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Overview: While technically not really a full “hybrid”, the Sierra hybrid receives a small increase in fuel economy and a big leap is usability. If you plan on using this truck for work, you may want to consider what this truck has to offer you.

Detail: The Sierra hybrid isn’t exactly out to accomplish what most hybrids do. It doesn’t offer a significant increase in fuel economy (around 1 mile per gallon), and it doesn’t extend the range of the truck either. Instead, it helps manage fuel consumption when stopped, and adds to the versatility of the truck.

The truck employs a flywheel operating electrical unit which maintains the engine when stopped, meaning that no gasoline is being burned. This is a relatively inexpensive addition to the truck, and it does help save gas when idling. As soon as you lift your foot off the brake pedal, the 5.3 liter engine comes back to life and you’re once again ready to roll.

But that’s not what makes the Sierra hybrid worth your hard earned dollar. In fact, if that were the only reason I’d be the first one to tell you not to go out and buy one. After all, at a $1,500 premium over the regular Sierra, a 1 mpg increase is hardly anything to brag about. What really makes this truck worth owning is the way the hybrid system transforms the Sierra into a gigantic generator.

The Sierra has four electrical outlets that operate at standard voltage, meaning that you can plug in your air compressor, laptop, and power saw without having to purchase an expensive (and often problematic) inverter. For someone using their truck for work, this can be a huge time saver as well as extremely convenient to have. You know, just in case.

Aside from all of that, the Sierra looks and drives exactly like a “regular” one. The suspension is typical truck tough, giving a good ride every time you go over a few bumps or ridges in the road. This truck, like its gasoline-only counterparts, is good to go off road with a very capable four wheel drive system. We had a hard time getting this truck stuck and, try as we might, we eventually gave up once we realize we were spending more time trying to get it stuck than we were trying to review it.

From the outside, there is little that will identify this truck as a hybrid. All of the molding, exterior trim, and accessories are the same. The rims look no different, and the hybrid model has the same selection of exterior colors. Aside from a small badge that simply says “hybrid”, no one is likely to know the difference.

Conclusion

We recommend this truck, but not because of its “hybrid” qualities. We recommend this truck because you can get one very versatile machine, complete with a generator and outlets for an extra $1,500, that won’t break the bank.