Now, I don’t have any kids, but if I did I could fit up to seven of them in the 2017 Acadia.

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The popular GMC Sierra Elevation Edition returns for 2016 with the styling enhancements and other features new to the entire Sierra 1500 lineup – including revised front-end styling with new, high-intensity discharge projector-beam headlamps and GMC Signature LED lighting.

The Elevation Edition – available on Sierra double cab – has a street-smart stance, thanks to body-color moldings, door handles, mirror caps and a body-color grille surround, as well as body-color bumpers. It also rolls on 20-inch black-painted aluminum wheels and is further enhanced with new Elevation Edition badging.

“The Sierra Elevation Edition offers a boldly styled pickup for customers who want a truck that looks as good as it performs,” said Mike Speranzini, brand director, Buick and GMC.

“With its muscular design details, inherent truck capabilities and premium technology features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, Sierra Elevation improves on an already impressive package.”

Inside Sierra Elevation Edition, the latest technology helps drivers stay connected at all times. A new radio with a 7-inch-diagonal screen incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone integration capability, which gives drivers the ability to make calls, send and receive messages and control music from the IntelliLink touchscreen. Additionally, OnStar 4G LTE and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot allow continuous connectivity for up to seven personal devices.

All Sierra Elevation Edition models include remote keyless entry, remote locking tailgate, outside heated power-adjustable mirrors, a 110-volt AC power outlet, black recovery hooks (2WD), a six-speaker audio system and more.

A standard 4.3L EcoTec3 V-6 engine delivers 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque with a highway fuel economy of 24 mpg. An available 5.3L EcoTec3 V-8 produces 355 horsepower – and offers up to 9,400 pounds of trailering capacity (2WD). Customers can choose two- or four-wheel drive and the Eaton locking rear differential is standard with both.

The new GMC Sierra Elevation Edition goes on sale in the first quarter of 2016. A price announcement will be made closer to launch.

“The new Nissan Titan offers a roomy interior that rivals the other popular full-size trucks on the market today.”

Truck lovers could fill an afternoon running a careful eye over the new trucks at the Vancouver auto show.

Here are my five picks for special attention:

2015 Chevrolet Colorado

The all-new design is turning heads all across Canada. This mid-size truck fills a void here. Still expected to work as hard as a full-size truck, the Colorado can tow more than 3,039 kilograms (6700 lbs) a 2.5L I-4 engine is standard with an optional 3.6L V6 with a six speed automatic transmission. This truck includes all the modern day technologies including 4g LTE hotspot with WI-FI connection through OnStar, which provides service for seven devices.

Base price: $21,695.

2015 Ford F150

The combination of a body made of aluminum body and high strength steel in its frame make this truck up to 317 KG (700 lbs) lighter. This truck was inspired by Ford’s concept vehicle, the Atlas. It has 11 new class-exclusive features, including 360-degree camera view, integrated loading ramps stowed in the pickup bed, 400-watt power outlets inside the cab, LED headlights and side view mirror spotlights, and remote tailgate release. There are four engine choices, the 3.5L Ti-VCT V6, 2.7L EcoBoost, 5.0 Ti-VCT V8, and the 3.5L EcoBoost.

The 3.7L V6 delivers 282 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque. The 2.7L V6 has 325 horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque. The 5.0 V8 has 385 horsepower with 387 lb-ft of torque and the 3.5L V6 is pushing 282 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque. These are all capable engines depending on your requirements.

Base price: $24,899

2015 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel

It is the only light duty diesel available here. It has a 3.0 L V6 Diesel engine with a torqueflite eight speed transmission. Not only will it give you 420-pound feet of torque and plenty of towing capabilities, it will also reduce CO2 emissions and runs on B20 Biodiesel. Many trims are available from work-truck-ready to full luxury. This truck has something for every buyer.

