Not so long ago, pick-up trucks were used as work trucks. They were simple, most did not have a crew cab layout, and the majority had large beds for stuff to be moved. Most also had V-8 engines, power to tow when needed, and enough payload for all the necessary work.
Flash forward to today, and trucks are no longer the simple machines they used to be. They have morphed into luxury family and people movers. Interiors now match offerings seen in high-end sedans, options for almost everything, innovative technology that would never be available in a work truck from the past, and an increase in size with every new generation.
However, one thing that is still true of modern pick-up trucks is that they are extremely capable for hauling and towing, with many still offering V-8 engines with increased power with each update.
Having said all that, General Motors still offers a work truck trim for those who want their trucks to be work oriented. Recently, MWS had the opportunity to drive the GMC Sierra 1500 Pro, which is GMC speak for what used to be the WT (work truck) trim.
TRUCK LIKE A PRO
The Pro trim comes standard with the 2.7 liter TurboMax inline-four engine with 310 horsepower and 430 foot/pounds of torque, while mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. An optional 5.3L EcoTec3 V-8 is available that offers 355hp and 393 ft/lbs of torque and is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The smaller engine offers weight savings and has more torque than the V8.
GMC Sierra 1500 Pro keeps you safe by also coming with GMC Pro Safety, which offers automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, front pedestrian braking. It also offers lane keep assist with lane departure warning, following distance indicator, Intellibeam auto high beams, rear vision camera, teen driver mode, and tire pressure monitoring with tire fill alert.
Pro is available with a 2WD or 4WD configuration, seating for up to six (three in front, three in back), towing up to 9,500lbs, and standard color touchscreen that has wireless Android Auto or Apple CarPlay capability.
Pro is available with vinyl flooring with vinyl or cloth seating. This is something that is important for work truck fleet who are usually in work boots, carry gear that gets dirty, and may need the interior to transport extra cargo. Many pick-up trucks today have leather or faux-leather interiors, which are not made for work.
PRO GRAPHITE
Our tester was a Pro Graphite trim, which offers the V-8 engine as standard. The package offers special wheels, body color grille and bumpers, remote vehicle start, and carpeted floor coverings. It also adds two-inch lift with offroad suspension (with monotube shocks) as part off the off-road suspension package, a trailering package, convenience package, 12 cargo tie-downs, and a 12V front power outlet. It also had available 10-way power driver seat with lumbar, spray-on bedliner, engine block heater, trailer brake controller, and rear wheelhouse liners—to name a few, as the options list was very extensive.
PRO VS PRO GRAPHITE
The base Pro trim is meant as the work truck trim for many. It offers the features that companies needs in their work trucks, without adding too many unnecessary features. The Graphite trim adds extra features to make the vehicle look and feel more luxurious but remain true to the work truck ethos.
