2007 GMC Sierra 1500 -- Will it Pound Over the Tundra?
That's a question I can't really answer, as I haven't personally driven the Tundra yet (another staffer has). But this truck is a couple hundred light years beyond the vehicle it replaces. The new rack-and-pinion steering, upgraded front suspension (coil springs instead of torsion bars) and revamped interior have the expected result -- they make the truck feel about as confident and refined as any open-bed vehicle I've ever driven. Our test car was an extended cab, SLT 4x4 model
with the 6.0-liter Vortec V8 that makes 367 horsepower. The power deliver is smooth and the torque band is wide, but I did notice a few instances of the transmission not picking gears as quickly or effectively as it could have. That six-speed automatic can't come too soon.
As for interior design and layout, the Sierra benefits from the same elements that have elevated the all-new SUVs (Tahoe and Yukon). That means far better interior materials and control feel. The high-point for the cabin is the use of textured plastics along the dash and door panels. Interestingly, these plastics still "click" when I tap on them with my ring, but if you just push on them with your fingers they have a semi-soft feel that doesn't seem cheap. This is putting my "ring test" into question, as I'll now have to refine it to take into account "clicky" but not necessarily "cheap-feeling" surfaces. The other high-point is the LCD touchscreen that is used for navigation and audio purposes (if you get that option). These screens are quite well done in terms of being bright and clear and also working effectively (i.e. you don't have pound on them with your fingers to accomplish things, just very natural "taps" get the job done). I actually felt the screen was too bright during night driving, even in "Night" mode, but I was able to further dim this mode with a separate brightness control that made it fine.
Seat comfort was excellent in front, but rear seat legroom was tight (this was an extended cab, not crew cab). Plenty of storage pockets and easy access to the power points made it simple to hook up my various electronic paraphernalia (Treo charger, radar detector, etc.). The rubberized pocket on the top of the center console proved perfect for setting my Treo in while both charging it and using the hands-free device.
When I first got out of the GMC I was left with little to gripe about (except the subtle transmission issue, which is minor). Then I went back to look for a window sticker, and after checking the glovebox I shut the door and "CLAPPPET!" "Hmm, that didn't sound too good." I opened the glovebox and shut it again. "CLAPPPET!" It's hard to convey in text, but basically it made a sound that didn't inspire a sense of quality. Of course, if a somewhat cheap sounding glovebox door is the worst you can say about a full-size truck it must be a pretty damn good truck.
This GMC is a pretty damn good truck.
Oh, I never did find a window sticker, but using Edmunds to price it out came up with a $39,000 MSRP. Not cheap, but not an unexpected price for a damn good full-size truck in 2007.
Bring on the Tundra and let's get this Battle Royale started!
Forget Toyota - does the new truck beat the F-150 by a lot?
I'd need to drive them back-to-back for a real authoritative position, as they're both pretty good (the truck market has gotten like the midsize family sedan market -- not really any duds anymore).
However, the interior quality is higher in the GM trucks. I know the Ford drives really well in terms of handing and steering feel, so that's going to be a tough call to make -- definitely requires driving both in close proximity (preferably over the exact same driving route). GM's trucks were clearly lagging Ford and Dodge (and Nissan) in driving dynamics before the '07s, so things just got a lot tighter in this segment. If I had to guess, I say the GM trucks likely drive a smidgeon (to use a technical term) better than the Fords. Combine that with the superior interior quality and GM could be on top right now.
But I still haven't driven the Tundra yet...
Better still... Which one works best as a "truck?"
I know the '07 Chevy 1500 crew cab can be had with a 2000 payload. Yes, it's optional, but it comes as part of the VortexMax towing package.
I dont think you need to drive the Tundra to determine if it's better. It';s going to have Toyota materials, Toyota build quality, Toyota quietness, a Toyota badge plus a 380hp V8 with 6 speed auto. What is there really to question at this point? I cant be mad if the Tundra is considered better (which it will be) with that much power but we all know most Tundras will have the 4.7L V8 with 271hp and possibly a 5 speed auto and the Tundra will not have much of an impact on the sales of GM's trucks. I do think it could spell major trouble for the Titan and Ram. It's very rare that Toyota actually builds a best in class vehicle that is deserving of the praise that is heaped on it but the Tundra and Camry seem to be just that. The same can't really be said for much else in Toyota's lineup as far as I can tell.
