General Motors had its chance and defining moment to truly propel GMC into a new class with its bread-and-butter 2019 Sierra pickup. But, as we see in new spy shots of the 2019 Sierra interior, GM is dropping the ball.
Photos show the 2019 Sierra’s interior will sport an identical layout to the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado. That’s a real shame. The consensus following the Silverado’s debut was a “good enough” interior. But, we gave it a pass. Why? The Sierra would surely haul in a more thoughtful cabin design to match the brand’s strides in luxury trucks and SUVs—especially after seeing what FCA designers cooked up for the 2019 Ram 1500. Chevy for the everyday work, GMC for luxury and pizazz.
Instead, central control knobs shod in a chrome material are the only real differentiator. The truck still employs a traditional key ignition in the steering column, which likely means the keyless entry and push-button start features introduced on the Silverado will not be standard on all models of both trucks.
We were certain GMC would step up to the plate to take a lead on a luxury truck interior, and the evidence continued to mount that our prediction would ring true. Until this week, we hadn’t seen a single spy photo of the truck’s interior, and GM has consistently worked to give the Silverado and Sierra some much-needed separation. This year is the first year the pickups were not introduced side-by-side, and the trucks will sport radically different exterior designs.
The Silverado’s interior certainly isn’t horrendous, and we’re not calling it out on that. It feels functional with all the right ergonomics. But for the major changes in store on the powertrain and engineering fronts for GM’s all-important pickups, “underwhelming” is positively the right word from an interior design perspective.
Perhaps we’ll see something different from the range-topping Denali model, but all signs point in the opposite direction. We’ll save final opinions for in-person, but right now, the 2019 Sierra’s interior is already somewhat of a disappointment.
Comments
The last hope is that Sierra test mules are rolling around with Silverado interiors.. I mean, we can hope
If GM doesn’t have competitive spec’d engines then I’m out. If they aren’t will to properly do their trucks, their best selling and best profit earners, then they don’t deserve it.
5.3 needs at minimum 380hp 400lb-ft
6.2 450hp 470lb-ft
The diesel 260hp 450lb-ft
And lets see an in between engine, V6 of 4-turbo, with 325hp and 350lb-ft.
Same goes for the Colorado and Canyon. Get some more power in it to stay out in front before the Ranger and JT/Scrambler hit the market.
Unfortunately the Sierra and Silverado spotting different center stack knobs; with the Sierras being chrome…
I’m not trying to sound naive, just trying to find some lost hope. But we havent seen all the silverado interiors yet, chrome trimmed controls could be an appearance options
Sorry to kill that last hope Andrew, but this looks like typical GM bean counting. Parts bin sharing to squeeze every penny out of a product.
Come on gmauthority, this is a base model truck; it even has a keyed ignition. Everyone should wait until the Denali comes out on March 1st and then they can start the complaints.
I really like the Silverado interior. Is it as flashy as the Ram? No. Is it more functional than the Ram? Absolutely. And I will take functional over flash every day.
The Ram’s large 12″ touchscreen is very busy. And the redundant climate buttons run vertically along each side of that massive screen. So the driver has to reach all the way to the passenger side of the screen to reach half the climate controls in the winter with gloves on. Ridiculous.
The Ram has a bit nicer mix of materials on the top lines, but as a guy who works everyday with trucks, I can tell you I really don’t like soft touch materials on the top of the dash, like the leather in the Ram. Hard to clean, have to be very careful what cleaners you use on it, and don’t stand up to abuse. Imagine throwing a clipboard onto a leather dash and have it scuff the leather. A hard panel takes a lot more abuse. I like soft touch around the vents, front of the dash, etc which the GM has plenty of, even in the cloth trims.
The Ram also stuck the 4×4 control buttons tight around that dial shifter. Imagine reaching for your shifter with gloves in the winter and end up pushing a 4×4 button at the same time. I much prefer the GM 4×4 controls being completely away from anything to do with the shifter or ignition control.
If you look at that picture above, it is in a Silverado LT cloth and there is actually a vented seat control button beside the heated seat buttons. If that hits production, that is a really nice touch that others don’t have.
I much prefer the in-seatback storage in the rear seats over Ram’s in-floor bins. I don’t have to worry about mud, snowmelt, dirt off the floor and mats every time I want to use them in the GM.
The twin glove boxes are actually more functional than what Ram went to with a narrow upper box. Yes, Ram’s looks neater and more flashy with the trim it uses, but less functional.
As for powertrain, I will reserve judgement until I hear the numbers. If the 6.2L isn’t available in LT trim (most likely the case), the 5.3L is going to need a bump into the 380 hp and 400 torque range to stay competitive. I would like to see a twin turbo V6 option for those who tow in elevations also. GM already said they are very confident their new diesel will the be best performing diesel in the market and that was after Ford released their numbers.
As for transmissions, I would like to see the 10-speed available across all trim levels, but as long as they reprogram the 8-speed better than it is now, it should be ok for most. The current 8-speed does have some programming issues for Canadian legal speeds versus the US speeds for which it is programmed for. Example, in the US, many city streets are 35 mph. That equates to 56 kms/hr in Canada. But our limits on most city streets is only 50 kms/hr or 31mph. At this speed, the rpm’s is just at that shifting/hunting rpm range that the truck does hunt for a gear sometimes. There are also the odd reports of a hard shift if it decides to skip a gear down low and go from 1st to third. But that is all programming issues.
