Overview
GMC Sierra HD pickups can pull a titanic quantity of weight, however their Herculean efforts don’t cease there. These big-power workhorses clear up fairly nicely, too, providing shiny chrome exterior bits and a snug leather-based saddle for the within. The Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD are the jumbo-shrimp of their half-ton counterpart, the Sierra 1500, reviewed individually. These GMC pickups provide a better degree of luxurious and end versus Chevy’s Silverado HD choices. A 401-hp 6.6-liter V-8 with a 10-speed computerized serves as the bottom powertrain, whereas an accessible 445-hp Duramax turbodiesel V-8 with 10-speed computerized transmission is a prerequisite for the Sierra HD’s 22,500 kilos of most typical towing. Further trailer help options reminiscent of Clear Trailer View, Trailer Aspect Blind Zone Alert, and accessible adaptive cruise management with trailering make the Sierra HD work smarter as an alternative of more durable. Whereas the heavy-duty Sierra lacks the polish and max towing of opponents such because the Ram HD and Ford Tremendous Responsibility, it’s a strong selection for these with a gaping truck-size gap of their coronary heart.
What’s New for 2024?
GMC’s burliest pickup will get a lightweight visible refreshing amongst bigger modifications reminiscent of a revised powertrain that provides extra towing capability and an all-new trim. The Sierra HDs get a revised entrance fascia with newly accessible LED headlights and taillights with sequential flip indicators. The 6.6-liter Duramax turbocharged diesel V-8’s energy and torque have elevated to 470 horsepower and 975 pound-feet of torque respectively. The elevated energy has elevated the towing capability throughout the Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD lineup, with a better max ranking of twenty-two,500 kilos on the hitch. The 401-hp 6.6-liter V-8 fuel engine’s six-speed computerized is changed by the Allison-certified 10-speed computerized, beforehand unique for the diesel engine. An all-new Denali Final trim joins 2500HD and 3500HD and gives a fair higher degree of luxurious than the favored Denali tier. Denali Final, simply because it does for Sierra 1500, provides leather-wrapped door panels, steering wheel, and A- and B-pillar handles. The 16-way power-adjustable entrance heated and cooled messaging entrance seats are additionally given intricate leather-based stitching with a topographic map of Mount Denali in Alaska. These revisions are supplemented by new trailering expertise, together with adaptive cruise management with trailering, gross mixture weight (GCW) alert, and GM’s Clear Trailer View is now additionally suitable for gooseneck and fifth wheel trailering. The Sierra HD’s commonplace driver help tech has additionally been expanded for 2024.
Pricing and Which One to Purchase
We might begin with the crew cab and select the usual mattress on the Sierra 2500HD. We might keep away from the rugged AT4 and chrome-laden Denali fashions regardless of their enhanced look. As an alternative, we might suggest choosing the SLT trim degree and including four-wheel drive and the diesel V-8. The SLT comes commonplace with GMC’s versatile MultiPro tailgate, a heated steering wheel, heated entrance seats, power-adjustable entrance seats, and distant begin. It additionally unlocks extra choices than the lesser SLE trim. We might decide the SLT Comfort bundle that features entrance bucket seats with ventilated cushions, heated rear seats, and a power-sliding rear window. The Driver Alert packages are additionally price including as a result of they make the behemoth simpler to stay with because of assists reminiscent of blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and entrance and rear parking sensors.
Engine, Transmission, and Efficiency
The Sierra HD comes commonplace with a gas-powered 6.6-liter V-8 that generates 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque. It pairs with a 10-speed computerized transmission and rear- or four-wheel drive. The optionally available Duramax diesel 6.6-liter V-8 cranks out 470 ponies and 975 pound-feet of twist, and it really works via an Allison-certified 10-speed computerized. You may as well specify both a single- or dual-rear-wheel axle (referred to as a “dually”) for 3500 HD fashions. Whereas we have solely pushed an earlier diesel model, we did pattern the gas-burning powertrain on the internally similar Chevy Silverado 2500HD and appreciated its dutiful habits. Nonetheless, there isn’t any arguing that the Duramax is a spotlight of the heavy-duty Sierra, and it is a no-brainer for individuals who recurrently tow substantial hundreds. The engine is surprisingly refined, and the transmission may be very responsive. Collectively they helped the 2500HD Denali we examined obtain impressively fast acceleration instances. The big GMC additionally has an agreeable trip high quality for its breed. Although its steering is imprecise at freeway speeds the Sierra nonetheless feels extra agile than its heavy-duty opponents. The trail-ready AT4 and AT4X fashions are a more-rugged tackle the generally chrome-riddled rig, with an off-road suspension and a locking rear differential to go along with its in any other case blacked-out aesthetic.
Towing and Payload Capability
The strongest Sierra 3500HD can pull as a lot as 36,000 kilos. Nonetheless, these large capacities require the diesel engine, common cab, rear-wheel drive, the dual-rear-wheel axle, and a gooseneck hitch. The identical truck with a fifth-wheel hitch drops the capability to 32,000 kilos. The Sierra 2500HD is just supplied with a single-rear-wheel axle, and its burliest model is nice for 22,500 kilos of towing.
