GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid
Most Fuel-Efficient Trucks for 2010
By : Jeff Wysaski
Date : 11/19/2009
If you're in the market for a 2010 truck, then chances are fuel-efficiency isn't the most important factor in your buying decision. Still, if you need a beefy vehicle that you can throw around for work or play, then you may be looking to minimize your carbon footprint as much as possible. To aid in your decision, the most fuel-efficient trucks for 2010 are listed below:
2010 Nissan Frontier
(21 mpg combined)The 2010 Nissan Frontier performs ably for a compact truck, offering as much as 19 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway (manual, 2WD models). The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 152 horsepower and 171 lb-ft. of torque. However, if towing and performance are truly important to you, then the upgrade 4.0-liter 261-hp V6 engine may be more your cup of tea. Of course, be prepared to lose some of that fuel efficiency.
The 2010 Frontier offers rugged looks and excellent composure both on and off the road. Base price for the truck starts at a wallet-friendly $17,540.
2010 Suzuki Equator
(21 mpg combined)The Suzuki Equator is a rebadged Nissan Frontier. As such, both vehicles feature identical engines and fuel efficiency. Differences in the two vehicles are purely cosmetic, so if you're looking for a compact truck that performs like a champ in off-road scenarios, take a look at both to see which one you prefer. Having said that, Suzuki does offer a longer warranty on the 2010 Equator. Given that the base price is comparable to the Frontier ($17,220), the Suzuki Equator may be a better buy in the long run. 2009 model pictured.
2010 GMC Canyon
(21 mpg combined)The compact 2010 GMC Canyon nets a maximum of 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. The 2.9-liter four-cylinder engine beats other compact trucks on this list with 185 horsepower. So if you want a powerful four-cylinder, then this may be the choice for you. However, keep in mind that interior comfort and styling is a bit on the bare side. Base price for the 2010 Canyon is $16,985.
2010 Chevrolet Colorado
(21 mpg combined)The 2010 Chevy Colorado shares the same architecture and engine technology as the GMC Canyon. As such, fuel efficiency figures are identical. If a four-cylinder engine simply won't cut it for you, then you can upgrade with either a 3.7-liter 242-hp five-cylinder engine or a 300-hp V8. MSRP for the 2010 Colorado comes in at $16,985.
2010 Toyota Tacoma
(22 mpg combined)When equipped with two-wheel drive and a manual transmission, the base 2010 Toyota Tacoma earns 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Gas pumps through a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that musters 159 horsepower. The optional 4.0-liter V6 is a better option for those who need their truck for frequent hauling and off-roading.
As a compact truck, the 2010 Tacoma competes directly with the Frontier and Equator. All offer similar ride quality and features, though you may find the interior of the Tacoma to be more comfortable. Base price for the Toyota truck starts at $15,170.
2010 GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid
(22 mpg combined)Hybrid technology has crept into every vehicle segment, and the GMC Sierra serves as one of the sole hybrid representatives for the truck category. With 21 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway, GM's hybrid technology manages to combine full-size capabilities with the fuel efficiency of a compact truck. If you're serious about saving at the gas pump, but still require a big vehicle with plenty of muscle, then it doesn't get much better than the 2010 Sierra Hybrid. Still, with a base price $38,710, the best of both worlds is going to cost you.
2010 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid
(22 mpg combined)The 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid is the rebranded brother of the GMC Sierra. Both incorporate the same hybrid technology to deliver equivalent fuel efficiency. Base models come with a capable 6.0-liter V8 engine and a total of 322 horsepower. The ability to accept flex-fuel e85 adds to the environmental friendliness of these two trucks. Compare cosmetic differences of the Silverado and Sierra to determine your favorite. Base price for the Silverado Hybrid is $38,340.
2010 Ford Ranger
(24 mpg combined)The compact 2010 Ford Ranger takes the prize of most fuel-efficient truck for 2010. The 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine gets by with 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway when outfitted with two-wheel drive and a manual transmission. However, look back over this list and you'll notice that the Ranger houses the smallest engine of any fuel-efficient truck. As such, the efficient Ford Ranger is only recommended for light-duty hauling. For more utility (and lowered mpg), you'll need to step up to the 4.0-liter V6 engine. Base price for the 2010 Ranger starts at $17,440.
Road Test: 2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid
By : Sheryll Alexander
Date : 07/08/2009
Hybrid trucks have come a long way. And the 2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid (and its 2009 Chevrolet Silverado cousin) is no exception. With excellent fuel efficiency for its weight (21.5 combined mpg), powerful V8 performance, a luxury interior and above average trailering capacity, this GM truck is a winner for those who are seeking an environmentally-friendly truck.
The problem is: You are going to pay. The base MSRP for the 2WD model is $36,365 (base MSRP is $45,500 for 4WD model). However, the good news is that new car buyers may be eligible for a $2,200 tax credit. Plus, in this depressed economy, GM dealers may be willing to give you a great deal for bumping up to a fuel-efficient hybrid truck.
