TST’s Top 5 GM Trucks, Ranked

By Collin Woodard

Recently, I went to Atlanta to test drive GM’s truck and SUV lineup. I mean, I was practically already in Atlanta, so I didn’t really need to go far, but I did have to drive for several minutes to get to the event. Available offroading opportunities were minimal (nonexistent), but I persevered and still came up with the definitive ranking of GM’s trucks and SUVs. Without further ado, here are the top five trucks and truck-based SUVs in the GM lineup.

1. GMC Canyon

As I stated in my Toyota Tacoma review, I’ve been excited to drive the Canyon for a while. Settling into the driver’s seat for the first time, I immediately realized my excitement was justified. I think I literally said, “Yeah, this is it,” out loud. Just looking at it, the Canyon is more attractive than the Colorado, especially in that green, which wins it a number of points here. I mean, gosh it’s a good looking truck. One very nice lady also told me that I looked good in it, which I agreed with because who doesn’t like compliments?

It felt just premium enough that you could drive it all day and still be comfortable, but it wasn’t quite so high end that you’d feel bad getting some mud on the tires or letting a friend with some dirt on his shoes ride with you. GM will sell a lot of these trucks, and that’s a good thing because the Canyon is a very good truck, and the world needs more trucks like it. Sure, full size trucks can tow more and haul more, but how many people with a full size truck really need to tow a train? On the other hand, how many people with a crossover SUV would like to be able to move a dresser or dishwasher? Lots of people will like the Canyon because the Canyon is the best truck that GM makes. Period.

2. GMC Sierra Denali

The Sierra Denali nearly knocked the Canyon off its pedestal, but you have to give GM many, many more dollars than the Canyon in order to get one, so it came in second. It also a very good looking truck, and if I were a bigger man, it might have been my top choice. Unfortunately, full size trucks tend to swallow guys like me with their sheer size. Matt would probably love it, but it’s a bit much for me. The exhaust note was very nice though, so it also wins points for that.

More than the exhaust note though, I love that the Denali also comes with Magnetic Ride Control, that magic suspension system that high end sports cars use. In its truck application, the magic goes to work in turns, making the Sierra feel more like a heavy car than a truck while also keeping things nice and smooth on the road. You head into a corner, start to turn, a wizard casts a spell, and the truck stays level. Just like that. It isn’t normal, but it’s awesome, and I love it. Plus, did I mention that it’s a good looking truck? It’s a good looking truck.

3. Chevrolet Colorado

The Canyon may look better and be nicer, but that doesn’t mean the Colorado is some penalty box. It matched up well with the Tacoma I drove recently, but it feels newer and more modern. That makes sense, since the Colorado is brand new, but it’s worth pointing out, since the Tacoma absolutely dominates the segment. The one I drove came with very few options, but it’s hard to complain about a basic truck that can be used for pretty much anything.

Driving the Tacoma was a great reminder that trucks don’t have to be wider than Texas to be awesome, but the Colorado made me like midsize trucks even more than the Tacoma did. It was small enough that I didn’t have to worry about accidentally running over small children, fitting into parking spaces, or knocking off my side mirrors every time I drove past a telephone pole. Plus, the seats are more comfortable than the Tacoma’s. You expect supportive, comfortable seats on a higher end truck, but even the basic seats on the Colorado were comfortable. That’s a good thing.

4. GMC Yukon Denali XL

To say that the Yukon Denali XL is large would be an understatement. It’s humongous. Perhaps it’s oversized. If you’ve reproduced multiple times though and need lots of space to transport your growing herd of tiny human offspring, it’s hard to imagine a cooler vehicle than the Yukon. Like the Sierra, it comes with Magnetic Ride Control, but it also comes with an exhaust note that will be the envy of your crossover driving neighbors. Seriously. Your neighbors will envy your dad-mobile.

I thought the previous generation looked better, but the one I drove definitely won this whole thing when it came to sound. Driving along, I found myself slowing down just so I could floor it and listen to that glorious sound again. Yes, it was comfortable, luxurious, and packed some cool technology, but really, what stood out most was how masculine and awesome it sounded. Just make sure your kids don’t spill their crumbly snack. The GMC Yukon Denali is too nice for crumbly snacks.

5. Chevrolet Silverado High Country

Chevy may have cheated a little by bringing the Silverado High Country instead of a more common trim level, but it helped showcase just how good the Silverado could be, and I’m ok with that. Plus, the leather is soft, and I like how the wood trim looks. As much as I love stripped out work trucks, there’s a part of me that really likes the F-150 King Ranch, Tundra 1794 Edition, and the Ram Laramie Longhorn. The Silverado High Country is no different. If you’re going to start throwing luxury features onto a truck, I want the whole kit and kaboodle. Maybe it’s just the fact that I’ve always wanted to live in Texas or the fact that I listen to too much Red Dirt music. I just like the whole luxury car interior, rugged truck exterior thing.