Gasoline Financial system and Actual-World MPG
For the reason that EPA does not check autos as heavy because the Sierra HD and its gigantic opponents, we are able to solely choose their real-world mpg on our freeway fuel-economy route. We have solely examined a Sierra 2500HD Denali with the diesel engine, which earned 17 mpg on the freeway. For comparability, the diesel-powered Silverado 2500 LTZ crew cab and Ram 2500 Tradesmen common cab diesels we examined each managed 19 mpg. Those that keep on with the GMC’s commonplace gas-fed V-8 ought to anticipate to see even worse gasoline financial system than the diesel choice.
Inside, Consolation, and Cargo
Inside, the Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD have an enormous dashboard that hosts user-friendly switchgear. Most fashions have a split-folding entrance bench that may be changed with a pair of bucket seats and a full middle console. The Sierra’s inside will also be optioned with a head-up show, a heated steering wheel, heated-and-cooled entrance seats, and wi-fi charging. Sadly, the cabin’s panel suits and materials high quality are mediocre at finest. Whereas there’s an abundance of sentimental contact surfaces all through, and most fashions profit from sturdy plastics, the top-of-the-line Denali falls woefully wanting its luxurious billing. The brand new Denali Final trim is as grandeur because it will get, with leather-wrapped inside items, Paldao wooden trim items, and a mushy microsuede headliner. The fanciest alternate options from Ram overshadow the GMC largely because of their considerably extra upscale feel and appear. Nonetheless, the Sierra HD will please pickup-truck patrons who prioritize practicality and flexibility. Together with intensive passenger house within the crew cab, the GMC is affected by helpful inside cubby storage. Its commonplace and lengthy cargo containers have built-in steps on either side of the mattress and the rear bumper has them at every nook. The field will be additional personalized with LED lighting, movable tie-downs, and a 120-volt outlet. The heavy-duty Sierra’s largest showpiece is its modern multi-function tailgate, which has six completely different positions that embody a piece floor and bench. It is a tailgater’s dream come true.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Each Sierra HD has a normal touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Whereas base fashions have fewer choices, they will nonetheless be outfitted with a 120-volt outlet and a cellular hotspot. Most trim ranges have an 8.0-inch display screen and extra charging ports. All methods embody a set of rotary knobs and bodily buttons which might be simply accessible. The bigger touchscreen will be upgraded with built-in navigation, a Bose audio system, SiriusXM satellite tv for pc radio, and a rear-seat leisure system. An enormous 13.4-inch infotainment touchscreen gives essentially the most built-in expertise with options like Google Constructed-in, split-scren navigation, and is wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto suitable. This show is commonplace on Denali and Denali Final trims. GMC additionally gives a smartphone app that can be utilized to remotely management trailer features. Likewise, the truck’s infotainment system permits customers to retailer completely different trailer profiles to observe upkeep.
Security and Driver-Help Options
Whereas the truck will be geared up with numerous driver-assistance expertise, solely a portion of them come commonplace, and heavy-duty rivals provide much more assists. Nonetheless, the GMC does have a complete digicam system that options as much as 15 completely different viewing modes, together with a “clear” mode that enables the person to just about see via an hooked up trailer as if it wasn’t there. For extra details about the Sierra HD’s crash-test outcomes, go to the Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) web sites. Key security options embody:
- Commonplace forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking
- Commonplace lane-departure warning
- Accessible blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
Guarantee and Upkeep Protection
GMC gives a aggressive guarantee plan that matches the protection offered by its Ford and Ram rivals however, in contrast to these alternate options, it does embody one complimentary scheduled upkeep go to.
- Restricted guarantee covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain guarantee covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
- Complimentary upkeep is roofed for the primary yr
Specs
Specs
2020 GMC Sierra 2500 Denali 4WD Crew Cab
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, rear-/4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door pickup
PRICE AS TESTED
$78,455 (base worth: $65,295)
ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled pushrod 32-valve diesel V-8, iron block and aluminum heads, direct gasoline injection
Displacement
403 cu in, 6599 cc
Energy
445 hp @ 2800 rpm
Torque
910 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
TRANSMISSION
10-speed computerized
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): management arms/strong axle
Brakes (F/R): 14.0-in vented disc/14.1-in vented disc
Tires: Goodyear Wrangler Path Runner A/T, LT275/65R-20 126/123S M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 158.9 in
Size: 250.1 in
Width: 81.9 in
Peak: 79.8 in
Passenger quantity: 139 cu ft
Curb weight: 8260 lb
C/D
TEST RESULTS
Rollout, 1 ft: 0.3 sec
60 mph: 6.5 sec
90 mph: 14.4 sec
Rolling begin, 5–60 mph: 7.7 sec
High gear, 30–50 mph: 3.7 sec
High gear, 50–70 mph: 5.0 sec
¼-mile: 15.0 sec @ 92 mph
High velocity (governor restricted): 98 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 207 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.73 g
C/D
FUEL ECONOMY
Noticed: 12 mpg
75-mph freeway driving: 17 mpg
Freeway vary: 610 miles
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Mixed/metropolis/freeway: not rated
Extra Options and Specs
