2023 GMC Sierra HD
Overview
The heavy duty pickup trucks that roam North America like overfed elk don’t have any antlers, but rubbing up against a tree or two with the GMC Sierra 2500HD or 3500HD probably won’t hurt it much either. Built to move the world, the heavy-duty Sierras are offered with either a 401-hp 6.6-liter V-8 and six-speed automatic transmission or a 445-hp 6.6-liter V-8 Duramax Diesel with 910 pound-feet of torque. The latter gets a 10-speed automatic and is the powertrain of choice for the Sierra 3500 if you plan on utilizing its 20,000 pounds of max conventional towing capability. Let’s see an elk try that. If that sounds like too much truck, the half-ton Sierra 1500, reviewed separately, is a proper alternative. The Sierra comes with plenty of trailer-assist technology and even an optional multifunctional tailgate, but it’s somewhat outclassed by newer rivals such as the Ford Super Duty and Ram HD. The difference between the GMC and Chevy’s Silverado HD is almost entirely visual, but the bow-tie alternative does offer a more affordable entry into mega-truck-dom.
What’s New for 2023?
The heavy-duty GMC Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD receive no dramatic equipment changes for 2023. That’s because GMC will announce a mid-cycle refresh for the 2024 Sierra HDs that includes even more power, torque, and towing capacity.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We’d start with the crew cab and choose the standard bed on the Sierra 2500HD. We’d steer clear of the rugged AT4 and chrome-laden Denali models despite their enhanced appearance. Instead, we’d recommend picking the SLT trim level and adding four-wheel drive and the diesel V-8. The SLT comes standard with GMC’s versatile MultiPro tailgate, a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, power-adjustable front seats, and remote start. It also unlocks more options than the lesser SLE trim. We’d pick the SLT Convenience package that includes front bucket seats with ventilated cushions, heated rear seats, and a power-sliding rear window. The Driver Alert packages are also worth adding because they make the behemoth easier to live with thanks to assists such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and front and rear parking sensors.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Sierra HD comes standard with a gas-powered 6.6-liter V-8 that generates 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque. It pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission and rear- or four-wheel drive. The optional Duramax diesel 6.6-liter V-8 cranks out 445 ponies and 910 pound-feet of mountain-hauling twist, and it works through an Allison 10-speed automatic. You can also specify either a single- or dual-rear-wheel axle (the iconic “dually”). While we’ve only driven the diesel variant, we did sample the gas-burning powertrain on the mechanically identical Chevy Silverado 2500HD and appreciated its dutiful behavior. However, there’s no arguing that the Duramax/Allison combination is a highlight of the heavy-duty Sierra, and it’s a no-brainer for those who regularly tow substantial loads. The engine is surprisingly refined, and the transmission is very responsive. Together they helped the 2500HD Denali we tested achieve impressively quick acceleration times. The gigantic GMC also has an agreeable ride quality for its breed. Though its steering is vague at highway speeds the Sierra nonetheless feels more agile than its heavy-duty competitors. The trail-ready AT4 model is a more-rugged take on the commonly chrome-riddled rig, with an off-road suspension and a locking rear differential to go with its otherwise blacked-out aesthetic.
More on the Sierra HD Pickup Truck
Towing and Payload Capacity
The strongest Sierra 3500HD can carry 7442 pounds in its cargo bed and pull as much as 35,500 pounds with a gooseneck trailer. However, those massive capacities require the diesel engine, regular cab, rear-wheel drive, and dual-rear-wheel axle. The Sierra 2500HD is only offered with a single-rear-wheel axle, and its burliest version is good for 3979 pounds of payload and 18,500 pounds of towing. Maximum conventional towing for the diesel powertrain is 20,000 pounds.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Since the EPA doesn’t test vehicles as heavy as the Sierra HD and its gigantic competitors, we can only judge their real-world mpg on our highway fuel-economy route. We’ve only tested a Sierra 2500HD Denali with the diesel engine, which earned 17 mpg on the highway. For comparison, the diesel-powered Silverado 2500 LTZ crew cab and Ram 2500 Tradesmen regular cab diesels we tested both managed 19 mpg. Those who stick with the GMC’s standard gas-fed V-8 should expect to see even worse fuel economy than the diesel option.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD have a huge dashboard that hosts user-friendly switchgear. Most models have a split-folding front bench that can be replaced with a pair of bucket seats and a full center console. The Sierra’s interior can also be optioned with a head-up display, a heated steering wheel, heated-and-cooled front seats, and wireless charging. Unfortunately, the cabin’s panel fits and material quality are mediocre. While there’s an abundance of soft-touch surfaces throughout, and most models benefit from durable plastics, the top-of-the-line Denali falls woefully short of its luxury billing. The fanciest alternatives from Ram overshadow the GMC largely thanks to their significantly more upscale look and feel. Still, the Sierra HD will please pickup-truck buyers who prioritize practicality and versatility. Along with extensive passenger space in the crew cab, the GMC is littered with handy interior cubby storage. Its standard and long cargo boxes have built-in steps on both sides of the bed and the rear bumper has them at each corner. The box can be further customized with LED lighting, movable tie-downs, and a 120-volt outlet. The heavy-duty Sierra’s biggest showpiece is its innovative multi-function tailgate, which has six different positions that include a work surface and bench. It’s a tailgater’s dream come true.
The Car and Driver Difference
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every Sierra HD has a standard touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While base models have fewer options, they can still be outfitted with a 120-volt outlet and a mobile hotspot. Most trim levels have an 8.0-inch screen and additional charging ports. All systems include a set of rotary knobs and physical buttons that are easily accessible. The larger touchscreen can be upgraded with built-in navigation, a Bose audio system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a rear-seat entertainment system. GMC also offers a smartphone app that can be used to remotely control trailer functions. Likewise, the truck’s infotainment system allows users to store different trailer profiles to monitor maintenance.
How to Buy and Maintain a Car
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
While the truck can be equipped with various driver-assistance technology, none of it comes standard, and heavy-duty rivals offer even more assists. However, the GMC does have a comprehensive camera system that features up to 15 different viewing modes, including a “transparent” mode that allows the user to virtually see through an attached trailer as if it wasn’t there. For more information about the Sierra HD’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Available forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert Available lane-departure
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
GMC provides a competitive warranty plan that matches the coverage provided by its Ford and Ram rivals but, unlike those alternatives, it does include one complimentary scheduled maintenance visit.
Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first year
Specifications
Specifications
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 price: $65,295)
ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled pushrod 32-valve diesel V-8, iron block and aluminum heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement
403 cu in, 6599 cc
Power
445 hp @ 2800 rpm
Torque
910 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
TRANSMISSION
10-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): control arms/solid axle
Brakes (F/R): 14.0-in vented disc/14.1-in vented disc
Tires: Goodyear Wrangler Trail Runner A/T, LT275/65R-20 126/123S M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 158.9 in
Length: 250.1 in
Width: 81.9 in
Height: 79.8 in
Passenger volume: 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 start, 5–60 mph: 7.7 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.7 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 5.0 sec
¼-mile: 15.0 sec @ 92 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 98 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 207 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.73 g
C/D
FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 12 mpg
75-mph highway driving: 17 mpg
Highway range: 610 miles
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: not rated
More Features and Specs