I’m not sure they could have done any worse had they designed the dash around a Rubbermaid trashcan. It doesn’t break new ground, it doesn’t look attractive, nor does it look macho, inviting, or user-friendly. If anything it looks somewhat intimidating–like you better buckle your a$$ up, because this Stephen King looking dash is gonna eat your soul in any kind of serious accident.
In the future I would like to see them go in the direction of the new G-class ( http://autoweek.com/article/detroit-auto-show/2019-mercedes-g-class-interior-5-things-know ). Less bulk, smarter/less confusing buttons and switches, and better materials (especially on higher end models). Finally, this is the main thing, I would like the deign to feel stripped down… contemporary… and spacious.
Well stated! It looks like a black plastic cave. The 2019 Ram is going to possibly edge out Chevy when they have their first full year of production. A better looking truck all around!
That G-class interior is ridiculous. It looks completely plastic. Try using all those small buttons with work gloves on, or winter gloves on. Remember, these are trucks that need to be functional for many different strokes of people. You won’t see someone getting into that G-class with work gloves on. The owner of that G-class will cycle the remote start a couple times so they can jump into a cozy warm interior and no need for gloves.
I said in the direction of. Right now it’s a big sea of bulk, to put it nicely. Maybe high quality bulk, maybe soft as butter where people wish it to be bulk (wherever that is). but it’s the butt ugliest bulk in its class nevertheless. It’s a shame because I think the exterior is really good.
I would like to sit behind the wheel of a Silverado Trailboss and feel like I was behind the wheel of a Silverado Trailboss. Not piloting a piece of farm machinery or working an old juke box.
The key to building a more contemporary interior and making it stand out is to simplify things–remove unnecessary buttons, combine elements like the Camaro did with HVAC controls and vents, and place other buttons, outlets,I would and controls more strategically like on the center column, lower on the dash, on the rearview mirror, overhead console, doors, seats, etc.
As for gloves,I I see plenty of small buttons here, and i’ve worked plenty of small buttons myself with gloves on and haven’t had too many issues that I can recall. Touchscreens can be a PITA, yes. Big thicks mittens, sure. But you can always slip them on and off.
Did they add side view warning as Ford has had for the past three years?
Lets do the intelligent thing and pass judgment once we see something more than the 3/4 covered interior of the base model truck.
Yeah this is a lower trim GMC interior!….but will the higher trim Denali be as nice as the higher trim Ford or Ram…not a chance!
So you have been in the new 2019 Denali?
No. My assumption is based on GM’s recent historical cost cutting with its interiors when compared to Ford and Ram.
Yet while they upgrade and add more plastic chrome Ford and Ram cut corners in other areas hence the many recalls.
They all are in the same ball park with money spent. GM has a history of putting it into things not always seen on the surface.
Sometimes to see the value you must look under the skin.
Not my experience. I’ve owned both Ford and GM trucks and while both had good engines the Ford held up better and has been more of a leader in providing better value for dollar, especially where interiors are concerned.
The 2019 Denali has a strip of high grade fake wood in the interior. That used to work for Buick, not so much anymore. Sad.
Actually my Acadia Denali has real wood. Not sure what the new truck will get yet.
If you are going to hate at least be accurate.
Get the powertrains correct and this will go away. Mess them up and you will be doing a mid cycle refresh like you did the Malibu! Come on GM!
Can someone from Gm authority please talk to them its like they don’t want to be the best selling truck people won’t take pride in owning a Gm truck if Gm won’t step up to the plate an TRY to be the best on the market can some one please ask them the tough questions on March 1
So, it looks like an…..interior. I’m more concerned with seat comfort, gauge location, and ease of use with the controls (that big flat glassy spot right in the center will be a great place to tape my hand drawn maps to….). I don’t usually spend much time looking at the interior as I spend my time inside looking out the windows, even as a passenger, unless I am napping.
I had a 2016 GMC Sierra SLT, and just bought a 2018 GMC Sierra SLT. I hate to disagree, but I love the interiors of the GMC trucks. Especially if you USE THEM FOR A TRUCK. The interior is very well laid out, very easy to manipulate even with gloves on, and I find it very aesthetic compared to Ford or Dodge. And the seats are tough, but very comfortable, especially the ventilated ones. I know its all personal preference, but I don’t see what the issue is. To me it looks a lot more elegant than the Ford or Dodge, and it is very functional and intuitive.
The only thing I HATE about the GM or GMCs is the Navigation. Its horrible. I paid over $50k for my truck, and I get a Navigation system that is wrong about 30% of the time, and has no clue what the posted speed is (even though it shows it, it is usually wrong). And the traffic alerts? What a joke! I drive into a town of 400 people and I automatically get a traffic alert. There were 3 trucks and 4 dogs on the street. This happens repeatedly.
Sorry for the soapbox. But otherwise I love the interior!
2020 refresh coming soon…
Too late. Will own a RAM by then!