2006 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 4 Dr Extended Cab 4WD 8 ft. LB

With the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT Extended 4WD LB, you get a longer 8-foot pickup bed (a result of the longer 149-inch length), and an on-demand 4WD system that can be driven both on and off-road, thanks to both high and low-range gearing. Accompanying the system is a locking center differential and 17-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires, but you might want to add the optional skid plates (less than 9 inches of ground clearance), driver-adjustable suspension, 20-inch wheels, and locking rear differential. A 5.3-liter V8 and 4-speed automatic are standard and offer up 295-hp and 335 ft-lbs of torque at 4000 RPM, with just under 10,000 pounds of towing capacity. It is available in flex fuel format. A 345-hp, 6.0-liter V8 is also optional. Fuel economy averages 16/20 mpg.

The bed in this half-ton pickup comes with tow hooks. A trailer hitch is optional, as is a manual sliding rear window into the cabin. Front bucket seats and a split-folding rear bench seat five, though rear passengers get less than 34 inches of legroom. There are four doors, but the rear ones are not full-sized and do not open separately. Moving up to the SLT gets you leather upholstery, heated power front seats with driver's memory settings, wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls, a 6-CD changer, reverse-tilt mirrors with turn signals, and a trip computer. Full power features are already standard, along with remote entry, leather trim, intermittent wipers, a front power outlet, heated extendable mirrors, tilt steering, and a compass and temperature display. Options add a sunroof, satellite radio, and automatic climate control.

Safety features are limited, and the 2006 Sierra 1500 SLT Extended 4WD gets average crash test ratings for this reason. Dual front airbags come with passenger sensors, but no side curtain bags. The front disc, rear drum, and 4-wheel ABS brakes feature electronic brakeforce distribution. The SLT adds an auto-dimming function to all mirrors inside and out. Automatic headlights, halogen lamps, and foglights help light the way. Giving drivers more comfort is the optional OnStar.