Base price: $31,140

2015 GMC 3500HD Denali

It is a beast. This truck is built to pull with 10,251 KG (22,600 lbs) of trailer towing capacity. The 6.6L V8 turbo engine delivers 397 hp and 765 lb ft of torque and is paired with a 1000 series Allison transmission. With interior upgrades such as triple door seals, hydraulic powertrain and body mounts, 12 way power adjustable bucket seats, heated leather wrapped steering wheel and a Bose sound system you can operate this beast and still feel comfortable doing so.

Base price: $67,305

2015 Nissan Titan

This Titan can tow up to 4309 kg (9,500lbs) thanks to 385 lb-ft of torque from its 5.6 L DOHC 32 valve V8 engine producing 317 hp at 5,200 rpm.

If off-road driving is part of your plans then the Titan is ready. With the Prox-4x package you get heavy duty skid plates protect the oil pan, fuel tank, transfer case and lower radiator. The 4WD system utilizes a shift on the fly two-speed transfer case, which allows you to 4WD at a moment’s notice. Low range can be selected when the terrain requires it. The electronic locking rear differential is ready at a flip of a switch giving much need traction on slippery surfaces. Rancho performance shocks are available with the off-road package. The new Nissan Titan offers a roomy interior that rivals the other popular full-size trucks on the market today.

Base price: $40,498

Contact: ian [dot] harwood [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca

“The versatility and usability of these trucks appeal to small business owners, families or even outdoor lovers…”
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“The Denali offers most of the same features as the more expensive Cadillac Escalade but is more use-friendly and less expensive…”
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What are my favourite trucks? – It’s a question readers ask me all the time in the supermarket and on the street.

Though not in order of preference, here are my ten choices.

2014 GMC/Chevy Silverado/Sierra

The half-ton pickup has gone through some monumental changes this year. What an improvement with a very comfortable and refined interior on all trim levels, and three engine choices, the Eco Tec 4.3-litre V6, 5.3-litre V8, and a 6.2-litre V8.

2015 Chevrolet Colorado

Very similar in design to its big brother the Silverado, this midsize truck fills a void in Canada. Still expected to work as hard as a full-size truck, the Colorado can tow more than 3,039 kilograms (6700 lbs) a 2.5L I-4 engine is standard with an optional 3.6L V6 with a six speed automatic transmission.

2015 GMC 3500HD

Denali is a beast. This truck is built to pull and with 10,251 KG (22,600 lbs) of trailer towing capacity it does just that. The 6.6L V8 turbo engine delivers 397 hp and 765 lb ft of torque and is paired with a 1000 series Allison transmission. With interior upgrades such as 12-way power adjustable bucket seats, heated leather wrapped steering wheel and a Bose sound system you can operate it in comfort.

2014 Ford F150 Ecoboost

With more than 100,000 Eco Boost engines being produced monthly, you can bet a majority of these engines are finding their way into the 2014 F150 pickup. It holds the record in Canada for highest pickup sales, and at 12.9/9.0 L/100 km (city/highway) it keeps the money in your wallet a little longer.

The 2014 Ford Raptor is still one of my favorite off-road vehicles. It has electronic locking rear differential, shift on the fly 4 wheel drive, advance trac with roll stability control, and trailer sway control. Front and rear mounted cameras to add a second pair of eyes to the terrain around you and a 6.2-litre V8 engine to help you get up and over that hill.

2015 Ford F150

All new design features and a completely aluminum body and high strength steel in its frame make this truck up to 317 KG (700 lbs) lighter. It has 11 new class-exclusive features, including 360-degree camera view, integrated loading ramps stowed in the pickup bed, 400-watt power outlets inside the cab, LED headlights and side-view mirror spotlights, and remote tailgate release.

2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel

This is a much-anticipated truck from Ram With a 3.0-litre V6 Diesel engine with a torqueflite eight-speed transmission. Not only will the Ram EcoDiesel give you 420-pound feet of torque and plenty of towing capabilities, it will also reduce co2 emissions and run on B20 Biodiesel. It’s a game changer.

2014 Ram 3500

The largest and most capable pickup Ram has to offer. Alterations to the frame including eight separate cross members, hydro formed frame rails and high strength steel add up to a truck that is capable of towing of towing up to 13,607kg (30,000lb). A 6.7l Cummins turbo diesel engine delivers 385 hp and 850 lb ft of torque.

