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The 2010 GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid is largely unchanged. This large pickup truck comes as a 4-door crew cab with seating for up to 6. Rear-wheel drive is standard. Available is GM’s full-time Autotrac 4-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes a low-range gear for off-roading. The Hybrid has a 6.0-liter V8 engine that comes with GM’s Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation and pairs with an electric motor for 332 horsepower total.

It can run on one or both of its power sources, depending on driving demands, and requires no plug-in charging. The sole transmission is a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that behaves much like an automatic. Maximum towing capacity is 6,100 pounds. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and curtain-side airbags. Available features include a navigation system, remote engine start, and a wireless cell-phone link. This report is based on evaluations of the 2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid.

The 2010 GMC Sierra hybrid (and its brother the Chevy Silverado hybrid). As a full-sized hybrid pickup truck, the Sierra hybrid offers 6,100 pounds of towing capacity while achieving about 21 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway. While that’s only about a 25 percent improvement overall over the non-hybrid Sierra, it’s almost a 50 percent improvement in city fuel economy.

The 2009 GMC Sierra HD gets Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera system, and an antiskid system. Also available is a new version of OnStar which gives directions to the navigation system, and standard XM Satellite Radio, which gives traffic information to the navigation system.

HDs are available with either a standard 360-hp 6.0-liter V8, or a biodiesel-capable turbodiesel 365-hp 6.6-liter V8. Both engines mate to a 6-speed automatic transmission. A manual transmission is no longer available. Buyers can choose rear-wheel drive or one of two 4-wheel-drive systems with low-range gearing: a basic setup that is not designed for dry pavement, and an all-surface 4-wheel-drive system. An automatic locking rear differential is standard, as is a modified suspension.

Sierra HD is the heavy-duty version of GMC’s full-size Sierra 1500. Chevrolet’s Silverado HD models differ mainly in front-end appearance.

The redesigned Sierra HDs offer 3/4-ton 2500 and 1-ton 3500 series in WT (Work Truck), SLE, and luxury SLT trim. Interiors come in “Pure Pickup” and “Luxury Inspired” designs. Cab styles are a 2-door regular, a 4-door extended cab with rear access doors, and a crew cab with four full-size front-hinged doors. All can be ordered with front bucket seats or a 40/20/40 split bench. The extended and crew cab include a three-person rear bench with a flip-up cushion that’s now split 60/40. The regular cab comes only with an 8-foot “long” cargo bed. The extended and crew cab also offer a 6.5-foot “short” bed. The long bed is standard when equipped with optional dual rear wheels. All models come with standard XM Satellite Radio, and a power-adjustable driver seat on bench-seat-equipped regular cab models.

Available safety features include ABS, an integrated trailer-brake controller, and dual front airbags. Every HD has a tire-pressure monitoring system and OnStar assistance.

Optional equipment includes an off-road package with an uprated suspension and chassis skid plates, rear-obstacle detection, a remote starting system, power-adjustable pedals, and power-sliding rear window (except regular cabs). Also available is an “EZ Lift” tailgate assist feature and bed-wall cargo rails with sliding anchorages for various accessories. Among other options are a swing-out bed extender, heated front seats, a touch-screen navigation system, and rear DVD entertainment.

The 2010 GMC Sierra HD is largely unchanged. Sierra HD is the heavy-duty version of GMC’s full-size Sierra 1500. Chevrolet’s Silverado HD models differ mainly in front-end appearance. Sierra HDs offer 3/4-ton 2500 and 1-ton 3500 series in WT (Work Truck), SLE, and luxury SLT trim. Interiors come in “Pure Pickup” and “Luxury Inspired” designs. Cab styles are a 2-door regular, a 4-door extended cab with rear-access doors, and a crew cab with four full-size front-hinged doors. All can be ordered with front bucket seats or a 40/20/40 split bench. The extended and crew cab include a three-person rear bench with a flip-up cushion that’s split 60/40.

The regular cab comes only with an 8-foot “long” cargo bed. The extended and crew cab also offer a 6.5-foot “short” bed. The long bed is included when equipped with optional dual rear wheels.

HDs are available with either a 360-hp 6.0-liter V8, or a biodiesel-capable turbodiesel 365-hp 6.6-liter V8. Both engines mate to a 6-speed automatic transmission. A manual transmission is no longer available. Maximum towing capacity is 16,500 lb. Buyers can choose rear-wheel drive or one of two 4-wheel-drive systems with low-range gearing: A part-time setup that is not designed for use on dry pavement, and a full-time system that can be.

