2009 GMC Sierra Review and Prices

by Andy Mikonis

2009 GMC Sierra buying advice
With a dizzying array of choices, there’s something for every pickup-truck buyer in the lineup of the full-size GMC Sierra. How about three cabs, three bed lengths, seven engines, and five suspensions for starters, not to mention two- or four-wheel drive? It really boils down to your particular needs from a truck.

The GMC Sierra offers cab and bed styles, engines, and trim to meet most any need. Pictured is an extended-cab model.
For frequent people hauling, nothing beats a crew cab, but that limits you to the shortest, 5-foot 8-inch box.
The extended cab is a great compromise if rear passengers aren’t an everyday occurrence, and it’s available with two longer bed lengths more cargo capacity. The middle bed choice, the standard 6-foot 5-inch box, buys some more space and keeps the overall truck length down.

As nice as these trucks’ interiors are, the SLE trim line – which comes after the entry-level Work and step-up SE models -- isn’t a bad place to start. Hand-picking a few key interior options can save a few bucks, but check enough boxes on the order form and you might as well move up a notch to the SLT trim line.

In any event, stick with the proven 5.3-liter V-8, throw in a Z85 suspension and a tow package, and you have a well-rounded, comfortable-yet-capable truck, with reasonable economy.

What you’ve got to know about the 2009 GMC Sierra
Expect the 2009 GMC Sierra to continue with a model lineup that starts with the Work Truck and ascends through SL, SLE, and SLT to the luxury Denali. The Sierra Hybrid will be offered as crew cab, in two or four-wheel drive. This report addresses the 2009 GMC Sierra 1500, which competes against other half-ton pickups. Like most of its competition, Sierra is also available in heavier-duty three-quarter ton and one-ton form.

Being a product of General Motors, the GMC Sierra shares a lot of parts with the Chevrolet Silverado, including the new two-mode hybrid system. Already released on the GMC Yukon and Chevy Tahoe SUVs, this innovative system can drive the truck on purely electric power up to about 30 mph. At higher speeds it can run on a combination of gasoline and electric power for greatest fuel efficiency.

But what really sets the two-mode hybrid system apart is that unlike traditional hybrids, it can completely bypass the electric motors and run on purely gas-engine power in situations of high demand, such as towing and hauling, where having to route power through an electric motor actually reduces efficiency. GMC says it’ll result in a 25-percent overall fuel-economy improvement over a gas-only powertrain, and be as much as 40-percent more efficient in city driving. It’s the latest and greatest thing in hybrids and will be seen on more vehicles in the future.

The 2009 GMC Sierra release date is autumn 2008.

What’s changed about the 2009 GMC Sierra
No changes of significance are expected for the 2009 GMC Sierra lineup with the exception of the debut of the 2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid.

No change to the 2009 GMC Sierra will significantly alter its performance or passenger accommodations from those of the 2008 model. Statements in this review about performance and accommodations are based on detailed test drives of the 2008 GMC Sierra.

The current-generation GMC Sierra was introduced for the 2007 model year and will likely get some styling updates for model-year 2010, but won’t be retired in favor of the next-generation model until model-year 2012 or 2013.

2009 GMC Sierra competition
The 2009 GMC Sierra will have its hands full as two major domestic competitors, Ford F-150 and Dodge Ram 1500, bring out all-new entries in the half-ton market. Japanese pickups like the Toyota Tundra continue to make inroads in the market as well.

The 2009 Dodge Ram comes in with a sharp redesign, clever new inside storage innovations, and a crew cab for the first time in recent history. The only full-size truck with a coil spring rear suspension, the 2009 Ram promises better ride quality than other big pickups, which should appeal to buyers who use their truck mostly for personal transportation. Ram won’t get another redesign for several years.

Long-time sales leader F-150 sees a more conservative-looking redo focused on reducing weight and increasing interior space. The six-cylinder engine has been dropped in favor of an all-V-8 lineup, which still claims a one-mile per gallon improvement over the outgoing trucks. The redesigned 2009 F-150 will not change substantially for several years.

Like the Sierra, the Toyota Tundra was redesigned for 2007, and has a lineup broad enough to qualify it as the first truly competitive full-size pickup from an import-brand manufacturer. Two V-8 engines are offered along with a six-cylinder. Three cab configurations, three bed lengths, and four trim lines are available. Prices tend to run higher than Sierra and Tundra has not fared as well in crash testing as its Ford or GM rivals. Tundra is slated to gain a heavy-duty version for model-year 2011, but isn’t due for a full redesign until after that.

Driving the GMC Sierra
The current-generation GMC Sierra made great strides in improving on its predecessor. A much stiffer frame is responsible for better handling, and a more solid feel. Some flex can still be felt on washboard roads, especially in the longer wheelbase versions, but it’s a lot less than the old Sierra. The wheels feel more firmly planted, and don’t bounce around on bumps. A new type of anti-lock braking system (ABS) also modulates the rear brakes better when the trucks are empty; the old truck used to trigger the ABS a lot when coming to a stop.

