2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid
Hybrid technology is definitely a part of our automotive future. At what level, the jury is still undecided. However, with the government enforcing stricter emissions and fuel consumption standards, all automakers will have to shift at some point to alternative fuel technology to stay competitive.
The reality is quite simple though; America’s love affair with sports cars, SUV’s and full-size pickup trucks will simply never die. In fact, last month (May) was an interesting one for the auto industry with the Ford F-Series and Chevy Silverado trucks finishing #1 and #2 in total sales. It is hard to believe these two American trucks outsold both the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord in sales.
So, we ask the metaphorical question – Can one have their cake and eat it to? Well, enter the 2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid. At first appearance, the Sierra Hybrid has the skin of your typical pickup truck, but it’s what is under the hood that really makes this truck tick. Boasting a powerful 6.0L gas engine, the Sierra Hybrid reveals a hybrid controller under that hood that allows for the engine and hybrid management to run smoothly.
This was one truck we had to put to the ultimate hybrid test.
The Test
The GMC Sierra Hybrid is a heavy-duty truck meant for hauling payload and towing. It is designed to be a workhorse and that means adding weight and durability to the frame as well as body structure to absorb payload weight. Weight, however, is not a good partner for electric/hybrid vehicles. Battery technology works best when paired with lighter weight cars so you can maximize the output and efficiency of the electric motor. Given the dry weight of the Sierra is already 5,882 pounds, we decided it was best to test the mileage and efficiency of the hybrid technology under city and freeway conditions. Most hybrids achieve their best MPG on city streets, not freeways, so this would be the ultimate test.
Keeping the Sierra Hybrid at 65 mph is the key to maximizing your fuel efficiency. At 65 mph the battery will actually engage periodically, but at any speed over 65 mph the gas engine fully takes over. Putting about 120 miles on the truck, our goal was to get the fuel level down to roughly a quarter of a tank. This took about two days of driving to accomplish. One additional note on freeway driving: the GMC Hybrid comes equipped with Active Fuel Management (also called Displacement on Demand), which automatically switches the engine displacement output from an 8-cylinder, to a 6-cylinder, and under extremely light loads down to a 4-cylinder.
Once at a quarter of tank, our goal was to spend the next week under city driving conditions on a quarter tank of gas. Could it be done?
Here’s the great news. Not only did we make it seven days, but we didn’t need to fill up until the eighth day. The hybrid technology activates seamlessly in city driving. With every start and stop the battery/electric hybrid technology fully takes over, shutting down the gas engine. Our team was quite surprised by how far we were able to go on only a quarter tank of gas.
For the local contractor who needs the size and capabilities of a full-size truck, but also wants to lessen their carbon footprint and use less gasoline, the GMC Sierra is a great choice.
Under the Hood
Mated to a 6.0L V-8 Vortec gasoline engine, the battery-powered electric motor is the true star of the GMC Sierra Hybrid. GMC was the first automaker to incorporate hybrid technology into a full-size truck and have done so with great precision. The Sierra hybrid pickup truck comes equipped with a 300-Volt NiMH battery pack stacked below the frame and the hybrid controller in the engine bay, which patiently monitors the accelerator pressure to allow cylinder deactivation at higher speeds and utilize the battery power at lower speeds. The transmission utilizes four fixed gear ratios and two 60-kilowatt electric motors with planetary gearing, providing full-sized pickup truck performance and hybrid fuel economy.
The Interior
Automakers have figured out that trucks don’t have to be boring on the inside and covered with plastic from the door panels to the center console. Cloth seats are an option, but leather gives the Sierra Hybrid a comfortable and luxurious feel. The Sierra is the higher-end model line truck for GM and the interior reflects subtle creature comforts that allow you to forget you are actually driving a truck. And let’s not forget, the Sierra also options navigation, XM and Sirius, park assist, reverse cameras, Bluetooth, steering wheel mounted controls and more.
The Driving Experience
It’s a truck right? Well, don’t expect the GMC Sierra to ride like the truck of yesterday. With 46mm piston monotube shocks and a 34mm stabilizer bar, this truck has a soft and comfortable ride that can still handle heavy duty loads with the best of them. StabiliTrack Electronic Stability Control and Proactive Roll Avoidance help keep the tires firmly planted on the ground for maximum traction and control.
One quick exterior feature that’s really worth noting is the foldable tonneau cover over the truck bed. At first, I thought this was a rather strange idea. That was until I needed to make a run to the hardware store. With a simple turn of the locks under the cover, you can fold the entire tonneau cover forward to maximize your storage area. This is a great utility feature.
The Bottom Line
The price of the fully loaded GMC Sierra Hybrid is in the mid-$40,000 range depending on the options you select. If you are looking for a high-end truck that’s both tough and gets great gas mileage, the Sierra Hybrid might be the right fit for you. With 21 mpg on the freeway and 22 mpg in the city, you get the best of both worlds.
Please visit NADAguides.com for more information on the GMC Sierra Hybrid.