2013 GMC Sierra Total Car Score Analysis

The 2013 GMC Sierra earns a below average Total Car Score for the Large Trucks segment. 
 
An all-new version of the GMC Sierra is finally on its way, but not for 2013. GMC will roll with the current version of the Sierra, mostly unchanged from last year's version, while giving the public sneak peaks of the redesigned model for next year. 
 
But that’s not to say the 2013 Sierra is not worth your consideration. It remains one of the top pickup choices for automotive reviewers. With a wide range of powertrains on offer, ranging from the somewhat weak 195-horsepower V6 for budget-conscious consumers to the 403-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 found in the luxury Denali model, it has an option for everyone.  
 
Towing figures are very strong, with the Sierra able to tow up to 10,700 pounds. Four-wheel drive is available on all body styles. Reviewers say the handling is fairly good for a fullsize truck, but maneuverability can be a bit rough in tight spaces.  
 
The interior is where reviewers tend to have some gripes. It is showing its age when compared to some of its recently updated competitors. Reviewers aren’t too impressed with the lateral support of the front seats, and complain that the rear seats of crew cab models are tilted too far upright. There is no infotainment system offered, but reviewers say the controls are easy to use. 
 
For 2013 the GMC Sierra 1500 gets a compression braking system in six-speed equipped models to help with towing downhill. The GMC Sierra will be all-new next year. 

2013 GMC Sierra Model Line-Up

The 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 is a fullsize pickup truck available in regular, extended and crew cab body styles and several bed lengths. Four-wheel drive is available on all body styles, with the Denali coming in all-wheel drive. 
 
The base engine is a 4.3-liter V6 producing 195 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Also available are a 4.8-liter V8 producing 302 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque or a 5.3–liter V8 producing 315 hp and 335 lb-ft of torque. The top engine on offer is a 6.2-liter V8 good for 403 hp and 417 lb-ft of torque. The V6 and 4.8-liter engines are paired with four-speed automatics, with the other V8s coming with six-speed automatics. 
 
The trim ranges from the basic WT (Work Truck) to the SL, SLE, XFE, SLT, and the Sierra’s luxury model Denali. The WT is fairly plain with vinyl upholstery. The SL, SLE and XFE come with cloth seating, power windows, CD player and outside heated mirrors. The SLT adds Bluetooth, front bucket seats, steering wheel mounted audio controls, remote vehicle start, dual-zone automatic climate control, 18-inch wheels and power adjustable/folding mirrors. The luxury Denali model includes heated and cooled front seats, a heated leather wrapped steering wheel, rear park assist and 20-inch wheels. 
 
The fuel-economy champ in the GMC Sierra 1500 lineup is the XFE, rated by the EPA as achieving 15 mpg city, 22 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined. The 4.3-liter V6 in 2WD achieves 15/20/17 mpg, with those numbers dropping to 14/18/15 in 4WD. The 4.8-liter V8 gets 14/19/16 mpg in 2WD and 13/18/15 in 4WD. Moving up to the 5.3-liter V8 actually improves fuel economy to 15/21/17, while the 6.2-liter gets 13/18/14 in 2WD and 12/18/14 in 4WD and AWD.  
 
Properly equipped, the 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 is rated to tow up to 10,700 pounds. 

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