The 5.3-liter V-8 is equipped with cylinder deactivation technology, which shuts down four of the cylinders to save gas when cruising. It runs smoothly and with some 315 horsepower, is ample power for most truck duties. The 6.0-liter V-8 has extra grunt for heavier hauling, and also has cylinder deactivation to help tame fuel consumption.

Riding in the GMC Sierra
Two major factors contribute to the improved experience inside the Sierra. First of all, the aforementioned stiffer frame, along with suspension improvements, has made for a less bouncy ride that really reduces fatigue, especially on longer trips.

Extended-cab Sierras have rear-hinged back doors that open wide to aid entry and exit, but don’t open independently of the front doors.
Second, GMC put a huge effort into refining its truck interiors for this generation to make them higher in quality and comfort. Additionally, the top anchor point of the front seat belts has been mercifully moved from the top of the seat to the door pillar, so the belt no longer pulls down on the shoulder of taller occupants.

Optional adjustable pedals help tailor the seating position for just about any size driver. Rear seat leg room is copious in the crew cab, but gets a little tight in the extended cab.

GMC Sierra dashboard and controls
Interior refinements are perhaps most obvious on the Sierra’s dashboard. It looks like quality, with tight gaps between sections, and the materials feel substantial. The top and face of the dash are a dark color with a non-reflective finish. Accents are satin silver, with a woodgrain look on Denali.

Sierra’s dashboard is well-organized and nicely assembled. The version pictured shows the available navigation-system.
Gauges are large and easy to read, with bluish numbers and red pointers on a black field. Switches are where you would expect. The manual climate controls have big knobs for gloved hands. Controls for the available dual-zone climate controls, navigation system, and uplevel audio setups are busier by necessity, yet still intuitive and within easy reach.

GMC Sierra fuel economy
Sierras with the 4.8- and 5.3-liter V-8 engines typically average 14-15 mpg in mixed highway and city driving and use regular-grade gas. Expect similar mileage from the Sierra Denali, though GMC recommends premium-grade fuel for its 6.0-liter V-8. No real-world mileage figures have been established for the new Sierra Hybrid.

GMC Sierra safety
All Sierras come with antilock brakes, though only the Denali pairs rear disc brakes with the standard front discs. Crew cab models come with stability control, which automatically applies individual brakes to keep the truck on course in turns. Stability control is important anti-rollover technology and is a optional available on regular- and extended-cab Sierras for around $425.

Head-protecting side curtain air bags are standard on the Denali and an option on other models at about $395.

GMC Sierra scores very well in government crash tests, receiving the maximum possible five-star ratings in both front and side crash evaluations performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In the government’s assessment of rollover resistance, Sierra scored four of five possible stars (no pickup tested rated the full five stars).

GMC Sierra price and features
The basic GMC Sierra Work truck with a regular cab, two-wheel drive and V-6 starts around $18,000. A Work Truck crew cab, which automatically gets you a 4.8-liter V-8, is more than $27,000 to start. Extended-cab prices fall between.

The Sierra SL model is offered only as a crew cab and adds such upgrades as carpeting and cloth upholstery. It starts around $28,500. For four-wheel drive, add $2,000-$3,000, depending on the model.

The SLE trim level is broken out in two variations. SLE1 adds a V-8, air conditioning. and a number of power convenience accessories. SLE1 versions range from about $25,500 for a regular-cab two-wheel drive truck to $33,500 for a four-wheel drive crew-cab. SLE2 is available only in extended-cab or crew-cab and includes the 5.3-liter V-8, plus power front bucket seats and dual zone climate control. Base prices range from $29,500 to around $36,000.

The GMC Sierra SLT includes all this plus heated leather seats, a Bose stereo, and other appearance and convenience upgrades. SLT extended-cabs start around $32,000, while crew-cabs out around $39,000 before options.

Top of the line is the Sierra Denali. It comes only as a crew cab with a unique 6.2-liter V-8 and is packed with performance and luxury features. The Sierra Denali starts around $39,000 with two-wheel drive and approximately $42,500 with all-wheel drive.

GMC had not announced prices for the Sierra Hybrid in time for this report.

It’s easy to load a Sierra with options. Equipping your Sierra for towing can cost as little as $400 for a simple tow package that includes the wiring, a hitch, and a transmission cooler. Or you can spend up to $3000 for the Max trailering package that comes with the 6.0-liter V-8.

Among the more worthwhile selections is a convenience package that runs around $500 and includes power adjustable pedals, rear obstacle detection, and remote start.

GMC Sierra quality and reliability
J.D. Power and Associates, the leading consumer satisfactions ratings firm, found quality for the current GMC Sierra to be mostly above average. That’s an improvement over the last generation. The only area where it slipped to below average was in problems with accessories. Long-term dependability of GMC Sierras was found to be average.