To put it simply, today was a big day for General Motors. So much so that it seemed the rest of the automotive world stood still as much of the media at large was in attendance at the Michigan Motion Picture Studios in Pontiac to capture the live unveilings of the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and 2014 CMC Sierra. We were also a part of the media scrum, and after hours of observing the vehicles up close, we’ve come up with a short list of the things we like.
1. Substantially Different Front Fascias
The Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra can no longer be called identical twins. Fraternal, sure. But the faces of both of these models have been sculpted and honed to attract multiple demographics better than ever before. Personally we prefer the stacked looks of the new Sierra, but between the two, there’s no wrong answer.
2. The Extra Space
Hop into the cabin of the 2014 Silverado and Sierra and one of the first things you notice is the space. So much so that the vehicle almost encourages you to ride in it while wearing a 10-gallon hat. In the back seat. The crew cab is especially cavernous, being larger than ever before, and is now more accommodating to rear passengers as a result. There is also no lack of storage, with the center storage unit capable of fitting in a laptop or two, or even act as a file cabinet. Meanwhile, not one — but two — bottles will fit in the front door panel bins, along with several other little cubbies and nooks located throughout the interior to store just about anything. Kudos all around.
3. Extra Refinement And Technology
Those who have driven prototypes of the new Silverado and Sierra praise them for raising the bar on cabin silence, much thanks to improved aerodynamics. At the same time, GM promises the most capable set of trucks it’s ever released. There’s also abundant technology to be found here. Elements like the latest editions of Chevy MyLink and Buick/GMC IntelliLink, plus active safety features like GM’s safety alert seat. Even Wi-Fi is promised to make its way into these trucks. Brains, and brawn. What’s not to like?
4. Interior Layout
While we have different opinions on the interior color scheme, the layout seems to be fantastic. Big toggle switches at the bottom of the center stack control everything from adjustable pedals, to the rear parking sensors. We like. We also like the new steering wheel, easy-to-read gauge cluster, and swollen knobs and buttons embedded in the center stack (to make it easier for glove-wearers, apparently, but we’re not sure how well the touch screen works with said gloves.). Oh, and the bench seat can still be had in place of a fixed center storage unit, for those who like that sort of thing.
5. Truck Bed Innovations
The truck beds in the all-new Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra are more than just open metal boxes now. With LED lighting to make it easier to see the bed at night, steps embedded in the rear bumper for easier access, 500-pound rated tie-down hooks, and even a hydraulic lift gate that catches itself from slamming downward, the new trucks make it easier to work than ever before.
What do you like about the all-new trucks? Talk to us in the comments.
Comments
but when your loyal like me your going to go for the chevy 😉
and i dont see why GMC waste their time making to of the same trucks when they could put their ALL INTO the silverado!
In Canada, GMC Sierra often outsells the Silverado and you have a whole different dealer network (the US was actually heading towards the Canadian franchise model before bankruptcy forced them to change direction).
In the Middle East, GM Trucks are sold under the GMC nameplate. Would you risk one of your most profitable markets?
Many companies in many industries have multiple brands, even in the automotive world — Honda/Acura, Nissan/Infiniti, Toyota/Lexus, etc. The GMC is designed to be upscale of the Chevrolet Silverado with its Denali editions. Hopefully, GM will increase the differentiation with these new models.
I am very disappointed with the design, especially the square wheel wells that seem to get worse rather than better with time. :/
I love how they stepped up their game with the powertrains in these bad boys. All direct injection and all hooked up to a 6-speed auto. Good job. And I’m glad they stuck with a torque rich 4.3 liter V6 instead of the power crazy 3.6 liter. Torque is better in trucks. What they need next are 8 speed autos. I love that GM can get better fuel economy with a V8 than Ford can with a V6. So no, this will not be another weak launch like the Malibu
Are these going to have proximity keys and push button ignition?
the fact that GMC uses Intellilink just cements my beliefe that GMC is just the truck version of Buick
Ford fans can’t stop laughing right now.
The F150 isn’t any better
I’m a GM fan and I almost fell off my chair laughing when I saw the Silverado drive out of that box…
No one cares what the Ford or Dodge people like or do not like. And I laugh every time I pass a new Tundra.
The LED bed lighting came from me. I wrote GM over a year ago and pleaded for bed lighting. I installed LED bed lighting in my 07 and thought they can do this.
I did hope for more of a style change, but do like the new design. My question, what about the HD line? Will it be the same style?
Love that red color…
Is this the second generation of intellilink?
It sure is.
but what about if it will have the proximity key fob and the push button start?
I can’t believe it isn’t push button–I haven’t used a key in any of my cars since 2011. Now I’m looking at a 2014 that will remind me how keys work. LAME.
The last gen has just as significantly different styling as these new trucks do. They’ve made them look a whole lot “thicker” which I like. I’m thinking they should have offerered the 3.6 vs. the 4.3. Technology sells and with Ford and Ram both offering DOHC sixes, they’re going to look cutting edge next to the 4.3.
Where are the regular cabs? How will the work trucks look like? I think that bed liner should come standard ( at least on LTZ models).
Kudos on tech, space and toy improvements, but I was hoping for some more change stylistically. And I can only assume they are working furiously on getting the 8-speed tranny ready. Good overall though.
For 2012 I liked the GMC better. Now the 2014 I like the Chevy.
Manoli, when does GM introduce the Tahoe and Yukon…
In the coming months, I believe. Things are still quiet in that regard.
All and all, i like them both, but i do prefer the sierra in terms of looks, nothing revolutionary, but the interior looks functional and well put together. The engines will impress in my opinion, and i think there will be more powertrains to come. Hopefully new trims will come out for both trucks at the detroit auto show.
Both of them are good but I think in matter of design and looks GMC Sierra is better than Chevy Silverado. I hope engine and other parts & accessories of the vehicle are good as it described / mentioned in the blog.
the gmc is aways been a commercal type work truck brand .not in anyway better than chevy . the GMC marketing are trying to sell them like cadilacs but will aways be GMs 2nd and first to be dropped if ever needed . love these trucks but hate the new fenders (go back )and gmc headlights look like ford garbage.
I like the truck but not as much as my ram so, don’t think I will have a reason to go back to my loyalist roots w/ GM. The rear corner steps are silly especially when hopping up on the center part of any pickup truck bumper proves its a waste and more metal is needed anyway these trucks use far too much plastic.