2012 GMC Sierra 1500

GMC is going gourmet with the Sierra, billing it as an upscale model aimed at a target buyer who's a cut above the presumably plebeian Chevrolet Silverado purchaser.

This pickup will be available in a seemingly infinite number of configurations.

New engines boast more power, yet better gas mileage.

Unlike the back seat on a Ford or Dodge that forces you to ride at attention, the seat back is slanted for comfort on Sierra.

Seat-bottom cushions are wider for truckers show haven't switched to bottled water and celery sticks.

Still a fairly wide (steering) dead spot in the center when cruising.

Inside, the Sierra is one of the luxurious pickups, setting new standards for quietness, plush appointments and solid construction.

Lockable floor console is large enough to hold a picnic lunch for a family of four.

HT stands for Hot Truck, and the Sierra HT fits the description.

It gives you a choice if the Dodge Ram is just too outrageous or the Ford F-150 seems too curvy.

Sierra's not just for construction sites.

Assembly quality not up to par.

The GMC regular-cab Sportside is the best looking pickup on the market.

You lose about 1000 pounds of towing capacity with the 4.8-liter engine (compared to the bigger 5.3-liter V-8).

The Vortec 4800 winds through the powerband quickly, setting up the transmission for a precise shift.

A fun sleeper of a hot rod.