PS
The nitpicking about the plastics is getting a little out of hand. How many pickup buyers do you think really care about the "ring test" or any other such obsessive matters related to how hard plastics are? I really doubt that is a determining factor for most buyers. How does the Titan do in your plastic tests?
I'm not too into these "slamming sounds" either.
I'll go for a high quality part in touch, sight, and sturdiness.
As long as it's unbreakable by any imaginable, reasonable abuse.
But asking for a perfect sound of every part is a little too much to ask outside of a Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes; the luxury brands that actually engineer for mechanical sounds.
1487
"but we all know most Tundras will have the 4.7L V8 with 271hp and possibly a 5 speed auto"
No, we don't know that. If the vehicle is as big and heavy as it appears, my guess is very few Tundras will be equipped with the 4.7L engine.
When Dodge came out with the Hemi in their trucks, I remember hearing a Dodge rep saying they expected the majority of 1/2 tonnes will still be equipped with the 4.7.
They were completely wrong on that.... power sells.
upgraded front suspension (coil springs instead of torsion bars)
Again? GM changed the trucks from torsion bars to coil springs back in 1963.
Our test car...
That says it all right there.
"Again? GM changed the trucks from torsion bars to coil springs back in 1963. "
That may have been, but I know my 2000 1/2 ton Suburban uses torsion bars in the front suspension as did the 1/2 ton pickups from 2000-2006.
You'd think GM could have the 6 speed auto available by now. With the poor towing performance of my 5.3 w/ 4speed, I will certainly would certainly pass until the new trans is available.
The current Toyota 4.7 liter isnt bad at all for a "base" V8, its rediculously smooth, torquey and powerful enough for most people. Its a workhorse that will easily go 300K or more without serious repair. If people only knew how stout the internals on these V8s are. Remember the Toyota 2JZ-GTE 3.0 in the Supra turbo? Lets just say the internals equal or surpass it.
The new 5.7 should be great if its based of the new (the 4.6 is a new motor its not based off the current i-Force) Lexus 4.6 DOHC VVTe-i motor. The 4.6 motor makes 380hp and a rediculous 367lb ft of torque with only 4.6 liters, YES 4.6 LITERS. Who says Toyota cant make a V8? Unfortunately I doubt the new Toyota 5.7 will have all the technologies of the 4.6 version just to keep costs in check but it still should be impressive. There is also a 5.0 liter high output version expected to be released in a high performance Lexus IS500! This line of engines could be the new "smallblock"!
Ford, GM, and Dodge should be aware (which Im sure they are) that the new Tundra isnt the 8/10ths scale full size truck that it used to be. It should match up well with the BIG 3's offerings in terms of power, towing, size, features, bed/cab/engine configurations and evetually a full line of dually/diesel offerings. Cant wait for a full comparison.
People keep doubting the new Tundras capabilities but from what I hear ( from my father who is a Toyota product planner) its quite good. Im not saying the new GM twins, F-Series and the Dodge Ram are poor, I actually like them all but keep an eye on the Toyota.
rsholland,
The 5.7L engine is the top motor so I wouldn't expect it in the majority of Tundra. Let's be realistic. I would assume the 5.7L wont even be available in every trim level of the Tundrar. Remember, the Sierra already offers a 6.2L V8 with more power than the Tundra but it's only available (for now) in the Denali model which means the majority of Sierras will not have 400hp. Same will apply for Tundra.
hondaacura,
who is doubting the Tundra's capabilities? I have read nothing bu praise for this truck so far and Karl has already pronounced in the Most Wanted pickup for 2007 as well as the most significant vehicle. Just like the previous Tundra and the Titan this vehicle is being touted as the one that will finally break the BIg 3's hold on the pickup market. It's the latest giant killer from Japan via a US plant. We'll see if it can do what the Titan could not. Toyota has some pretty loftly sales goals that I think are going to be hard to achieve without incentives. Of course Toyota hasnt been shy about piling on the incentives on the current truck and then boasting about record sales in the last few months. You will get record sales when a model is discounted by $5000 or more.
1487You don't know that. You're just making an assumption here. I wouldn't assume Toyota is going to follow GMC's lead.
