Acceleration

Base reg. cab 2WD, V6	Base ext. cab 2WD, 4.8 V8	SLT ext. cab 4WD, 5.3 V8	Sierra Denali	Class Average
4	5	6	7	4.7

The V6 doesn't cut it, but V8s have good power for most situations. Automatic transmission is alert and fuss-free, and its Tow/Haul mode optimizes performance with heavy loads. Available traction control and all-surface 4WD are class exclusives with great appeal. Denali's muscular 325-hp V8 delivers quick standing starts, swift passing.

Fuel Economy

Base reg. cab 2WD, V6	Base ext. cab 2WD, 4.8 V8	SLT ext. cab 4WD, 5.3 V8	Sierra Denali	Class Average
3	2	2	2	2.2

Test 4WD extendeds with 5.3 V8 and automatic transmission averaged 13.7 mpg. Test 6.0 Crew Cab averaged just 7.2 mpg in exclusively city driving; it should do better with more highway use. Test Denalis averaged 13.3-14.5 mpg in city/highway mix. All engines use regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

Base reg. cab 2WD, V6	Base ext. cab 2WD, 4.8 V8	SLT ext. cab 4WD, 5.3 V8	Sierra Denali	Class Average
3	4	4	4	3.7

Generally softer than Ford F-150, though still stiff and bouncy on uneven surfaces. As with any pickup, the tail will stutter some over bumps with an empty bed.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base reg. cab 2WD, V6	Base ext. cab 2WD, 4.8 V8	SLT ext. cab 4WD, 5.3 V8	Sierra Denali	Class Average
3	3	3	6	3.3

All models show fine overall balance, though steering feels rather lifeless. Quadrasteer gives carlike maneuvering ease, especially in tight spots, and enhances high-speed tracking and towing stability.

Quietness

Base reg. cab 2WD, V6	Base ext. cab 2WD, 4.8 V8	SLT ext. cab 4WD, 5.3 V8	Sierra Denali	Class Average
5	5	5	5	4.5

Road, wind, and engine noise are unobjectionable and slightly lower than in comparable F-150s.

Controls

Base reg. cab 2WD, V6	Base ext. cab 2WD, 4.8 V8	SLT ext. cab 4WD, 5.3 V8	Sierra Denali	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.8

Clear instruments. Controls conveniently placed, movement pleasingly smooth. Windshield wipers operate via turn-signal lever; a separate control would be better. Only GM furnishes an engine-hour meter to supplement the usual odometer.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base reg. cab 2WD, V6	Base ext. cab 2WD, 4.8 V8	SLT ext. cab 4WD, 5.3 V8	Sierra Denali	Class Average
7	9	9	9	8.5

Tall and wide, with lots of seat travel and backrest recline even in regular cabs. Supportive seats have integrated safety belts that are always comfortably positioned and easy to reach.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base reg. cab 2WD, V6	Base ext. cab 2WD, 4.8 V8	SLT ext. cab 4WD, 5.3 V8	Sierra Denali	Class Average
0	5	5	5	4.4

Good leg clearance and comfortably angled seatback make GM's extended cabs the most accommodating among full-size pickups. Crew Cabs are even more spacious and comfortable, a good match for F-150 SuperCrew and better than Dodge Ram Quad Cab.

Cargo Room

Base reg. cab 2WD, V6	Base ext. cab 2WD, 4.8 V8	SLT ext. cab 4WD, 5.3 V8	Sierra Denali	Class Average
1	5	5	5	4.8

Extended and crew cabs have ample inside storage with rear bench seat folded up, but lack bins, nets, or protective flooring. Behind-seat space in regular cab beats Ford and Toyota, trails Dodge.

Value within Class

Base reg. cab 2WD, V6	Base ext. cab 2WD, 4.8 V8	SLT ext. cab 4WD, 5.3 V8	Sierra Denali	Class Average
7	9	10	7	6.9

Sierra and Silverado lead the big-pickup field in 4WD sophistication, traction-control convenience, and now 4-wheel steering. They also offer the best extended-cab rear-seat accommodations, and their crew cabs are as hospitable as any. Factor in performance and pricing, and these are easy Best Buys.

Total Score

Base reg. cab 2WD, V6	Base ext. cab 2WD, 4.8 V8	SLT ext. cab 4WD, 5.3 V8	Sierra Denali	Class Average
40	54	56	57	49.8

Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks

Low Score		38
Average Score		49
High Score		61