The GMC Sierra 2500HD is designed to tackle tough jobs that would humble an ordinary pickup. Even so, it's a civilized brute that can please comfort-hungry passengers while hauling hefty trailers and plenty of cargo. Buyers who don’t need as much capacity can turn to the lighter-duty Sierra 1500, while the heavier-duty 3500HD brings even greater capability. As usual, Chevrolet’s Silverado is similar to the Sierra, including HD models.
What's New for 2017
A new All Terrain X model joins the Sierra HD lineup, promising enhanced off-road capabilities along with what GMC calls “trail-ready” style. It’s the third All Terrain X limited-edition in GMC’s pickup-truck roster, joining the Sierra 1500 and the smaller Canyon. Offered with the Crew Cab body and four-wheel drive, the 2500HD All Terrain X comes with either a 6.0-liter gas-powered V8 or the newly upgraded Duramax 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8. For 2017, GMC boosted the diesel V8 to 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque. Trucks with the diesel engine get a functional hood scoop. Fleet buyers can order a version of the gasoline V8 that’s converted by Power Solutions to run on compressed natural gas (CNG).
Choosing Your Sierra 2500HD
Like all full-size GMC pickups, the 2500HD comes with a three-person Regular Cab, a Double Cab with a full-length backseat and narrow rear doors (hinged in the front), or a Crew Cab with full-size rear doors and extra rear legroom. The Regular Cab gets an 8-foot bed, while the Double and Crew can get either an 8-foot or 6.5-foot bed. Rear bumpers feature corner steps for easier access to the bed.
6.5-foot Bed | 8-foot Bed | |
Regular Cab | N/A | Standard |
Double Cab | Standard | Optional |
Crew Cab | Standard | Optional |
The standard 6-liter V8 produces 360 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, with a six-speed automatic transmission distributing power. For maximum grunt, GMC offers an upgraded version of its 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel V8, now generating 445 horsepower and a delirious 910 pound-feet of torque (up from 397 horsepower and 765 pound-feet). The turbodiesel gets a heavy-duty six-speed automatic and exhaust braking.
All 2500HDs except the All Terrain X come standard with rear-wheel drive, but four-wheel drive is available across the board.
To assist with towing, all models come with trailer sway control, automatic grade braking and integrated cruise control that automatically adjusts to load weight. Equipped with a gooseneck/fifth-wheel, the 2500HD can tow up to 18,100 pounds and haul 4,044 pounds.
The 2500HD is available in five trim levels: Base, SLE, SLT, and luxurious Denali, plus the new All Terrain X:
Base
Starting at $35,085 (destination charge included) with rear-drive and the Regular Cab, the base model comes with either cloth or vinyl upholstery, a split-bench front seat, rubberized-vinyl floor matting, air conditioning, power locks, cruise control, a four-speaker sound system, chrome rear bumper, and 17-inch steel wheels. Double and Crew Cabs also get power windows and two extra speakers. The optional Convenience Package adds keyless entry, a remote locking tailgate, rearview camera, and power windows for the Regular Cab.
SLE
Gets most of the Base options as standard, plus IntelliLink infotainment with an 8-inch touchscreen, 17-inch alloy wheels, a rearview camera, cloth upholstery, GMC's EZ Lift and Lower tailgate, six-speaker audio, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The SLE gets an optional Convenience Package of its own with power-adjustable pedals, rear parking sensors, and a power-sliding rear window. The SLE Preferred package adds a power driver’s seat, remote start, foglamps, 110-volt outlet, universal garage door opener, and (for Double and Crew) dual-zone climate control. Cloth bucket front seats are optional. Digital Assist Steering is standard for Double and Crew Cabs at this level and above. A Z71 suspension is optional.
SLT
Available only in Double and Crew configurations, the SLT receives standard leather-appointed upholstery, heated power front seats, driver’s memory, automatic climate control, an automatic-locking rear differential, and a heavy-duty trailering package. Exclusive to the SLT Crew Cab is an All Terrain package with GMC's Z71 off-road suspension, specific exterior trim, a heated steering wheel, and leather-appointed front seats.
All Terrain X
This new limited-edition comes only with four-wheel drive and a Crew Cab, and either the gasoline or turbodiesel V8. Standard features include Goodyear Duratrac mud-terrain tires on black, 18-inch aluminum wheels, a unique body-colored grille surround, black heated and power-folding trailering mirrors with integrated turn signals, leather seats, and 4-inch black side steps. Also included are front/rear parking sensors, a Z71 off-road suspension, automatic-locking rear differential, rearview camera, and IntelliLink with an 8-inch color touchscreen. GMC only offers two body colors – Onyx (black) and Summit White.
Denali
For $59,690 with the gasoline engine ($68,490 with diesel), the posh, Crew Cab-only Denali comes fully loaded with upgraded perforated upholstery, heated/ventilated front seats, navigation, 20-inch wheels, and unique exterior chrome. A rear entertainment system is optional.
The SLE and above are eligible for a Driver Alert Package with forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, automatic high beams, and a vibrating safety alert seat.
The Base Sierra isn't nearly as austere as it used to be, so it can make a perfectly acceptable personal vehicle, especially with a few options. Even so, the step-up SLE remains the best overall value for mixed use. Off-road enthusiasts might be tempted by the new All Terrain X and its mighty diesel energy, but it’s hardly bargain-priced.