The Spartan 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 Work Truck is the base trim of the Sierra 1500 lineup, though a huge selection of options can make the Sierra 1500 palatable to all but the most discriminating tastes. The rear-wheel-drive, full-size, regular-cab, three-passenger ’09 Work Truck offers little in the way of standard safety, appearance, comfort, and convenience features. Such offerings include four-wheel ABS (front disc/rear drum), daytime running lights, electronic brakeforce distribution, the OnStar post-collision safety system, 17-inch steel wheels, chrome bumpers, vinyl bench seats, tilt-wheel steering, an MP3-compatable single-CD player with four speakers and satellite radio, and OnStar communications with hands-free phone. Options, however, are a whole other thing, with the ’09 GMC Sierra 1500 Work Truck offering a choice of two V8 engine upgrades, one of which is available in an E85-compatable Flex Fuel version, power windows, door locks, and mirrors, air conditioning, StabiliTrak traction and stability control, remote keyless entry, heated camper mirrors, all-terrain tires, and a Trailering Equipment Package, with Class III or IV hitch (depending on engine choice), a locking rear differential, auxiliary transmission cooler, and heavy-duty suspension and shocks.
The standard powertrain for the regular-bed (6.5 feet long) 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 Work Truck is a 4.3-liter OHV V6 and a four-speed automatic with overdrive and tow/haul mode, generating 195 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. These ponies are good to tow 8,200 pounds, when properly equipped, at 15/20 mpg. Additionally, the ’09 Sierra 1500 Work Truck is available with a 4.8-liter V8 engine putting out 298 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque, or a 5.3-liter V8 with Active Fuel Management that’ll pound out 315 hp and 338 lb-ft of torque. The 5.3-liter V8 is available in the Flex Fuel version, as well. All optional engines come with the standard four-speed automatic, and, of course, gas mileage suffers a bit with each of the optional V8s.
