GMC Sierra dimensions

The 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 is a worthy rival among fresher competitors, bolstered by a wide range of body styles, capable performance and a convenient ride. GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cabin offers the following pros: Smooth, quiet ride; convenient seats; comprehensive V8 features. GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cabin drawbacks are: Big turning circle; weak V6 engine; bland dashboard layout on base trim; limited cab cargo.

The 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 is a half-ton full-size pickup that is provided in traditional cabin, extended cabin and crew cabin body styles. Traditional cabs and extended cabs are available with either a traditional 6-foot-6 bed or an 8-foot long bed. Crew cabs only come with a short 5-foot-8 bed.

Regular cabs can be had in base Work or midlevel SLE trims, while the extended and crew cabs are also available in the well-appointed SLT trim. An SL trim jacks in between the Work and SLE models, but is only available as a crew cabin, as is the range-topping Denali.

The Work trim comes with air-conditioning (for extended- and crew-cab versions), a trip computer, a tilt helm, cruise control, Onstar telematics, vinyl bench upholstery, a 40/20/40-split front seat bench and a CD/MP3 audio with an optional stereo slot and radio. The SL adds full performance accessories, keyless entry, cruise control, radio and adjustable lumbar support for the driver.

The SLE trim adds bench upholstery in a more luxury grade, a lockable compartment with a performance outlet built into the center cushion of the split front bench, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a leather-wrapped helm. The luxury SLT piles on chrome-clad alloy wheels, a luxury dashboard with a full center control panel and updated materials, a Bose stereo system (with Ipod/usb input), leather bench upholstery, remote motor start, an exclusive dashboard layout with wood and metallic accents, 12-way power-adjustable/heated front seatings and back stereo controls.

Sierra Denali models trump the SLT with a original powertrain, suspension tuning emphasizing ride convenience, 20-inch cast-aluminum wheels, look look-and-feel improvements, a heated helm and a turn-by-turn navigation option for Onstar.

Feature availability varies with versions and body styles. It contains several towing packages, the Z71 Off-road suite (skid plates and an off-road suspension), special regional packages, the All-terrain suite (similar to the Z71 but with special dashboard and look enhancements) and the XFE (extra fuel efficiency) trim variant for the rear-wheel-drive 5. 3-liter V8 crew cabin. The XFE features aerodynamic improvements and lightweight aluminum elements that enhance fuel efficiency.

Other features include 20- and 22-inch wheels, a back back-up camera, updated stereo systems, Bluetooth, a navigator with real-time traffic, a rear-seat entertainment system, heated power-folding outside mirrors, a sunroof, a power-sliding back window, a trunk management system, back park sensors and ventilated front seatings. An "ez-lift" tailgate is also provided and requires only about half the effort to open and close compared to the traditional tailgate. .