Test Drive | General Motors Pickup

In pickup, perception is always stronger than reality.

For example, Consumer Reports’ most trusted pickup, the Honda Ridgeline, has the lowest resale value, retaining only 56.9% after five years, according to Intellichoice.

On the other hand, the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups, which CR declined to recommend due to reliability issues, still consistently perform at a third of their value five years later. Holding two near

In the automotive business, marketing types like to note that 75% of purchasing decisions are made in the lizard brain. The amygdala is a nut-shaped nodule at the base of the brain that controls fear, aggression, and decision-making, especially under duress. Few things are more stressful than buying a new car, especially with today’s prices.

Automotive marketers know how to pull our strings. How long a truck lasts, how well it protects us, and even what it does isn’t as important as how it makes us feel. So when I point out that body-on-frame pickups and SUVs don’t do as well in crash tests as unibody sedans and crossovers, I tend to get a blank stare or disbelief. one to transmit and one to absorb the shock.

doesn’t matter. All that steel feels safe. Our thoughts arise from the heart. Stronger are our emotions that reside in and arise from the body. The body never forgets, so we tend to trust our feelings rather than objective knowledge.

Proximity also makes it easier to get distracted. Post hoc, ergo prompter hoc means after this and therefore for this. ‘My dad was a Moper guy, and for decades, so was I, until I finally realized that post-war American Chrysler had nothing to do with it. Chrysler today.

So it is with the greatest reluctance and ultimate horror that I ever compare pickup trucks. Discussing Fords, Chevies, and RAMS (which most East Texans still call Dodges) is like comparing Aggies, Longhorns, and Razorbacks.

nobody cares what i say If your dad drives a Ford, I’ll pay your next month’s salary. I lost a few bets, but not as many as I won. We both know that, right?

Where people really start to shut me out is when I make the statement that we’re gassing and the climate is changing – do you watch the weather around the world? Blobs are walking dinosaurs. However, the United States may be an exception. Oil has banned them within its borders.

Meanwhile, America’s Big Three are now maximizing profits and selling as many large pickup trucks and SUVs as possible. The resulting cash flow is the construction of new assembly and battery plants. My academic research did not include economics or finance, but I have to wonder if in a few years millions of American families will face a crisis of reverse capitalization. trade.

If you thought the Ford F-150 EV and Lightning were popular, wait until you see the GMC Sierra EV Denali hitting showrooms in less than a year.

Good time to buy GM pickups

Now General Motors is offering cash, loans, and leasing incentives for a Chevrolet Silverado with a dynamic 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that no one wants. The industry consensus is that rising interest rates, higher prices, and lower demand will soon provide more generous incentives for most manufacturers.

You’ll find some great deals when you digitally browse your local inventory. My advice here: wait a month or two.

Sure, the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra are solid trucks. Breaking down the Consumer Reports data (I’ve done a ton of math) shows that reliability issues are generally minor and have improved significantly over the past two years.

For 2022, the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra have new sheet metal on the front, while the vastly improved cabin in the upper trim is quieter, roomier and more luxurious. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.4-inch diagonal 13.4-inch infotainment touchscreen (compatible with Google Built-in 2) dominate the dashboards of all Sierras and all LT and above Silverados. increase.

Recent test drives of the top-of-the-line Silverado Crew Cab High Country ($68,862) and Sierra Denali Ultimate ($79,340) say General Motors has the technical chops needed to move forward with its long list of electric models. It left an impression. years to come.

Pickup Caddy, Denali

GMC is known for its luxury products, the pinnacle of which is the model with the nomenclature “Denali”. This makes perfect sense to anyone who has seen Mount McKinley.

If the word “ultimate” was added to the “Denali,” we’d expect a pickup that would make Cadillacs blush. The Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate does just that. The most advanced and luxurious Sierra ever.

The grille and headlamp design feature expressive lighting animations as you approach, take off and leave the vehicle.

The cockpit-oriented instrument panel features electronic precision shifting on the front bucket seat models. A 12-speaker Bose sound system and front seats with 16-way power adjustment and massage are standard.

The two screens offer the largest 40-inch diagonal digital display in its class.

Technologies include towable Super Cruise 1 Driver Assistance technology and a standard 420-horsepower, 6.2L V-8 engine. Our tester came with a smooth 3.0-L Duramax turbodiesel that hit 27 mpg on the highway and 24 mpg combined. $1,500 cheaper than the gas V-8.

The Alpine Amber interior features full-grain leather appointments, including a leather dash, and open-pore Pardao wood trim. The wood’s dark finish creates a unique color blend, while the unique grain adds attention to detail.

best silverado ever

The Silverado High Country is less luxurious, but still a very luxurious truck. Like the Sierra, it features an intelligently laid out and nicely appointed cabin. Switchgear is easy to find and operate.

A number of trailer gears are standard, including Hill Start Assist, Trailer Sway Control, Hitch Guidance, Brake Controller and Auto-Locking Rear Differential.

Keyless entry, push button start, spray-in bed liner, premium sound system, dual exhausts with chrome tips and many more come standard on High Country.

Our tester came with a 6.2-L V8 offering 420 horsepower and 460 ft-lbs of torque, a $2,495 option. It’s a satisfyingly powerful and lovely engine. However, he can also get a diesel for less than $1,000.

In short, diesel costs about 20% more fuel, but the diesel Sierra is 40% more fuel efficient. Add in the Duramax’s extra working power and inherent reliability, and it’s a world-class no-brainer.