HYBRID 2000

The 2010 GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid ranks 5 out of 8 full size pickup trucks according to average independent research. This ranking is based on test drives, analysis of reliability and safety data. However, these rankings also include non-hybrid full size pickup trucks.

The General Motors Hybrid has 6,100 pounds of towing capacity with up to 1459 payloads. The Sierra achieves about 21 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. While this isn’t the best mileage reported so far on hybrid trucks, it is still better than its conventional counterpart.

It comes equipped with 300-Volt NiMH battery pack on an aluminum-block 6.0 liter push rod V8. The transmission utilizes 4 fixed gear ratios with two 60-kilowatt electric motors with planetary gear sets, which provide a full sized pickup truck performance and fuel economy. The engine consists of a Vortec 6.OL V8 SFI, LIVC with active fuel management and two-mode hybrid eclectic propulsion system. The Sierra Hybrid is only in a four-door crew cab with a short bed.

Model Strengths:
• Wide Selection of Engine, Bed and Trim Combinations Available
• Choice of Utility or Luxury Interior
• Hybrid Trim New for 2010
• Ideal for a Full-sized Work Truck

Model Overview:
The 2010 GMC Sierra is available in a variety of combinations. There are six trims available: the base Work Truck, the SL, the SLE, the luxury SLT, the top-tier Denali and the Xtra Fuel Economy trim. Three cabs and three cargo bed sizes are available.

The base Work Truck trims come with 4.3L V6 gas-only engine that makes 195 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The SL and SLE trims get a 4.8L V8 gas/ethanol engine producing 302 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque. Both engines are mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission, while a 6-speed automatic is available as an option. An independent suspension is standard in front, while a 2-stage multi-leaf suspension is standard for the rear.

Trims with a 157.5 inch wheelbase get a standard 5.3L V8 gas-ethanol engine capable of 315 horsepower and 335 pound-feet of torque. The SLT and the Xtra Fuel economy trims also get the 5.3L V8 gas/ethanol engine, which is available with Active Fuel Management, a system that automatically shuts down half of the cylinders during light-load driving. The 5.3L V8 engine is optional on most other trims. All trims, including the Hybrid, come standard with rear wheel drive, while 4-wheel drive is available as an option.

The 2010 Sierra 1500 Hybrid utilizes a 6.0L V8 gas/electric engine linked to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to produce 332 horsepower and 367 pound-feet of torque. It is a full hybrid, meaning it is able to run on both gasoline and battery power or solely on electric power, depending on load demands. Towing capacity is rated at 6,590 lbs, up almost 200 pounds from 2009. It is available only as a Crew Cab. Mileage is estimated at 21 mpg city and 20 mpg highway. Most options available on other trims, such as navigation and rear parking aid, are not available on the Hybrid. Flex fuel capacity is also not available, yet 4-wheel antilock disc brakes and trailer hitch are standard.

Standard safety equipment on all 2010 Sierra 1500s includes a full array of airbags, 4-wheel antilock with front disc/rear drum brakes, auto-on headlights, daytime running lights, StabiliTrak electronic stability control, a tire pressure monitoring system and a full-size spare tire. Four-wheel disc brakes are available on some of the higher-end trims. The OnStar Generation 7 system is standard on all Sierras, including automatic crash notification and a 1-year subscription to the Safe & Sound plan.

The Work Truck and SL trims are modestly equipped with a basic interior treatment. These trims still feature large control knobs, a lockable in-seat storage bin and a built-in 12-volt power outlet. The SL adds air conditioning, cruise control and a CD/MP3 audio system. Standard equipment and options throughout the lineup vary greatly and are usually available individually or as a pre-packaged set of options. For example, a Maximum Trailering package is available, and it includes a heavy-duty rear axle, locking differential, heavy-duty cooling system and high-capacity transmission.

The top-tier Denali trim comes standard with a 6.2L V8 Vortec flex-fuel capable engine that makes 402 horsepower and 417 pound-feet of torque. The Denali is available with rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive and comes standard with navigation, premium sound system, rear parking aid, remote engine start, backup camera, 20-inch chrome wheels, performance tires, locking rear differential and leather seats that are heated and power-adjustable.

Model Changes:
The GMC Sierra 1500 was last redesigned in 2007, and there are few changes for the 2010 model year. Over 30 combinations of engines, beds and other items are available. Except for the V6 engines, all 2010 Sierra engines are now Flex-Fuel capable, meaning they can run on gasoline or E85 ethanol. A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard on all but the base trims. StabiliTrak is now standard on all trims, as is a USB media player port.

Model Value:
The 2010 GMC Sierra 1500 is a full-sized pickup that can be a workhorse, a luxury vehicle - or both. With the highest tow rating among light-duty pickups (up to 10,700 pounds), and now with a newly available gas-electric drivetrain, the Sierra is very competitive among full-size pickups. It shares a platform with the Chevy Silverado 1500, and its main competitors are the Toyota Tundra and the Dodge Ram. Mileage for the base 2WD trim is estimated at 15 mpg city / 20 mpg highway.