2009 GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid Review
Posted in GMC Trucks, Truck Reviews on November 19, 2009
Introduction of 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid
The 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid priced at MSRP $38,390 – $47,675 is a full size pick up truck. This edition offers tough competition to the Chevrolet Silverado hybrid. It caters to all those truck buyers who pay weightage to the truck’s reduced carbon footprint and public-image-boosting.
What’s on offer?
The 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 is a full size pick up truck that offers dual mode hybrid technology.
Silhouette
The 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid offers a relatively conventional styling. Unlike the traditional GMC Sierra styling this edition is available only in crew cab configuration with four full size doors. It looks impressive dressed in 18 inch wheels, front fenders, hood, grille, and front fascia.
To distinguish the GMC Sierra Hybrid from other Sierra’s on the roads they have embossed hybrid in capital letters alongside the Sierra Hybrids lower panel and the cabs rear window ahead of the side mirror and on the tailgate.
Inside the cabin’
The 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid edition encompasses an upscale layout and pleasing aesthetic inside the cabin. It adopts the boxier of the two available interiors, with a flat cowl that spans the gauges and centre console.
The controls and the gauges are well placed so as to provide convenience of use.
Overall the 2009 GMC Sierra interiors are very tastefully designed which would have many followers using their style and design.
Features of 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid
The 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid is available in two trims 3HA or 3HB.
The standard 3HA edition features 18 inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, soft bed tonneau cover, full power accessories, leather-wrapped steering wheel with auxiliary audio controls, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, OnStar and a six-speaker CD/MP3 stereo with satellite radio.
The 3HB adds hard bed tonneau cover, fog lamps, heated exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals, an upgraded Bose audio system, rear audio controls, a navigation system with real-time traffic updates, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery and power front bucket seats, a floor-mounted center console and power-adjustable pedals.
The optional feature includes remote start, power sunroof, power driver seat, a hybrid decal package and an engine block heater.
2009 GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid Powertrain
The 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid is available in 2WD and 4WD options. This edition is powered by 6.0 liter V8 engine which teams with EVT which integrates two 60 kilowatt electric motors. The electric motor draws power by a nickel-metal hydride battery pack which recharges itself off the friction generated when you hit the brakes.
The engine generates 332 hp and enables a towing capacity of 6,100 pounds when teamed with rear wheel drive and 5900 pounds when teamed with four wheel drive. It is well below regular Sierra’s 10,600-pound maximum towing capacity.
We noted that the engines did not feel as powerful as expected from the 6.0 liter. This truck edition cruised on electric power at up to 30 mph and the gas engine starts it work when more acceleration is needed and at higher speeds. Both the engines worked together to provide maximum grunt.
This hybrid edition offers an impressive fuel economy in compared to the other hybrids. It is estimated that the 2WD offers a fuel economy of 21/20 mpg while the 4WD offers 20/20 mpg city and highway limits respectively.
2009 GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid Safety
The 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 hybrid is equipped with safety features such as antilock disc brakes, standard and stability control, full length side curtain airbags and OnStar.
Conclusion
The 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid is a pricey vehicle with some advantages like it offers superior gas mileage for a truck, respectable towing capacity, can accelerate to 30 mph solely on electric power. The main drawbacks that were noted are very expensive, available in only one body style, no storage under back seats inside the cabin.
