Large pickup truck; Built in
  • crew cab long bed
  • crew cab short bed
  • ext. cab
  • reg. cab long bed
  • reg. cab short bed
  • longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $18,400 – $48,900*


2014 GMC Sierra


2014 GMC Sierra


2014 GMC Sierra


2014 GMC Sierra

Pros:
  • Passenger and cargo room (crew cab)
  • Refinement
Cons:
  • Prices rise quickly as options are added
  • Ride

Like its Chevrolet Silverado sibling, the GMC Sierra was redesigned for 2014. The engines are new, as are the cabs, beds, and interiors. Extended-cab models now have four front-hinged doors. There are other new features as well, along with some new safety-related equipment. The redesigned GMC Sierra stacks up well against class rivals, and—like its Chevrolet Silverado sibling—offers strong, refined engines, good on-road behavior, plenty of handy in-cabin storage, and an impressively quiet driving environment; top-line models such as the Denali add a healthy dose of luxury to the mix. Sierra lags the Ram 1500 in handling and ride quality (as do all other full-size pickups), but it’s still a Best Buy in this class.

Overview

GMC called its light-duty full-size 1/2-ton pickup truck the Sierra 1500. It shared its basic design and drivetrains with the Chevrolet Silverado 1500.

Sierra followed pickup truck convention and came in a wide variety of configurations. There were three cab styles; traditional 2-door regular cab, 4-door extended cab, and a larger 4-door crew cab. Extended-cab models had four front-hinged doors. There were also three different bed lengths. A 5-foot 8-inch job was only available on the popular crew cab models. The 6 1/2-foot box was available with any of the three cabs styles. Lastly, there was a 8-foot “long” box that can be mated to the regular cab.

Most of Sierra’s production took place in the USA, but some of these trucks were built in Mexico. Competition includes the Ford F-150, Ram 1500, Toyota Tundra, and Nissan Titan.

The Sierra 1500 was available with three newly designed engines. All were over-head-valve units that used and aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection, continuously variable valve timing, and cylinder deactivation systems. The only available transmission was a 6-speed automatic.

Standard in Sierra and SLE was a 4.3-liter V6. Optional in those two models and standard in SLE was a 5.3-liter V8. Also available was a 6.2-liter V8. The 4.3-liter V6 was rated at 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque, and the 5.3-liter V8 engine made 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. Finally, ratings for the 6.2-liter V8 were 420 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque.

The GMC Sierra 1500 included all mandated safety features. All but the base Sierras included a rear-view camera. Other available safety items included lane-keep assist, forward collision alert, and front- and rear-obstacle detection systems.

Yearly Updates

2014 Sierra 1500

Engines

longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive

The Sierra 1500 was available with three newly designed engines. All were over-head-valve units that used and aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection, continuously variable valve timing, and cylinder deactivation systems. The only available transmission was a 6-speed automatic.

ohv V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 4.3/262
Engine HP 285
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 305
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic

18/24

ohv V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 5.3/325
Engine HP 355
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 383
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic

16/23

ohv V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 6.2/376
Engine HP 420
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 450
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic

15/21

Road Test

The 4.3-liter V6 and 5.3-liter V8 engines are very refined. On each, the standard cylinder deactivation feature is impressively smooth in operation and changes in mode are imperceptible. The V6 offers good acceleration from a stop and easily gets an unladen truck up to highway speed. The 5.3 V8 provides more robust power all around and would be our pick for the majority of buyers. With either engine, the 6-speed automatic transmission operates smoothly. No opportunity yet to evaluate the 6.2-liter V8.

EPA-estimated fuel economy is 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway for a 5.3-liter with rear-drive test example. GMC recommends regular-grade gas for all Sierras. All three engines can also use E85 ethanol-blended fuel.

Sierras ride reasonably well for a big pickup. When the bed is empty the rear of the truck jiggles up and down subtly on most road surfaces, but the ride smooths out with some weight in the back.

Though Sierras are large trucks, even crew-cab models aren’t ponderous. The steering is nicely weighted and accurate, although some testers thought it too light. Body lean is controlled reasonably well, but some noseplow is evident in quick turns. The brakes provide strong stopping power, and the firm pedal is easy to modulate.

