GMC Makes a Premium Statement
Posted by:
Jennifer Morand
GMC seems to have found a profitable niche in the midsized, premium truck segment with the GMC Canyon. In fact, GMC says that 56 percent of buyers come from a non-GM source of sales – notably the highest in the GMC lineup. These buyers are less concerned about fuel economy and more interested in luxury and conveniences, such as fitting their truck in their garage. These buyers are affluent and have the means to buy up, and they choose the Canyon. This week, GMC invited journalists to spend some quality time behind the wheel of the Canyon and the rest of the truck family including the Sierra, Sierra 2500HD and Sierra 3500 HD to see what’s new for 2016.
GMC Canyon
New for 2016, Canyon offers a 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel engine that takes its segment-leading capability and efficiency to new heights, including a maximum trailering rating of 7,700 pounds (3,493 kg).
The standard engine remains a 2.5L four-cylinder that’s rated at up to 27 mpg on the highway, while an available 3.6L V-6 tops competitors’ V-6 offerings with up to 1,590 pounds (721 kg) of payload and up to 7,000 pounds (3,175 kg) maximum trailering.
On the technology front, phone integration enhances connectivity and promotes safer driving via the truck’s next generation IntelliLink system. This new technology allows smartphone users to connect with applications such as navigation, hands-free text messaging, entertainment and news through the display screen.
The base Canyon starts at $20,955.
GMC Sierra
The stalwart of the GMC truck family, the GMC Sierra underwent several changes to improve styling, performance, safety and technology. GMC’s best-selling truck gained a new, bolder, wider look; GMC says the new exterior is most important to its customers as styling continues to be the No. 1 reason for purchase.
Notable features include signature LED lighting, LED fog lamps, power locking tailgate, 8-speed transmission and 20-inch., chrome-clad aluminum wheels. Advanced engineering in the 2016 Sierra is manifested in next-generation technologies such as Lane Keep Assist, which helps keep the truck in its lane with subtle steering enhancements, and IntelliBeam headlamp control, which automatically adjusts the high beams for oncoming traffic. Both are added to the Driver Alert Package that’s available on SLT and Denali models. Additionally, new connectivity features are added for 2016 and include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The Sierra has a starting MSRP of $27,515.
GMC Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD
The heavy-lifters, the Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD, both received enhanced connectivity along with new Active Steering Assist. New features for 2016 include GMC’s IntelliLink with an enhanced 7- or 8-inch infotainment system with a color touchscreen, a new HD radio and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capability. Wireless phone charging and an available remote locking tailgate round out the new features.
The Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD models – including Sierra Denali HD – are offered with the Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel and Allison 1000 six-speed transmission, a powertrain combination that enables a maximum trailering rating of up to 23,200 pounds (10,523 kg). The standard engine in the 2500HD and 3500HD models is the 6.0L FlexFuel V-8, which can run on gas, E85 or a combination of both.
The 2500HD starts at $32,800; the 3500HD base is $34,635.
According to GMC, the Sierra Denali HD is the ultimate expression of the Sierra HD range and offers distinctive styling and exclusive amenities that take the truck’s signature comfort and crafted interior environment to the highest level. The Sierra 2500 Denali HD starts at $54,590 and the 3500 Denali HD begins at $54,575.
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