2009 GMC Sierra 1500 Review

About this Vehicle

Trim: 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali
MSRP: $39,590
Engine: 6.2L V8
Transmission: Automatic
Drivetrain: 4X2, AWD
Fuel Type: Gas
Curb Weight: 5,181 lbs.
The GMC Sierra 1500 is a full-size pickup truck that offers plenty of power as well as a variety of body styles and custom configurations to satisfy the most picky of drivers. GMC combines the luxuries we want in all vehicles, including trucks, with its well known capabilities for hauling and towing in the Sierra 1500.

Improvements from the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500

For the 2009 model year, GMC made some changes to the Sierra 1500. Among them, there’s a new V8 option for non-Denali models, a six-speed automatic transmission, Bluetooth connectivity, and a backup camera. There’s also a new option called XFE for extra fuel economy for crew cab styles.

Performance

Depending on your needs, you can upgrade all the way to a 403-horsepower V8. But the standard Work truck comes well equipped with a 4.3-liter V6 that gets 195 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque.
  • Car pricing:
  • Engine: Base model comes with a 4.3-liter V6 that gets 195 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque.
  • Transmission: Four-speed automatic is standard.

Exterior Features

Choose from three body styles: standard, extended or crew cabs. You can also customize the length of the truck’s bed. Standard cabs come with either 6-foot-6-inch beds or 8-foot beds. Depending on the cab, you also could select a shorter 5-foot-8-inch bed.

Interior Features

Standard features on the base Work trim package comes with air conditioning, vinyl seating surfaces, CD player, satellite radio, OnStar and a trip computer. You can upgrade to the SLE or SLT trims, which include more features. As you upgrade, seating surfaces will switch from vinyl to cloth, among other features. The Denali is the top-grade, high-performance trim.

Safety and Specifications

The GMC Sierra 1500 includes a variety of safety features that result in more affordable auto insurance, among them: antilock brakes, stability control (on V8s), side-curtain airbags (optional, standard on Denali).

Upgrade Options

Options on the Sierra 1500 include Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, backup camera, improved audio, upgrades wheels, rear-seat entertainment systems, folding outside mirrors, sunroof, power rear window, and others.

How the GMC Sierra 1500 Compares to Other Full-Size Pickup Trucks

Auto reviewers like the GMC Sierra’s tough towing capacity as well as its interior features. But it does lack some precision in turning radius. Check out full-size pickups from Nissan and Ford to compare.

Conclusion: Is the GMC Sierra 1500 a Smart Buy?

Considered comfortable and easy to drive by auto reviewers, and one of the most stellar hauling trucks on the road, the GMC Sierra 1500 is a full-size pickup truck worthy of a look. While it might not have the best steering in comparison to its more cushy counterparts, this is a truck ready to work.