Workhorses take the lead in trailering
Focus is on giving customers the best in towing applications
GMC will be displaying its full line of utility and work vehicles at this year’s Canadian International AutoShow, highlighted with the introduction of the 2020 Sierra HD line of pickups. These new vehicles, in 2500HD and 3500HD versions, will go on sale later this year.
While the new HD line will be used for a variety of work and personal functions, GMC has focused efforts for greater trailering capability with technologies designed to provide customers the best in towing applications.
Towing experiences will be enhanced with GMC’s ProGrade Trailering Technology, a package with available classleading15 unique camera views, including an industry-first transparent trailer view, help optimize the driver’s view around the truck and compatible trailers to provide added confidence when towing. The revolutionary transparent trailer feature uses the tailgate-mounted camera and an available accessory camera mounted on the rear of the trailer. The resulting display helps the driver to virtually see through the trailer, a benefit when navigating parking lots, merging into traffic or making tight turns.
There will also be personal GMC mobile apps available which allow the user to check trailer tire pressures, lights, and other items, plus the ability to monitor and control trailer systems such as lighting and temperature, water holding tanks levels, and generator fuel levels with the iN-Command control system from ASA Electronics.
The 2020 HD is larger than ever, with new architecture and larger proportions and design cues which strengthen this bold look. Inside the larger cabin, the Sierra HD has a higher seating position, and the top-line Denali model features premium leather-appointed seating along with wood trim and darkfinish aluminum decor.
Available with either a single or dual-wheel rear axle, the HD provides adequate power with its Duramax 6.6-litre turbo diesel engine with 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque. It is coupled to a new 10-speed Allison automatic transmission. This powertrain, coupled with a stronger frame, will allow towing capacities in excess of13,607 kgs. An all-new gasoline engine is to follow shortly. The smallest SUV in the GMC fleet, the Terrain, continues with upgrades to its present and second-generation version, and features styling cues to complement the larger Acadia. The Terrain is available in four trims, the SL, SLE, SLT and Denali. All versions ride on a 2,717-mm wheelbase, and provide 2,897 litres of passenger area and 2,293 litres of cargo space with seats folded up.
Three engines are available, a 1.6-litre in-line four turbocharged diesel engine with 137 horsepower, a 1.5-litre, 180horsepower turbocharged inline four, and a 2.0-litre turbocharged in-line four with 252 horsepower. The diesel power is mated to a six-speed automatic, the gasoline engines to a nine-speed automatic. All trim levels are available in two or all-wheel drive.
The seven-seat second-generation Acadia is GMC’s midsized SUV. The Acadia sits on a 2,858-mm wheelbase, provid- ing a large useful cabin for passengers and cargo. The SUV is designed with a lot of flexibility, providing two types of secondrow seating, curbside seat sliding, and seats that fold flat for better cargo capacity. All three rows of seating offer USB ports, and tri-zone automatic climate control.
The Acadia comes in frontwheel or all-wheel drive configurations, in four models, SL, SLE, SLT and Denali. An All Terrain package, consisting of exterior dark chrome accents and unique wheels is offered with the SLE and SLT trims. New for 2019 is the Acadia Black edition featuring black body accents and 20-inch wheels. Engine options are the 2.5-litre in-line four with 193 horsepower, and the 3.6-litre V6 with 310 horsepower. Both engines are mated to a sixspeed automatic.
The GMC Yukon is a large vehicle for large needs. Based on traditional body-on-frame architecture, it is available with a 2,946-mm wheelbase and 3,302-mm wheelbase for the XL version.
The smaller Yukon provides 3,420-litres of passenger space and 2,681 litres of cargo space with seats folded, while the XL provides 3,466 litres of passenger space and 3,446 litres of cargo area. The Yukon has towing ratings of between 3,628 kg and 3,855 kg depending on drivetrain.
The Yukon is offered in SLE, SLT and Denali trims, and a new Graphite Edition with gloss black accents, 22-inch rims, and upgraded suspension.
A 5.3-litre V8 engine with 355 horsepower a six-speed automatic is standard, with the 6.2litre V8 of 420 horsepower and 10-speed automatic optional. Rear-drive or all-wheel drive is available.
Other vehicles at the Canadian International Auto Show include the mid-size Canyon and full-size Sierra pickups.