NOTE: Pricing based on data collected March 2011. Costs of hybridization and forced features are UCS estimates based on information available on manufacturer websites.
* Sierra XFE with the optional 6.0-liter V-8 engine
**The cost of the aluminum wheels is included in the cost of hybridization.
See full Hybrid Scorecard methodology
Vehicle Summary
General Motors introduced the two-wheel-drive (2WD) GMC Sierra Hybrid in model year 2009. The full-size pickup gets a combined EPA estimated fuel economy of 21 miles per gallon (mpg), making it and its twin, the Chevy Silverado 2WD, the most efficient vehicles in the standard-size pickup class. The GMC Sierra Hybrid and the Chevy Silverado Hybrid are the only hybrid pickup trucks currently available on the market. The Sierra Hybrid 2WD is a full hybrid, offering electric-only operation under certain conditions, idle stop/start, power assist, and regenerative braking.
Environmental Improvement Score
With a 14 percent reduction in global warming emissions compared with the conventional 2WD Sierra, the Sierra Hybrid 2WD is toward the bottom of the overall hybrid pack. To compare the hybrid system on as level a playing field as possible, we compared the Sierra Hybrid 2WD with the conventional Sierra 2WD model, the XFE, which is configured with a 5.3-liter V8 engine. The conventional Sierra comes with a smaller 4.8-liter V-8 option as well. Despite modifications to improve its efficiency, the upsized gasoline engine (6.0-liter V8) gives the Sierra Hybrid 2WD more peak horsepower and peak torque, making it a “muscle” hybrid. Using the more common 5.3-liter V-8 engine would have delivered better fuel economy, though it may have compromised towing capacity. The Sierra Hybrid 2WD’s impressive two-mode, full hybrid drivetrain could have been used to bring far more to the table as the first full-sized hybrid pickup truck.
Scorecard Environmental Improvement Score methodology
Hybrid Value
GMC is charging $4,033 for the hybrid system in the Sierra Hybrid 2WD. With a 14 percent reduction in global warming emissions, this gives the Sierra Hybrid 2WD a Hybrid Value rating in the “Poor” range. Sierra Hybrid 2WD’s system is about $1,000 cheaper than that of its twin, the Chevy Silverado 2WD, despite the fact that the two vehicles utilize the same technology.
Scorecard Hybrid Value methodology
Forced Features
GMC adds on $1,082 worth of extra or upgraded features onto the Sierra Hybrid 2WD compared with the conventional Sierra XFE 2WD, giving the Sierra Hybrid 2WD a Forced Features rating of “$.” Note that while the XFE is the version with the most modest option package while also having an engine comparable to the hybrid drivetrain, another conventional model—the Sierra WT 2WD—comes with even fewer options than the Sierra 2WD XFE. GM has the potential to bring more cost-effective choices to pickup consumers—if it is willing to employ a different implementation strategy for its solid hybrid technology. Sample forced features include a locking rear differential; Bluetooth connectivity; EZ-lift locking tailgate; and dual-zone automatic climate control. Click to see full list of forced features.
Scorecard Forced Features methodology
Hybrid Scorecard Home
Additional Info
Visit the Who’s Got Hybrids section to read comments and stories from actual hybrid owners.
Visit the Reviews page to see what popular automotive websites think of this hybrid.
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