2014 Toyota Tundra

New body style this year, impressive hood and fender design. The western themed 1794 Edition commemorates the founding year of a Texas ranch where the Tundra plant is situated. This interior is covered with Saddle tan brown leather seats and rich maple wood grain panels throughout. It is powered by a 4.6-litre or a 5.7-litre engine.

Can it compete with the big boys? This is the year to see.

2014 Toyota Tacoma

The Tacoma has continued to increase popularity and is a very agile four-wheeler. The double cab gives plenty of room for all your buddies and the 4.0-litre V6 engine can get you to your favorite fishing hole and back. With the addition of some modern day technology such as Backup camera, heated seats, 6 airbags, and a power invertor, this truck has everything I am looking for in a pickup.

Contact: ian [dot] harwood [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca

At first, I was a little sceptical about this vehicle but… after the first few kilometres, I found it to be a very comfortable and a fun to drive vehicle…

The 2014 GMC Acadia Denali is truly a full-size crossover vehicle.

That’s right, an eight-passenger crossover that is big enough to haul eight adults and still have room to store your gear.

Saturday is my usual run around day; picking up things, dropping off people, some of whom I don’t know but someone in my family has volunteered me to drive them anyway. You know the kind of day, the one that finds me buying things that we don’t need but can’t live without, returning things that apparently we can live without, and providing hourly updates to my wife on what I have accomplished thus far.

Hectic and stressful.

Well, this particular Saturday I had the Acadia Denali and with a few hours driving this vehicle I was actually relaxed. Luxurious seating and a premium Bose stereo system with steering wheel controls that drowned out all the chatter from the back seats. It also came in handy for when they tried to include me in the conversation; with a simple push of the volume button I could yell back, “Sorry, I can’t hear you!”

All three rows receive the same level of luxury. French stitching on all of the leather seats with a choice of colours – Ebony or Cocoa Dune. The second row seats are a SmartSlide flat-folding 60/40 split bench while the third row is a 60/40 split bench that folds flat as well. The third row is surprisingly comfortable and enough leg room for adults.

The steering wheel is leather wrapped with mahogany wood grain trim; it also features a tilt and telescopic steering column. The centre of the dash is the location for the colour touch Radio/Navigation screen with IntelliLink. A 165 mm (6.5”) colour touch screen display, AM/FM stereo with CD player, auxiliary audio input jack, Bluetooth streaming audio, hands free calling, and a rear seat entertainment system.

If you’re excited about cup holders then hold on to yourself, this vehicle has twelve. I know because I had to clean each one. Twelve in an eight-seater, go figure.

The Acadia comes standard with driver and front passenger airbags, seat mounted side impact bags and side curtain air bags. Traction control and stability control with roll stability control are also standard. Forward collision alert, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, and side blind zone alert are some of the latest technologies that have gone into this vehicle.

Power:

The 3.6 Litre V6 engine puts out 288 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm with 270 ft pounds of torque. The transmission is a 6-speed automatic that can be shifted into manual mode.

Pump frequency:

13.3/ 8.8 L/100 km (City/ Highway)

Warranty support:

Basic 3 year/ 60,000 km

Power-train 5 year/ 160,000 km

Roadside assistance 5 year/ 160,000 km

At first, I was a little sceptical about this vehicle… but after the first few kilometres, I changed my mind and found it to be a very comfortable and a fun to drive vehicle.

Although there is lots of room inside it does not give the impression of a big SUV, and it manoeuvres quite well.

With the latest technologies added, I found it easy to use and very useful. Shoulder checks are something I do by habit, but with the side blind zone alert feature it is like having someone else take a second look, which is comforting.

Sticker price:

$57,695

Contact: ian [dot] harwood [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca

Can the 2014 Toyota Tundra compete with the big boys? This is the year to see…

B.C. is truck country and there is a multitude of products to pick from, whether you are weekend oddjobber or need something to haul your tools to the job site. (more…)