Mechanically identical to its corporate cousin, the Chevrolet Silverado, the GMC Sierra gets a much more luxurious interior and classier exterior. (Like most Chevrolet-GMC sibling relationships, the Chevy gets a more enticing base price.)

It also comes with a bevy of engine choices, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, a turbodiesel inline-six, and a 5.3- and 6.2-liter V8s. Regular cab, double cab and crew cab body styles are on tap, as is a choice of two- or four-wheel drive in all configurations.

Redesigned for the 2019 model year, the Sierra 1500’s upright grille makes a bold statement regardless of trim level. GMC

Regular cab models are offered with an 8-foot box. Double cab models get a 6.2-foot box, while crew cab buyers can spec either a 5.8- or 6.6-foot box.  An available carbon-fiber bedliner with a cutout section for the front wheel of a motorcycle wheel also scores it some brownie points. And, while the price jump to the Denali isn’t sizable, the off-road focused AT4 seems to be the Goldilocks option in the Sierra line as the most well rounded. 

The Sierra’s 2019 growth spurt resulted in about three inches of additional rear-seat legroom and six more inches of width in the cargo box, welcome improvements in what was an already capable truck. Add in the multi-talented tailgate and 4WD option, and it’s a solid package.

Shoppers would be smart to include the $2,495 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 engine option, which comes paired with the 10-speed auto that helps the big power plant stay in the deep part of its 460 pound-feet of torque for towing and hauling duties. The added width gives the ride a bit more of a planted feel in corners, and switching to Sport mode helps yet again, although the effect is slight, with a tightening up of steering feel and suspension to ward off body roll. Fun for sure, but don’t expect to dispatch any Porsches in the twisties.

The versatile MultiPro tailgate features powered opening and closing functions. It remains to be seen how well it will hold up in rugged work environments. GMC

The new MultiPro tailgate brings some genuine innovation to what an area of the truck has traditionally been low-tech, allowing better access when closed and becoming a useful step system when climbing in and out of the box. However, it’s vulnerable to damage if a large or adjustable trailer hitch is installed and suddenly swings down in the step configuration. That’s gonna leave a mark.

The Sierra’s big chromed mug for the front end remains, with slightly different headlights bracing the crossbars. I know it’s a look some people love, but it can be a bit much for some, especially in light of the Silverado’s more elegant, simplified look. A redesigned back end with dual geometric exhaust outlets that tuck into the bumper is an improvement, however. Aside from the borderline silly front end, it’s an attractive truck. 

A more luxurious interior has traditionally been part of the deal of purchasing a GMC over it’s less expensive Chevy counterpart. Still, the basic architecture remains. GMC

Drivers and passengers will be comfortable if not pampered (upgrade to the Denali trim for that) in the SLT, with light grey leather seats and suitable surface materials that seem a bit more high-end than in some competing trucks. The vertical center section in the dash holding the touchscreen and HVAC controls seems to protrude a bit, and it’s too bad the Silverado’s nifty hidden center front seat didn’t make the cut for the Sierra. 

More tech is along for the ride in the SLT as long as you add in the two Driver Alert packages, which total over $1,600. That gives the truck an expanded slate of safety features that includes front and rear park assist, blind-zone alert, rear cross-traffic alerts, low-speed automatic braking, pedestrian braking fancy active headlights, collision alert, active cruise control and lane-keeping.

Another cool tech feature is the video rearview mirror, which provides a wide-angle view from a camera in the tailgate and looks for all intents like a regular rearview mirror. The video can also be toggled off to work like a regular mirror. GMC

The Sierra is supposed to be a step up from the Silverado, despite sharing the same underpinnings and improvements. With the bigger engine, fancy lift gate and improved tech package, it certainly feels that way, and the price reflects it as well. Worth it? If you can get past the look of the front-end, the boost in power and interior upgrades make a good argument.