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A surprising twist in ownership can reveal what you really value in a vehicle. For GMC Sierra EV Elevation owner Nicole Vander Woude, that twist came when her truck went in for service and she suddenly found herself behind the wheel of a Hummer EV loaner. She enjoyed three thrilling weeks with it until the loaner was sold and she was sent home in a gas-powered Buick Envista. That contrast made her realize just how much she missed the instant power and convenience of an EV.
“I got my Sierra EV Elevation at the end of July. Early September, I dropped it off at the dealer for some issue/codes being thrown with the onboard charging module (truck still charged and operated fine). They gave me this fabulous Hummer EV as a loaner. Let me tell you, if the MSRP on the Hummer wasn’t double my truck, I would get one in a heart beat. It was so fun to drive the last 3 weeks! I almost didn’t even care that they hadn’t touched my truck. Well today I got the call that the loaner sold and they had no more EV loaners available. I had to leave with a Buick Envista (which is what I traded in for my truck). I love the car, but I really miss having the EV power and not going to gas stations. Now I want my truck back ASAP.”
Why the Hummer EV Stands Out
Nicole’s story captures something I’ve noticed repeatedly: once people experience the convenience of EV life, it’s nearly impossible to go back. The Hummer EV wasn’t just a placeholder for her Sierra, as it became an eye-opening glimpse into another level of GM’s electric performance, even if its price tag puts it out of reach for most owners.
In Nicole’s case, she wasn’t necessarily angry at the wait, because the Hummer EV made up for it, but the switch back to gas with the Buick Envista reminded her that once you’ve had EV power, traditional cars feel like a step backward.
Of course, her reaction to the Hummer EV is hardly surprising. This is a vehicle engineered to impress. 1,000 horsepower in the pickup version, crab-walk steering, and a commanding presence that makes it feel more like a futuristic machine than a regular truck. For someone stepping out of a Sierra EV, the Hummer offers more raw excitement. But it comes with a price tag that starts around double what Nicole originally paid. That’s a reality check many owners face when comparing the two, and it echoes other stories where drivers admitted their GMC Sierra EV no longer felt like the best truck they’d ever had.
Community Reactions and Perspectives
What’s interesting is that Nicole’s post drew comments from other EV owners who’ve faced similar choices.
Pierre-Louis Boisvert added, “I tried a X2 Hummer pickup prior to my Sierra Denali. The Hummer was way more fun but I really need the range of the Max Range Sierra.”
His comment highlights another practical factor: the Hummer EV might win on thrills, but the Sierra EV wins on practicality and distance. As GM expands its EV lineup, these trade-offs between excitement and range will be a constant point of debate.
Ben Hamilton shared a different angle, saying, “Yeah they are really discounting the Hummers lately. Hope you get your Sierra EV back soon!”
This detail is telling too. With EV demand fluctuating, GMC dealers have reportedly started offering more aggressive deals on Hummers. This could tempt some shoppers into reconsidering if the price gap continues to narrow.
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These conversations remind me of another story where a new buyer explained how they went from shopping gas trucks to making the switch after a test drive of the GMC Sierra EV completely changed their mind. It shows how first-hand experience, whether it’s a test drive or a dealer loaner, has the power to reshape people’s thinking about what they really want in a truck.
The Service Experience and Technical Angle
From a technical standpoint, Nicole’s situation is also a snapshot of what GM owners are learning about EV service. The issue with her onboard charging module didn’t stop the truck from driving or charging, but it triggered enough error codes to warrant dealer attention. With EV adoption still in early stages, dealerships don’t always have extra electric loaners ready, which explains why Nicole ended up back in a gas-powered Envista after her streak with the Hummer.
This contrast between vehicles also reveals something bigger. Owners of models like the GMC Sierra EV Denali have praised it for being smooth, quiet, and comfortable. But when service situations take away those daily EV advantages, the sudden return to gas stations and laggy throttle response can feel like a step back in time.
Price Too High to Justify?
Another underlying theme in Nicole’s story is cost. The Hummer EV may have delivered an unforgettable driving experience, but its MSRP puts it out of reach for many shoppers. Even with dealer discounts making headlines, the reality is that doubling the price of a Sierra EV to step into a Hummer EV just doesn’t make sense for most buyers. This steep cost separates it from being a practical upgrade, no matter how thrilling it feels behind the wheel. Until GM finds a way to bridge that gap, the Hummer EV will remain a dream vehicle rather than a realistic choice for most drivers.
Reading this story reminded me of how quickly EV ownership reshapes expectations. It isn’t just about skipping gas stations or saving money but also about the way these trucks make everyday driving feel seamless. Once that becomes your normal, giving it up feels like a downgrade even when the substitute is a decent vehicle. To me, that says a lot about the emotional impact of EV ownership. It’s not just numbers on paper, it’s a lifestyle.
Key Takeaways
- EV driving changes your baseline expectations: Once you get used to instant torque and at-home charging, gas cars feel like compromises.
- Loaner programs matter more with EVs: A great loaner can ease the frustration of service delays, while the wrong one can make you miss your truck even more.
- The Hummer EV vs. Sierra EV comparison is real: One offers unmatched fun, the other offers range and practicality, and the choice depends on what matters most to each driver.
- The Hummer EV remains an expensive dream: Even with discounts, its price tag puts it far above the Sierra EV, making it difficult to justify as a realistic daily driver.
What Do You Think?
Have you ever had to give up your EV for a gas loaner, and did it change the way you see your own car?
And if your dealer handed you the keys to a Hummer EV for a few weeks, would the fun factor tempt you to consider it over a Sierra EV?
Let me know what you think in our comments below.
Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.
Image Sources: The “GMC Sierra EV Group” public Facebook group and GMC’s gallery, respectively.
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Source: torquenews.com
