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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab

Overview

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2009 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab Review

By KBB.com Editors

Long regarded as the twin of the Chevrolet Silverado, the 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 offers more differentiation from its General Motors stable-mate in looks, while sharing the same basic architecture and engine choices. Exclusive to the GMC Sierra line, though, is the Denali trim level that brings with it a variety of power and luxury features. Looking to extend their leadership in the pickup truck segment, GM engineers and designers have created a new breed of pickup, one offering an improved chassis, more precise steering and not one but two quieter, more upscale interiors. The Sierra also delivers segment-leading fuel economy thanks to the new line of Active Fuel Management-equipped V8 engines and the introduction of the 2-Mode hybrid model.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you need the hauling and towing capabilities of a full-size pickup truck, you can have them while at the same time contributing to the environment via a V8-engine lineup that offers Active Fuel Management technology and Flex-Fuel E85 capability.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you have trouble making up your mind, you might be boggled by the number of trim levels, cab sizes, bed lengths and even instrument panels. Rising fuel costs might also have you looking to a smaller, V6 powered truck.

What's New for 2009

All Sierra's benefit from enhancements to the OnStar and XM NavTracffic systems, while models fitted with the 5.3-, 6.0- and 6.2-liter engines gain a new six-speed automatic transmission. An E85-compatible 6.2-liter V8 is also now available on SLT and Denali trims.

Driving the Sierra 1500 Crew Cab

Driving Impressions Sufficient power and surprising ride comfort are two hallmarks of the 2009 GMC Sierra 1500. Riding on a fully-boxed frame for more chassis stiffness, with coil-over-shock front suspension and rack-and-pinion...

steering, the big pickup truck is surprisingly nimble and easy to maneuver. Our lengthy test drive took us over rough, washboard gravel roads, yet the Sierra's cabin retained library-like calm and quiet. We found it hard to choose between the "pure pickup" interior and the "luxury-inspired" interior, because both were handsome and functional. While the available 4.3-liter V6 is no doubt adequate, the Sierra can also be equipped with a variety of V8 engines, most with 5.3-liter displacement, while the Denali and SLT offer a 6.2-liter variable-valve-timing engine. Power delivery with each V8 engine we tested was more than ample, though we have to admit we liked the pure power of the 6.0-liter and 6.2-liter V8s. The StabiliTrak electronic stability control system is welcome standard equipment on all V8 trims.

Favorite Features

OnStar 8.0
The latest OnStar system includes available Bluetooth connectivity and a Turn-by-Turn navigation with Destination Download on models equipped with DVD-based navigation.

Active Fuel Management
The Active Fuel Management system available in four different V8s cuts the operation of four cylinders when they are unneeded and enhances fuel economy.

2009 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab Details

Interior

The 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 benefits from GM's extensive reworking of both full-size pickups and full-size SUVs, and among the benefits are two distinct interiors. The work truck and SLE trim levels feature the "pure pickup" interior that features larger controls – designed to accommodate gloved hands – and a double glovebox. The SLT trim level features the same "luxury-inspired" interior also used in GMC's SLT-trim Yukon and Yukon XL full-size sport utilities. Both attractive instrument panels are mounted low and far forward for an increased feeling of spaciousness. The same can be said of the back-seat area in the crew cab models, which offers ample room and comfort. Its elevated stadium-style rear seat has a 60/40-split design and folding center armrest, and it can be easily folded up with one hand to provide an uninterrupted load floor.

Exterior

While the 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 does share the "strong, silent-type" handsomeness of the Silverado, it also offers a distinct front end, front and rear fenders and hood. An upscale look is highlighted by narrow gaps between body panels, enabled by the new version's significantly stiffer frame. The grille with prominent GMC logo is complemented by large "jeweled-appearance" headlights. The pickup box is taller than in the previous version of the Sierra and, at the same time, better integrated. The stamped-in rear fender flares are designed to give the truck a muscular look. Standard wheels are 17 inches in diameter, while 22-inch wheels are also available. Easy entry into the rear seat/storage area of extended-cab models is accommodated by new rear access doors that open 170 degrees. Power-operated rear-side windows lower completely into the access doors.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 is offered in five trim levels from basic to sinfully luxurious. The base model is the WT (work truck), and then, ascending the food chain, the SLE, SLT and Denali. In fact, the Sierra Denali is virtually a distinct model unto itself and includes as standard a 6.2-liter all-aluminum V8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission. Cloth seats are standard on WT and SLE models, and leather seating is available on SLE models. SLT models include standard leather seats, the "luxury" instrument panel, 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, six-disc audio system with Bose speakers, Bluetooth phone connectivity, and heated windshield washer system. The crew-cab SLT version is even more luxurious with rain-sensing windshield wipers and a rear-seat audio system. Even the base trim level includes a four-speed automatic transmission, tire pressure monitoring system, power rack-and-pinion steering, anti-lock brakes (ABS), air conditioning, tinted glass, full instrumentation, XM Satellite radio and two auxiliary power outlets. StabiliTrak stability control is standard on all models except those with the 4.3-liter V6 engine.

