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2021 GMC Sierra HD

Starting at $37,895

6.5/10 C/D RATING
Specs
2021 gmc sierra hd front
GMC
6.5/10 C/D RATING

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  • Highs Diesel powertrain is quick and smooth, helpful trailer-assist technology, more tactile steering than rivals.
  • Lows Lower max tow ratings than rivals, Denali interior is inferior to luxury rivals, fewer active safety features than rivals.
  • Verdict The Sierra HD is a hugely capable heavy-duty truck with an excellent diesel powertrain, but it's still not as fancy or as tech-savvy as rivals.
By Eric Stafford

Overview

Heavy-duty pickup trucks are intended to be workhorses rather than show ponies, but the 2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD do both. While the giant GMC's top-of-the-line Denali model looks glamorous and is loaded with upscale features, its interior isn't as luxurious as the fanciest Ford Super Duty or Ram HD. Still, the Sierra has a more refined diesel powertrain, with its Duramax engine developing 910 lb-ft of torque and capable of pulling up to 35,500 pounds. Unlike its Ford and Ram rivals, the GMC features an independent front suspension that provides responsive steering and impressive maneuverability. However, the largest versions are still far from agile compared with the regular Sierra 1500. While a host of ingenious towing assists and some innovative features help the 2021 Sierra HD stand out, it's still not our favorite heavy-duty pickup.

What's New for 2021?

For 2021, the heavy-duty Sierra receives a host of new or improved trailer-assistance features. There's a new jack-knife alert that does what its name suggests and a trailer-length indicator that lets the driver know when nearby traffic might interfere with a connected trailer. The Multipro tailgate is now standard on the SLE trim level and there are three new paint colors. The Denali adds a newly standard high-definition 360-degree camera and a bed-view camera as well as a new Diamond Edition. The latter wears exclusive black 20-inch wheels and power-retractable running boards. Finally, the off-road-oriented AT4 is now available with mud-terrain tires and a high-clearance step accessory.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

SLE
$44,595
SLT
$52,595
AT4
$59,995
Denali
$66,495

    We'd start with 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 Duramax 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 lb-ft 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 lb-ft of twist, and it works through an Allison 10-speed automatic. You can also specify either a single- or dual-rear-wheel axle (known as a "dually"). While we've only driven the diesel variant, we did sample the gas-burning powertrain on the internally identical 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.

    2021 gmc sierra hd rearView Photos
    GMC

    Towing and Payload Capacity

    The strongest Sierra 3500HD can carry 7442 pounds in its cargo bed and pull as much as 35,500 pounds. 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.

    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 class-exclusive 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 at best. 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.

    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.

    Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

    The 2021 Sierra HD hasn't been crash tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). 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. Key safety features include:

    • Available forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
    • Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
    • Available lane-departure warning

    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 visit
    Arrow pointing downArrow pointing down

    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
    ÂĽ-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

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