the class at 11,500 pounds.

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4.3L V-6 EcoTec3 (LV3)

5.3L V-8 EcoTec3 (L83)

6.2.L V-8 EcoTec3 (L86)

Displacement (cu in / cc):

262 / 4301

325 / 5328

376 / 6162

Bore & stroke (mm):

99.6 x 92

96 x 92

103.25 x 92

Horsepower @ RPM:

TBA

355 @ 5,600

TBA

Torque (pound-feet) @ RPM:

TBA

383 @ 4,100

TBA

Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined):

TBA

16/23/19 (RWD), 16/22/18 (4X4)

TBA

Block material:

cast aluminum

cast aluminum

cast aluminum

Cylinder head material:

cast aluminum

cast aluminum

cast aluminum

Compression ratio:

11.0:1

11.0:1

11.5:1

Direct fuel injection

Yes

Yes

Yes

Cylinder deactivation:

Yes

Yes

Yes

Continuously variable valve timing:

Yes

Yes

Yes

Six-speed automatic transmission with Auto Grade Braking:

Yes

Yes

Yes


Prices

2014 Sierra base MSRP:

Regular cab

$25,085

Double cab

$29,110

Crew cab

$33,210


Competition

Key competitors for the 2014 Sierra includes models like: Ford F-150 and Ram 1500. The F-150 was been recently updated with a new design and all-new driver controls technology. The model is offered with a choice of four engines: a 302-horsepower, 3.7 liter V-6; a 360-horsepower, 5.0-liter V-8; a 411-horsepower, 6.2-liter V-8; or a 365-horsepower, 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine.

Dodge Ram also entered the 2013 model year with an updated exterior and interior and a choice of two engines: a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 that delivers a total of 305 horsepower and a HEMI 5.7-liter V-8 engine with 393 horsepower.

As you can see, GMC had an uphill battle on the base-level side of things, as its outgoing 4.3-liter Vortec engine mustered up just 195 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in 2013. That’s a far cry from the 302 and 305 horsepower the 2013 F-150 and Ram 1500 produced from their respective base engines. We can only hope that this retuned 4.3-liter at least gets close to the Dodge and Ford.