2020 GMC Sierra HD

9/19/2019

Heavy duty - trucks

It wasn’t that long ago when we were all shocked by the new double tailgate option on the 2019 GMC Sierra, but really it was just something that was bound to come out eventually. Like the original quad-cab from Dodge, the new double tailgate from GMC is one of those game changing things to come from the truck market. But why would GM do this, as

they already have a great model and a good amount of market share. Well ever since the introduction of the Tundra and Titan, GM has been seeing its numbers change so to stay at the fore front of truck technology, they are going after accessibility market. Seems smart as their consumers demographics and age are changing rapidly. But who really cares about all that corporate numbers crap, were just here to pick at their design.
2018 was a great year for GM as they introduced their new lineup of trucks to North American marketplace. And like any other time in history they revealed both the new Silverado and Sierra in close proximity to each other. But unlike past unveiling, the new trucks were showcase at separate events and both had their own design language. This was great as we were getting tired of their platform and design sharing. Not to say they both don’t ride on the same platform, but at least this time they both don’t share the same outline. But as 2018 came to a close with their standard models, 2019 came with a hit of new HD layouts to their trucks. And that is what we are going to look at, well at least the GMC Sierra HD.

Glaring at the front of this powerhouse of a beast you will find one awe inspiring front grille. Sure it could use some better colour or even some proper accents, but really this grille means business. Up on the hood you will find one of favourite features with this truck and that is the front entry port. This allows the engine to breath a bit better and helps cool that duramax down so it can give you the best towing power when you need it. Sliding down from the decent hood you will find yourself lost between the bottom of the grille and the top of the lower air duct. This abyss could have been done away with, with a larger lower air intake or at least some better accents. Add to this the horrible layout for the bumper sensors and you have the makings of bland bumper layout. A little further down from there you will find out how you’re suppose too hook onto things, as GMC has made the appearance of the tow hooks highly noticeable. That is where the good vibes stop as we run aground on the poorly attempted skid plate. Guess you don’t need to protect the front if you’re never going to go off road.

Sliding down the side of the truck you will find yourself lost with nowhere to go as the wheel arches don’t flow with the limited bodyline. Add to that they loss of a defining belt line and you have the makings of one bland side profile. But all is not lost as GM did add on an easy entry step which will help you get things out of your tool box of that stuff that rolled to the front of the box. They did however use cheap plastic to both this step and the side running boards. A small amount of chrome or even steel accents could have helped bring up the value in these accessories. The use of cheap plastic

along the side is heavily utilized as it is used to outline the windows, mirrors, wheel well covers and even on a fake side exhaust port. Sure, it was nice that they did use all of the same matte finished black plastic, but at least add something else to break up its appearance. We can’t stress the affect that chrome or gloss accents has on a vehicle. Ah well I guess if we wanted that we should have bought the Denali version. In the end all was not lost on the side of this truck as they did utilize all of the features in a way that they do blend with the image, even if that image is out of date.

Rolling around to the rear of this heavy-duty truck you will find yourself wondering why the extra tailgate has a time zone of its own. Yes, it seems that GMC has improperly engineered the inner workings of the 2nd tailgate which has in turn given it its own separate feature. Sure, it is great to know that it is there, but it could have been better if it was integrated into the design of the rear, not separate from it. They did however add on the perfectly sized logos, both of which suit this rear. Looking back at the top of the box you will find yourself looking at the flat abyss of which is actually the tailgates handles. Sure, it is a great spot for it, but its layout has been poorly executed along with a horrible taste in material. A bit lower you once again come into contact with the famous GM bumper steps. These are great features which we love and besides the use of cheap matte plastic, they are a great feature. At last we have come to the bottom of the truck where we will find our oversized exhaust port. Sure, it is big enough to handle this engine, but without a proper integration, it’s just another slap stick pipe.

From front to rear the new Sierra HD is quite a crowd pleaser as it does have the workings of a true truck. GM did make a decent pick on their colour choice, but their choice of accents was poor. As with any truck out there the Sierra HD does hit the mark, but still GM could have done a bit more to make it a true market winner. And if you really want something with a bit better accents and attitude, then pay a bit more and upgrade yourself to the Sierra Denali as it is well worth the investment.

Everett J.
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