The prospect for actually selling any of these is anybody's guess. If the 2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid follows the example of GM's hybrid SUVs and is $6 or $7 grand more than the conventional truck, we're not seeing much hope.
The truck buyers who are really serious about fuel economy spend their $6,000 to buy the Duramax diesel. It's an investment in a known quantity...
Which would you buy --
a diesel with gold-standard residual value, or a hybrid powertrain with absolutely no track record in the resale market?
A lotta "green" feel-good here -- after all, GM is the first to market with a hybrid in an exclusively American segment -- but this is mainly PR smoke. -- Bill Visnic, Senior Editor, AutoObserver
firstwagon says:
12:47 PM, 02/ 7/08
It's a bit hard to compare them now because the DuraMax is only available on the heavy duty 2500 and 3500 models. When they come out with the new smaller DuraMax for the 1/2 tonnes, it would make an excellent comparison test.
I'm guessing the hybrid is best for people who do lots of stop and go driving while the diesel is best for everything else.
ateixeira says:
02:27 PM, 02/11/08
Yeah, no light duty model with a diesel and also no SUV!
kyle1624 says:
08:09 PM, 03/ 5/08
I am also eagerly anticipating for GM's supposed in-house built new 4.5L Diesel for their 1/2 ton models that includes the Hummer H2, Yukon and Tahoe; and also the 6.6L Diesel for their 3/4-1 ton pick-ups. Nevertheless GM for me is a winner in terms of big truck styling. Another exciting thing about this Sierra Hybrid are the new truck parts incorporated to improve aerodynamics, which include a tonneau cover for the bed and a slightly deeper front air dam.www.