The "pure pickup," as it's called, has a unique dashboard that is more driver-oriented and has larger switchgear and door handles that are designed to be easily manipulated by those wearing work gloves. The pure pickup dashboard has a double-decked glove box system, with the upper box just large enough to hold a pair of work gloves and a few smaller items. The pure pickup interior includes a 40/20/40 split front bench seat with the center section folding down to provide a large storage compartment and wide armrest.

The SUV-style luxury-oriented interior puts audio and ventilation system controls more easily within reach of the front-seat passenger and has two front bucket seats with a fixed center console with assorted storage compartments.

GMC says the interior of the new Sierra is 20 percent quieter than its predecessor, thanks to enhanced insulation materials, much like those used in the company's sport utility vehicles, and to aerodynamic improvements that reduce wind noise.

Rear seating is provided for three people in the extended and crew cab versions, with a comfortable 34.3 inches of rear legroom in the extended cab and 38.7 in the crew cab.

Access to the rear seating area of the extended cab is eased by rear-hinged doors that open to nearly flush with the rear quarterpanels. Sitting in the back seat of the extended cab is made more pleasant thanks to the fact that the windows in the rear access doors power fully down.