GMC Sierra 1500

 Completely updated for 2014, GMC’s pickup twin to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offers all the basics done well, plus muscle, adult styling, and value. The hugely improved 4.3-liter V-6 is an outstanding base engine, thanks to an impressive 305 lb-ft of torque coupled to a 24-mpg highway rating, and it’s backed by two V-8 options—5.3 and 6.2 liters—that reach more than 400 hp for big towing jobs.