2011 GMC Sierra Hybrid Reviews

GMC Sierra Hybrid

The 2011 GMC Sierra Hybrid and the very closely related Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid remain the only hybrid pickups for sale in the U.S.

Without seeing the Hybrid badges or decals, you might not even know that it's so green; for light-duty use, the Sierra Hybrid performs much like a standard version of the GMC Sierra 1500 with one of its two smaller V-8 engines (4.8- or 5.3-liter).

In general, the GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid impresses reviewers with a winning combination of impressive around-town fuel economy and full size truck capabilities. Road and Track says the Sierra Hybrid "offers the fuel efficiency and lower emissions of a hybrid with zero compromise to the truck utility side of the equation."

The Sierra’s price tag also turns some reviewers off. Overall, the Sierra 1500 Hybrid is great if you want a full size truck for light towing and around-town commuting. The GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid is nearly identical to the Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid, and the gas-only GMC Sierra 1500. If you have your heart set on a hybrid pickup truck, the Silverado and the Sierra are your only options, and the Sierra is a better deal. The GMC Sierra Hybrid starts at $38,710.

Both the GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid and its twin the Chevy Silverado 1500 Hybrid were introduced in 2009.

The Sierra Hybrid's impressive around-town fuel economy -- typically 6-7 mpg higher than competitive non-hybrids -- is arguably the best reason to buy. The two-mode hybrid Powertrain on the 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid is no small engineering triumph. A nickel-metal hydride battery pack (located underneath the rear bench seat) provides the charge for the electric motors, and a regenerative braking system recharges that battery pack during deceleration.

With the electric motors kicked in, the combined output is 379 horsepower. The Sierra Hybrid costs significantly more than a comparably equipped gas-only Sierra and doesn't offer much of a boost in highway fuel economy. Even the miserly Sierra XFE is rated just 1 mpg less than the Hybrid's 23 mpg highway rating, while the standard 5.3-liter V8 Silverado still rates a respectable 21 highway mpg. For most people, though, the 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid will likely remain an overpriced curiosity.

The 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid is a full-size crew-cab pickup available in a single trim level. Available in either two- or four-wheel-drive, the Sierra 1500 Hybrid is powered by a 6.0-liter V8. In Edmunds testing, a 4WD Sierra Hybrid took a leisurely 9.2 seconds to get from zero to 60 mph. EPA fuel economy estimates are 20 mpg city/23 mpg highway and 21 combined.

Safety

The 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid comes standard with stability control, antilock disc brakes and full-length side curtain airbags. It got four stars for overall frontal crash protection and five stars for overall side crash protection. Inside, the 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid is all work truck.

Driving Impressions

The 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid doesn't feel as powerful as 6.0 liters and a claimed 379 hp would suggest. The electric power steering is transparent enough not to highlight itself as in other hybrids.