An automatic-locking rear differential is standard, as is a modified suspension. Available safety features include ABS and an antiskid system. Optional equipment includes an off-road package with an uprated suspension and chassis skid plates, rear-obstacle detection, a remote-starting system, power-adjustable pedals, and power-sliding rear window (except regular cabs). Also available is an “EZ Lift” tailgate assist feature and bed-wall cargo rails with sliding anchorages for various accessories. Among other options are a swing-out bed extender, heated front seats, a touchscreen navigation system, and rear-seat DVD entertainment.

The 2011 GMC Sierra HD is redesigned. Sierra HD is the heavy-duty version of GMC’s full-size Sierra 1500. Chevrolet’s Silverado HD models differ mainly in front-end appearance. Sierra HDs offer three-quarter-ton 2500 and one-ton 3500 series in WT (Work Truck), SLE, upscale SLT, and new-for-2011 luxury Denali trim. Interiors come in “Pure Pickup” and “Luxury Inspired” designs. Cab styles are a 2-door regular, a 4-door extended cab with rear-access doors, and a crew cab with 4 full-size front-hinged doors. All can be ordered with front bucket seats or a 40/20/40 split bench. The extended and crew cab include a 3-person rear bench with a flip-up cushion that’s split 60/40. The 2500 regular cab and 3500 regular and extended cab come only with an 8-foot “long” cargo bed. The 2500 extended and crew cab and 3500 crew cab also offer a 6.5-foot “short” bed.

Two engines are available. Standard on all is a 360-horsepower 6.0-liter V8. A 397-horsepower 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 is available. Both engines pair with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The diesel engine incorporates an exhaust-brake system that captures exhaust gases to assist in slowing the truck on steep descents. Maximum towing capacity is 21,700 pounds. Buyers can choose rear-wheel drive or one of two four-wheel-drive systems with low-range gearing: A part-time setup that is not designed for use on dry pavement, and a full-time system that can be. An automatic-locking rear differential is standard.

Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags. Optional equipment includes an off-road package with an uprated suspension and chassis skid plates, rear-obstacle detection, remote engine start, power-adjustable pedals, and power-sliding rear window (except regular cabs). Also available is an “EZ Lift” tailgate-assist feature and bed-wall cargo rails with sliding anchorages for various accessories. Among other options are a swing-out bed extender, heated front seats, a touchscreen navigation system, and DVD entertainment. This evaluation is based on preview test drives.

The 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 lineup gains a gas/electric hybrid model, a new 6-speed automatic transmission, and some new features. This large pickup truck offers regular-, extended-, and crew-cab body styles. It borrows its basic design from the Chevrolet Silverado 1500. Extended cabs have rear-hinged back doors that don’t open independently of the fronts. Regular cabs can seat up to three passengers, while extendeds and crews can seat up to six. Three bed lengths are available: The 5.8-foot short bed; 6.6-foot standard bed; and 8.0-foot long bed. The 2009 GMC Sierra offers two interiors, dubbed “pure pickup” and “luxury inspired.”

Available engines, depending on cab and bed configuration, are a 195-hp 4.3-liter V6; 295-hp 4.8-liter V8; 315-hp 5.3-liter V8; 367-hp 6.0-liter V8; and 403-hp 6.2-liter V8. Certain versions of the 5.3-liter V8 and all 6.2 V8 engines can run on E85 ethanol-blended fuel. The 5.3 and 6.0 V8 engines come with GM’s Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation. V6, 4.8 V8, and most 5.3 V8 versions have a 4-speed automatic transmission. Available on 5.3 V8 Crew Cab as well as the 6.0 V8 is a 6-speed automatic. Some rear-drive Sierras with the 5.3-liter V8 and 6-speed automatic can be equipped as the XFE, which stands for Xtra Fuel Economy. XFE has specific wheels and tires, along with other mechanical and aerodynamic treatments. GM claims an increase in fuel economy of up to 7 percent over non-XFE versions. Unique to the Sierra lineup is the Denali. It’s a crew cab with the 6.2-liter V8 and specific interior and exterior trim. Maximum towing capacity is 10,700 pounds.

The 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid has a 6.0-liter V8 engine that pairs with an electric motor for 332 hp total. It can run on one or both of its power sources, depending on driving demands, and requires no plug-in charging. The Hybrid uses a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The Hybrid’s maximum towing capacity is 6100 pounds.

