GMC Sierra 2500HD

Overview: Is the GMC Sierra 2500HD a Good Heavy-Duty Truck?

The GMC Sierra 2500HD brings upscale accommodations and heavy hauling capabilities to the full-size heavy-duty pickup segment. Offered in regular, double, and crew cab configurations, the Sierra 2500 seats between three and six passengers, depending on cab style. Muscular V8 engine choices send power to the rear or all four wheels. There’s also a 2500 Diesel option. Trims range from a basic work truck to a luxurious Denali Ultimate grade to suit a broad spectrum of buyers. With up to 22,070 pounds of towing capacity (with the correct trailer hitch for fifth wheel towing), the Sierra 2500 is well-suited to recreational and professional duties.

This overview is focused on newer editions:

• Third-generation GMC Sierra 2500HD: 2007-2014
• Fourth-generation GMC Sierra 2500HD: 2015-2019
• Fifth-generation GMC Sierra 2500HD: 2020-Current

Besides the GMC Sierra 2500HD, other GMC models include Sierra 1500, Sierra 3500HD, Canyon, Terrain, Acadia, Yukon, and the all-electric Hummer EV

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for used GMC Sierra 2500HDs for sale.

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Related: Here Are The GMC Sierra Years To Avoid

Key Features

The GMC Sierra 2500 offers:

• Full-size heavy-duty pickup truck body style
• regular cab, double cab, or crew cab configuration (An extend cab was available during the third generation)
• Gasoline V8 or Duramax V8 turbodiesel engines
• Automatic transmission
• Rear wheel drive (RWD/2WD) or four wheel drive (4WD)

Trims

The newer Sierra 2500HD trims include the Pro, SLE, SLT, AT4, Denali, AT4X, and the range-topping Denali Ultimate grades. Regular, double, and crew cabs offer increasing interior space, while long and standard cargo beds cater to diverse hauling needs.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

Comfort is a relative term with the Sierra 2500; the Pro trim is more about basic transportation, while the interior of the Denali Ultimate is loaded with luxuries. Sierra 2500HDs with a crew cab have the most interior space. Older Sierra 2500HDs have basic technologies like radio and air conditioning, but newer models have the latest features, including touchscreen infotainment screens, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Denali Ultimate models have massaging 16-way power front leather seats, open-pore wood trim, and a rear camera mirror. The available Multi-Flex tailgate available on fifth-generation models provides six distinct functions to simplify loading. In-bed cargo volume measures up to 83.5 cubic feet on long box models.

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How It Drives

GMC Sierra 2500HDs since 2020 have a gasoline 6.6-liter V8 making 401 horsepower and 464 lb ft of torque for impressive unladen acceleration. Stepping up to the Duramax 6.6-liter turbodiesel dramatically boosts torque to 910 lb ft for effortless towing, albeit at a price premium. The ride becomes bouncy when the truck is unloaded but settles down with a hefty trailer in tow or a large load in the cargo bed. An available AT4 Off-Road Package adds skid plates, twin-tube shocks, and all-terrain tires for enhanced capability.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has evaluated only the fourth-generation GMC Sierra 2500HD. It received a four out of five overall safety rating. Newer models have yet to be tested.

Reviews

GMC Sierra 2500HD owners on Kelley Blue Book rate the third and fourth generations an average of 4.6-4.7 out of 5. These trucks' strongest traits include reliability and performance. The score for the fifth generation dropped to 4.3, but it received high ratings for performance, comfort, and styling.

Learn More: GMC Sierra Transmission Problems

FAQs

How much horsepower does GMC Sierra 2500 6.6 gas have?

The standard 6.6-liter gasoline V8 engine produces 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque, providing ample acceleration and up to 17,370 pounds of conventional towing capacity.

Is the GMC Sierra 2500 a 3/4 ton?

Yes. The GMC Sierra 2500, like its Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD sibling, is classified as a 3/4-ton truck based on its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and towing/hauling capabilities.

Is the GMC Sierra 2500HD a diesel?

The heavy-duty Sierra 2500 lineup offers both gasoline and diesel engines. A 6.6-liter gas V8 comes standard, but buyers can upgrade to an optional 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel for increased torque and towing capacity.

What's the difference between the GMC Sierra 2500HD and the 3500HD?

The Sierra 3500HD offers higher towing and payload ratings thanks to a stronger frame, upgraded suspension, and available dual rear wheels. It sacrifices some ride quality for maximum capability over 2500HD models.

How much bigger is the GMC Sierra 2500 than the GMC Sierra 1500?

With a nearly 20-inch longer wheelbase, 3-inch taller height and up to 1,400 pounds of additional curb weight depending on configuration, the Sierra 2500 casts a significantly larger exterior shadow than the 1500, even when both have a crew cab configuration.

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