The Best EV Truck You Can Buy is the GMC Sierra EV says Driven Car Reviews

It is a big paradox that the full-size pickup, the official vehicle category for traditional thinking, has no less than five available EV models. One reason might be that full-size trucks provide a lot of real estate for floor-mounted batteries between the front and rear axles, which helps achieve high range figures. Another is that the tasks commonly asked of pickup trucks often fall within those ranges. YouTube automotive reviewer Driven Car Reviews has named the Sierra EV as the best in its class and beyond. Valley GMC naturally agrees with their conclusion. 

Tom Voelk, the reviewer, emphasizes that the optimal way to own an EV pickup or any EV is to have home charging. This is because electricity is cheaper per mile than gasoline, and there’s no need to wait for a full charge. You simply plug in a Level 2 charger when you arrive home, and the vehicle, with its over 460-mile range, is likely to be fully charged by the next day.  

Charging the Sierra EV’s large 205 kWh Max Range battery from 10% to 100% with a 240V, 48A Level 2 charger takes about 15 hours. If your charger is rated for 80 amps, the time drops to roughly 9 hours. This assumes you’ve driven over 400 miles that day and returned home. Usually, you probably drive less daily, so the charging time will be shorter. It also charges faster if you choose the smaller 170 kWh battery, which has a 390-mile range. 

Based on average electricity and gas costs in the Auburn area, the Sierra EV will cost about $7.80 to drive 100 miles on electricity compared to $18.50 for the same distance in a V8-powered (5.3-liter) Sierra 1500.  What other advantages are there for the Sierra EV? 

On the utility side, the Midgate is unique to the EV model, which extends the bed into the rear seat area of the cabin, providing a full 9’1” of cargo length, although this exposes the bed to open air in the back. Additionally, there is secure storage space at the front, where the engine would normally be located.  There is a motor up there, but it is much smaller, leaving 11 cubic feet of storage space which is ideal for storing groceries, suitcases, or other moderately sized items you want to keep secure and separate from the cabin. This “frunk” also offers practical features such as a 120-volt power outlet, two cup holders, and a drain plug, enhancing its versatility.  

The Sierra EV operates smoothly, quietly, and powerfully, even as it produces 760 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of torque, surpassing any of the Sierra’s gas and diesel engine options by nearly 300 horsepower and foot-pounds. This enables a quick 0-60 mph acceleration in the area of 4.1 to 4.5 seconds. Additionally, it boasts a substantial 10,000-pound towing capacity, compared to 8,900 pounds for the standard Sierra models.  

A key point is that the fossil-fuel Sierra can tow the trailer farther. Towing a large trailer decreases the efficiency of gas, diesel, and electric engines. However, despite the Sierra EV’s large battery capacity, it holds the energy equivalent of about six gallons of gas or approximately 5.4 gallons of diesel. Essentially, if your towing is mostly limited to within a county or two, the Sierra EV can do this efficiently and effectively. For towing large trailers over long distances, a gas or diesel Sierra may be a better choice.  

The 205 kWh battery pack weighs more than some cars, bringing the Sierra EV’s total weight close to 9,000 pounds. Despite this, it doesn’t limit the vehicle’s power, and its low placement beneath the cabin floor helps it handle well through curves. The weight only becomes noticeable when pushing the vehicle near its limits on turns. Conversely, this weight also makes the truck feel very smooth and stable at highway speeds, similar to a freight train. Voelk describes the chassis as “…girder solid…there are no quivers from the chassis at all.” This contributes to a quiet, comfortable, and refined cabin and overall ride. Additionally, GM’s class-leading Super Cruise hands-free driving system enhances highway driving enjoyment.  

Although the Sierra EV shares the same mechanical components as the Silverado EV, Voelk emphasizes that its cabin is significantly better. He describes it as “a couple of classes above” other EV trucks. He also praises the Google Built-in system on the large center touchscreen, noting that it is user-friendly and highly responsive. The cabin features many upgrades, such as climate-controlled seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof. Moreover, the driver’s digital display provides access to the navigation map. 

Ultimately, the Sierra EV shines in both truck capabilities and luxury amenities, offering quiet, smooth performance typical of premium vehicles. He concludes by stating, “…this is the best pickup money can buy, gas or electric.” 

Consider how you use your truck. Between the low operating costs, high power, and expanded versatility, the Sierra EV may be your best option. Visit Valley GMC to check out and test drive the Sierra EV.