2007 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab SLT - 2007 4x4 Of The Year

GMC is the truck-dedicated segment of GM and as such you would expect it to have the burliest of machines for both work and play. The Sierra was the brute of the week. The GMC Sierra Crew Cab we tested was one big step ahead of the Chevy Silverado in our test, and that step is comprised of an extra 50 horses and 40 pound-feet from the 6.0L of small-block under the hood. This is the engine that pushed us back in the seat during high-speed desert runs, and made this the truck of choice for banging across the dunes. Unfortunately with that powerful engine came a rear suspension designed for heavy hauling, and "compliant" doesn't come to mind in any off-road ride description. Additionally the factory "automatic locking differential" performed more like a good old GovLoc since it is, rating a solid 7 on a 1 to 10 scale, possibly due to Goodyear rubber versus the Bridgestones on the other GM entrants. The Crew Cab we tested had the much cushier SUV interior that lacks the many handy storage places found in the "truck" interior (the Silverado had the "truck" interior), and it also has the moronically placed transfer-case dial next to the identically sized headlight dial. One thing we would love to get our hands on is the elusive Denali edition Sierra that comes Crew Cab only with a hearty 6.2L 400-horse aluminum V-8. Though we've yet to determine if it will come with a low range or only an all-wheel-drive transfer case, this truck just may be the gas-powered variant of choice since the big-block 8.1L won't be returning. One idea we wouldn't mind seeing is a dedicated GMC off-road work/play truck to contend with the Dodge Power Wagon. Give us the 6.2, a 3:1 low range with a lever to activate it, a regular or extended cab with a short bed, and front and rear lockers between 33-inch Goodyears. Don't bother us with fancy stuff. Rubber floor mats and stainproof seats would be fine. Just build the truck all the kids will be drooling over. We'll add bumpers and a winch if your legal department won't allow it even though Dodge was able to get around that.

Verdict
Power overcomes most obstacles

Specifications

Ebony interior, Stealth Gray Metalic exterior, head-curtain side-impact airbags, cargo management, XM satellite, AM/FM with MP3, CD player, multimedia navigation radio, Work-truck Towing Package (high-capacity air cleaner, transmission cooling system, heavy-duty differential, heavy-duty trailering equipment). Convenience Package (remote start, rear parking-assist camera, adjustable pedals), EZ-lift Tailgate Package (locking tailgate, EZ-lift tailgate), Off Road Package (off-road suspension, heavy-duty rear differential with locking differential, skidplates)