Optional Equipment

The multiplicity of trim levels should allow you to fine-tune your Sierra to the equipment level you want, but options abound as well. Convenience features offered on SLE and SLT models include touch-screen navigation/sound system, power-operated moonroof, rear backup camera and a power-sliding rear window. New for the Denali trim are heated and cooled front seats. Sierra offers five distinct suspension systems, each tailored to suit specific driving requirements. They include Z83 for a solid, smooth ride, Z85 for enhanced handling and trailer towing, Z71 for enhanced off-road capability, Z60 for street performance with 20-inch wheels and NHT for maximum towing capacity.. A choice of two- and four-wheel-drive models, various cabs and bed lengths and a variety of axle ratios are also offered.

Under the Hood

The 4.3-liter V6 and 4.8-liter V8 should be more than adequate in work truck applications, but for dual-use work and pleasure driving we recommend stepping up to at least the 5.3-liter V8 engines, some with cast-iron blocks and some with aluminum. For those with a need for towing capacity, the 6.0-liter with Active Fuel Management and variable valve timing and the 6.2-liter in the Denali are good choices, although they are expected to suffer a trifle in fuel economy.

4.3-liter V6
195 horsepower @ 4600 rpm
260 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/20 (2WD), 14/18 (4WD)

4.8-liter V8
295 horsepower @ 5600 rpm
305 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/19 (2WD), 14/18 (4WD)

5.3-liter V8 Flex Fuel
315 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
338 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 11/15 (2WD, E85) 14/20 (2WD, gasoline), 10/14 (4WD, E85), 14/19 (4WD, gasoline)

5.3-liter V8
315 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
338 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/20 (2WD), 14/19 (4WD)

6.0-liter V8
367 horsepower @ 5600 rpm
375 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/19 (2WD), 13/18 (4WD)

6.2-liter V8
403 horsepower @ 5700 rpm
417 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/19 (2WD, gasoline), 10/14 (2WD, E85), 12/19 (4WD), 9/14 (4WD, AWD, E85), 12/19 (AWD)

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2009 GMC Sierra 1500 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.9

Out of 10

Based on 671 Ratings for the 2007 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.0/10

Quality

9.0/10
Reliability

9.3/10

Performance

9.2/10
Comfort

9.2/10

Styling

9.1/10

I guess the newnes is still here...lol

By Greg C (FL) on Sunday, June 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 3,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Everything"

Cons: "Nothing"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I guess Im still happy from having a new truck.. Being a guy that never had much Worked my but off now i can afforn a nice new vehicle.. I pretty happy with mine. Dont have any complaints.... And I actualy like the salesman. I didnt want to ring there neck out after purchase... If God is willing My next one will be the the big Diesel.... Very Happy Camper...."

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I guess the newnes is still here...lol

By Greg C (FL) on Sunday, June 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 3,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Everything"

Cons: "Nothing"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

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My first truck couldn't have been a better one!

By dozer13 (TX) on Friday, May 31, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 39,800

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "seats, Bose stereo, exterior looks, reliable"

Cons: "as predicted-gas mileage typical of a truck, price"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"My first truck, could not be a better one. There may be better trucks out there, but GMC provides a solid truck that is reliable and safe. Very little problems. Highly recommended."

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Does it ALL

By Day (IN) on Monday, May 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 80,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Cons: "Used oil but the dealer did a good job fixing it."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"It handles great, looks great, pulls great, goes in the snow, goes in the field, is a real workhorse!!!"

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Does not compare well with Ford F150 Platinum

By mikeyg (NM) on Friday, May 24, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 5,891

10 6.0

overall rating 6 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 6/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 6/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 6/10
Comfort: 8/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"I went from a Ford F150 to this Denali. I notice the following differences; Pros - The GMC rides nicer and the front interior cabin set up is nicer. I also think the GMC is a really good looking vehicle from front to back. Cons- The truck comes without a bed liner of any kind, the r/v camera is a joke and difficult to view when backing to a trailer, the back seat is cramped compared to Ford. Lots of road noise and back doors sound like tin cans when closing. Also the OnStar did not work and I had to take it back to the dealer to re-enter codes. Still didn't work. Spent three hours one afternoon on the phone with OnStar to get it to work (had to upgrade software on truck??!!??). The truck has a bad habit of locking its own doors whether you intend to lock them or not. I've been locked out three times. I now keep spare keys at various locations. In summary - nice looking and riding vehicle but leaves a lot to be desired at this price point."

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drive line slack

By shorthand (MS) on Saturday, May 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 3,000

10 3.0

overall rating 3 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 3/10
Value: Not Rated
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: Not Rated
Performance: Not Rated
Styling: Not Rated
Comfort: Not Rated

Pros: "Happy with truck except for above problem"

Cons: "problem has not been resolved"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"The truck has slack in the drive train. It is more noticeable in stop and go traffic, and when you turn to the right you can hear a clunk noise as the slack comes out of the drive line. I took the truck back to the dearlership and was told by the technician that I was not the only one who had this same problem. According to GM and the dealership the solution was for me to change my driving habits."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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See all 671 reviews