2019 GMC Sierra is ready to go to work

The 2019 GMC Sierra, like every other pickup truck on the market, needs to be two vehicles in one.

With prices creeping ever skyward, it's important to pick a truck that can handle both work and play with aplomb, and the new Sierra does just that. 

Both the GMC Sierra and its Chevrolet Silverado sibling get major updates for the 2019 model year. While the Silverado's scrunched front end isn't for everyone, the Sierra wears a design that's a bit more traditional.

Sure, the grille makes up 90 percent of the front end, but it blends well with the rest of the truck's blocky good looks, casting an imposing shadow over most other cars on the road.

Spec the Sierra with a crew cab, the optional 6.2-liter V8 and an $850 trailering package for its improved cooling, a beefier suspension and a different rear axle ratio, and this truck will tow 12,100 pounds.

If payload is more important, ditch the 6.2-liter V8 (but keep the crew cab and trailering package) and the Sierra will haul 2,140 pounds of whatever.

The 6.2-liter V8 adds $2,495 to the Sierra SLT crew cab's $50,000 base price, but I think it's worth it. 

With 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque on tap, it sounds (and nearly feels) like 75 percent of a base Corvette, providing loads of hustle with an empty bed and ample torque in every gear. 

The 10-speed automatic is fine on the upshifts, but downshifts take a surprising amount of time as the truck figures out which gear is ideal for its given throttle position.

Keep scrolling to check out more pictures of the 2019 Sierra, and don't forget to read the full written review.