2014 Chevrolet Silverado, 2014 GMC Sierra Pickups: Full Details

Full-size pickups aren’t going away anytime soon; in fact, they’re how we Americans get things done. Yet much has changed in the U.S. vehicle market since the 2007 model year, when General Motors [NYSE: GM] last redesigned two of the market’s top-selling pickups, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500.

With the bursting of the housing bubble, the tightening of the budget belt, and concerns over gas prices, Americans don’t just want better gas mileage but also more technology, safety, and refinement in their trucks. In the redesigned 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and 2014 GMC Sierra trucks that GM just pulled the wraps off, the company is addressing those needs, and more.

More connectivity, more utility and usefulness

These pickups are often personal vehicles—even family vehicles in many cases—and fittingly, GM has added Chevrolet MyLink and GMC IntelliLink to the Silverado and Sierra, respectively, to allow Bluetooth connectivity, apps including Pandora streaming audio, and natural-language voice commands, with an eight-inch touch screen.

The new Silverado and Sierra get many other innovative features like a new damping system for the tailgate, movable tie-downs, and LED lighting for the bed—as well as a new rear-bumper cargo-step system that makes whatever’s back there a little easier to access. Crew Cab models get wider door openings, and extended cab models now have front-hinged doors and easier entry/exit. And on both models, there’s a little more backseat space.

New small-block EcoTec3 engine family

The big news to repeat truck shoppers might just be the new powertrains. A completely new 4.3-liter V-6—based on GM’s latest V-8 engines and not related to the previous V-6 of the same size—is the base engine, is the base engine, while 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter V-8 engines are also on offer. All three engines get direct injection, continuously variable valve timing, and cylinder deactivation technology; and although SAE output ratings and EPA fuel economy numbers are still a few weeks away, these trucks should be significantly improved in both. As before, the Silverado and Sierra are offered with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive—with off-road Z71 models available—and all the trucks now have a six-speed automatic transmission.

Much has changed with respect to the appearance of these trucks, too. With more upright front-end styling, as well as flared fenders and more sculpted sheetmetal (and a ‘twin dome’ hood) throughout the lineups, these trucks look even bolder than before and take after the Silverado and Sierra 2500 and 3500 HD trucks that were redesigned for 2011.

Top accident-avoidance technology

Safety technology takes center stage, too. Both trucks can be optioned with Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning—both camera based—and a Driver Alert Seat can pulse on either side to alert the driver of hazards.

GM’s new full-size trucks will continue to be built at both Fort Wayne, Indiana and Silao, Mexico.

See our review pages on the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and the 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 for the rest of the details on these vehicles, with information added as they become available. And check back to The Car Connection as we bring you live photos from a special debut event showcasing these trucks.