2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid

Inside its spacious cabin is the same highly functional, quality crafted “pure pickup” interior found in all but top-of-the-line conventional Sierras. There’s a large double glove box and a lockable storage bin big enough for a laptop (with its own 12-volt power outlet) built into the 40/20/40-split front bench, and its controls and door handles are hefty enough for easy use with gloved hands. The battery resides under the 60/40-split rear seat, which can be folded up easily with one hand, without using a release handle, to provide a wide, flat load floor—or either section can be stowed independently to accommodate cargo and a rear-seat passenger.

Features and Options

Offered as a crew cab with two- or four-wheel drive, the standard (3HA) Sierra Hybrid comes with dual automatic climate control, AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio with steering wheel controls and wireless Bluetooth, a driver information center, OnStar, XM Satellite radio, StabiliTrak stability control, locking rear axle, a trailering package, low-rolling resistance P265/65R18 tires on 18-inch polished aluminum wheels and dual-stage front and head-curtain side air bags. An available 3HB package includes such upscale additional features as leather bucket seats with six-way driver and passenger power; Power Flow navigation with Bose audio and rear-seat controls; rear park assist; power adjustable pedals and a three-piece hard tonneau cover.


A power driver’s seat is optional on the 3HA, and the only other stand-alone factory option is the power sunroof available with the 3HB package. One well-appreciate feature of GM’s standard OnStar security and convenience system (free one-year subscription) is “Turn-By-Turn Navigation.” Just tell the OnStar operator where you want to go and he or she downloads verbal instructions without the need for an expensive GPS navigation system.

Driving Impressions

The fact that this big, quiet, comfortable, capable pickup can launch from a stop, accelerate (gently) and run silently for some distance on its battery alone is a bit eerie but a clear demonstration of its low-speed fuel-saving potential. Another feel-good cue is seeing (on the Driver Information Center) the AFM switch the big V-8 seamlessly from eight to four cylinders as a reward for cruising it smoothly down the road at highway speed. Otherwise, the sophisticated 2-Mode system operates like a conventional pickup powertrain and is mostly transparent. It does add weight and offers somewhat less towing and hauling capability, but it steers, rides, handles, brakes and goes about its business essentially as well as any non-hybrid Sierra. And there is plenty of power on demand when needed.


Fuel efficiency isn’t free, so these 2-Mode hybrid full-size pickups are more expensive than conventional trucks, and they do sacrifice some capabilities compared to conventional trucks. Future fuel prices will determine how soon they will earn back their higher stickers. But if you have serious work to do and want to burn less fuel doing it, this may be your truck. (www.gmc.com)

About the Author
Former automotive engineer Gary Witzenburg has been writing about the auto industry, its people and its products for major magazines, newspapers and web sites for more than 20 years.