“The Sierra Hybrid represents GMC’s commitment to engineering excellence, delivering a fully functional truck that offers a significant improvement in fuel economy,” says Buick-Pontiac-GMC vice president Susan Docherty. In fact, the 2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid achieves 40 percent greater city fuel economy and a 25 percent improvement in overall fuel economy than its non-hybrid version.
What does this road test warrior think about the 2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid? Read on.
2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid Exterior
I felt very patriotic over the recent July 4 weekend while driving around in our sparkling burgundy red 2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid Crew Cab. This handsome truck certainly has that all-American beefy look. Still, at the same time, the 2009 GMC Sierra looks rather refined with its sleek two-door sidelines and generous cab.
2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid Interior
At first glance, my first impression of the 2009 GMC Sierra’s interior is that is can please both guys and gals. In fact, the interior was so nice that my husband took over this handsome truck immediately and I had to literally pry the keys out of his hands to complete my test drive.
Some may see the 2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid as purely a work truck, but I found the interior to be just as luxurious and comfortable as a luxury sedan, CUV or SUV. The two toned black-and-tan textured plastics on the dash (black) and underbelly (tan) worked together nicely to create a pleasing environment.
The instrument gauges are sporty and easy to view. I especially love the turquoise-colored lighting at night. The shift lever is placed nicely on the right of the steering wheel and shifts smoothly.
The dashboard holds a few uncluttered controls, including audio and climate. This minimalism may translate work truck for some, but surely also pleases those who desire less buttons and more functionality.
The central arm rest between the driver and passenger captain’s chairs is highly ergonomic. I enjoyed using the three cupholders to carry my drinks as well as my life: keys, cell phones, iPod, mints and papers. The storage bin acts as both a huge armrest and to store everything from CDs to the kid’s toys to power tools.
The second row seating in the back cab has generous legroom and is supremely comfortable as well as providing a middle seat, which can be lowered and used an armrest and cup holders.
Overall, the interior of the 2009 GMC Sierra brings comfort, luxury and that undeniably desireable classic American design.
2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid Performance
GM’s super cool two-mode hybrid engine powers the 2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid’s 6.0-liter V8. GM’s powertrain engineers use an advanced electrically variable transmission (EVT) along with a 300-volt nickel-metal hydride battery to work in concert with the engine’s “active fuel management” and “late intake valve closing.”
What does this all mean? GM’s hybrid technology can launch the heavy duty 2009 GMC Sierra on electricity alone up to 30 mph. Wow! So, when you are driving 30 mph and lower, you are not using any gasoline whatsoever.
On my road test, I found the 2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid also works well at fast speeds. Powering over a big hill on Jamboree Road in Newport Beach, I punched down the accelerator and easily hit 80 mph only halfway up this rather steep hill. In other city and highway driving, I found the Sierra’s hybrid engine is fast, smooth, quiet and certainly lots of fun to drive. All other driving dynamics are excellent too such as steering, handling and braking.
2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid Trailering Performance
Another potential problem with the 2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid is trailering performance. For 2WD models, the towing capacity is 6,100 lbs and 5,900 lbs for 4WD models.
Engineers for the 2009 GMC Sierra also incorporated grade braking and “tap up/tap down” shift control for towing on curves or lower-speed back roads. GM says this technology “eliminates the shift shock torque disruption that can occur during abrupt shifts such as when slowing or braking.” Sounds like smooth driving really helps when towing heavy loads like boats.
Fortunately, with the gas-electric motor, you still burn no gasoline even when towing the maximum capacity under certain conditions. Nice!
2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid Safety
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration gives the 2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid its top marks in all crash test and rollover categories.
2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid Trim Levels, Packages & Options
The 2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid comes in two trim levels: 3HA and 3HB. The base 3HA model comes standard with towing gear, 18-inch alloy wheels, 40-20-40 split front bench, full power accessories, soft bed tonneau cover, leather-wrapped steering wheels with built-in audio controls, dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, OnStar and a six-speaker CD/MP3/XM satellite radio audio system.
The 3HB model adds heated exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals, hard bed tonneau cover, fog lamps, rear parking sensors, navigation system with real-time traffic updates, rear audio controls, floor-mounted center console, Bose audio system, auto-dimming rear view mirror, leather upholstery, power front seats and power-adjustable pedals.
Other stand-alone options include a power drive seat (on 3HA only), power sun roof (3HB only), remote start, engine block heater and hybrid decal package.
Still interested in buying this fun-to-drive hybrid truck? You should be. The $2,200 tax credit, fuel-efficient engine, luxury interior, overall great performance and towing capacity makes this American-designed truck a big winner.
Sheryll Alexander is a lifestyles writer based in Costa Mesa, Calif. Follow me! @sheryllalexande
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