2013 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Crew Cab Truck

The Sierra adds Sonoma red metallic and heritage blue metallic paint as options on non-Denali models. The 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter models with the six-speed automatic gain automatic engine braking even when the truck is not in tow/haul mode.

It is now possible to buy a 2500HD extended-cab truck with the 6.0-liter gas engine or a 6.0-liter compressed natural gas engine. All 6.0-liter versions get automatic engine braking even when not in tow/haul mode, and non-Denali trucks gain two additional colors, Sonoma red metallic and heritage blue metallic.

The exterior features vary depending on the model chosen, though all have fully galvanized steel bodies that come painted in clear-coat monotone paint and come with a regular style pickup box. The cargo box comes equipped with a light for added convenience. Wheels are steel or aluminum depending on the model chosen and come with all-season tires, which suit driving in most weather conditions. All-terrain tires provide an option for some models, for extra performance and tire longevity when driving on rough roads or when going offroad.

The interior features vary widely depending on the model chosen. All models at least come with manual air-conditioning. Dual-zone air-conditioning comes standard on the upper level trims and on the hybrid. While the audio system for the work truck is sub-par with only an AM/FM stereo and four speakers, the other models have good audio systems, comparable to other trucks and SUVs on the market.

The top-of-the-line audio system in the Denali even comes with a six-CD changer and seven brand speakers. For buyers looking for luxury, the Denali trims mark the top of the line for the 1500, 2500HD, and 3500HD. The 1500 Hybrid offers a lot of nice standard features as well.

The cargo carrying capability varies between trucks; for the purpose of this article, basic work trucks and the 3HA hybrid have been compared. The 1500 work truck can carry up to 1940 pounds of cargo or tow a 4800 pound trailer. The 1500 hybrid can carry up to 1527 pounds or tow a 6100 pound trailer. The 2500HD can carry up to 3670 pounds or tow a 10,200 pound trailer. Finally, the 3500HD can carry up to 4625 pounds or tow a 13,000 pound trailer.

Crash test safety ratings are available for all 2013 GMC Sierra models save the 3500HD. The 1500 and 1500 hybrid both receive four out of five stars overall. The 2500HD earns three out of five stars, and it is likely that the 3500HD would receive a similar rating. Frontal-impact and side-impact airbags come standard for the driver and front passenger on the 1500 and 1500 hybrid. The 1500 hybrid also has overhead airbags in the first and second rows. Side-impact beams come equipped on all Sierra trucks and help increase stability and safety. Anti-lock brakes also come standard on all models.

Sierra trucks give various warnings to the driver. Warnings that come equipped on all trucks can be broken down into three categories: fluid levels, pressure/charge levels, and other warnings. Fluid level warnings include: low coolant warning, low fuel warning, low washer fluid warning, and transmission fluid temperature warning. Pressure/charge level warnings include: oil pressure warning and low battery charge warning. Other warnings include: lights left on warning, key left in the ignition warning, door-ajar warning, service interval warning, and turn signal left on warning.

The 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 comes with either a 4.3-liter, 195-horsepower V-6 engine that runs on regular gas or a choice of three V-8 engines, ranging from 302 to 403 horsepower, that run on flexible E85 fuel. The fuel economy has a range of 12-15/18-22 mpg city/highway. These engines can be paired with a four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive or a six-speed automatic transmission with overdrive and auto-manual.

The Sierra 1500 Hybrid comes with a 6.0-liter, 332-horsepower, V-6 that pairs with a four-speed automatic CVT with overdrive and auto-manual. The fuel economy for this engine is 20/23 mpg city/highway.

The Sierra 2500HD comes with a choice of four different V-8 engines, ranging from 322 to 397 horsepower, and using regular gas, gaseous fuel, flexible E85 fuel, or diesel. All engines pair with a six-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.

The Sierra 3500HD comes with a choice of three different V-8 engines, ranging from 322 to 397 horsepower and using regular gas, diesel or flexible E85 fuel. All engines pair with a six-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.

All 2013 GMC Sierra trucks come with a short and long arm suspension in the front, supported by coil springs in the 1500 and 1500 hybrid and torsion bar springs in the 2500HD and 3500HD and gas-pressurized shocks, and a leaf suspension in the rear, supported by leaf springs and gas-pressurized shocks. All models except the base 1500 have a heavy-duty suspension optimized for hauling large loads.

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