2019 GMC Sierra Advances With Trick Tailgate, Carbon-Fiber Bed

Chevrolet unveiled the 2019 Silverado 1500 at the Detroit Auto Show in January, at the same time as Ram introduced a new 1500 and Ford dropped its revived Ranger. But GMC’s 2019 full-size pickup wasn’t on display – instead, the brand waited until this month to unveil the redesigned 2019 Sierra ahead of an official debut at the 2018 New York Auto Show.

In the past, GMC has come under fire for not doing enough to differentiate the Sierra and the Silverado 1500, which are essentially fraternal twins. For 2019, GMC looks to change that with unique features that do a far better job of setting it apart from the Silverado.

The most prominent feature on the 2019 Sierra Denali is a carbon-fiber composite bed, which GMC claims is an industry first, that's an optional extra. The Carbon Pro replaces the standard truck’s steel inner panels and floor with carbon-fiber composite that will offer best-in-class scratch, corrosion, and dent resistance. The lightweight material is 62 pounds lighter than the traditional steel version.

Thanks to the carbon-fiber bed and aluminum that’s used on the doors, tailgate, and hood, the new Sierra weighs 360 pounds less than the outgoing model. The new Silverado 1500 managed to lose 450 pounds.

Another innovative and industry first feature on the Sierra is the MultiPro Tailgate, which will be part of the Denali and SLT’s list of standard features. The tailgate has six different positions, making the pickup even more versatile. The first setting is the traditional tailgate that every pickup owner is accustomed to. After that, things get a little complicated.

With the gate down, there’s an inner flap that’s called the primary gate load stop, which stops long items from sliding out of the bed. The inner flap can also be flipped down, creating a cutout allowing for easier access to the bed. With the inner flap in its downward position, it can be converted into a full-width step capable of supporting up to 375 pounds. Flipping the tailgate up into its upright position brings about a few more configurations, including a built-in load stop in the inner gate and a work station with the inner gate laying flat.

Another piece of tech that should make the ’19 Sierra easier to live with is GMC’s ProGrade Trailering System that comes with an all-new Trailering App with a pre-departure checklist, maintenance reminders, a trailer light test, trailer electrical diagnostics and trailer tire pressure, and temperature monitoring.

The Sierra can also help drivers connect a trailer to the pickup thanks to Hitch Guidance with HitchView and Auto Electric Park Brake. Available side-view cameras and a trailer-mounted HD camera should take some hassle out of attaching a trailer and help in keeping a watchful eye on the attached cargo, as well. Trailer Theft Detection, which is also exclusive to the Sierra, allows owners to receive texts and mobile alerts from OnStar if their trailer has been detached from the truck without their permission.

A three-inch-by-seven-inch head-up display that can display customizable vehicle data on the windshield is also available, with GMC once again noting it's a segment first. The rearview mirror can also act as a rear camera mirror to provide drivers with a better view of what’s behind them.

While it would be pretty hard to miss the carbon fiber bed, the tech features can go undetected on first glance. The Sierra’s styling, on the other hand, can’t be overlooked. While having similar dimensions to the new Silverado 1500, the Sierra has a new face with a more traditional headlight design and an enormous grille. The rear end is also a little more traditional with tidier taillights. And, as one would expect from a luxurious full-size truck, there’s plenty of chrome.

The 2019 Sierra Denali and SLT will go on sale later this fall with pricing to be announced closer to the pickup’s on-sale date.