It’s been over a century since an early model GMC truck, known then as a Rapid model, made headlines when it climbed to the top of Pikes Peak in Colorado and proved its rugged capability. A few things have changed since then, but one thing remains the same––GMC’s commitment to innovation. As you take a look around the GMC truck dealer near you, you’ll see this innovation in models like the Canyon, Sierra 1500, and Sierra HD. These models and the entire fleet showcase GMC’s dedication to offering drivers the most advanced and innovative technology available.
It seems fitting to highlight GMC’s gold standard of offering the latest tech by showcasing what GMC has in store for the 2021 and 2022 lineup. With drivers demanding even more from trucks like the Sierra 1500 and the Sierra HD, GMC delivers advanced trailering technology, new connectivity options, and driver-assist features that make the trucks more capable than ever before. Here’s a look at the advanced tech you’ll find on GMC’s 2021 and 2022 models.
Super Cruise
Coming in late 2022, GMC will add Super Cruise to its tech lineup on the Sierra 1500 Denali trim. Super Cruise is the first true hands-free driver assistance technology that works with over 200,000 miles of compatible roads throughout the United States and Canada. So, how does it work?
Super Cruise utilizes LiDAR or Light Detection and Ranging technology, which is the remote sensing method that examines the surface of the Earth. This technology is paired with real-time cameras, sensors, and GPS to deliver an exceptional hands-free driving experience. By utilizing a small camera at the top of the steering column and infrared lights, Super Cruise actively monitors where the driver is looking. When the driver’s attention strays from the road, Super Cruise activates a light bar on the steering wheel that alerts the driver to return their attention to the road.
Trailering Technology
GMC knows that their Sierra truck is a workhorse capable of towing everything from campers and boats to livestock trailers and more. This is why a new suite of trailer technology is the biggest tech update on the Sierra 1500 and the Sierra HD for 2021. This suite includes a Trailer Length Indicator, Jack-Knife Alert, enhancements to the Rear Trailer View and the Rear Side View, Hitch Guidance, and a zoom-capable Cargo Bed View.
Trailer Length Indicator
Gone are the days of guessing just how much room you have to change lanes or merge into traffic with a trailer, thanks to the Trailer Length Indicator. This new feature works when the Sierra is moving forward and with a turn signal is in use. When this occurs, the center touchscreen display shows a red overlay that is twice the length of the trailer. It also displays other vehicles in the path of the projected lane change.
Jack-Knife Alert
Hauling a trailer can be incredibly stressful as drivers are always mindful of the risk of jack-knifing. GMC remedies this concern with the new Jack-Knife Alert, which tracks the position of the trailer in relation to the Sierra. In the instance that the front of the trailer is too close to the rear of the truck, the technology alerts the driver of the potential hazard.
Rear Trailer View and Rear Side View
The Rear Trailer View and Rear Side View features received noteworthy enhancements on the 2021 Sierra. The Rear Trailer View now features a trailer angle indicator and guidelines that make backing the trailer into a spot easier by showing the projected direction and positioning of the trailer. The Rear Side View, which shows a split view of both the left and right side of the truck and trailer, is now available for drivers to use while in reverse. This makes backing up and positioning the trailer easier since the driver has a clearer picture of any objects or vehicles in close proximity.
Cargo Bed View
The Cargo Bed View gives drivers a birds eye view of the cargo bed from the comfort of the truck. Utilizing a camera that’s mounted in the center of the high-mounted stop lamp on the Sierra, drivers can use the center touchscreen display to see a clear view of the cargo bed. In 2021, GMC upgraded this feature so that drivers can now use the zoom view for a closer look. An additional upgrade allows the Cargo Bed View to work with the Hitch Guidance feature, which makes hooking up to a fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailer easier.
Safety Technology
Part of GMC’s commitment to innovation is ensuring every vehicle is outfitted with the most advanced safety features. This makes GMC cars, trucks, and SUVs some of the safest on the road. That’s especially true with the all-new GMC Pro Safety and GMC Pro Safety Plus suites, which are available on 2021 models like the Terrain, Acadia, Yukon, and Yukon XL. GMC plans to expand the suite to the entire lineup over the next few years.
The GMC Pro Safety suite includes Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, a Following Distance Indicator, Front Pedestrian Braking, and IntelliBeam automatic headlamps. The Pro Safety Plus suite adds even more features to this list. The additions include Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Rear Park Assist.
In addition to these exceptional safety and driver-assist features, GMC raises the bar with a variety of cameras meant to enhance the driver’s visibility. These options include the High-Definition Rear Vision Camera, the High Definition Surround Vision Camera, the Rear Camera Mirror, and the Hitch Guidance with the Hitch View Mirror. All of these features give drivers better views around the vehicle to minimize the potential for collisions with other vehicles and objects.
Aside from its driver-assist features, multiple camera options, and new safety suite, GMC is also praised for its Teen Driver technology. This innovative tool is designed with new drivers in mind and allows parents to use a PIN to limit the vehicle’s speed, program speed warnings, and limit the volume of the radio. With safety as the top priority, the technology mutes the audio system when the driver or front passenger seat belts are unfastened. The feature also delivers a report card for each trip, allowing parents to monitor how their teen driver is performing behind the wheel.
Raising the Bar of Innovation
Between upcoming features like Super Cruise, new trailering technology on the 2021 Sierra and Sierra HD, and an advanced suite of safety features, there is no question that GMC continues to raise the bar of innovation. This reflects the brand’s commitment to delivering the highest quality vehicles and the best technology on the market to ensure drivers have all the tools they need to safely and enjoyably operate their vehicles. It’s also what makes the GMC lineup of cars, trucks, and SUVs one of the top-sellers in the country.
As you visit a GMC dealership near you, you’ll discover GMC’s commitment to innovation and technology firsthand. You’ll discover how this technology not only improves the vehicle’s overall performance but also how it impacts your experience behind the wheel. That’s exactly what inspires GMC’s ongoing quest to bring you the newest technology designed to enhance your time in the driver’s seat.