If anything I would expect most of the Tundras would come with the big engine, if for no other reason to give customers cross-shopping Titans something to think twice about. Remember, Toyota's primary customer is still those who already favor Japanese vehicles, meaning those folks who would be considering Titans before the domestics.The specs will be released soon. Then we'll know what Toyota has in mind.Keep in mind that Toyota caught many with their pants down with the new RAV4 offering a V6 even on their base models, and not just on the premium trim level models. They could easily do the same with the big V8 on the Tundra.
Actually the 5.7L WILL be offered in every trim level ( cab size ) even the Reg Cab. Now will the 4.7L be offered in the CrewMax? Probably but it won't be a big seller IMO.
It will be very interesting in this segment as the 5 players keep 'upping the ante' on each new iteration. GM first, Toyota second, now the ball is in the court of DC or Ford.
Karl, we'll wait for your truck comparation test. 2007 GMC/CHEVY VS. 2007 TOYOTA TUNDRA. Then we will group FORD F150 for their 2008 model. By the way include the NIssan Titan and Dodge Ram we do not want to leave those folks out of the test. It will be fun!!
careful arguing with 1487 fellas as he is the only person to know anything about the car industry
I thought everyone who comments here know everything about the auto industry... :)
1487, the people whom I was speaking of are some owners of domestic trucks that I personally know. There are other people on the earth besides here at Edmunds you know.
I dont think Toyota will have to offer the huge incentives and huge rebates the domestics offer in order to sell a Tundra. Although they may offer small ones. But you get what you pay for!
They have been for several months now hondacura4. Granted, on the outgoing model- but $6k off the top sounds like what the three or four people in my workplace that bought one because of the rebates and discounts got. Toyota knows it's a tough market to crack. Even Honda's much-hyped Ridgeline has been suffering, despite a strongly loyal Honda fanbase that generally jumps all over Honda's idea of what any vehicle should be.
dhamilton,
There are plenty of people who know a lot about the auto industry, but the number of them that frequent this site doesn't seem to be all that high at times.
Acura,
Let's be clear. Toyota and GM discounted their pickups this year. Take a look at your local paper and check the prices on the 2006 Tundra, they are selling for many thousands less than MSRP to clear out inventory. GM did the same thing with their 2006 models but the 2007s have no incentives as far as I know and GM has drastically cut incentives in recent months. This is not new information, This segment is so competitive I wouldn't be surprised if all the major players have incentives in 2007.
Even if the 5.7L is offered on every model, I see no reason to believe it will be the most popular engine. Rarely in any vehicle is the top engine the most popular. Let's not forget Toyota has two engines that are lower on the totem pole here. I think the Titan is the only large pickup to offer one engine and in other pickups the most powerful engine is not typcially available in the cheap models. This is true for everyone except Nissan.
The simple fact that a LOT of buyers want V8 power, but not the normal fuel economy penalty that usually accompanies any one truck line's biggest engine kind of guarantees that no matter whether the big 5.7 is available across the board or not, it probably won't be the most "popular" engine.
Very much like the "VortecMax" 6.0 in GM trucks. Would I like to have one? Some of the time. Would the power bump over the 5.3 be noticable? Yes. Would the fuel economy difference between the two be that big? Probably not. Would that economy difference be big enough that it's more of a factor for most people than the power difference between these two engines? Yup. The 5.3 will get the job *most* 1/2 ton owners need to do done and return better overall economy, so that's what is sold most.
I agree 100%. t he most powerful engine is rarely the most popular for cost and fuel economy reasons.
GM's very life is on the line, and its answer is plastic, four-speed autos, and rear drum brakes..They're bringing a knife to a gun fight , so to speak...An all new 1/2 ton truck coming to market should have discs all around(ever try to repair drums?), multi-speed automatic transmissions, and upgraded interiors, and how about a six cylinder disel for those who need economy and torque, but not the harsh 3/4 ton ride or capacities?
Oops, I mispelled "diesel"..
I just got my 2007 gmc sierra 4x4 with the 6.0 and mine does the same thing. 40 mph and up at times when you stick your foot in it it will not go in to any kind of passing gear even when you try shifting down in two another gear 123 this can not be a good thing when you are trying to pass another car or truck not knowing if you will have a passing gear or not. these transmission are mostl y electronic so there must be some kind of adjustments please let us know other then that. WOW GM you hit a bases loaded home run with this truck.