2009 GMC Sierra 1500

But when PickupTrucks.com and Truck Trend rate all the current truck models in their joint 2009 full-size pickup shootout, they include both the GMC Sierra and the Chevy Silverado (along with competing pickups from Ford, Dodge, Toyota and Nissan). They test the trucks every which way -- loaded, unloaded, towing, climbing hills, autocross, off road and more. The tested GMC Sierra comes equipped with an all-terrain package that uses a different suspension, but otherwise it's identical to the top-of-the-line Silverado in the comparison.

Oddly enough, the Chevrolet Silverado performs better. It accelerates faster than the Sierra from zero to 60, whether towing or not. It climbs hills faster, handles the autocross better and brakes more quickly. At the end of the article online, some readers say it just proves the test was no good, because the Sierra and Silverado should perform identically. But testers say they ran each test at least three times on each truck, with the same driver.

Most experts say the difference between the Silverado and Sierra is mainly skin-deep. "GMC offers its own sheetmetal, looking to capture the more upscale buyer," writes Mark Williams at Truck Trend. "The hood and grille look more muscular, with wheelwell arches and side panels also offering a more bulky and curved style." Truck Trend judges prefer the Silverado's look, though.

Denali trim level has luxury features

One more difference: the exclusive GMC Sierra Denali (*Est. $40,870 to $44,020) trim. It includes several standard features than are extra-cost options on the top-of-the-line Chevy Silverado LTZ (*Est. $34,360 to $41,355), including rain-sensing wipers, adjustable pedals, a parking-assist feature and the 403-horsepower, 6.2-liter V-8 that is the biggest engine in its class. Full-time all-wheel drive is an option on the Denali.

The GMC Sierra regular-cab pickup seats three with a 40/20/40 reclining split bench seat, and you can get either a 6.5-foot or 8-foot bed behind it. Extended cabs add a 5-foot-8-inch bed option, plus narrow back doors and seating for six with front and rear benches (front buckets are available). The crew cab is roomier than the extended cab, with four normal doors and adequate room for adults in the back seat. The 5-foot-8-inch cargo bed is the only one available with the GMC Sierra crew cab.

In addition to the ultra-upscale Denali model, the GMC Sierra comes in four trim levels. The base Sierra Work Truck (*Est. $19,375 to $32,205) comes equipped with a trip computer, OnStar, a CD player, satellite radio and tilt steering -- but its upholstery is vinyl, and air conditioning doesn't come standard on the regular-cab work truck. The GMC Sierra SL (*Est. $28,020 to $33,395) includes a few more standard features, such as cloth seats, cruise control and power accessories, but it doesn't come in the regular-cab style.

Moving up the ladder, the GMC Sierra SLE (*Est. $26,905 to $34,705) offers more interior storage features plus options such as power leather seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, remote vehicle start and upgraded speakers. The Sierra SLT (*Est. $34,860 to $41,855) makes all of those features standard, plus more.

Reviewers say the Sierra's base 195-horsepower, 4.3-liter V-6 engine accelerates adequately and delivers the best nonhybrid GMC Sierra fuel-economy ratings (15 mpg city, 20 mpg highway and 17 mpg combined) with the four-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. A rear-wheel-drive Sierra XFE (*Est. $33,275), or "extra fuel economy" trim, steps up to a 5.3-liter V-8. It ekes out the same fuel economy as the base engine -- plus one mpg more on the highway -- by massaging the aerodynamics and using lightweight aluminum parts. The 5.3-liter V-8 is available on regular Sierras with either the four-speed or a six-speed automatic transmission.

A 295-horsepower, 4.8-liter V-8 with a four-speed auto is also offered, along with a 367-horsepower, 6.0-liter V-8 with a six-speed auto. The GMC Sierra Denali's 6.2-liter V-8 and six-speed auto combination tops off the range. With the most powerful engine, expect 13 mpg city, 19 mpg highway and 15 mpg combined with rear-wheel drive, 12 mpg city, 19 mpg highway and 14 mpg combined with four-wheel drive, according to Environmental Protection Agency ratings posted at FuelEconomy.gov.

Crash-test results give pause

Safety-wise, the GMC Sierra rates "poor" in side crash tests at the nonprofit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, even with optional side airbags. If a similar pickup or SUV hit the Sierra in the side at 31 mph, "rib fractures and/or internal organ injuries would be likely" for the driver and possible for the rear passenger, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says. For the driver, "serious neck injuries would also be possible." Unlike the IIHS tests, government side crash tests mimic a car hitting the Sierra. The Sierra does an excellent job protecting passengers in that scenario.

The GMC Sierra maintains a higher resale value than the average pickup truck -- including the Silverado -- for about the first three years, according to Kelley Blue Book. After that, resale value drops to average. Reliability is also average, according to major owner surveys. The Sierra's warranty, three years/36,000 miles basic and five years/100,000 miles powertrain, is now backed by the U.S. government, which will become the majority stakeholder in General Motors once it exits the Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings it entered on June 1, 2009.

GM offers hybrid versions of its full-size pickups: the Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid (*Est. $38,020 to $47,305) and GMC Sierra Hybrid (*Est. $38,390 to $47,675).

Most comparison testers (including ConsumerReports.org) skip the GMC Sierra 1500 and just test the very similar Chevy Silverado 1500. However, a joint test by PickupTrucks.com and Truck Trend tests the two head-to-head alongside four other pickups, and reviewers find the Silverado actually performs better. ConsumerGuide.com also tests both the Sierra and Silverado, although not head-to-head, but it doesn't test similar trims and so it's hard to draw any comparisons. A thorough single-truck review of the GMC Sierra at Edmunds.com is based on testing, as are shorter reviews at Kelley Blue Book and Car and Driver. It's important to look at crash-test scores from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and IIHS, because the tests are designed differently. We found fuel-economy estimates at FuelEconomy.gov. J.D. Power and Associates derives its ratings from owner feedback.