2009 GMC Sierra 1500: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The biggest change for the 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 is the arrival of two fuel-saving models: the XFE and the first Sierra Hybrid. It is an early-cycle update rather than a full redesign.

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About the 2009 GMC Sierra 1500

3rd generation Sierra / GMT900 (2007-2013), third model year; early-cycle update year with the new XFE and the first Sierra Hybrid.

GMC positioned the Sierra 1500 as a “Professional Grade” full-size pickup that blends real truck capability with a more polished, upscale feel than many work-first rivals. The lineup stretches from simple job-site trucks to the luxury-focused Denali, but the common theme is towing ability, V8 power, a quieter cabin, and everyday usability. It is the Sierra buyers chose when they wanted a full-size pickup that could handle work, family duty, and long highway trips without feeling stripped down.

The 2009 Sierra ranges from the task-focused Work Truck to the comfort-oriented SLT and luxury Denali. The XFE combines a 5.3-liter V8 with fuel-saving gearing and aerodynamic changes, while the Hybrid pairs a 6.0-liter V8 with electric assistance and regenerative braking. Denali stands out with a 6.2-liter V8, heated power front seats, Bose audio, and rear parking sensors.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

The new XFE uses an aluminum-block 5.3-liter FlexFuel V8, a 6-speed automatic transmission, fuel-saving gearing, and lighter hardware. The first Sierra Hybrid combines a 6.0-liter V8 with an electric drive system, a high-voltage battery, and regenerative braking. GMC also expands the 6.2-liter V8 beyond Denali to more crew-cab models.

Styling

The XFE receives an extended front air dam and other aerodynamic changes designed to reduce drag.

Safety

StabiliTrak stability control becomes standard on Sierra 1500 models equipped with a V8.

Tech

Bluetooth hands-free calling becomes available, and XM NavTraffic adds live traffic information to the navigation system.

2009 GMC Sierra 1500 specs and features by trim

Feature	2009 GMC Sierra 1500SL0 in stock	2009 GMC Sierra 1500SLE0 in stock	2009 GMC Sierra 1500SLT0 in stock	2009 GMC Sierra 1500XFE0 in stock	2009 GMC Sierra 1500Denali0 in stock	2009 GMC Sierra 1500Hybrid0 in stock	2009 GMC Sierra 1500Work Truck0 in stock
Engine	V8, 4.8 Liter	V8, 4.8 Liter / V8, 5.3 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 5.3 Liter / V8, 6.0 Liter	V8, 5.3 Liter / V8, 6.0 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 5.3 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.2 Liter	V8, Flex Fuel, 5.3 Liter	V8, Flex Fuel, 6.2 Liter	V8, Hybrid, 6.0 Liter	V6, 4.3 Liter / V8, 4.8 Liter / V8, 5.3 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 5.3 Liter
Transmission	Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive	Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive / Automatic, 6-Spd / Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive	Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive / Automatic, 6-Spd / Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive	Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive	Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive	Automatic, EVT	Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive / Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive
Drivetrain	2WD / 4WD	2WD / 4WD	2WD / 4WD	2WD	AWD	4WD	2WD / 4WD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas / Flexible Fuel	Gas / Flexible Fuel	Flexible Fuel	Flexible Fuel	Hybrid	Gas / Flexible Fuel
MPG City	14 mpg	14 mpg	13–14 mpg	15 mpg	13 mpg	21 mpg	14–15 mpg
MPG Highway	19 mpg	19–20 mpg	19–20 mpg	21 mpg	19 mpg	22 mpg	18–21 mpg
Horsepower	295 hp	295–367 hp	315–403 hp	315 hp	403 hp		195–315 hp
Torque	305 lb-ft	305–375 lb-ft	338–417 lb-ft	338 lb-ft	417 lb-ft	367 lb-ft	260–338 lb-ft
Max Towing	10400–10600 lb	7600–10400 lb	7600–10400 lb	10600 lb	9300 lb	6100 lb	7600–9700 lb
Rear Legroom	34.3–38.7 in	34.3–38.7 in	34.3–38.7 in	38.7 in	38.7 in	38.7 in	34.3–38.7 in
Seats	6	3–6	5	6	5	6	3–6
Doors	4	2–4	4	4	4	4	2–4
Safety & Security
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
Alarm System
Automatic Headlights
Cruise Control
Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers
Rear Parking Sensors
Rear View Camera
Stability Control
Traction Control
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors
Fog Lights
Heated Mirrors
Power Moonroof
Power Folding Exterior Mirrors
Power Mirrors
Privacy Glass
Side Steps
Tow Hooks
Entertainment & Electronics
Bluetooth
Front DVD Entertainment System
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Rear DVD Entertainment System
Satellite Radio
Subwoofer
Comfort & Convenience
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Cooled Seats
Dual Power Front Seats
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Integrated Garage Door Opener
Leather Seats
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Memory Driver's Seat
Power Adjustable Pedals
Power Windows
Remote Start
Tilt Wheel

How the 2010 GMC Sierra 1500 compares

The 2010 GMC Sierra 1500 is a light-update truck, not a redesign. Its main improvement is slightly better fuel economy from the 5.3-liter V8, especially in the XFE.

See the full 2010 changes

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest change to the 2009 GMC Sierra 1500?

The biggest change is the addition of two efficiency-focused models: the XFE and the Sierra’s first Hybrid. The rest of the truck remains part of the same generation introduced for 2007.

Is 2009 the first year for the GMC Sierra Hybrid?

Yes. The first Sierra Hybrid arrives for 2009 with a 6.0-liter V8, an electric drive system, a 300-volt battery pack, regenerative braking, and a crew-cab body.

What is different about the 2009 Sierra XFE?

The 2009 Sierra XFE is a fuel-economy-focused crew-cab model. It uses an aluminum-block 5.3-liter FlexFuel V8, a 6-speed automatic, a 3.08 rear axle ratio, lighter hardware, and aerodynamic changes including an extended front air dam.

Did the 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 receive any safety changes?

Yes. StabiliTrak stability control becomes standard on every 2009 Sierra 1500 equipped with a V8, helping the driver maintain control when the truck begins to skid.

Which 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 models have the 6.2-liter V8?

The 6.2-liter V8 is standard in the 2009 Sierra Denali and expands to more crew-cab models for this year. The supplied information does not identify every additional trim or configuration that receives it.