We just got the rundown on the new GMC Sierra, courtesy of a live-streamed debut event showing off the core SLT trim level and premium Denali trim level. Upgrades include new gear for towing, hauling, safety, and convenience, plus there's a new diesel engine option as well. Read on for all the details.

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The Full Story

The all-new next-gen Sierra is here, and so far, it looks like GMC did things right.

Let's start with styling and aesthetics, where the front end goes big on the chrome details. The traditional C-shaped are in place with LED lighting elements, and the taillights get LEDs as well. The front overhang is now shorter, while the Denali gets a new three-dimensional grille design. The Denali also gets 22-inch aluminum wheels with a shiny Ultra Bright finish, while the SLT gets 22-inch aluminum wheels in a dark finish.

Dimensionally speaking, the 2019 Sierra is larger is every way. It's longer overall, it's got a longer wheelbase, it's wider, and it's taller. It even has bigger tires.

No doubt the larger exterior dimensions help the 2019 Sierra achieve its larger cabin space as well, which GMC says offers the best-in-class head and legroom in front. The seating position is higher, while the crew cab model gets an extra 3 inches of rear legroom. A rear seat-back storage compartment also provides an out-of-view space for important items, such as a laptop. Buyers looking for more plush surroundings can get into “the most premium Denali ever,” which now offers hand-stitched leather, real aluminum trim, and, in a model first, open-pore wood.

The list of tech is long, and includes a heads-up display with 3-inch by 7-inch dimensions. The Denali also gets a standard 8.0-inch infotainment screen with navigation. The Sierra now offers additional connected features, with smartphone-like operation for the UI. One of the most useful bits is a new rear-facing camera that provides a live feed in the rear-view mirror, which is useful to see around obstructions like cargo and passengers. Drivers can also adjust parameters like the tilt and zoom for an even clearer view. Further safety stuff includes pedestrian detection, surround vision, and side blind zone alert, plus a full trailer assist tech suite, which can monitor things like trailer tire temperature and tire pressure.

The new Sierra is now over 300 pounds lighter than the preceding model, thanks in part to an aluminum hood and gate. An adaptive ride height helps you grab the hitch, while the Denali gets a standard adaptive suspension set-up.

There's a larger, stronger cargo box too, measuring in at 7 inches wider than before. Options include an industry-first carbon fiber bed, which GMC is calling the CarbonPro. This composite cover saves around 62 pounds and offers “best-in-class dent, scratch and corrosion resistance.” Look for it on the options list later in the year.

Getting stuff in and out of the bed is now easier thanks to the new configurable tailgate, which comes as standard equipment on the SLT and Denali. Dubbed the MultiPro tailgate, it offers multiple tiers and six unique positions (step-ups, standing workstation, and more) to ease loading and unloading, and can even hold up to 375 pounds.

Engine options include a 5.3-liter V-8 and a 6.2-liter V-8, both of which come with start/stop

tech and individual cylinder management. There's also a new 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder turbodiesel.

Both the 3.0-liter and 6.2-liter are mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Sales will kick off this fall. Look for more info when the 2019 GMC Sierra makes its auto show debut at the New York Auto Show on March 26th.

References

GMC Sierra

Read our full review on the 2017 GMC Sierra.

Read our full review on the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado.

Read more GMC News.

Read more New York Auto Show news.