2012 GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid – Questionable value

What is new in the 2012 model?

For 2012 GMC Sierra Hybrid model, the system of optional navigation is now based on hard-drive (the predecessor had DVD) and 3HB trim level now has rear view camera.

Intro

When full-sized pick up truck gives you 20 mpg in city, it gets hard to ignore. In fact, it is hard not to feel tempted, applaud and then text all your friends about it. Combination of power of V8, serious capability of hauling and robust frame simply shouldn’t equate to frugality at pump. Still 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid is a good proof that it can.

For fuel efficiency isn’t easily accomplished. Sierra Hybrid uses technologically sophisticated and advanced hybrid power train which is constantly selecting most competent means of moving the hefty mass of the truck — whether that is from the 2 electric motors, V8 6.0-liter engine or combination of both.

But, the fuel savings won’t stop there. The regenerative braking recharges battery pack which is located under rear bench seat, and cylinder deactivation turns V8 into a 4-cylinder automatically in some cruising situations. There are other tricks on board like low-rolling-resistance tires, cover for cargo bed for helping reduce the vehicle drag, and the power steering which is driven electrically. Resulting estimated city fuel economy of EPA is better than compact Toyota Tacoma which is 4-cylinder-powered.

All This certainly looks good on the paper, but 2012 Sierra Hybrid makes less sense when you look at aspects other than the fuel economy. Biggest issues are body choice and price. It is available just as well-equipped crew cab and is priced above $39,000 when it is new. This is $7,000 more than Sierra SLE which is equipped comparably and has 5.3-liter V8, but you would likely only save around $550 annually in the fuel savings, says EPA. We do not need to tell you that this savings rate of does not exactly make any sense financially. This compared to 5.3-liter, Hybrid is slower and will tow less.

Hence, where should eco-minded truck shopper turn? Base V6 engines that is found on Ford F-150 and the Toyota Tundra give combined fuel economy with in two-three mpg of Sierra Hybrid, and costs much less. They are not available with plenty of equipment and do not produce spirited acceleration. Best compromise is Ford F-150 along with optional turbo charged “EcoBoost” V6. The EPA rating of about 18 mpg for combined is certainly less than Hybrids, but does costs less; is quicker and will tow about 5,300 pounds more.

2012 GMC Sierra Hybrid should certainly be praised for giving an impressive fuel economy but this car isn’t a wise purchase.

Trim Levels, Options, and Body Styles

2012 GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid is only available in crew cab along with 5-foot-9 bed, and the manufacturer is offering a choice of just 2 trim levels: 3HB and 3HA

3HA is standard along with 18 inch wheels, towing package, automatic head lights, soft bed cover, heated mirrors, full power accessories, cruise control, keyless entry, automatic dual zone climate control, split front 40/20/40 bench seat, leather-wrapped tilt-only steering wheel, cloth upholstery, Bluetooth, OnStar emergency communications, and 6 -speaker sound system along with CD player, aux audio jack and also satellite radio. 6-way power driver seat too is optional.

3HB gives you foglamps, hard cover for cargo bed, outside power-folding mirrors, rear window defroster, rear parking sensors, leather upholstery, power-adjustable pedals, auto-dimming rear view & driver side mirrors, 6-way power front bucket seats (with manual recline), rear view camera, Bose audio system, and navigation system along with a touch screen interface and real time traffic. Sun roof is offered as option.

Performance and Powertrains

2012 GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid is available in 2 or 4 wheel-drive and is powered by 6.0-liter V8. It is joined by 2 x 60 kilo watt electric motors by nickel-metal hydride battery located under rear seat. When it is on its own, V8 here is rated at 332 hp and torque of 367 pound-feet. The engineers at GM say combined output with electric motors is about 379 hp.

Unique transmission is houses electric motors with 3 different planetary gear sets and 4 traditional clutches. It maximizes the efficiency by adapting it self to the existing conditions of driving.

In my testing, 4WD Chevy Silverado Hybrid which is identical took about 9.2 seconds for getting from stand still to sixty mph. Compared to this, V6-powered regular F-150 is one second faster and the turbo charged V6 model can do it in six and half seconds. Max tow rating of Hybrid is about 6,100 pounds which is modest.

The fuel economy estimated by EPA is 20-23-21 mpg in city-highway-combined. Hybrid shines best in city — most of the full-sized trucks are in range of 14-15-mpg.

Safety

Standard on 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid are traction control, stability control, anti lock disc brakes, front side seat-mounted air bags and side curtain full-length airbags. OnStar emergency communications too also included. 3HB trim has rear parking sensors and rear view camera.

In my brake testing, 4WD Chevy Silverado Hybrid halted from sixty mph in about 144 feet which is below average performance for the trucks having similar heft.

In the government crash tests, 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid got over all score of 4 stars (out of total 5), including 4 stars for over all frontal crash protection and 5 stars for over all side crash protection. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tested gas-only Sierra 1500 and the truck got top “Good” score for frontal off set crash protection, second best “Acceptable” score for the side impact protection and second worst “Marginal” score for the roof strength.

Special Features and Interior Design

In the 3HA trim, this Sierra Hybrid is an automobile having with solid of functional decor and equipment which is is well fortified in the plastic black trim. 3HB trim looks more attractive due to center console, pedals leather power-adjustable bucket seats, and up graded audio. Hybrid and 3HB trim comes with a premium price and 1 can argue that even higher-quality of cabin included with standard Sierra’s SLT trim will be in order.

Other than that, 2012 Sierra Hybrid’s crew cab treats the passengers inside as expected, with roomy seating and quiet ride, although rear comfort level can be improved with better seat back angle.

My driving impressions

Upon the first drive, 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid might not feel like there is a 379 hp inside. There is learning curve for becoming familiar with quiet Hybrid’s electric operation and transition from the electric-only to gas system. Some of the drivers might sense noticeable pause as truck creeps forward in the electric mode, and then feel like the truck hurtles away after gas engine is online. Some might feel surges of acceleration at the higher rpm. It takes some practice for optimizing the driving pattern for most fuel efficient and enjoyable experience of driving.

The taller axle gearing is responsible mostly for lack of any low-end grunt. The truck owners are a bit accustomed to snap of 4.10:1 or 3.73:1 gearing while accelerating. Hybrid’s 3.08:1 axle ratio gives a healthy 23mpg on high way – this translates to cruising range of above 500 miles with 26 gallons fuel tank — but does not multiply torque like shorter final drive gears which most truckers prefer.

Sierra 1500 Hybrid uses variable-assist electrically driven power steering. Such arrangement contributes around 0.5mpg to fuel economy of the Hybrid and is pretty responsive, with appropriate effort levels. However, the brake feel, alternates between frustrating and artificial. There is delayed response to the actual force of braking and grabby deceleration for engagement. Again, once you are accustomed to response you’ll be able to use regeneration mode for reducing brake-pad wear and also increase the battery power.