Like the Silverado hybrid, the Sierra hybrid is expected to achieve some 40-percent-better fuel economy in the city and 25-percent-better fuel economy overall than a comparable gas-only version. We expect fuel-economy performance to be a bit better than that of the Chevrolet Tahoe hybrid we recently tested, which is said to earn between 21 and 22 mpg in the city, and 20 on the highway. Furthermore, with the Sierra’s 26-gallon fuel tank, the hybrid will have a cruising range of more than 500 miles.
Pure Pickup Packaging
The Sierra hybrid will be available only in crew-cab body style in the GMC equivalent of Chevy’s Pure Pickup trim level, with a three-across front seat and the battery pack under the rear bench seat.
It will come standard with stability control, a trailering package, three-zone air conditioning, a locking rear axle, and an aero-enhancing three-piece bed cover.
The front end will have a lower air dam, and 18-inch wheels will be wrapped in rubber with low-rolling resistance. Specifically tuned shocks with hydraulic body mounts are said to offer improved ride quality, a side effect that we expect few people would throw back.
Oh, and since GM needs everyone to know that it’s in the hybrid business for real, there is a huge “HYBRID” decal on the lower part of the doors—about eye level with Toyota Prius drivers).
The Sierra hybrid and the Silverado hybrid are expected to jump into the market at about the same time this fall. We are told they will not be the most expensive models in their respective lineups. That, combined with the promise of fuel economy in the low 20s and a high 500-mile range, should be enough to win over a good amount of truck buyers from the onset.
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