Select a year
- Highs Powerful turbodiesel option, impressive hauling capability, surprisingly good ride and handling.
- Lows Lower maximum tow ratings than rivals, less back-seat room than competitors, Denali trim doesn't live up to its price.
- Verdict The Sierra HD is an extremely capable heavy-duty pickup with a powerful diesel engine option, but it lags behind rivals in several key areas.
Overview
The Sierra HD blends country-boy roots with big-city glitz. The optional Duramax turbodiesel in the 3500HD yields class-leading 445 horsepower and an eye-popping 910 pound-feet of torque that will tow up to 23,300 pounds. Although that trails the strongest Ford and Ram rivals, the Sierra has more civilized road manners. Mix and match two engines, three cab styles, and two bed lengths among five wheelbases to fit any lifestyle or work-site requirement. All dressed up in Denali trim, the Sierra HD is a hardworking ranch hand in a tuxedo, ready for a night on the town.
What's New for 2017?
The Sierra HD has an updated Duramax diesel that’s more refined and more powerful. Among other revisions, it has a hood-scoop induction system and improved cooling and fuel systems. The drivetrain is enhanced with stronger components and an improved Allison six-speed automatic transmission with a higher torque capacity. New features also include a standard Teen Driver mode for monitoring the kids’ driving habits and an All Terrain X package with special wheels, tires, and blacked-out trim.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- Base: $35,485
- SLE: $41,085
- SLT: $48,280
- Denali: $56,890
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Sierra HD's Duramax turbodiesel and Allison transmission are as iconic as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. As the ringleaders of General Motors’ heavy-duty powertrains, they harness a best-in-class 445 horsepower and a tremendous 910 pound-feet of torque. The very capable standard 360-hp 6.0-liter V-8 produces 380 pound-feet of torque and pairs with a six-speed automatic. Despite the Sierra HD’s hefty chassis, it’s surprisingly wieldy, subjectively quick, statistically fast, and the most dynamic to drive in its class. The Sierra 2500HD provides a very comfortable ride for a heavy-duty pickup. It manages to avoid serious shaking while traversing rough pavement; even when not towing a big load or hauling heavy stuff in the bed, body motions are kept in check. The 3500HD rides stiffer, but it’s still not punishing.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Sierra HD is home to one of the most practical cabins available, with an upright dash and straightforward controls. It has the most spacious front seat in its class, but the crew cab’s rear-seat passenger space trails that of the Ford Super Duty. The elephant in the cab is the steering-wheel position, which is offset uncomfortably to the right. The interior of our Denali test rig was highlighted by a pair of 12-way-power-adjustable heated leather front buckets. The Denali trim, however, doesn’t live up to its price tag; the materials neither look nor feel as rich as you’d expect in a vehicle at this price point. Heavy-duty pickups are havens for carrying the essentials of workaday life, and there are few things large or small that the Sierra HD can’t handle in its cargo box or in its many interior cubbies and bins.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The base Sierra HD comes with a 4.2-inch color display, a four-speaker stereo, and USB and auxiliary inputs. The excellent IntelliLink infotainment system, standard on higher trims, includes either a 7.0-inch or an 8.0-inch touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, premium audio, and 4G LTE Wi-Fi. Infotainment controls include useful knobs, buttons, and voice commands. The system is extremely responsive and user-friendly, although the touchscreen icons could be larger.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
For more information about the GMC Sierra 2500HD / 3500HD’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.
