The front styling of the GMC Sierra ties it closely to the mid-size GMC Envoy, and to some of the great GMC pickups of the past. The chrome-framed grille consists of three black horizontal bars that prominently display a big red GMC emblem. Chromed front bumpers include two airflow cutouts. Up-level models have a body-colored lower front fascia; base models have a light-charcoal fascia.Compared with the Chevy Silverado, GMC’s styling is more conservative, more mature, with smoother, more sophisticated lines. Overall, it’s a look that a lot of truck buyers will like: more upscale than the Chevrolet pickup, more conservative than the Dodge or Ford pickups. Premium Sierra models offer 16-inch bright-machined aluminum wheels; 17-inch wheels are available for 4WD models. An optional grille/brush guard adds front-end protection. A single OnStar roof antenna combines the GPS and cell-phone functions. The load height (the distance from the ground to the bed) for 2WD Sierra models is just 31.6 inches. For 4WD models, it''s 33.7 inches. All GMC Sierras are built on the stiffest and lightest truck frame General Motors has ever produced. The frame rails are hydroformed, a process that uses high-pressure hydraulics to shape relatively large steel components. Tubular crossmembers and roll-formed mid-rails increase rigidity further. This stiff structure enhances handling and ride quality immensely, while improving crashworthiness.
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