GMC Sierra Denali is only pickup with four-wheel steering
By Vince Bodiford
Automotive Editor
GMC Sierra Denali is poised to forever change public perception that big pickups are hard to handle. All pickups by design are plagued with understeer and a huge turning radius, and until now, there was no relief in sight. Using Delphi Automotive Systems' new Quadrasteer four-wheel steering system as standard equipment on the 2002 Sierra Denali pickup, GMC has raised the handling benchmark that all full-size pickup makers should now strive to achieve.
Using conventional front-wheel hydraulic power steering in combination with an electrically powered rear wheel steering system, Quadrasteer adjusts rear-wheel angles, turning them opposite to the front wheels at lower speeds and in the same direction as the front wheels at higher speeds, for astounding maneuverability and control.
At lower speeds, Quadrasteer reduces curb-to-curb turning diameter by 21-percent to 37.4 feet, enabling it to turn as tightly as a Saturn Coupe. This nimbleness enables the pickup to slip almost effortlessly in and out of driveways and tight parking spaces. At highway speeds, Quadrasteer reduces "yaw," or rotational motion, for dramatically improved stability. It provides safer, more confident lane changes, passing and evasive maneuvers - especially during wet or windy weather. Off-road, the Denali jockeys easily between boulders and rocks because its rear wheels maintain the same track as the front wheels.
Enhancing the four-wheel steering is the ZX3 Ride Control suspension, which provides driver-selectable shock damping using an instrument panel-mounted switch to select either Smooth Ride or Control/Trailering. A 5.0-inch wider rear track and flared rear fenders accommodate the turning requirement of the rear tires.
Inside and behind the wheel, the Sierra earns the Denali nameplate. Full leather seating and trim, power everything, heated seats, On-Star, on-board computer, and tinted glass are but a few of the extensive list of standard features. 
The upgraded radio features AM/FM Stereo cassette with in-dash, 6-disc CD changer.
The instrument cluster contains a full ensemble of analog instruments, including transmission temperature, and all of the controls and switches are logically placed and easy to use and understand.
A full-length custom-designed console, extending from the instrument panel to the back of the front seats, contains rear air ducts, auxiliary power, and lots of storage. It has an oversized "Big Gulp"-type cupholder and a second temperature-controlled cupholder that can keep beverages hot or cold, and it accommodates an available seven-quart capacity thermal electric cooler, which keeps drinks and food cold or warm.
With Quadrasteer and Denali trim, the GMC Sierra joins the ranks of the Avalanche, and other class-defining pickups coming from the General Motors stable in advancing the versatility and technology of today's pickups.
HIGHS: Unequalled handling of any pickup chassis. Denali interior is a cocoon of luxury. Beautiful exterior. Functional pickup. A joy to drive.
LOWS: Gas guzzler. Tonneau cover is awkward. Stinging sticker shock. Lacks rear-seat center armrests and seat heaters.
COMPARISON VEHICLES
Ford F-Series, Dodge Ram, Toyota Tundra.
2002 GMC SIERRA DENALI
Front engine, all-wheel drive, all-wheel steering, 5-passenger, extended-cab, short-box, luxury, full-size pickup truck.
Built in Pontiac, Michigan; Oshawa, Canada; Ft. Wayne, Indiana.
NEW FOR 2002:
Sierra C3 now named Sierra Denali; Quadrasteer; revised equipment package; rear tailgate badge.
VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS:
6.0 liter Vortec 6000 OHV EFI V-8 gasoline engine.
325 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm, 370 lbs. ft. torque.
Four-speed automatic transmission.
Independent front suspension, fixed rear axle.
Four-wheel power disc brakes w/ABS.
Rack & pinion steering front, electric steering rear.
WHEELS AND TIRES:
17" polished aluminum; Michelin all-season steel belted radials. Excellent wet and dry performance.
EPA FUEL ECONOMY ESTIMATES
City MPG: 12; Highway MPG: 15
PRICE & WARRANTY:
MSRP $44,105 fully-equipped as tested, including $720 destination charge. GM New Vehicle Limited Bumper to Bumper Warranty, 36 months/36,000 miles.
ENJOY THE DRIVE. E-mail comments to vince@theweekenddrive.com. Always drive safely, buckle-up, obey all highway laws and never drive impaired. Distribution Rights and Contents COPYRIGHT © 2002, The Weekend Drive®, All Rights Reserved. Test vehicle brands and names used herein are Registered Trademarks of their manufacturer, all rights reserved, used by permission.
