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Walk Around

The GMC Sierra HD shares mechanical bits with the Chevy Silverado HD, but they are no longer visual clones. A higher grille between the stacked headlights leads to a flatter, more traditionally styled hood than that on the Silverado, plus the GMC gets unique fenders and box sides as well.

A new panel forming process gives the dually models integral, seamless rear fender flares and smoother finish for improved paint. This gives the dual rear-wheel trucks a much nicer appearance than that of, say, the heavy-duty Dodge Ram.

The wallpaper sized, ruby red GMC logo makes its origin plainly obvious but the bumper that blends into the fenders gives a much cleaner look and is unusual in HD pickups. Increased frame stiffness allows a smaller gap between the cab and body, and combined with the more aerodynamic windshield and narrower door gaps, makes the Sierra much quieter than its predecessor.

The box sides are deeper by an inch-and-a-bit, the tailgate has a optional lock and assist for closing it with less effort, and the cargo management option fits rails to three sides of the bed; these can be used for tie-down points and to carry a variety of tool or utility boxes. The stoutest Sierra HD's can tow 13,000 pounds with the new 2.5-inch receiver hitch, and the new dual-element mirror and trailer brake control options will lower the stress level.

The Sierra offers similar external dimensions to those of the Ford and Dodge trucks: more than six-and-a-half feet wide outside with room for a 4x8-foot sheet of building material to ride flat in the long bed.

Sierra 4WD versions ride slightly lower than competing pickups, and that inch or two could make the difference in commercial garages or fifth-wheel/bed clearance. The lower bed height is appreciated greatly when loading and unloading cargo.

Interior

2009 GMC Sierra HD

The GMC Sierra HD cabins are up to date, having been completely redesigned for the 2007 model year. Two different dash designs are available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

The high-line Sierra HD SLT features an interior design similar to that of a luxury car or the Yukon Denali. The SLT uses a low-profile dash, a compact instrument cluster, and a center stack with lots of woodgrain trim that rolls off the dash and flows right into a full-length center console. Horizontally oriented vents are positioned at the top, with navigation screen below, and climate controls on the bottom, just above the storage bin that connects to the center console. The SLT dash is sleek, speaks of good fit and finish. Instrument graphics were further upgraded for 2008. The SLT cabin is the nicest, most luxurious, and most comfortable for long-distance towing.

The other Sierra HD models use a more conventional "pure pickup" layout for the interior, with a higher dash section that goes across the middle and leaves the center open for middle riders, manual-shift transfer case, or communications and safety equipment. The standard dash may not be as stylish as the SLT layout, but it is the more functional of the two and it's equally well assembled. (It received the same improvements when redesigned for 2007 and updated for 2008.) The standard Sierra dash offers more options in small storage, including a second glove box (though with an awkward latch) and a locking storage area with power point beneath the center seat section. There are more places to add accessory switches. Radio and ventilation controls are up higher near line of sight. And the materials produce less glare in low-lying sun and night construction areas. Adjustable pedals and a tilt wheel are available, though the wheel does not telescope and is offset slightly from the seat centerline.

The regular cab has plenty of room for large drivers and space behind the seat for storing a coat and a pair of boots. Extended cabs have articulated side doors that swing 170 degrees for easier loading, the windows in those doors roll down flush, and the seat cushion folds up for more storage. Crew cabs are the obvious choice for anyone hauling more than youngsters on a regular basis, just be sure the middle rider knows there is no headrest. Note that the sunroof shade on high-line versions is literally a shade and not a solid cover, so the interior will warm faster on sunny days.

Operating controls are clearly labeled and logically placed. The shifter offers the typical D and 1 positions, with an M position and thumb tab for individually selecting any intermediate gear. If there's a drawback it is the quantity of similarly shaped and labeled small buttons that butterfingers may have some issues with. Door switches have been revised so your guard dog won't run the window up, but he may still lock you out by stepping on the power lock buttons. Fortunately, OnStar is standard and includes a few months free service; call them and they'll remotely unlock the doors, freeing Fido and your truck. The latest versions of OnStar also offer turn-by-turn navigation, allowing the OnStar operator the option of downloading instructions to your truck that you can then follow on your own.

The fact that the Sierra interior, especially on SLT models, is the most like a car will certainly find favor with those who need a pickup rather than just want one. Apart from turning circle and size, it takes no more to drive this than to drive any other GMC. Life in a Sierra HD is very good, indeed.

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