Overview

What's New for 2012:

• Trailer-sway control and hill-start assist are now standard on all models
• The Sierra 1500 SLE and SLT have new chrome accents on the front grille and fascia

Exterior Features
The 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 is a full-size pickup offered in standard cab, extended cab, and crew cab body styles.

Interior Features
The 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 offers seating for up to 6 passengers. Base Sierra 1500 models are configured with vinyl upholstery, air conditioning, trip computer, OnStar telematics, and a basic audio system with CD/MP3 capability. Higher trim levels are fitted with leather upholstery, Bose audio upgrade, remote engine start, and other premium equipment.

Optional Features
The options list for the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 includes several component groups, including the Z71 Off-Road package, All-Terrain package, and XFE package for improved fuel economy.

Under the Hood
GMC Sierra 1500 models are fitted with one of five engines-including a hybrid. The standard engine is a 4.3-liter V-6 rated at 195 horsepower. Optional engines include a 4.8-liter V-8 rated at 302 horsepower and a 5.3-liter V-8 rated at 315 horsepower, as well as a 6.2-liter V-8 that delivers 403 horsepower. Transmissions for the gasoline models are 4- or 6-speed automatics. The optional hybrid gasoline-electric powertrain uses a gasoline-fed 6.0-liter V-8 engine rated at 332 horsepower and two 60-kW electric motors. Combined system power is 379 horsepower. The gearbox in the Sierra 1500 Hybrid is a 2-mode continuous electric ratio hybrid transmission with 4 fixed gears. The Sierra is capable of towing up to 10,700 pounds when properly equipped (the hybrid is rated to tow 6100 pounds), according to the automaker.

Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy figures for the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 include:

• GMC Sierra 1500 2WD with 4.3-liter V-6 engine: 15/20/17 mpg (city/highway/combined)
• GMC Sierra 1500 2WD with 4.8-liter V-8 engine: 14/19/16 mpg (city/highway/combined)
• GMC Sierra 1500 2WD with 5.3-liter V-8 engine: 15/21/17 mpg (city/highway/combined)
• GMC Sierra 1500 2WD with 6.2-liter V-8 engine: 13/18/14 mpg (city/highway/combined)
• GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid 2WD with hybrid-electric 6.0-liter V-8 gasoline engine: 20/23/21 mpg (city/highway/combined)

Safety
Standard safety features of note on the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 include side curtain air bags, trailer-sway control, and OnStar telematics. In National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash tests, the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 received an overall rating of 4 (out of 5) stars as well as 5 stars for side crashes and 4 stars for frontal crash and rollover tests. In tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Sierra 1500 received a "Good" rating-the Institute's highest-for frontal-offset crashes. However, in other IIHS tests, the Sierra 1500 received only an "Acceptable" score for side-impact and a "Marginal" score for roof strength protection.