2010 GMC Sierra Hybrid

Exterior Impression:

The GMC Sierra is big truck, the kind that has a commanding presence on the road, what isn’t big however are the Hybrid badges. Unlike the Escalade that shows off its advanced two-mode hybrid/electric drive train, our Sierra 2WD Hybrid would blend in with the rest of the crew at any job site. That’s not to say that the Sierra doesn’t identify itself as Hybrid vehicle, the tasteful etchings from the Escalade and Tahoe carry over.

Our Stealth Grey Metallic work truck of the future rode on the massive standard issue 18 inch chrome rims that are made up of six thick spokes. The GMC Sierra Hybrid rides high up in the air; the truck has plenty of ground clearance, our Sierra looks even bigger than a normal truck because it combines a full size bed with a full size four door cab, making one large piece of Americana.

Interior Impression:

The inside of the GMC Sierra is as wide open as spacious as the exterior is large. The four door cab can seat six if the center armrest is up. It was easy to find the perfect driving position with our truck’s only option, a 6 way power adjustable chair for the driver. It made it easy to grab a hold of one of the most comfortable leather wrapped steering wheels in any vehicle on the road today and view the well laid our gauges.

The seats were covered in a beige cloth that was easy on the eyes, but we are not so sure how well it would stand up to muddy work clothes day in and day out, perhaps some seat covers would be in order. One option that our Sierra was missing is the large LCD back up camera/hybrid monitor. Instead our truck came with a standard issue GM head unit. The rubber floor mats were a nice touch, they should come standard on every vehicle, they just make clean up so much easier, and after all the GMC Sierra should spend a considerable amount of time in the mud.

The Drive:

The GMC Sierra Hybrid drives like any large American truck should, the hybrid drive train only added to our driving experience. In fact we found ourselves driving around town on electric only, negating the need for the 332 HP 6.0 Liter modern day V8 with features like active fuel management and variable valve timing. Unfortunately we didn’t have a chance to test the Sierra Hybrid’s 367 lb-ft of torque to haul any cargo even though our GMC truck was equipped with a trailer hitch and has a 6,100 pound towing capacity.

Why to Buy:

The GMC Sierra Hybrid is a green truck that deserves to get dirty, unlike an Escalade the gas/electric GMC is more of a tax write off than a status symbol. This is the truck that a foreman will drive to a job site. Showing his clients that they can feel safe that their money is going towards a greener future. This is also the truck that we most expect Willie Nelson to drive to the store, although it’s not a bio diesel, the 2-Mode Hybrid system allows the 5,600 pound truck to get an EPA estimated 21 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway.

Why not to Buy:

If you are the average construction worker, you can pick up a standard Sierra for around $22,000. Being green probably won’t be such a large factor when it comes time to purchasing your new workhorse, especially when it will set you back almost $20,000. If you don’t need a truck, but want to support GM and be extremely flashy go buy a Hybrid Escalade.

Other options that you can look at are the Ford F-150, Dodge Ram, Toyota Tundra and Nissan Titan. All are full size pick ups with similar sizes, prices and capabilities; although no country builds a truck like America.

Top Speed Final Verdict:

We liked the GMC Sierra 2WD Hybrid Crew Cab, the truck’s large living space and dominance on the road made it a vehicle that you feel safe to be behind the wheel of. The truck has seating for six and can haul over 6,000 pounds. This is the perfect truck for fleets and hard working individuals, whose truck will be a large part of their workforce. If General Motors can figure out a way to make the hybrid unit more affordable, our Sierra came in at $39,640, this hybrid pick up would put the F-150 to shame, but we fear that the price to go green is just too expensive for the Sierra’s target market.