Rear-wheel drive is standard across the board. Two 4-wheel-drive systems are offered: A part-time setup that should not be left engaged on dry pavement, and GM’s Autotrac that can. Both include a low-range gear for off-roading. All-wheel drive is available on the Denali. Sierra is available with several different suspensions. The Z83 and Z85 setups are designed for ride comfort. The Z60 is a street performance suspension, and the Z71 is for off-road use. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and curtain side airbags. Available features include a navigation system, remote engine start, and a new-for-2009 wireless cell-phone link.

The 2010 GMC Sierra was slated to receive a new turbodiesel V8 engine, but its introduction has been indefinitely delayed due to GM’s precarious financial position. Otherwise, the 2010 GMC Sierra 1500 lineup sees a few changes. This large pickup truck continues to offer regular-, extended-, and crew-cab body styles. It shares its basic design with the Chevrolet Silverado 1500. Extended cabs retain their rear-hinged back doors that don’t open independently of the fronts. Regular cabs continue to seat up to 3 passengers, while extendeds and crews seat up to 6. Three bed lengths are available. The 5.8-foot short bed is offered only on the crew cab; 6.6- and 8.0-foot beds are offered on the regular and extended cabs.

Available engines, depending on cab and bed configuration, are as follows: a 195-horsepower 4.3-liter V6; 302-horsepower 4.8-liter V8; 315-horsepower 5.3-liter V8; and 403-horsepower 6.2-liter V8. For 2010, all conventional Sierra V8 engines are capable of running on E85 ethanol-blended fuel. V6 and 4.8 V8 models use a 4-speed automatic transmission. All 5.3 and 6.2 versions use a 6-speed automatic. Some rear-drive crew-cab Sierras with the 5.3-liter V8 and 6-speed automatic can be equipped as the XFE, which stands for Xtra Fuel Economy. XFE versions have specific wheels and tires, along with other mechanical and aerodynamic treatments. GM claims an increase in fuel economy of up to 7 percent over non-XFE Sierras. Unique to the Sierra lineup is the luxury-themed Denali crew cab. Denali uses the 6.2-liter V8 and has specific exterior and interior trim. Maximum towing capacity is 10,700 pounds.

The 2010 GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid has a 6.0-liter V8 engine that pairs with an electric motor for 332 horsepower total. It can run on one or both of its power sources, depending on driving demands, and requires no plug-in charging. The Hybrid has a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that behaves much like an automatic and a maximum towing capacity of 6,100 pounds.

Rear-wheel drive is standard across the board. Two 4-wheel-drive systems are offered: A part-time setup that should not be left engaged on dry pavement, and GM’s Autotrac, which can. Both include a low-range gear for off-roading. All-wheel drive is available on the Denali. Sierra offers several different suspensions. The Z83 and Z85 setups are designed for ride comfort. The Z60 is a street performance suspension, and the Z71 is for off-road use. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front-side airbags, and curtain-side airbags. Available features include a navigation system, remote engine start, a wireless cell-phone link, and “luxury inspired” interior trim. This report is based on evaluations of the 2009 GMC Sierra 1500.

The 2009 GMC Savana gets an engine-oil cooler, a transmission-oil cooler, a 125-amp alternator on the 195-hp 4.3-liter V6, and a fast-idle option on the 323-hp 6.0-liter V8. Savana and the Chevrolet Express share the same basic design and come in passenger and cargo models. Half-ton Savana 1500s come only in regular length. Three-quarter-ton 2500s and 1-ton 3500s come in regular or extended length. All models have two swing-open rear cargo doors and, on the passenger side, either 60/40 hinged doors or a sliding door.

Optional on all models are 60/40 split doors on the driver side. Regular-length passenger vans seat up to 12, extended-length passenger vans up to 15. Front seats are buckets; others are benches that can be removed. Cargo models have front buckets along with metal side and rear panels in place of windows. A 195-hp 4.3-liter V6 engine is standard on light duty cargo models. Four V8s are offered: a 279-hp 4.8 liter, a 301-hp 5.3 liter, and a 323-hp 6.0 liter.

Optional on 2500 and 3500 cargo models is a turbodiesel 250-hp 6.6-liter V8. All Savana vans have a 4-speed automatic transmission, a standard tire pressure monitoring system and an information console that displays maintenance reminders and vehicle status information. All versions have rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available on 1500s. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, dual front airbags, and curtain side airbags. Optional equipment includes rear air conditioning, access panels with keyless remote release in place of side windows, a fuel-operated auxiliary heater, a limited-slip differential, a CD player, heated power mirrors with turn signals, and a heavy-duty alternator.