An on-demand 4WD system in the 2006 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT Extended Cab 4WD SB pickup comes standard with a locking center differential, 17-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and both high and low-range gearing for off-road use. You can improve performance by adding larger 20-inch wheels, a driver-adjustable suspension, a locking rear differential, and skid plates. Traction control is not an option. The half-ton pickup can tow up to 10,000 pounds with an available trailer hitch, though tow hooks are standard.
Power comes from a 295-hp, 5.3-liter V8 and 4-speed automatic transmission, while the short and long arm front and solid live axle rear suspension take care of handling. This pickup is 230 inches long (ten more than the 5.8 SB), which means a longer 6.5-foot bed. It seats five in two rows, with the rear bench split-folding. Legroom tops out at 33.7 inches in the back, and access is through half-size reverse-hinged rear doors. The SLT upgrades standard features to include front power seats with driver's memory settings, heated front seats, leather upholstery, a trip computer, a 6-CD changer with MP3 jack, and wheel-mounted audio controls. Also on hand are full power features, including remote entry, cruise control, and heated extendable mirrors. A tachometer, compass, and temperature display sit on the dash. Intermittent wipers, a front power outlet, reverse-tilt side mirrors, and an auto-dimming function for all mirrors are also standard.
The lack of airbags may indicate why this pickup only gets three and four stars in crash tests. Standard safety equipment is limited to dual front airbags with passenger deactivation, front disc and rear drum brakes, four-wheel ABS brakes, a front stabilizer bar, foglights, mirrors with turn signals, autoamtic headlights, and halogen lamps. OnStar is optional. Other options include satellite radio, a sunroof, automatic climate control, and a manual sliding rear window. Also available is a 6.0-liter V8 that gets 345-hp, and a flex fuel version of the 5.3 V8.