Sierras are impressively quiet inside. The 4.3 and 5.3 engines are heard under acceleration, but are nearly silent otherwise. There’s a hint of wind and tire noise on the highway, but it’s serene enough inside that you might forget you are in a pickup truck.

The large speedometer and tachometer are clearly marked and easy to read, as are the four small gauges lined up above them. Most models include a 4.2-inch color display in the center of the instrument cluster. A controller on the steering wheel is used to scroll through its various information screens. Large, clearly marked buttons and knobs govern the climate control system, most basic audio system functions, and other secondary items. There are duplicate audio controls on the back side of the steering wheel too.

Sierra’s standard interior treatment is a noticeable upgrade from the old model. Materials are durable, but there are more padded surfaces.

Sierra’s front seating area is spacious. There’s generous legroom and headroom, even with the optional sunroof. The split bench and bucket seats are both comfortable and supportive. Step-in height is moderate, so entry and exit are quite easy for a big pickup.

Crew cabs have large-sedan space in back. Six-footers have ample legroom, even if the front seats are pushed far back. Headroom is generous too. No opportunity to evaluate a double cab.

The crew cab’s split rear bench seat folds easily against the back wall of the interior by lifting up on the cushion. This creates a large indoor storage area with a nearly flat floor. Interior small-item storage is impressive. There are two glove boxes, multiple storage bins on each door panel, and a handful of smaller cubbies. Trucks with the front bench seat have a wide but shallow storage compartment in the fold-down center arm rest and a small drop-down bin at the bottom of the dash’s center section. With the available bucket seats, there is a large console that mates to the bottom of the dash. It has a large compartment capable of holding hanging folders under the arm rest, two cupholders, and a large open bin at the base of the dash. The steps in the corners of the rear bumper are a welcome addition that makes it easier to climb into the bed.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2014 4WD Sierra SLT crew cab w/off-road suspension 5.3 V8

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 7
70%
Fuel Economy - 4
40%
Ride Quality - 5
50%
Steering/Handling - 4
40%
Quietness - 7
70%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Front - 9
90%
Room/Comfort Rear - 9
90%
Cargo Room - 5
50%

Other

Value - 7
70%

Total: 64

Specifications

crew cab long bed
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
153.0 239.0 80.0 73.7
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
1947 26.0 6.0
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
42.8 40.5 45.3 40.9
crew cab short bed
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
143.5 229.5 80.0 74.2
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
2007 26.0 6.0
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
42.8 40.5 45.3 40.9
ext. cab
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
143.5 229.5 80.0 73.9
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
2101 26.0 6.0
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
42.8 38.7 45.2 34.6
reg. cab long bed
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
133.0 224.4 80.0 73.5
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
2108 34.0 3.0
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
42.4 45.3
reg. cab short bed
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
119.0 205.5 80.0 74.0
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
2088 26.0 3.0
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
42.4 45.3
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2014 Sierra extended cab ext. cab

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Front Passenger Injury - 5
100%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Rear Passenger Injury - 5
100%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Ignition switch
Description: With tilt steering wheel in topmost position, moving the column shifter can make contact with ignition key and turn off engine. (2014)

Recall History

2014 Sierra
Description: Turning key in ignition switch may be difficult. If stuck in Start position, key may suddenly snap back to Accessory position and cause loss of engine, steering and braking power, as well as airbag deployment.
2014 Sierra
Description: An incomplete weld in the seat hook bracket assembly may result in seat breaking loose in a crash.
2014 Sierra with 4.3-liter or 5.3-liter engines
Description: Overheated exhaust components may melt nearby plastic parts and cause a fire.
2014 Sierra
Description: A transmission oil-cooler line may leak and cause a fire.
2014 Sierra
Description: The tie rod attachments might not have been properly tightened. The tie rods could separate from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering.
2014 Sierra
Description: The radio may fail and with it, the warning chime for seat belts and indicating the driver’s door was open with key in the ignition.
2014 Sierra with optional vinyl floor covering and all-weather floormats
Description: Vehicles lack a floormat retention hook. The floormat could shift and interfere with accelerator pedal, preventing its return to idle.
2014 Sierra
Description: Faulty passenger-side airbags may not inflate fully.
2014 Sierra with manual-reclining seats
Description: The seatbacks may have excessive play, preventing the head restraints from properly protecting passengers from injury.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

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