2014 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali

This is GMC's heavy-duty pickup, the one you step up to when a half-ton isn't enough for serious towing and hauling. It drives with the authority you expect from a heavy-duty truck, and the steering is direct enough that you always know what the front tires are doing. Inside, the cabin is roomy and straightforward, with controls that are easy to reach and materials that hold up to work-truck use. The bed is big and the payload rating is generous, so it swallows tools, materials, or whatever else you need to move. Stepping up to the Denali from the SLT gets you the top-tier luxury treatment, including unique styling and premium interior touches that set it apart from the work-oriented trims. The 6.6L V8 under the hood makes 360 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque, routed through a six-speed automatic to four-wheel drive, so it pulls heavy loads without breaking a sweat. Expect a firmer ride when unladen, the trade-off for the heavy-duty suspension that keeps the bed stable when you're hauling near its limits.