2013 GMC Sierra Double Cab 4.3L V6 EcoTec3 (4×4)

Vehicle Overview

GMC introduced the fourth generation of the Sierra pickup truck in 2012, redesigned from the ground up, which, like its predecessor, was available with a few cab versions and three load ratings.

The market for full-size pickups was challenging, with the Durango and its coil springs in the back and the perennial Ford F-150 with its newly-developed EcoBoost engine under the hood raising the bars in terms of comfort and fuel efficiency. Still, the GMC Sierra didn’t lack the features that made this truck famous among customers. For the 2014 model year, the automaker said that no parts were carried over from the previous generation, and that included the engine lineup, transmissions, chassis, and suspension. Judging by several aspects, that might be true, but most importantly, the design and the amenities were, finally, up to date.

GMC made this pickup in several trim levels, including a few for blue-collar people and others for those who used this vehicle mostly for leisure activities. As a result, while the base model featured a simple front fascia with a black grille flanked by new projector beam headlights and LED daytime running lights, the upper grades, such as the LTZ, boasted chromed trims around the grille and on the bumper. From its profile, the Double Cab revealed its angular-shaped wheel arches and flared fenders on both axles. In addition, the wider rear doors made the ingress and egress easier for the rear-seated passengers. Finally, at the back, GMC installed a bumper with a built-in step, which helped people reach inside the bed easier.

The cabin was available in a few seating options, including a bench seat at the front. Still, most customers wanted bucket seats and the optional tall center console between them. These two features were standard for the upper grades and available for the others. In the back, the flip-up bench seat solved the problem of the in-cabin storage area. For the driver, GMC installed a wide instrument cluster filled with all the gauges and dials someone would need from a pickup. In addition, the center stack housed a new infotainment unit with a touchscreen that could’ve been operated with gloves on. But GMC also focused on safety enhancements and, as a result, the 2014 Sierra featured an advanced frontal camera used for Forward Collision Alert and the Lane Departure Warning, which were available as an option.

Under the car’s skin was a newly developed chassis shared with the third generation of the Chevrolet Silverado. The front independent suspension and the rear live axle supported by leaf springs were typical for a full-size pickup truck. Also, GMC didn’t want to disappoint its customers and offered them either a V6 or a choice of two V8 gasoline engines paired with six-speed automatic transmissions.