An 18 MPG combined rating won’t win any fuel economy awards, but it’s arguably beside the point for the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid 4WD with its 5.3L V8. People buying this truck aren’t prioritizing saving money at the pump above all else. They need a capable, comfortable, and relatively refined pickup with four-wheel drive, and they’re willing to live with the fuel consumption that comes with that package. The hybrid system offers a slight improvement over the non-hybrid 5.3L V8, but it’s still a full-size truck, and it behaves accordingly. Temper your expectations and recognize the trade-offs inherent in owning a vehicle like this.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2016 Sierra 1500 Hybrid put city driving at 16 MPG and highway cruising at 21 MPG. The city number reflects the stop-and-go conditions where the hybrid system’s regenerative braking and electric assist can provide the most benefit. Expect to see the electric motor supplement the V8 during initial acceleration and low-speed maneuvers. The 21 MPG highway figure indicates the truck’s aerodynamics and weight work against it, along with the larger engine working to maintain consistent speeds. While 21 MPG is reasonable for a full-size, 4WD pickup, it’s critical to manage your speed on the highway. Pushing above 70 mph will significantly impact efficiency.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid 4WD is $2,450. This figure assumes you will drive 15,000 miles per year and fill the tank with gasoline priced at the national average during the time the EPA did its testing. It’s a useful benchmark, but keep in mind that your actual fuel cost can easily deviate based on your driving habits, location, and local fuel prices. Someone who primarily drives short distances in the city will likely spend more than $2,450 annually, while someone who does mostly highway miles at moderate speeds might spend less. Review all Gmc fuel economy data for more information about the brand as a whole.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates are a good starting point, but real-world MPG often varies. Owners of the 2016 Sierra 1500 Hybrid may find their fuel economy landing slightly below or above the official numbers depending on several factors. Aggressive driving, heavy loads, and frequent towing will all reduce fuel economy. Conversely, gentle acceleration, consistent highway speeds, and conscientious maintenance can help you achieve figures closer to the EPA estimates. Paying attention to tire pressure and avoiding unnecessary idling are simple ways to improve your mileage. The age and condition of components such as spark plugs, air filters, and oxygen sensors can also have an effect.

How it compares

Compared to its competitors, the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid 4WD occupies a specific niche. A comparable non-hybrid 2016 Sierra 1500 4WD with the 5.3L V8 is rated for around 19 MPG highway, showing the hybrid’s small advantage in certain driving conditions. Ford’s 2016 F-150 with the 2.7L EcoBoost engine posted figures around 19 MPG combined for the 4×4 model, sacrificing some towing capacity for better fuel efficiency. Ram’s 2016 1500 with the 3.0L EcoDiesel came in at an impressive 24 MPG on the highway, appealing to those prioritizing diesel power and higher MPG. These comparisons matter because buyers often cross-shop these brands and models, weighing factors like fuel economy against capability and specific use cases. Knowing these numbers can help potential buyers determine what sacrifices they’re willing to make for a better fuel economy or decide that they’re willing to pay more for better performance without any interest in hybrid components.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the hybrid system’s regenerative braking. Anticipate stops and ease off the accelerator smoothly to allow the system to recover energy, reducing wear on your brake pads in the process. The Sierra also displays a fuel economy gauge, use it to stay out of the engine’s least efficient zones.

Minimize idling, particularly in cold weather. Modern engines warm up quickly while driving, making extended idling unnecessary and wasteful. Idling in hot weather requires even more energy, as your air conditioning compressor then activates, draining battery life.

Keep your tires properly inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, negatively impacting fuel economy. Check tire pressure regularly, especially during temperature changes, and adjust accordingly.

Remove unnecessary weight from the truck bed. Carrying around extra weight, whether it’s tools, equipment, or other items, reduces fuel economy. Clean out the bed regularly to eliminate any unnecessary baggage. Pay close attention to SIERRA MPG across all years to see how various factors impact overall efficiency.

Use cruise control on the highway to maintain a consistent speed. Varying your speed requires more energy, which translates to lower fuel economy. Setting cruise control allows the truck to maintain a constant speed without constant acceleration and deceleration, which can improve efficiency.