Call us suckers for a GM powertrain. The peppy little 5.3L Vortec V-8 and the crisp shifts of the new six-speed transmission from Hydramatic make a great pairing for towing trailers and for everyday use.

Redesigned for the '07 model year, the Sierra has so many luxury features that it compares well with offerings from the likes of Cadillac, Lexus, or Range Rover. But GMC never forgot that it must work like a truck.

Case in point: With the aforementioned drivetrain, the Sierra is rated to tow 9,600 pounds. A few years ago that kind of towing capacity was the domain of diesel-powered trucks. Now you can pull that kind of weight with the towing package and GM's whisper-smooth Vortec gasoline engines. The fully boxed frame certainly helps maintain chassis stiffness and compliance.

The towing package with the six-speed automatic includes a locking rear differential, a 2-inch receiver, a sealed seven-wire trailer connector with independent fused circuits, and a built-in harness to accommodate aftermarket trailer brake controllers.

Another great feature for towing is the new variable valve timing system, which is now standard on the 4.8L and 5.3L V-8 engines. Earlier engines, without variable valve timing, made ample power, but typically it was higher in the rpm range than optimal, particularly for towing. With variable valve timing, engineers can optimize when the valves open and close in relation to the piston stroke and, as a result, broaden the torque curve so power comes in at lower rpm, which is just what you want-for towing and everyday use.

In terms of safety, the new side-curtain airbags and seat-mounted side airbags are standard on all half-ton models. In fact, the Sierra has earned five-star safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in frontal and side-impact crashes.

The '10 Sierra also has a USB port in the center console, and new interior door trim. GM's stability control system, StabiliTrak, is now standard on all 1/2-ton models. StabiliTrak monitors vehicle dynamics through sensors. When the system detects a skid, oversteer, or understeer, the control module gently applies pressure to individual brakes to help correct the condition.

A rearview camera is available on the Crew Cab. Depending on how the truck is equipped, the view of what is behind the truck is either presented in the rearview mirror or on the navigation system in the dashboard.

There is no disputing that Ford's F-150 is the bestselling 1/2-ton, but that doesn't mean that GMC's outstanding Sierra Crew Cab came up short by any measure. It is capable of towing nearly 10,000 pounds in a package that's easy and convenient enough to drive every day.