2009 GMC Sierra 3500HD Dually 2WD Review

The 2009 GMC Sierra Dually 2WD is another of those uniquely American vehicles, the big pickup truck. Its only competitors are Ford, Dodge and GMC sister company, Chevrolet.

The Sierra 3500HD has not been refreshed since the 2007 model year and is distinguishable from its Chevy first cousin largely by its front end GMC emblem surrounded by a black grille, and the fact that the Sierra is usually a bit more upscale. But where you can't see it so easily some changes have been made, including the availability of OnStar 8.0 with a navigation system, a Bluetooth hands free cell phone system and a rearview camera.

The Sierra 3500HD has two engines, the 6.0 liter, 360 horsepower V8 gasoline powered engine and the 6.6 liter, 365 horsepower V8 turbodiesel with its whopping 660 pound feet of torque. Either is matched with a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, GMC's only offering in that category.

The government does not require estimated fuel efficiency ratings on the large pickups, but don't expect anything over 10 miles per gallon, especially with the gasoline engine.

There are four basic trims with the GMC Sierra 3500HD Dually 2WD: Work Truck, SLE, SLE1 and SLT. Each comes with either the Extended Cab (small back seat) or the Crew Cab (4 full doors.) There is no regular cab (1 seat, 2 doors) and the only bed is the full 8-foot length.

As with mileage figures, the government does not require crash test ratings on the heavy pickups, but they are about the safest passenger type vehicle on the road. The 3500HD Dually 2WD offers locking tailgate, antilock brakes with electronic braking assistance and locking differential along with standard airbag protection.

The width, payload (about 5,000 pounds) and gross vehicle weight (over 11,000 pounds) are all above class average. Power to weight ratio and horsepower are both a little weak for the class. Towing maximum is 16,300 pounds.

Even with 2-wheel drive, the 3500HD Dually is a working man's truck. But that doesn't mean it runs low on luxuries. Leather, DVD player, premium sound system and even a sunroof are just a few of the features available in this "Cowboy Cadillac".

Of course, it has a cowboy Cadillac price, too. You would expect that given what it is, and what it's built for. The Extended Cab base price is $30,440 and you can bump that up just over a thousand for the Crew Cab. Completely tricked out, expect to pay about $40,000, but that's for a really nice, and really nice looking, ride that will also do a full day's work.