2006 GMC Sierra HD: Road Test
2006 GMC Sierra HD ▼
- MSRP: $21,825 - $38,340
- Invoice: $19,970 - $35,081
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Our road test for the 2006 GMC Sierra HD includes a full evaluation of the 2006 GMC Sierra HD from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 GMC Sierra HD, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 GMC Sierra HD help you decide if a 2006 GMC Sierra HD is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 3500 Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 4.8 |
Turbodiesel models only ones made available for test. They are spry for large pickups. Standard 6-speed manual transmission has 1st gear positioned in and down from normal pattern, leaving 2nd where 1st is normally located. This takes getting used to--though 1st is typically used only when hauling heavy loads.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 3500 Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 2 | 2.3 |
Test automatic-transmission 2500 Crew Cab diesel averaged 14.2 mpg in all city driving. A 3500 Crew Cab with same powertrain averaged 13.7. All gas engines use regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| 3500 Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 4.1 |
Perhaps the best ride among heavy-duty trucks. It's trucky, to be sure, with considerable bouncing with an empty bed, but Sierra HDs aren't harsh over bumps.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 3500 Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 3.4 |
Little body lean in turns. Brakes suffer a somewhat spongy feel, but stop the truck with little fanfare.
QUIETNESS
| 3500 Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 2 | 4.5 |
Wind and road noise are surprisingly subdued. Diesel engine noise intrudes only under full throttle.
CONTROLS
| 3500 Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 6.5 |
Clear gauges, convenient controls--except for the wiper switch, which is awkwardly combined with the turn signal lever.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 3500 Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 9 | 8.3 |
Plenty of room, with comfortable seats. Ample seat travel even in regular cabs. High step-up, so entry/exit a chore.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 3500 Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 5 |
Extended cabs offer best-in-class room and comfort, with true three-adult seating. Crew Cabs have even more space, but they trail Dodge's Ram Mega Cab. Sierra's high step-up hinders entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| 3500 Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 4.9 |
Rear seat in extended cab folds up to create a good amount of storage space, though it lacks some of the features of competitors. Behind-seat room in regular cab beats Ford, trails Dodge.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 3500 Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 6.7 |
GM's heavy-duty trucks have a lot going for them, including strong engines, high hauling limits, comfortable rear-seat accommodations, and the availability of features such as DVD entertainment system and OnStar assistance. They should top your list.
Total Score
| 3500 Crew Cab, turbodiesel auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 50 | 50.5 |
Total Score: 50
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks
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