2009 GMC Sierra 1500 Overview
The 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 lineup remains unchanged on the outside from the 2008 models, but under the hood and in the cabin, new buyers will benefit from several new features as well as the addition of a new Hybrid option. New for '09, the GMC 1500 lineup includes: an available 6.2-liter FlexFuel V8 engine and available 6-speed automatic transmission that gets an EPA-estimated 13/19 mpg in RWD and 12/19 in 4WD, standard electronic stability control (StabiliTrak) on all V8’s, and optional Bluetooth and XM NavTraffic. The 2009 lineup brings with it enhanced ride comfort and fuel economy without affecting performance.
2009 GMC Sierra 1500 Performance
Depending on cab/bed configuration, available engines include: 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. All 6.2 V8 engines run on E85 ethanol-blended fuel and certain versions of the 5.3-liter V8 can run on E85 ethanol-blended fuel. 5.3 and 6.0 V8 engines come with GM's Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation while V6, 4.8 V8, and most 5.3 V8 versions have a 4-speed automatic transmission. A 6-speed automatic is available on the 5.3 V8 Crew Cab as well as the 6.0 V8. Some rear-drive Sierras with the 5.3-liter V8 and 6-speed automatic can be equipped as the Xtra Fuel Economy model or "XFE." XFE has a variety of aerodynamic treatments and mechanical treatments as well as specific wheels and tires. The XFE versions offer up to a 7 percent increase in fuel economy over non-XFE versions, according to GM.
One of the standouts in the 2009 Sierra lineup is the Denali. With a maximum towing capacity of 10,700 lb., the 2009 Denali is a crew cab with the 6.2-liter V8 and specific interior and exterior trim. Joining Chevy in offering a hybrid full-size pickup, GMC features the Sierra 1500 Hybrid with a 6.0-liter V8 engine that pairs with an electric motor for 332 hp total. Depending on driving demands, the Hybrid can run on one or both of its power sources. It requires no plug-in charging. With a maximum towing capacity of 6100 lb, the Hybrid uses a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
With the 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 lineup, rear-wheel drive is standard across the board. Two four-wheel drive systems are available. These include GM's Autotrac that can be left engaged on dry pavement, and a part-time setup that cannot. Both systems include a low-range gear for off-roading.
All-wheel drive is available on the Denali while Sierra is available with a variety of suspensions. The Sierra Z71 is for off-road use, the Z83 and Z85 setups are designed for ride comfort and the Sierra Z60 is a street performance suspension.
2009 GMC Sierra 1500 Body and Interior
In true GMC fashion, the ’09 Sierra 1500 offers a wide variety of trims. Two interior options are available and include “pure pickup” and “luxury interior." An abundance of powerplants, wheelbases, bed lengths, cab configurations are available as well as the choice of rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. Combine the offerings and this adds up to 23 trim levels, including SLE and SLT as well as the extended-cab-only. On the SL, the rear doors do not open independently of the front. SLEs and SLTs come with regular, extended, and crew cabs and wheelbases range from 119-157.5 inches. Bed lengths range from 69.3 inches for the extended-cab short-bed to 97.6 inches for the regular-cab long-bed.
2009 GMC Sierra 1500 Safety
The Sierra 1500 received five stars in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) front driver and side crash tests. Safety features on all 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 trims include electronic stability control (StabiliTrak) on all V8-equipped trims, 4-wheel ABS, and front driver and passenger airbags with the passenger sensing system.
2009 GMC Sierra 1500 Options
Notable available options include a variety of towing packages such as the Z71 Off-Road Package which includes skid plates, an off-road suspension and a locking rear differential; the All-Terrain Package which is similar to the Z71 but with special interior and exterior enhancements, and the Xtra Fuel Economy (XFE) Package available for the two-wheel-drive crew cab. The XFE Package features aerodynamic enhancements and lightweight aluminum components that improve fuel economy, and a six-speed automatic transmission.
Other GMC Sierra options include a rear back-up camera and upgraded audio systems, a navigation system with real-time traffic reports, Bluetooth, 20- and 22-inch wheels, a rear-seat entertainment system, a cargo management system, heated power-folding outside mirrors, a sunroof, a power-sliding rear window, and rear park assist and the "EZ Lift" tailgate. The EZ Lift requires only about half the effort to open and close compared to the standard tailgate.
2009 GMC Sierra 1500 Price and Value Assessment
Depending on a variety of factors such as configuration, drive type, style, and package (to name just a few), the 2009 GMC Sierra has a MSRP of $19,020-$41,550. The '09 GMC Sierra offers an array of cab styles and bed lengths with powerful V8 or diesel engines. The three-quarter- or one-ton models are excellent for commercial or heavy-duty use and the light-duty half-ton models are perfect for personal use.
2009 GMC Sierra 1500 Comparable Vehicles
Similar models in the class include the Toyota Tundra, the Dodge Ram 1500, Chevrolet Avalanche, and the Ford F-150. Like the GMC Sierra 1500 the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 added a gas/electric hybrid model for 2009.