First Drive
POLISHED PRACTICALITY
2007 GMC Sierra Crew Cab puts more power, comfort, and fuel economy in owner’s hands

By Bruce W. Smith

If you are an outdoorsman or a blue-collar worker who spends a lot of seat time in a four-door pickup for both work and play, the all-new GMC Sierra Crew Cab has to be on your radar when it comes to buying a new vehicle.

At least that’s my take on them after spending a day putting a number of different GMC pickups through their paces at GM’s Mesa (Arizona) Proving Grounds.

The wholesale changes GM has made to the new generation pickups clearly show someone in the marketing, engineering and design departments has been watching the full-size truck competition heat up during the last decade and finally decided it was time to recover a lot of lost ground.

In fact, it’s quite safe to say both Chevrolet and GMC have brought their new pickups back into stiff competition with Ford, Dodge, Nissan, and even the new Toyota Tundra in ride quality and overall performance.  

A FINE RIDE     

            As we mentioned in a previous review, the 2007 models are a ground up redesign in which the refinements and changes have brought about a very fine pickup.

With a five different suspension options, depending on model, you can find a Sierra that fits your needs perfectly. My first choice would be a Sierra Crew Cab with the Z60 suspension. This has to be the very best suspension GM has ever offered under their pickups.

Although the Z60 package was designed for use with the new 20-inch tire/wheel option, I found it’s better than the popular Z71 off-road package when the pavement ends and the dirt and gravel backcountry roads begin. The spring rates and shock dampening in both compression and, more importantly, rebound control are superb.

The great suspension coupled with new brakes, a faster-reacting rack-and-pinion steering, and same chassis as found under the all-new full-size Yukon, with a track three-inches wider in front and an inch wider in the rear, adds a lot more on-road stability—especially when towing or being a bit aggressive off-pavement.

POWER FULL PACKAGE

That fun-to-drive experience is made even nicer when the Sierra is running either the 315hp 5.3L or the 367hp 6.0L that is exclusive to SLE/SLT models that come with the towing package.

If you really want to impress others with both luxury and power, then the top-of-te-line Sierra Denali is the model to drive. It comes with the new 6.2L Vortec V8 pumping out a class-leading 400hp—and it’s exclusive to the Sierra Denali for 2007. So, too, is the all-new six-speed automatic found in the Denali.

Fuel efficiency is another area GMC is doing well. All of the 5.3L and 6.0L engines have the Active Fuel Management system that, in the 2WD models, achieves industry-leading 22mpg EPA numbers. The 4x4 models are getting 20mpg—again best in class.

 Transmission choice is still limited to 4-speed automatics. But I expect the six-speed automatic found in the ’07 GMC Sierras to be available in the Silverados in 2008.

When it comes to boat- and trailer-towing prowess, the GMC Sierra is stable and strong. I drove a 1500 Crew Cab equipped with the NHT (heavy duty towing suspension) and found it feels quite well on the road with 10,500 pounds in tow using a weight-distribution hitch.

Unladen, the NHT suspension isn’t nearly as pleasant as the Z60 model, the latter which has a maximum tow rating between 5,000 and 7,500 pounds depending on the hitch and cab configuration. 

FAMILY FRIENDLY

The 2007 GMC Sierra Crew Cab SLE2 model is roomy, comfortable, and well-appointed. It features power seats, leather interior, and all the amenities the typical pickup owner would require without being overly lavish.

The way the rear doors open wide (170-degrees!) makes it easy for kids and adults alike to get into the back seat. The rear seat is of the 60/40-split design, and it’s very easy to fold so cargo, groceries, and other items can be easily accommodated.

After a full day of tire kicking and driving the most popular models of the 2007 GMC Sierra line, it’s clear they are intent on bringing a lot of new owners into the GMC fold.

One thing Truck Test Digest listeners will find when they drive a new model is it’ll be easy to visualize a family with an active life-style making the GMC Sierra Crew Cab their primary family vehicle.

Sierra Light-Duty Crew Cab

Engines

Engines cont’d

 Transmissions

 Chassis/Suspension

Brakes

 Wheels/Tires

Dimensions

Exterior

Interior

 Curb Weight & Payload

 Cargo box

 Capacities

Trailering

* SAE certified. A new voluntary power and torque certification procedure developed by the SAE Engine Test Code committee was approved March 31, 2005 . This procedure (J2723) ensures fair, accurate ratings for horsepower and torque by allowing manufacturers to certify their engines through third-party witness testing. GM was the first auto manufacturer to begin using the procedure and expects to use it for all newly rated engines in the future.

Note: Information shown is current at time of publication.