2011 GMC Sierra 1500 - Quality Review

See more photos

Shopping for a new GMC Sierra 1500?

SEE LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS

The 2011 GMC Sierra wins over truck buyers with lots of options for cargo and cabin space, in gas-only and in hybrid models.

In either version of the pickup, wide and flat seats across the front mean plenty of room, if not plenty of lateral support when driving. On five-seat Sierras, there's a big center console to divide off passenger space, and to give the dash a richer, more upscale look. Six-passenger versions have a higher, more workmanlike dash that leaves enough space beneath for a middle passenger to find decent leg room. Any of the front-seaters can find their way around the Sierra's dash with ease, thanks to big controls with clear displays.

Of the three body styles, the regular cab has the least room behind the front seats. The Extended Cab slides by with enough space for tools and gear. The Crew Cab has full four-door access and interior space, and is good for three-across adult comfort. The seat itself sits quite close to vertical, making longer rides less comfortable, but it does fold along a 60:40 split to preserve some cargo space as it's needed. The back seat doesn't quite have the leg room of competitive four-door, full-size pickups, either. On Hybrid models, there's no storage under the rear seat; that's where the battery pack lives.

The Sierra lineup comes with a choice of three bed lengths, depending on the model. Crew Cabs and Hybrids have a 5'8" bed; all versions except the Hybrid can be optioned up to a 6'6" bed. Also, all versions except the Hybrid can be fitted with a long 8-foot bed.

As with other vehicles that share the Sierra's platform, this truck has noticeably better fit and finish than prior GM pickups. Materials feel better than utility-grade, and high-end versions feel and look richer than expected. Road and wind noise is low, and the Hybrid is particularly quiet in operation.