2019 GMC Sierra 1500: Five Things You Need to Know

Following the reveal of the new Chevrolet Silverado earlier this year, GMC is releasing details on its revamped full-size truck. The next-generation GMC Sierra aims to distinguish itself from itsChevy-brand sibling with a bolder look, higher-quality materials, and exclusive new features. If you're in the market for a full-size pickup, or are simply curious how the new model stacks up against its predecessor, here are five things to know about the 2019 GMC Sierra.

It has a versatile new tailgate

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Drivers can position the tailgate in six different ways. Besides the traditional position, the tailgate offers a load stop to prevent long items from falling out, a gate that flips down for closer access to the box, and a fold-out step that helps drivers hop into the bed. There's also a position that opens up a second, higher tier of cargo, as well as a position that converts the tailgate into a standing workstation that accommodates your laptop.

It offers a carbon-fiber box

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GMC claims that the Sierra's industry-first carbon fiber box can resist dents, scratches, and corrosion better than competitors. Of course, we have yet to see the 2019 Sierra for ourselves, but we're intrigued that the new carbon fiber composite box is 62 pounds lighter than the steel version. The Sierra's bed is still made of high-strength steel, although GMC says it improved the alloy so that it's 50 percent stronger. The carbon-fiber box will be available later in the model year.

It's larger than its predecessor

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Although GMC hasn't released full specs on the Sierra at this time, the automaker says it's larger than its predecessor in "virtually every dimension." That's no surprise given that the 2019 Silverado grew up to 3.9 inches in its wheelbase and 1.6 inches in length. The Sierra Denali's larger dimensions are complemented by a taller hood, bigger and bolder grille, larger-diameter tires, and 22-inch Ultra Bright aluminum wheels. Drivers also sit up higher in the cabin, and there are nearly 3 inches of extra legroom in the rear seat compared to the old model.

t offers convenience features you won't find on other full-size trucks

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GMC is offering a new color head-up display that is said to be the first in its segment. This 3x7-inch unit projects key information on the windshield in the driver's line of sight. Another segment-first feature is the available rear camera mirror, an interior mirror that features a higher-resolution camera, higher-resolution display, and can tilt or zoom the view. Expect a full suite of safety features on the new Sierra, including low-speed forward automatic braking, side blind zone alert, and pedestrian detection as well as surround vision that provides drivers with a bird's eye view of the truck for backing up safely.

There's real wood!

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If you're paying for a premium truck, you don't want fake wood. On the Denali trim, buyers can opt for real open-pore wood trim, new for 2019. Along with the decadent wood, there is dark-finish aluminum trim in the Denali as well as hand-stitched natural pebbled leather.