Redesigned for 2014, the GMC Sierra benefits from weight reduction and a lineup of new, more fuel-efficient engines including a now-competitive V6.

Modern pickup trucks serve not just as hauling and towing workhorses, but daily drivers and family shuttles as well. Of course, the grunt work requires some muscle, so it's no surprise that in the past buyers usually passed on the base V6 engines and opted for substantially stronger (but thirstier) V8s. But with the increased emphasis on fuel economy lately, manufacturers have been beefing up their trucks' six-cylinder engines, and the redesigned 2014 GMC Sierra has joined the party. Among its many improvements, this all-new Sierra has a competitive V6 engine that will meet the needs of a great many truck buyers.

Of course, the 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 still offers V8 power in the form of burly 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter mills, which now benefit from direct fuel injection and cylinder deactivation for better power and efficiency. However, if you like the Sierra's generous passenger/cargo space but don't have massive hauling/towing requirements, the new 4.3-liter V6 should more than suffice. It makes 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque and can tow up to 7,200 pounds when properly equipped. Fuel economy ratings are impressive as well, with an estimated 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway on two-wheel-drive models.