2009 GMC Sierra 1500 Safety Review

March 7, 2009

SAFETY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

side curtain airbags and adjustable pedals are optional on most models
Edmunds

visibility is generally good
ConsumerGuide

Five stars, front impact protection; five stars, side impact; four stars, rollover resistance
NHTSA

Experts at TheCarConnection.com are pleased with the safety features included in the 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 and the high marks earned in tests.

At the time of this writing, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not tested the GMC 2009 Sierra 1500. The truck does, however, earn superior marks from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

ConsumerGuide reports standard safety equipment includes "dual front airbags, antilock brakes, antiskid system w/rollover sensor (for the Crew Cab only), tire-pressure monitor, [and] daytime running lights." Car and Driver reports "four-wheel antilock brakes and an electronic stability system" as standard offerings on this GMC's 2009 Sierra 1500. Edmunds, however, is concerned that "side curtain airbags and adjustable pedals are optional on most models." Making these features standard could be a smart move for GMC.

ConsumerGuide says that the 2009 GMC Sierra 1500's "visibility is generally good, though the extended cab's thick rear pillars hinder view to back corners."

TheCarConnection.com also notes that GM’s StabiliTrak stability control system, which is now standard across the line for the smaller GMC Canyon and for most full-size pickups, is optional on the lowest trim levels of the Sierra.

Conclusion

The 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 performs well in the safety division thanks to plenty of smart equipment—though more of it should come standard.

SAFETY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:side curtain airbags and adjustable pedals are optional on most modelsEdmundsvisibility is generally goodConsumerGuideFive stars, front impact protection; five stars, side impact; four stars, rollover resistanceNHTSA Experts at TheCarConnection.com are pleased with the safety features included in the 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 and the high marks earned in tests. At the time of this writing, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not tested the GMC 2009 Sierra 1500. The truck does, however, earn superior marks from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). ConsumerGuide reports standard safety equipment includes "dual front airbags, antilock brakes, antiskid system w/rollover sensor (for the Crew Cab only), tire-pressure monitor, [and] daytime running lights." Car and Driver reports "four-wheel antilock brakes and an electronic stability system" as standard offerings on this GMC's 2009 Sierra 1500. Edmunds, however, is concerned that "side curtain airbags and adjustable pedals are optional on most models." Making these features standard could be a smart move for GMC. ConsumerGuide says that the 2009 GMC Sierra 1500's "visibility is generally good, though the extended cab's thick rear pillars hinder view to back corners." TheCarConnection.com also notes that GM’s StabiliTrak stability control system, which is now standard across the line for the smaller GMC Canyon and for most full-size pickups, is optional on the lowest trim levels of the Sierra. ConclusionThe 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 performs well in the safety division thanks to plenty of smart equipment—though more of it should come standard. 2009 GMC SIERRA 1500 STYLING [7 out of 10] Kelley Blue Book: "benefits from GM's extensive reworking of both full-size pickups and full-size SUVs " Car and Driver: "an excellent combination of good looks" Cars.com: "it looks manlier...and more assertive" Edmunds: "an attractive dash ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Reputation and brand loyalty are everything in the now-crowded field of full-size trucks. And although nearly all the big pickups might look alike to those not interested in them, the subtle styling differences play a big role in their appeal. The Sierra and its Chevrolet sibling, the Silverado, have a softer appearance, while the latest F-150 aims to be more imposing than ever. The also new-for-2009 Dodge Ram still looks big and imposing on the outside but gets a very different, more passenger-friendly interior with lots of high-tech options. Although the Ram’s handling has been greatly improved, the GM trucks are still arguably the favorite from a dynamic standpoint, with a great compromise between ride, handling, and load capability. The Tundra continues to stand out for its interior and emphasis on safety, but it’s available in fewer configurations than the others and, from TheCarConnection.com’s experience, more cumbersome to drive. Fuel economy remains one of the most compelling reasons to opt for the Sierra 1500 rather than its Ford, Dodge, or Toyota rivals; thanks to Active Fuel Management, the big GM V-8s get better mpg than the others.

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See the GMC Sierra 1500 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 1998 | 1997

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