Despite some recent warm spells in certain parts of the country, on the calendar it’s still only February. If you’re not a fan of winter where you live, there’s good news as the days slowly get longer as we inch toward spring and summer, and you know what that means, it will be time to get back outside! The warmer weather brings thoughts of getting to the beach, putting the boat in the lake, bringing the kids off to baseball practice, preparing for a camping weekend, or tuning up the mountain bikes for the first singletrack run. Maybe your idea of fun is constructing that addition on your house by yourself and some handy friends. Or perhaps you’re just looking forward to cruising with the windows down. No matter what you’ve got in store for when the warmer weather arrives, the full line-up of GMC trucks will get the job done in style and with unrivaled performance and reliability.
GMC trucks are very popular due to their versatility, can haul everything from a group of talkative teenagers to a fully-loaded trailer of gear, and can also tackle most kinds of terrain and weather conditions. If you’re a current GMC truck owner, then you are well-versed and already know all about their quality and reputation. But if you’re new to the GMC brand or are still researching what they might have in store for you, let’s do a rundown on the various models that the manufacturer offers and how they might fit into your specific lifestyle.
The Canyon
Are you looking for a truck but are not sure whether you require the muscle of a full-size or heavy-duty pickup (and would like to have an easier time parking it)? Then the smaller size of the Canyon might be the model for you. While it doesn’t do the heavy lifting that other GMC trucks do, it’s certainly more than capable for those weekend getaways as well as handling light-duty work.
The Canyon has a choice of engine options to go with, and depending which you select; there’s up to 308 horsepower available, coupled with a towing capacity of up to 7,700 lbs, more than enough to get the jet-skis to the lake or that vintage teardrop camper you’ve been restoring up into the mountains. This, of course, falls short of GMC’s other offerings, but that’s ok—the Canyon isn’t supposed to compete with its siblings. But it’s still a capable truck that will allow you to bring the fun with you wherever you go. It’s smaller size is perfect for those looking for the utility of a pickup without the massive size. Available in a variety of trim levels and with several optional packages, the Canyon provides a wide level of customization for those looking for bare bones to those seeking touches of luxury combined with the traditional benefits of a truck.
The Sierra 1500
This offering in GMC’S line-up is perfect for drivers looking to step up from a smaller truck but don’t necessarily need something on the heavy-duty end of the scale. This is the starting option for the Sierra series of trucks, and the one that probably fits the widest range of lifestyles without being too little or too much. It slots in nicely between the smaller Canyon and the top-of-the-line Sierras.
The 1500 can be equipped with an engine that provides up to 420 horsepower with a maximum towing capacity of up to an amazing 12,200 lbs. This is the kind of muscle needed for towing a boat or large camper or for hauling construction supplies to finally get that project done. Naturally, all this power comes in a larger package, so the Sierra isn’t quite as petite as the Canyon, if such a word can even be applied to a pickup truck. But like the Canyon, the Sierra comes in several configurations and can be completely customized for whatever you need it to do.
The Sierra 2500HD & 3500HD
Ok, here’s where we start getting really serious with GMC’s most powerful offerings. 100% suited as workhorse trucks that can handle any challenge, the heavy-duty versions of the Sierra are for drivers who need the utmost in power, capability, and performance.
The 2500HD’s 6.6L Duramax turbo-diesel engine generates an astounding 445 horsepower, perfect if you need to say, haul thousands of pounds of gear up a steep slope. The maximum towing capacity is a whopping 18,500 lbs. You read that right. With the turbo-diesel, this Sierra is capable of hauling over nine TONS of cargo. This may be more power than most people need, but for those who do need it, you can count on the 2500HD to deliver.
Moving up to the premier 3500HD, which pretty much defines the term “heavy-duty.” If you find there’s something you can’t do with this truck, then perhaps the only other possible options are moving up to a commercial-grade vehicle or your own personal tractor trailer! The 3500HD is equipped with the same engine as its “little” brother the 2500HD, but its design ups the maximum towing capacity to an astonishing 35,500 lbs when certain options are included. We are talking about tiny-home-hauling capability here.
Of course, as with other GMC pickups, the higher-end Sierras are also available with higher-end options in several trim levels. These are also the two models with the most luxury options, which means you’ll not only have the capability to go wherever you want with these trucks, you can also do it in complete style and comfort.
Which of the GMC trucks is right for you?
Well, that’s totally up to you and what you need a truck to do for you. Each individual driver is going to have their own needs and style, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Fortunately, though, GMC’s selection of quality pickup trucks are designed to fit a wide range of needs.
If you’re looking for something more simple and need the ability to tow super-sized loads and want to also keep vehicle size down, then perhaps the Canyon would be well-suited.
Alternatively, if you do want to tow heavy cargo that weighs around 12,000 lbs and you don’t mind a bigger and beefier truck, perhaps consider looking into the Sierra 1500.
Power users will want to have all the heft that GMC offers at their disposal, which is where the heavy-duty Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD come in, providing the maximum amount of power to get even the toughest jobs done. These two models of the Sierra family are the ultimate examples of why drivers choose GMC for their truck needs.
In any event, there’s no going wrong with any of GMC’s trucks. As long as you know what you’re looking for in a vehicle of this type, there’s really no bad choice. GMC has a long and trusted history with manufacturing some of the most capable pickups out there, backed up by proven customer satisfaction and a reputation for quality.
