Do you ever feel that vehicle research is too daunting of a task? That there are too many layers to peel back, and the layer before always needs to be explained by the layer before that? This is how I feel about pickup trucks. I am absolutely baffled by the different types of truck styles - and more so confused by what each one means and what kind of driving style they permit. Patriot Buick GMC has an overwhelming variety of customer-accommodating trucks - but thankfully, they also come with a knowledgeable staff to decipher the ins and outs of the truck's features. So, I decided to set out to become GMC truck-enlightened. Here are my findings!


GMC boasts two impressive truck models: the GMC Canyon and the GMC Sierra. Both trucks offer different features, each feature satisfying different customer needs.

GMC Canyon:

With a sleek and strong looking shell, the GMC is an eye-pleaser. From what I can tell, the Canyon is praised for its quiet, peaceful ride and has impressive crash rate test scores, giving peace of mind to drivers most concerned with passenger safety. For those of us who don't necessarily require a truck with large towing capabilities and would prefer a more fuel-efficient option, the Canyon stands apart as a great choice.If you thought the options ended there - think again. The Canyon is available in four different trim levels:

Work Truck: the primary use of this vehicle is for work-related trips- like hauling, towing, etc. This trim carries basic but necessary features like a bedliner, air conditioning, AM/FM stereo, and cruise control. In other words, its "cup of tea" is to work, and hard, but it has the necessary features to provide comfort for passengers.
SLE-1: From what I can tell, this trim level holds the Work Truck features with the addition of features like 16" aluminum alloy wheels, the Power Convenience Package, and the option to include an off-road suspension package and an on-road handling and grip package.
SLE-2: This trim level includes all the aforementioned details along with improved powertrain efficiency and front bucket seats for additional passenger comfort.
SLT: This is the "ultimate" trim level, the trim level to top all others. The SLT level offers everything the SLE-2 does but with even MORE passenger comfort in the form of heated, leather front bucket seats.
Alright, as if all the trim level options weren't confusing enough, now you have to decide the truck cab size. The Canyon has three cab sizes:
Standard Cab: This is the picture of your average pickup truck. A truck with this cab size has two doors, and seats three people comfortably across a plush, bench-like seat; the cab size measures six feet long.
Extended Cab: The extended cab option allows for additional space behind the front seats. There are two rear-jump seats, so the truck comfortably fits five passengers, as well as two additional reverse-opening doors for convenience.  This cab also measures six feet long.
Crew Cab: The Crew Cab offers the largest amount of space out of the three different cabs. This style comes with a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, which allows for an additional three passengers, bringing the seating capacity up to six. The Crew Cab has four, regular-sized doors which allow for easy entry.

Phew. Well, if that wasn't already a ton of information to digest?we still have another whole truck to go over!
The GMC Sierra is more of a multi-purpose truck. In addition to using the vehicle for the obvious - hauling and towing, etc. - the Sierra is valuable for family use as well. This truck is strong and reliable yet carry features which allow for a comfortable and smooth ride.  Similar to the Canyon, the Sierra is available with the three different cab-body styles; however, it one-ups the Canyon with five trim levels to choose from.


Work Truck: Similar to the Canyon, the Work Truck trim level acts as a great resource for hauling, towing, etc. with the necessary strength requirements.
SL: This trim level is available on trucks carrying the extended or crew cabs. A step up from the Work Truck, the SL carries a 4.8L V8 engine and offers features like cruise control (perfect for long trips!), power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, heated power mirrors (particularly lovely for those cold days), and more.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        SLE: For those who think "bigger is better", the SLE trim level supplies both fuel efficiency and impressive power with a 5.3L V8 engine. This trim level brags strength and power and is able to carry up to 10,700 pounds.
SLT: In addition to offering the power of the SLE - matching the 5.3L V8 engine - the SLT adds Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI). A vehicle with this engine operation can accurately use the correct amounts of air and gasoline to power its' engine, which in turn enhances fuel efficiency. Along with comfortable gas savings, the SLE has an abundance of interior storage space, heated, leather front bucket seats, and Bose speakers.
Xtra fuel economy: With rising gas prices, trucks seem to be hitting the road less and less. However, with the Sierra XFE, drivers can enjoy the power of the V8 engine without the fear of going broke. Bottom line, the XFE has better fuel economy than any other V8 competitor. You can get to cruisin' with an EPA-estimated highway fuel economy of 22 mpg.

Trucks come in different shapes, sizes, and levels of comfort. GMC offers a variety of options for the picky, the practical, and the penny-pinchers. I hope this guide offered a little bit of clarity! Stop by Patriot Buick GMC or call today for any further questions, and happy truckin'!