Specs: 397 horsepower, 6.6-liter, V-8 diesel

GMC has freshened the heavy-duty versions of its Sierra for 2011 (about $28,000) as well as its sibling, the Chevrolet Silverado. Among the changes are a more powerful 397-horsepower, 6.6-liter V-8 diesel that tows up to 14,500 pounds as well as a new frame design that improves towing and hauling capability.

The Denali luxury trim package is also available for the first time on the heavy-duty Sierra. The light-duty Sierra 1500 features a 376-horsepower, 6.2-liter, gasoline V-8 that tows up to 10,600 pounds. It comes in three cab styles. The regular and extended cabs offer a 6-foot-7-inch or 8-foot bed, while a shorter 5-foot-9-inch bed is the only offering on the large crew cab model. All Sierra models are offered in either two-wheel or four-wheel-drive.