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2019 GMC Sierra 1500: Tailgate of the Future

2019 GMC Sierra 15002019 GMC Sierra Denali
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GMC completely redesigned the Sierra 1500 for 2019 with one of the most advanced tailgates yet. Just unveiled in Detroit, the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 presents a technically advanced, light-duty full-size truck.

2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali
2019 GMC Sierra Denali

The best-in-class cargo box volume, a new 3L inline six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine (option), more rear passenger leg room and interior storage, larger tires (standard), and weight savings are just some of the features that set the GMC Sierra apart.

The highlight of the 2019 Sierra, though, is the crazy MultiPro Tailgate – a GMC exclusive and industry first. Imagine a multifunctional and ergonomic transforming tailgate, and you’ll start to get the picture. It can fold into six positions and makes loading and working from the back easier.

While similar to its 2019 Chevy Silverado cousin, which also launches this fall, the Sierra will offer a host of exclusive features and upgrades.

GMC Sierra MultiPro Tailgate

This fancy tailgate offers six different positions, designed to make load control easier and more secure. It will also allow for easier entry and exit from the bed as well as create a standing workstation at the back of the truck. When flipped down, it acts as a step and/or seat with a 375-pound weight capacity.

The video below explains it well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEBiRYoheuM

While this tailgate offers a lot of functionality, it doesn’t have power-operated lift like the 2019 Silverado’s new tailgate. But the GMC does provide push-button opening and a dampener, so the gate comes down smoothly when you drop it.

2019 GMC Sierra 1500
2019 GMC Sierra Denali MultiPro tailgate, inner gate with work surface configuration

Did GMC create the ultimate tailgate party truck? Think about getting back to the truck after a long day in the field or skiing, dropping the tailgate step, and having a seat with footrest to change out of your boots.

Plus, you don’t have to lean over as far to stow your gear in the bed, and you can sit back and rest your legs while enjoying a beer.

And did I mention there is an optional in-bed 110-volt outlet, perfect for charging your phone and cranking up some tunes?

This new tailgate will come standard on the SLT and Denali trims and will be available on other trim levels.

CarbonPro Truck Box

2019 GMC Sierra 1500
2019 GMC Sierra Denali CarbonPro Bed

While the Sierra will continue to come standard with a roll-formed high-strength steel bed, which will be 50 percent stronger than the current model thanks to improved alloy, GMC also offers a new CarbonPro truck box. This new carbon box option will drop 62 pounds off the steel box, and be available on the top of the line Sierra Denali later in 2019.

CarbonPro replaces the inner steel panels and floor of the truck bed with carbon fiber composite panels. GM says it offers “best-in-class dent, scratch, and corrosion resistance, making it the most durable pickup box in the segment.”

2019 GMC Sierra 1500
2019 GMC Sierra Denali CarbonPro Bed materials

ProGrade Trailering System

The 2019 Sierra Denali and SLT come standard with the new ProGrade Trailering System and trailering app.

ProGrade Trailering offers hitch guidance with hitch view camera, along with an auto electric parking brake. It makes hitching up a breeze.

For better surroundings awareness, there are side view and trailer-mounted cameras that connect seamlessly.

The new trailering app is built into the infotainment system in the center console. With the app, you can set a pre-departure checklist, schedule maintenance reminders, perform a trailer light test and electrical diagnostics, see trailer tire pressure, and monitor temperature. Some of these features, like the lighting test, are also available in the MyGMC app for smartphones, which comes in handy when outside the truck.

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An exclusive GM option will be a trailer theft detection system, powered by OnStar. It alerts you by text when your trailer is detached from the truck.

Cabin, GMC Sierra Truck Design

Besides all the upgrades at the rear of the truck, the new Sierra will also have a ton of tech packed into the cabin. It has a large 3 x 7-inch multicolor heads-up display and a high-resolution rear camera, which offers the ability to zoom and tilt the view. Both of these technologies are firsts in the full-size truck category.

While the new Sierra has similar overall body lines to its Silverado sibling, every piece of exterior sheet metal is unique to the Sierra. The new design showcases a huge upright grille, taller hood, and bold C-shaped lighting elements.

2019 GMC Sierra: Light Duty, Full Size

In the 2019 Sierra, GMC turns heads with the MultiPro tailgate. But the new tailgate isn’t the only story here.

A host of new technologies – the new trailering system, tailgate, and truck bed – combine in an impressively equipped truck. As of now, GMC has not announced the price. But we will update this story as soon as it does.

In an age when most modern trucks are compelling, the Sierra really sticks out.

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