In ranking the best full size pickup trucks, the 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid finds itself at number 8. The ranking was made against 7 other vehicles of different makes as well as other GM division counterparts like the GMC Sierra 1500, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid. The latter is often called its twin.
Generally, hybrid cars are considered fuel efficient in terms of reducing carbon emissions. The concept is well-understood by the auto maker but with this advantage comes a higher price. Although it leads towards a sound purpose, the costs have sometimes turn customers away.
Performance
It is loaded with highly technical components, and critics welcome the features that the GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid brings; however, with the reduction of utility functions like towing and hauling, many of them wonder if the price is worth it. The vehicle’s hybrid system employs a 6.0 V8 engine and two electric motors. This yields higher energy and improves performance. The fuel economy feature it has is highly applicable in city areas where slow traffic is observed.
Exterior & Interior
The hybrid is only offered in the Crew Cab style but differences in external appearance are not significant from its non-hybrid counterpart, the GMC Sierra 1500. The only main difference is the ‘hybrid’ part.
The Sierra 1500 Hybrid can accommodate five to six people. This gives an indication of the spaciousness of its interior. But even as the interior is made, the quality of the materials used is a subject of comments. The dashboard appearance is complained about by consumers with emphasis on the efficiency gauge which is found to be confusing. With most of the interior elements made of hard plastic, consumers are looking forward to an improved quality in the materials they use. Consumer and reviewers alike point out that there is expectancy for an upscale quality in proportion to the vehicle’s price tag.
The limited cargo space is also a subject of attention. Because the battery pack occupies the portion of the rear seat, it hinders the vehicle from having a flat floor even if it can be flipped up. The smaller bed space is also noticeable thereby limiting cargo capacity.
Safety & Reliability
Since the crash test model used by the federal government changed for 2011, the safety assessment result for the Sierra Hybrid is still based on 2010 testing. Frontal crash test resulted in it earning a five star. As far as the other types of safety tests are concerned, these are not yet applied on the hybrid by both the federal government and the insurance industry.
The hybrid, which was introduced in 2009, comes with a 3-year or 36,000 miles basic warranty and a 5-year or 100,000 miles powertrain warranty. A separate warranty of 8-year or 100, 000 miles is provided for the electronic parts of the hybrid system.
Pros
- Great fuel economy.
- Smooth hybrid powertrain.
- Acceleration-capable on electric power
Cons
- Expensive.
- Lower towing and hauling capacity.
- Bare interiors.
- Single body style.
The Competition
Its main competition is the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid (MSRP $38,725; 20 city / 23 hwy). It is excellent for a full size truck and fuel economy, an all-around hybrid car, spacious and comfortable interior. This hybrid comes in expensive amounts and some customers who get it trade utility in towing and hauling functions.
The Chevy Silverado 1500 Hybrid and the Sierra hybird boasts a similar towing capacity of up to 10,000 pounds, user –friendly interior features, and upgradeable amenities. However, what it offers in lesser price is taken against issues with lesser fuel efficiency, lack of airbags, acceleration, and interior storage space.
Overall Rating
64 out of 100
What others say:
“The 2011 GMC Sierra Hybrid and the very closely related Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid remain the only hybrid pickups for sale in the U.S.”Car Connection
“Being these are large pickups, there’s noticeable body lean in fast turns and quick changes of direction. The steering is nicely weighted, if a bit numb, and the brakes are responsive with fine pedal feel.”Consumer Guide
“Superior city gas mileage for a big truck; can accelerate to nearly 30 mph solely on electric power.”Edmunds
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Hybrid Pick Up | Base Price: $39,095.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 26 gallons (98 liters) | MPG: 20 city / 23 hwy |
| Length: 229.9 in. (584 cm) | Width: 80 in. (203 cm) |
| Height: 73.7 in. (187 cm) | Wheel Base: 143.5 in. (364 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 5641 lbs (2558 kg) | Ground Clearance (rear): 12.1 in. (30.7 cm) |
| Payload Capacity: 1553 | Maximum Seating: 6 people |
| Engine: Hybrid Vortec VVT V8 | Displacement: 6.0 Liter |
| Horsepower: 332 HP | Max RPM: 5100 RPM |
| Torque: 367 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm | Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic |
| Max Trailering Capacity: 6100 lbs (2767 kgs) | Maximum Speed: NA |
| Option:Hybrid Sierra 1500 4WD | MSRP: $45,425; MPG: 20 city / 23 hwy |
