2009 GMC Sierra 1500 4WD Crew Cab SLE

Giametta’s Driveway

By Chuck Giametta

2009 GMC Sierra 1500 4WD Crew Cab SLE

Some people still need ‘em. Got a problem with that?

What are you driving? Two-and-a-half tons of rootin’ tooin’ pickup, pardner. Except for the GMC badges, this Sierra is the same truck as its better-selling brother, the Chevrolet Silverado. We’re in the most-popular body style, the Crew Cab with its four conventional doors and seating for six. The body’s big, but the cargo bed’s a relatively short 5.8 feet; if it were any longer, though, you wouldn’t be able to maneuver this thing in civilization. Although it was all new for the 2007 model year, the Sierra/Silverado design is a kind of a has-been against the revamped 2009 Ford F-150 and redesigned 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. Still, this is a smart truck, with engine sensors that shut down four of its eight cylinders when they sniff a fuel-saving opportunity. The SLE is solid, quiet, and cushy, too, thanks to leather upholstery, satellite radio, automatic climate control, and OnStar assistance that’ll guide you around and find you if you crash.       

How much does it cost? The SLE designation puts this week’s driveway-compressor in the middle of Sierra’s five trim levels. Base price is $33,375. Among options on the test truck were the SLE Preferred Package ($620), which includes steering-wheel audio controls, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth phone connection, locking tailgate). The Convenience Package ($1,130) added adjustable power pedals, remote ignition start, rear parking assist. The Power Pack Plus Package ($1,280 after a $500 promotional discount) includes a5.3-liter V-8 and six-speed automatic transmission instead of the standard 4.3-liter V-8 and four-speed automatic, plus a locking rear differential, and heavy-duty towing equipment. Leather upholstery and power driver’s seat ($1,075) and new-for-2009 Carbon Black metallic paint ($95) rounded things out. Manufacturer’s suggested retail price of this 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 4WD Crew Cab SLE was $38,535, including the $975 destination fee.  

Is it worth it? Yes, mostly because you’ll have no trouble shaving thousands of dollars off the MSRP. Deep factory and dealer cash-back incentives abound. Reports in early 2009 said transaction prices on vehicles like this were as much as $10,000 below sticker. If you truly need a big pickup and aren’t enamored of the F-150 or Ram, there’s hardly been a better time to snag a Sierra.  

What’s to like? It goes about its work like a pro. Yes, it’s bulky and lists to port and starboard at the hint of a sharp turn. But GM has tightened up steering precision over recent years and now steering feel is a Sierra asset. This 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 4WD Crew Cab SLE took bumps surprisingly well. Credit for that goes to a new-for-2009 fluid-filled mount that better isolates body from frame. Thanks also to the SLE’s sensible shoes – modest 265/70R17 tires with sidewalls tall enough to offset the ride-diminishing qualities of 5,300 pounds of steel bolted to a rugged 4WD suspension. The V-8 pulled with sufficient authority. And you won’t know its Active Fuel Management system is transitioning between four and eight cylinders without watching the “V8” and “V4” icons in the instrument panel. Speaking of which, the main gauges are big, informative, and masculine in a way both genders can admire.

What does it need? Head-protecting curtain side airbags are a safety advantage in rollovers, and while they cost a reasonable $395 as an option, they should be standard on all Sierras, not just the line-topping Denali model. The front 40/20/40 bench seat on this 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 4WD Crew Cab SLE is roomy, but its cushions need to be firmer for best support. There’s space for three in the rear seat, but they sit uncomfortably upright against a backrest that begs for more rake. That rear bench folds nicely against the cab’s rear wall to open lots of cargo room, but Sierra needs in-floor bins to keep up with the competition. Absence of integrated cargo-bed storage compartments is another side of age. Finally, those gauges may have a manly presence, but the pushbutton controls for the climate system are positively dainty. Don’t try adjusting them wearing work gloves.   

What’s GMC’s opinion? “GMC Sierra continues to lead the industry in fuel economy, capability and power, all delivered with responsive ride and handling traits, and an exceptionally quiet driving experience.”

What do you say? There remains an important role for big pickups, and the 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 4WD Crew Cab SLE easily handles what you ask of it, and does so with admirable refinement. Brand loyalty among pickup buyers is an endearing throwback, but don’t be so hidebound as to turn your back on the Ford F-150, Dodge Ram, or even the Toyota Tundra. They boast some features that could make or break a deal. And as an uncommitted shopper, you’ll be more firmly in the driver’s seat when haggling over price.            

Vital statistics

2009 GMC Sierra 1500 4WD Crew Cab SLE

• Base price: $33,375

• Price of test car including options and $975 destination fee: $38,535

• Size: 230 inches long, 143.5-inch wheelbase, 5286-pound base curb weight

• Engine: 315-horsepower 5.3-liter V-8; six-speed automatic transmission

• Fuel economy: 14 mpg city/ 20 highway (EPA ratings)

• Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper, 5/100,000 powertrain

• Safety ratings (versus similarly sized vehicles) on government’s five-star scale: Frontal crash protection, five stars. Side crash protection, five stars. Rollover resistance, four stars   

Automotive journalist Chuck Giametta has covered the auto industry for more than 20 years as a newspaper reporter, Executive Auto Editor of Consumer Guide books and magazines, and as Managing Editor, Iguida.com. This test vehicle was provided by the manufacturer.