2009 GMC Sierra 1500: Road Test
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2009 GMC Sierra 1500 ▼
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- MSRP: $19,375 -$44,020
- Invoice: $18,503 -$40,719
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Our road test for the 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 includes a full evaluation of the 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 GMC Sierra 1500, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 help you decide if a 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 4WD ext. cab, Z60, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z71, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z85, 5.3 V8 | Denali | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 5.5 |
Acceleration is more than adequate with the 5.3-liter V8 and robust with the Denali's 6.2 V8. The smooth-shifting transmission kicks down quickly for more passing power. The tow and haul mode adjusts shift points for best performance with heavy loads. Denali's shifter-stalk-mounted manual-shift control works with an easy flick of the thumb.
Sierra Hybrid accelerates from a stop and passes much like conventional models, but a faint surge is felt and heard when it shifts between full electric and gasoline operation.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 4WD ext. cab, Z60, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z71, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z85, 5.3 V8 | Denali | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2.9 |
In Consumer Guide testing, Denalis averaged 14.6-15.9 mpg. A rear-drive Hybrid averaged an excellent 20.0 mpg in mostly highway driving. No opportunity to measure other Sierra models. All Sierras except the Denali use regular-grade gas. GMC recommends premium for the Denali. Some 5.3-liter engines and the 6.2 V8 can also run on E85 ethanol.
RIDE QUALITY
| 4WD ext. cab, Z60, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z71, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z85, 5.3 V8 | Denali | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 5.1 |
Sierra's Z85 suspension provides a comfortable, compliant ride, and there's less reverberation over bumps than in most pickups. Stiffer Z60 suspension makes the ride more jittery over smaller bumps, partly due to its 20-inch tires. Available Z71 suspension is suited to off-road duty. It exhibits choppiness over pavement cracks and washboard surfaces, though it's not overly harsh in everyday driving. Denali with 20-inch tires is composed enough, though its standard 18s are likely to offer more stability.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 4WD ext. cab, Z60, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z71, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z85, 5.3 V8 | Denali | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.5 |
Being these are large pickups, there's noticeable body lean in fast turns and quick changes of direction with Z85 suspension. Z60 and Z71 suspensions improve handling only slightly. The steering is nicely weighted, if a bit numb, and the brakes are responsive with fine pedal feel.
QUIETNESS
| 4WD ext. cab, Z60, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z71, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z85, 5.3 V8 | Denali | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
Road noise in Sierra is lower than in most pickups. The 5.3-liter V8 is a model of refinement. Wind noise intrudes only above 60 mph.
The Hybrid is nearly silent at ignition and at rest, but a subtle electrical whirring noise is heard during acceleration from a stop and while decelerating.
CONTROLS
| 4WD ext. cab, Z60, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z71, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z85, 5.3 V8 | Denali | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 6.3 |
The gauges are easy to see and read. Sierra's Pure Pickup interior places radio and climate controls high on the dashboard, just out of easy reach. The available luxury interior mimics that of the Yukon large SUV, with controls mounted lower but within easy reach. The optional navigation system absorbs some audio controls but doesn't complicate their use. Denalis expand on the luxury interior, with upgraded trim and a more upscale feel.
The Hybrid's navigation screen features a helpful energy flow display that indicates the status of the vehicle's gas/electric system.
DETAILS
| 4WD ext. cab, Z60, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z71, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z85, 5.3 V8 | Denali | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 5.4 |
Standard "Pure Pickup" interior materials are better than expected on a work-oriented truck, but are not extraordinary by absolute standards. Luxury and Denali interiors up the ante, even though most surfaces are hard plastic.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 4WD ext. cab, Z60, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z71, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z85, 5.3 V8 | Denali | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8.4 |
Ample room for adults. Both the bucket and bench seats lack side support in fast turns but are firm and comfortable. Visibility is generally good, though the extended cab's thick rear pillars hinder the view to back corners. Short drivers will appreciate the optional power-adjustable pedals.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 4WD ext. cab, Z60, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z71, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z85, 5.3 V8 | Denali | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 5.5 |
Generous headroom. Legroom is ample in the crew cab. Extended-cab models have the seatback set at a comfortable angle, but legroom is in short supply. With the front-bucket seats, the center console restricts foot space for a center rear-seat passenger. Extended's rear doors are available with power windows, which is a nice convenience. The doors open wide--nearly flush with the cargo bed--for easier entry and exit, but if fully open, a seated passenger can't close them.
CARGO ROOM
| 4WD ext. cab, Z60, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z71, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z85, 5.3 V8 | Denali | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
On both extended and crew cabs, the rear seat cushion flips back against the seatback, leaving a large cargo area with a nearly flat floor. Pure Pickup interior features upper and lower gloveboxes; Luxury interior has only a lower one. In front, the bucket seats come with a roomy console bin, while the bench seat is available with a flip-down center armrest that doubles as a large storage bin. Otherwise, there are few other interior storage cubbies.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 4WD ext. cab, Z60, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z71, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z85, 5.3 V8 | Denali | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7.2 |
GMC's Sierra and the similar Chevrolet Silverado are among the best large pickup trucks for refinement and available features. Any truck buyer would be well-advised to give these Recommended big rigs a long, hard look. The Hybrid model's price premium is steep, but so are the potential gas savings versus conventional Sierras.
Total Score
| 4WD ext. cab, Z60, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z71, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z85, 5.3 V8 | Denali | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 62 | 64 | 66 | 68 | 61.1 |
Total Score: 65
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks
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