The GMC Division of General Motors puts out powerful pickups in four sizes for 2004 and sport-utility vehicles in two formats plus stretched and deluxe treatments.

GMC trucks line up behind the full-size Sierra, a light-duty (half-ton) pickup and perennial bestseller in a line encompassing the deluxe and powerful Sierra Denali with Quadrasteer four-wheel-steering (4WS) that literally runs circles around other large trucks. Huge work trucks clustered beneath the Sierra HD (heavy-duty) badge develop top-of-class gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR).

GMC's compact pickup, Sonoma, this year comes strictly in four-door Crew Cab trim as the series makes way for a new midsize model called Canyon. It shows three cab styles and multiple trim choices with optional side curtain-style air bags plus strong muscle from two new engines including the first in-line-five for GMC.

Sierra's platform functions as the foundation for extensive Yukon series with full-size Yukon and stretched Yukon XL plus companions Yukon Denali and Yukon XL Denali laced with trappings of luxury. Yukon XL 2500 (three-quarter-ton) offers Quadrasteer 4WS as an option to dramatically reduce the SUV's turning circle.

Envoy, the midsize SUV, has regular-length and stretched editions propelled by a straight-six powertrain or hunky V8. It also spins off the new Envoy XUV - first SUV with a power sliding roof and convertible all-weather rear cargo compartment.

The new truck from GMC fits in size between a full-size Sierra and compact Sonoma. Titled Canyon, the midsize model rolls out in three cab versions (two-door Regular Cab and four-door Extended Cab plus four-door Crew Cab) with rear two-wheel-drive (2WD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) traction.

Canyon's Regular Cab has a bench covered in cloth and divided 60/40, but bucket seats are optional. Canyon Extended Cab carries four doors and a pair of forward-facing rear seats, as the Crew Cab also with four doors installs a rear bench with enough room to accommodate three adults. Front seats in the Canyon Crew Cab consist of twin buckets clad in cloth or optional leather.

Two new engines of in-line design where developed to motivate Canyon. The base Vortec 2800 2.8-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 175 hp, while the optional Vortec 3500 3.5-liter in-line five-cylinder plant climbs to 220 hp. The five-speed manual stick is new, with a four-speed Hydra-Matic 4L60-E automatic also available.

A rack and pinion steering gear and anti-lock brake system (ABS) score among stock items on Canyon, and options extend to side curtain-style air bags, XM satellite radio service and OnStar telecommunications.

Compact-class GMC trucks pare in trims strictly to one configuration -- the Crew Cab with four full-size doors and 4WD traction applied. Powertrain is the Vortec 4300 V6 that puts out 190 hp with a four-speed Hydra-Matic 4L60-E automatic transmission.

The Insta-Trac 4WD system permits shift-on-the-fly switching from rear-wheel to four-wheel mode and has a 4WD low gear for off-road work. Sonoma Crew Cab supports a long list of standard features, including air conditioning, power windows and door locks, ABS and a bedliner.(CONTINUE)