2010 GMC Sierra 1500
- 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
Based on analysis of 45 Sierra-1500 reviews and test drives.
GMC Sierra 1500 - What the Auto Press Says
The 2010 GMC Sierra 1500 ranks 4 out of 8 Full Size Pickup Trucks. This ranking is based on our analysis of 45 published reviews and test drives of the GMC Sierra 1500, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The GMC Sierra 1500 offers something for everyone: full-size truck utility and, if buyers want it, a dose of luxury.
With three cabs, three cargo beds, six engines, five suspension and four interior packages, the GMC Sierra can be custom built to each buyer's specifications. With large truck sales declining, buyers should be able to find some very good incentives and options on the GMC Sierra, which also has one of the best fuel economy ratings in the class.
The Sierra impresses reviewers with its available interior packages, which can take the Sierra from a basic work truck to one of the most luxurious trucks on the market. New Car Test Drive says, "Those who plan to use their trucks for commuting to work, carrying lots of family members and towing boats, may prefer the SUV-style interior, while those who use their trucks primarily as working tools will opt for the more utilitarian-oriented pure pickup design."
Other Trucks to Consider
While the Sierra 1500 has some of the best fuel economy ratings in the class, if you want even better gas milage, check out the GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid. It has all the capabilities of the Sierra, but uses less gas. The hybrid is only a good choice if you put saving the earth over saving money. The Hybrid starts at almost $19,000 more than the gas-only Sierra's base price -- so gas prices would have to skyrocket for you to save a significant amount of cash.
While the Sierra stays with the competition when it comes to capability and comfort, it trails fresher offerings from Ford and Dodge when in comes to gadgets and storage solutions. The Ford F-150 has optional tech gadgets like Ford's SYNC system, which allows the driver to control the entertainment and other systems in the truck with voice commands. The Dodge Ram has available innovative in-bed storage compartments, as well as a multitude of storage cubbies in the cab. The Ram also has a coil-over suspension which many reviewers say gives it the smoothest ride in the class. The F-150 and the Ram also start at about the same price as the Sierra, making them very tempting alternatives.
If you're shopping for a full-size pickup, also consider the Sierra 1500's platform-mate, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The two are mechanically identical, though General Motors tends to market the Sierra as more upscale than the Silverado.
Details: GMC Sierra 1500
The Sierra was last redesigned in 2007, and changes for 2010 are minimal. All Sierra engines are now flex fuel capable, which means they can run on gasoline or E85 ethanol. The six-speed transmission is available on more models than in previous years, as is the rearview camera. StabiliTrak is now standard on all models. Inside, the Sierra now has a standard USB port, which allows drivers to play stored music files through the Sierra's stereo. The port also charges some handheld devices.
- "It's hard to beat [the Sierra and Silverado's] all-around excellence and utility." -- Car and Driver
- "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." -- Kelley Blue Book
- "Powerful, comfortable and offered in a wide array of body styles and configurations, the 2010 GMC Sierra is a prime choice for a full-size pickup." -- Edmunds
- "GMC's Sierra and the similar Chevrolet Silverado are among the best large pickup trucks for refinement and available features. Any truck buyer would be well-advised to give these big rigs a long, hard look. " -- Consumer Guide
Sierra-1500 Performance - 8.5 (Very Good)
The 2010 Sierra has very good power and handling, but in a competitive class, that's not enough to make it one of the top performers. Still, the Sierra has lots of available performance options and uses cylinder deactivation to maximize fuel economy. Cars.com reports, "The Sierra does a good job meeting the demands of the modern truck buyer, as it cruises comfortably but also retains the capability expected of a full-size pickup." Read More
Sierra-1500 Exterior - 8.0 (Very Good)
Describing the Sierra's looks, the Washington Post says: "It's a pickup truck. Sexy doesn't get it in this league. Power does. It looks powerful." Other reviewers call the Sierra a handsome entry in the full-size truck market. Read More
Sierra-1500 Interior - 8.9 (Very Good)
Regardless of whether a standard, extended or crew cab, the 2010 GMC Sierra 1500's spacious, comfortable and versatile cabin is one of the best in show. PickupTrucks.com says, "The Sierra's cab is inviting, spacious and well-organized." Read More
Sierra-1500 Safety - 9.2 (Excellent)
The 2010 GMC Sierra 1500 does very well in federal government crash tests, and offers a long list of standard safety features. Read More
Sierra-1500 Reliability - 7.0 (Good)
The 2010 GMC Sierra 1500 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2010 GMC Sierra 1500 comes with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. Read More
