American-style smoothness, luxury and power
Let me insist on "American-style", because there might not be more patriotic customers than North American pickup truck owners. For 2007, GM offers a completely redesigned Sierra with all the features you would expect from such a vehicle. While powered by a potent 6.2-litre V8 engine, the top-of-the-line Denali model I tested proved to be smooth and progressive, especially when hauling.
A tall profile
My tester was an AWD, 4-door Crew Cab model. Five passengers can sit on board but, when trying to access the cabin, they'd have an easier time if the truck iwould be equipped with the optional sidesteps. Rear passengers are further helped by a pillar-mounted handle, while the driver literally has to jump to reach his or her seat. When it's time to exit the Sierra, you have to remain careful; without a sidestep, the drop is a whopping 824 mm (32.4 inches). My wife forgot about it and slightly injured her knee.
A roomy cabin
I really appreciated the airy feel provided by the Sierra's gigantic cabin. Occupants have more than enough room to stretch their limbs and the visibility is good.
Up front, the Denali boasts comfortable, power-adjustable heated seats. As a driver, I particularly liked the efforts deployed by GM to reduce the reflection of the dashboard in the windshield. This was made possible by the textured plastics and their dark brown color. The latter is beautifully matched to the beige leather of the seats and door panels.
Speaking of the doors, they include convenient storage compartments -- as does the centre console -- but you won't be able to stow a small-sized laptop.
Out back, two adults and one kid will find comfort thanks to ample legroom. However, I did not managed to raise the rear head restraints high enough to ensure decent protection in the advent of a collision.
Let me insist on "American-style", because there might not be more patriotic customers than North American pickup truck owners. For 2007, GM offers a completely redesigned Sierra with all the features you would expect from such a vehicle. While powered by a potent 6.2-litre V8 engine, the top-of-the-line Denali model I tested proved to be smooth and progressive, especially when hauling.
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| The optional sidesteps are pretty useful. |
A tall profile
My tester was an AWD, 4-door Crew Cab model. Five passengers can sit on board but, when trying to access the cabin, they'd have an easier time if the truck iwould be equipped with the optional sidesteps. Rear passengers are further helped by a pillar-mounted handle, while the driver literally has to jump to reach his or her seat. When it's time to exit the Sierra, you have to remain careful; without a sidestep, the drop is a whopping 824 mm (32.4 inches). My wife forgot about it and slightly injured her knee.
A roomy cabin
I really appreciated the airy feel provided by the Sierra's gigantic cabin. Occupants have more than enough room to stretch their limbs and the visibility is good.
Up front, the Denali boasts comfortable, power-adjustable heated seats. As a driver, I particularly liked the efforts deployed by GM to reduce the reflection of the dashboard in the windshield. This was made possible by the textured plastics and their dark brown color. The latter is beautifully matched to the beige leather of the seats and door panels.
Speaking of the doors, they include convenient storage compartments -- as does the centre console -- but you won't be able to stow a small-sized laptop.
Out back, two adults and one kid will find comfort thanks to ample legroom. However, I did not managed to raise the rear head restraints high enough to ensure decent protection in the advent of a collision.
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| The rear seats offer ample legroom. |