2010 GMC SIERRA

GMC Sierra 1500 MSRP $20,850 - $46,435
GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid MSRP $38,710 - $48,190
GMC Sierra 2500/3500 MSRP $27,685 - $44,420

The GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado share the same platform.  The GMC considered a more upscale model. Mechanically, the trucks are the same except for a slight difference in curb weight and payload.  The same powertrain and chassis components are the same. There are five engines and five suspensions in the lineup.  It is offered as the Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500HD, Sierra 3500HD, Sierra Denali and Sierra Hybrid.

The 2010 GMC Sierra comes in regular, extended and crew cab forms. Cargo beds include the standard (6-foot, 6-inch) and long (8-foot).  They are available on the regular and extended cabs.  The crew cab has a short (5-foot, 9-inch) bed. All are available in 2- or 4-wheel drive. The Sierra comes in four trim levels: Work Truck, SL (crew cab only), SLE and SLT. Most V-8 models are rated to tow around 9,000 pounds, but some models get more than 10,000 pounds with an optional trailering package.

GM has dropped the long-running 6.0-liter V-8 engine from the Sierra lineup, leaving the powerful 6.2-liter V-8 for heavy towing needs. The rest of the Sierra's eight-cylinder lineup benefits from increased availability of its new six-speed transmission for regular and extended cab models equipped with the 5.3-liter V-8. Also, the 4.8-liter and 5.3-liter V-8 engines have been enhanced, with variable valve timing for improved emissions and better fuel economy.

Those with portable MP3 players can connect and play their music collections with the truck's audio system through a USB connection. Standard side curtain and side-impact airbags are welcome safety additions.

While GM tries to make a difference in the Silverado and Sierra, the similarity is hard to overcome.  The Sierra has different front fenders, grille, bumpers, headlamps, cargo box and taillamps.

• Very wide rear-door openings on extended cab models to load passengers, cargo
• Range of 17-, 18- and 20-inch wheels
• EZ Lift tailgate available

The Sierra showcases two different interior designs. Work Truck and SLE models are more utility-minded, with large controls and door handles that can be operated while wearing gloves. The SLT offers upgraded materials and a different dash design. The Sierra's cab is inviting, spacious and well-organized. Leather seating is available on the SLE and standard on the SLT. The SLT also gets a Bose stereo, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat and a heated windshield-washer system.

• Stadium-style rear seating
• Available power-sliding rear window
• Available moonroof
• Available navigation system on SLE and SLT
• Available rear-seat entertainment system
• Integrated trailer-brake control

Under the Hood

• 195-horsepower, 4.3-liter V-6 with iron block and cylinder heads, cam-in-block, two valves per cylinder and 260 pounds-feet of torque
• 302-hp, 4.8-liter V-8 with iron block and aluminum cylinder heads, cam-in-block, two valves per cylinder and 305 pounds-feet of torque
• Flex-fuel 315-hp (gas) or 326-hp (E85), 5.3-liter V-8 with iron block and aluminum cylinder heads, cam-in-block, two valves per cylinder and 338 pounds-feet of torque (gas) or 350 pounds-feet of torque (E85)
• Flex-fuel 315-hp (gas) or 326-hp (E85), 5.3-liter V-8 with aluminum block and cylinder heads, cam-in-block, two valves per cylinder and 338 pounds-feet of torque (gas) or 350 pounds-feet of torque (E85)
• Flex-fuel 403-hp, 6.2-liter V-8 with aluminum block/cylinder heads, cam-in-block and two valves per cylinder that makes 417 pounds-feet of torque
• 4-speed automatic
• 6-speed automatic

GM is aggressive in promoting the benefits of OnStar 8.0. New-truck buyers get a one-year subscription to the Safe and Sound Plan, after which owners can subscribe annually. If an airbag deploys, OnStar contacts an adviser and can report crash data to emergency services. The Sierra offers roof-mounted side curtain airbags as standard equipment on all trim levels. Seat-mounted side-impact airbags are also standard. An electronic stability system is now standard on all Sierra models.

• Available ultrasonic rear parking assist
• Traction control
• Four-wheel antilock brakes
• Seat belt pretensioners activate in rear-end impacts

Of Interest to Truck Owners

• Maximum gross vehicle weight rating: 7,000 pounds (4x4 crew cab, extended cab)
• Maximum payload capacity: 1,924 pounds (4x2 crew cab short box)
• Maximum towing capacity: 10,700 pounds (4x2 extended cab with enhanced trailer package, 6.2-liter V-8 and 3.73 rear axle)
• Fuel tank capacity: 26 gallons (SWB), 34 gallons (LWB)
• Axle ratio: 3.08:1, 3.23:1, 3.42:1, 3.73:1
• Minimum ground clearance: 8.4 inches (regular cab 4x2 SWB), 9.1 inches (regular cab 4x4 SWB), 8.9 inches (regular cab 4x2 LWB, extended cab 4x2 SWB), 9.5 inches (regular cab 4x4 LWB), 9 inches (extended cab 4x4 SWB, extended cab 4x2 LWB, crew cab), 9.3 inches (extended cab 4x4 LWB)
• Approach angle: 15.6 degrees (regular cab 4x4 SWB), 15.8 degrees (extended cab 4x4 SWB), 15.5 degrees (crew cab 4x4)
• Departure angle: 24.2 degrees (regular cab 4x4 SWB), 22 degrees (extended cab 4x4 SWB), 23.1 degrees (crew cab 4x4)
• Ramp breakover: 24.4 degrees (regular cab 4x4 SWB), 17.8 degrees (extended cab 4x4 SWB), 19.6 degrees (crew cab 4x4)
• Cargo-bed load height: 35.4 inches (regular cab 4x2 SWB), 34.5 inches (regular cab 4x4 LWB), 34.4 inches (extended cab 4x2 SWB), 33.6 inches (extended cab 4x4 LWB), 33.5 inches (crew cab 4x2), 33.8 inches (crew cab 4x4)
• Cargo floor length: 69.3 inches (short bed), 78.8 inches (standard bed), 97.7 inches (long bed)
• Cargo floor width: 62.4 inches
• Cargo floor width at wheel well: 50.6 inches
• Cargo bed depth: 21 inches