2009 GMC Sierra 1500: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 lineup gains a gas/electric hybrid model, a new 6-speed automatic transmission, and some new features. This large pickup truck offers regular-, extended-, and crew-cab body styles. It borrows its basic design from the Chevrolet Silverado 1500. Extended cabs have rear-hinged back doors that don't open independently of the fronts. Regular cabs can seat up to three passengers, while extendeds and crews can seat up to six. Three bed lengths are available: The 5.8-foot short bed; 6.6-foot standard bed; and 8.0-foot long bed. The 2009 GMC Sierra offers two interiors, dubbed "pure pickup" and "luxury inspired."

Available engines, depending on cab and bed configuration, are a 195-hp 4.3-liter V6; 295-hp 4.8-liter V8; 315-hp 5.3-liter V8; 367-hp 6.0-liter V8; and 403-hp 6.2-liter V8. Certain versions of the 5.3-liter V8 and all 6.2 V8 engines can run on E85 ethanol-blended fuel. The 5.3 and 6.0 V8 engines come with GM's Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation. V6, 4.8 V8, and most 5.3 V8 versions have a 4-speed automatic transmission. Available on 5.3 V8 Crew Cab as well as the 6.0 V8 is a 6-speed automatic. Some rear-drive Sierras with the 5.3-liter V8 and 6-speed automatic can be equipped as the XFE, which stands for Xtra Fuel Economy. XFE has specific wheels and tires, along with other mechanical and aerodynamic treatments. GM claims an increase in fuel economy of up to 7 percent over non-XFE versions. Unique to the Sierra lineup is the Denali. It's a crew cab with the 6.2-liter V8 and specific interior and exterior trim. Maximum towing capacity is 10,700 pounds.

The 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid has a 6.0-liter V8 engine that pairs with an electric motor for 332 hp total. It can run on one or both of its power sources, depending on driving demands, and requires no plug-in charging. The Hybrid uses a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The Hybrid's maximum towing capacity is 6100 pounds.

Rear-wheel drive is standard across the board. Two 4-wheel-drive systems are offered: A part-time setup that should not be left engaged on dry pavement, and GM's Autotrac that can. Both include a low-range gear for off-roading. All-wheel drive is available on the Denali. Sierra is available with several different suspensions. The Z83 and Z85 setups are designed for ride comfort. The Z60 is a street performance suspension, and the Z71 is for off-road use. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and curtain side airbags. Available features include a navigation system, remote engine start, and a new-for-2009 wireless cell-phone link.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large Pickup Trucks are traditionally the vehicles of choice for heavy-duty hauling and towing. They offer an array of cab styles and bed lengths and usually feature powerful V8 or diesel engines. For personal use, consider light-duty half-ton models. For heavy-duty or commercial use, consider three-quarter- or one-ton models.

Our Best Buys are the Dodge Ram and Ford F-150. Our Recommended picks are the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, and Toyota Tundra. New or significantly redesigned models in the class include the Dodge Ram 1500 and the Ford F-150. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 each add a gas/electric hybrid model for 2009.