The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 adds several new features not available on the Chevrolet Silverado, including a carbon-fiber cargo box and innovative tailgate. 
 -  Photo by Kelly Bracken.

The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 adds several new features not available on the Chevrolet Silverado, including a carbon-fiber cargo box and innovative tailgate.

Photo by Kelly Bracken.

The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 has added an array of features to differentiate it from the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado, which is also entering a new generation, including an innovative two-gates-in-one tailgate that provides a killer cargo management feature. The MultiPro tailgate appears for the first time on a GM truck, and it will roll out to additional models soon, including the 2020 GMC Sierra HD pickups.

While it was in development, General Motors showed the tailgate to GM Fleet's Commercial Sounding Board of fleet advisors on three occasions. Its members "provided valuable input," a GM spokesperson told us. Other feedback from commercial fleets at trade shows has been very positive.

What makes the MultiPro more than just a gimmicky feature, especially if GM adds it to the Silverado, is the ergonomic benefits that should help reduce lower-back injuries and slip-and-fall accidents by drivers while loading or arranging cargo in the pickup's bed.

MultiPro offers six positions, if you include the standard lowered gate that all pickups can accomplish. The MultiPro uses a mini tailgate within the larger tailgate that can be folded out to provide two tiers of load stops that keeps cargo from sliding out of the bed, and step with retractable handle for better leverage when stepping into the bed, and a raised work surface.

Other New Features

The truck's quiet cabin kept wind noise on the outside. 
 -  Photo by Kelly Bracken.

The truck's quiet cabin kept wind noise on the outside.

Photo by Kelly Bracken.

The higher trim grades of the truck now offer exclusive features such as a carbon fiber cargo box and adaptive dampers.

Common ground remains between the two GM pickups, such as the engine lineup. Both trucks will eventually offer four engine choices, including a 4.3-liter V-6 (285 horsepower) and 5.3-liter V-8 that are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The 6.2-liter V-8 now delivers power through a 10-speed automatic transmission. GMC will also offer a 3.0-liter inline-six diesel at some point.

We tested the Sierra 1500 Denali all-wheel-drive crew cab powered by the 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V-8 that when paired with the new 10-speed transmission delivered a smooth, powerful ride. Wind noise was mininal inside the comfortable and spacious cabin.

2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Specs:

  • Engines: 4.3L V-6 (285 hp/305 lb.-ft.), 5.3L V-8 (355 hp/383 lb.-ft.), or 6.2L V-8 (420 hp/460 lb.-ft.)
  • Transmission: 8-speed or 10-speed automatic
  • Payload: 1,500 to 2,543 lbs.
  • Towing: 6,500 to 9,700 lbs.

Originally posted on Automotive Fleet

About the author
Paul Clinton

Paul Clinton

Former Senior Web Editor

Paul Clinton covered an array of fleet and automotive topics for Automotive Fleet, Government Fleet, Mobile Electronics, Police Magazine, and other Bobit Business Media publications.

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