Built on a new, stiffer platform that delivers a better ride and improved handling, the GMC Sierra pickup was redesigned from the ground up for the 2007 model year. Exterior styling was new, along with a new interior offering numerous options — including two dashboard style choices.

The GMC Sierra is available in three body styles — standard, extended and crew cab. There are eight powertrain configurations with six V8 powerplant choices including a 4.3, 4.8, 5.3, 6.0, and 6.2-liter, along with a 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V8 available for the 2500 and 3500HD. The 5.3-liter V8 is available in versions that are both flex-fuel and E85 capable. There are also five suspensions, and a choice of interiors.

The GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado are both built on the GMT900 platform, sharing most of their mechanics with the Yukon SUV. A rear frame section that is 245 percent stiffer is unique to the pickups, yielding a smoother ride and better handling than the previous version.

I’ve test-driven two different crew cab versions of the 2008 GMC Sierra just recently — a two-wheel drive Denali, and a diesel-powered four-wheel drive crew cab 2500HD. This review will focus on those vehicles only.

Walkaround: The front end of the GMC Sierra underscores its wide stance and is flanked by a pair of stacked, jeweled lens headlights. The front bumper features round fog lamps, a wide air intake, and flows around the sides of the truck into the lower edge of the wheel wells.

The hood has a pair of long, narrow V-shaped power bulges sliding towards a steeply raked windshield that’s tilted back aerodynamically to enhance fuel economy. Meanwhile, elongated fender flares sweep down behind the headlights.

The sides of the cargo bed are higher than previous models, and a set of stacked taillights enhance the exterior sculpting of the tailgate. An optional cargo management system is also available, featuring various boxes, dividers and tie-downs.

Overall, the Sierra looks taller and more aggressive than its predecessor, yet has improved aerodynamics that boost fuel economy.

Interior: The Sierra is available with the choice of a “pure pickup” interior for work or business use, as well as with much more upscale and luxurious accommodations.

The SUV-style luxury-oriented interior has two front bucket seats and a fixed center console with assorted storage compartments. Audio and climate controls are within easy reach, and have rubber-padded touch surfaces.

The “pure pickup” interior features a unique, more driver-oriented dashboard that has larger door handles, switches and knobs designed for those wearing work gloves. It offers a 40/20/40 split front bench seat with a folding center section that doubles as a large storage compartment and wide armrest, along with a double-decked glove box.

Standard Sierra equipment includes AM/FM radio, daytime running lights, tire pressure monitoring system, smooth ride suspension, 17-inch wheels, chrome bumpers, air conditioning, vinyl seating surfaces and one-year of OnStar.

The SLE version adds carpeting, cloth seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power door locks/windows/mirrors, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass and outside temperature display, CD player, cruise control, rear-window defogger, fog lamps, and handling/trailering suspension. The SLE2 package adds dual-zone air conditioning, six-way power driver and front passenger seats, a floor console, steering wheel mounted audio controls, premium cloth seats and machined aluminum wheels.

The SLT adds a six-disc CD changer with Bose sound, leather seat trim, heated windshield washers, front bucket seats with 12-way power adjustment and polished aluminum wheels.

Options include XM satellite radio, power sunroof, locking rear differential, and GM’s Stabilitrak electronic stability control with rollover mitigation technology.

Safety features include mandated dual front airbags and tire-pressure monitoring system. Head curtain airbags that automatically inflate when a severe impact is imminent, and provide extra protection in a rollover or secondary collision, are optional. Also available are driver and front-seat passenger side-impact air bags; anti-lock brakes, Autotrack active transfer case, ultrasonic rear park assist, and OnStar.

Crew cab rear seating can accommodate three people with a comfortable 38.7 inches of rear legroom.

GM says the interior of the new Sierra is 20 percent quieter than its predecessor, thanks to enhanced insulation materials, much like those used in its SUVs, and aerodynamic improvements that reduce wind noise.

Under The Hood: Our 2500HD test vehicle was equipped with the 6.6-liter Duramax Diesel, while the Denali featured the 6.2-liter V8. Both were coupled to 6-speed automatics.

Behind The Wheel: The 6.2-liter V8 under the hood of the Denali provided plenty of power to move the crew cab truck aggressively.

The suspension was comfortable and did a good job of isolating the assorted bumps and potholes I encountered. But it was also comfortable, reasonably quiet, and totally capable of being driven assertively on narrow winding two-lane blacktops.

I had the opportunity to drive the 4X4, Duramax diesel-powered 2500HD to Spokane and back, as well as locally. This is a big truck and it drives like one, but handles better than you would expect of something this big. The Duramax has excellent acceleration — especially compared to the Ford F250 Lariat diesel.

The brakes on both were strong enough that making hard and fast stops wasn’t a problem.

Whines: I don’t care what GM says about these being quieter vehicles. The 2500HD with the diesel is just plain noisy — both on the highway and in town.

Bottom Line: The Denali version is comfortable, luxurious, and highly capable of handling business and family concerns as well as serious towing and hauling chores, offering the same exclusive content as GMC’s upscale Yukon Denali sport utility.

The Duramax-powered 2500HD 4X4 is a serious work or pleasure truck that can tow or haul serious payloads just about anywhere over any kind of terrain.

Overall, the GMC Sierra is a great truck with terrific exterior styling and flexible interiors that can be ordered to satisfy purely work requirements or your more personal pursuits.