2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid joins GMC's large pickup truck lineup. The Hybrid comes only in a 4-door crew cab body style with seating for up to 6. Rear-wheel drive or GM's full-time Autotrac 4-wheel drive is available. Autotrac can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes a low-range gear for off-road use. The Hybrid has a 6.0-liter V8 gasoline engine that comes with GM's Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation. The V8 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 sole transmission is a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The Hybrid's maximum towing capacity is 6100 lb. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and curtain side airbags. Available features include a navigation system, remote engine start, and a wireless cell phone link. The GMC Sierra shares its basic design from the Chevrolet Silverado 1500.

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.