2023 GMC Sierra 2500HD

Like its 3500HD big brother, GMC’s Sierra 2500HD is a carryover model for 2023. It’s a bewilderingly complex range to navigate, but at least you can configure the exact cargo and passenger configuration, powertrain and trim level you want/need/can afford.

You’ll need a cup of coffee and a free slot in your diary to plow through the numerous permutations of 2500HD Sierras. There are three cab styles (three-seater Regular Cab and six-seater Double Cab and Crew Cab designs), standard and long bed lengths, RWD and AWD drivetrains, two 6.6-liter engines (one gas and one diesel), plus anywhere between two and five trim levels depending on which of the previous options you’ve selected. About the only configuration not available is a double rear axle, but you can get that on the 3500.

The cheapest way to own a new Sierra 2500HD is to choose the Regular Cab Long Bed with 2WD and a 6.6-liter V8 gas engine in Pro trim. It’ll set you back $42,995 (all prices include destination). At the other end of the scale, an AWD turbodiesel-powered Denali in Crew Cab Long Bed configuration will cost you $83,845.

The Sierra 2500HD is powered by a brace of 6.6-liter engines – one gas, one diesel. The former is considerably cheaper, producing 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque, fed to either the rear or all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy isn’t recorded, which is probably just as well.

The alternative is a turbodiesel engine generating 445 hp and 910 lb-ft, with its greater torque channeled through a ten-speed Allison auto box.

Regardless of whether you choose a three-seater Single Cab 2500HD or a six-seater Crew Cab/Double Cab configuration, Standard Bed offers an 82-inch box at the back while Long Bed extends this to 98 inches.

On Pro and SLE models, the list of safety features you don’t get is considerably longer than the list you do – six airbags, traction control, LED daytime running lights and the Teen Driver feature-limiting and behavior-monitoring software.

Mid-range SLT ups the ante with an HD rear vision camera and a hitch view camera, but you’ll need the flagship Crew Cab body style and the most expensive Denali trim to receive automatic emergency braking, auto high beams, forward collision alert, park assist or lane change alert with side blind zone and rear cross-traffic alerts. You can add many of these features to lower trims as options packages.

Base Sierra 2500HD Pro models are as poorly served with connectivity as they are with safety aids. You can’t even get GMC Connected Services on this model, which uses a compact seven-inch touchscreen to power its six-speaker stereo and smartphone mirroring.

It also misses out on basic features like WiFi hotspot capability, satellite radio and steering wheel-mounted audio controls, all of which are standard on SLE. SLT receive a larger eight-inch infotainment screen and wireless phone projection, while Denali is alone in receiving navigation, a Bose stereo and wireless device charging as standard. Again, these may be added to lesser models as bundled options packs.

It’s probably obvious by now that Pro models are extremely basic. The only luxuries you’ll find in the cabin are single-zone climate, a rear vision camera, power windows and doors. The outside is enlivened by chrome bumpers and LED lights.

We’d strongly recommend asking your dealer to add the $890 Driver Alert Package I to your order. It bundles in lane change alert with side blind zone alert, rear cross-traffic alerts, park assist at both ends of the vehicle and perimeter lighting. The $1,950 Convenience Pack combines remote keyless entry and a power release tailgate with cruise control, LED cargo bed lighting, heated and power-adjustable outside mirrors and power windows with express up/down on Regular Cab models.

SLE models benefit from a power-locking six-function tailgate and power-adjustable outside mirrors. Inside, Pro’s monochrome driver information center is upgraded to color, while there are carpets and cruise control, remote keyless entry and satellite radio.

Available alongside its $890 sibling, the $595 Driver Alert Package II encompasses lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert and distance indicators plus intelligent headlights. The SLE Convenience Package might cost $2,255, but it does include ten-way power and lumbar for the heated driver’s seat, keyless open and start with dual-zone climate, a heated steering wheel and a variety of LED lighting on Crew Cab and Double Cab models.

Only available on Double Cab or Crew Cab variants, SLT models are the first to incorporate remote start and keyless entry, wireless phone projection and dual-zone climate. The seats are perforated leather, the inside mirror automatically dims, the steering wheel is heated and so are the outboard power-adjusted front seats, with memory for the driver.

The Driver Convenience Packs are still available, while the $5,240 SLT Premium Package brings 20 separate upgrades. Highlights include navigation and a Bose premium sound system, wireless device charging and phone projection, the Driver Alert Package I and ventilated front bucket seats. If its price is too steep, the $1,670 SLT Preferred pack combines navigation and wireless charging with a Bose sound system and a bed view camera.

AT4 models are aimed at heavy-duty use, with ventilated front bucket seats holding occupants in place alongside heated rear outboard seats. Removable carpet inserts in the floor liners reflect this model’s go-anywhere intentions.

Once again, the Driver Alert I and II packs are options. The $1,475 Technology pack combines a 15-inch head-up display and eight-inch driver digital information center with a rear camera mirror, while the AT4 Preferred Package is the equivalent to SLT’s similarly named bundle.

You pay a high price for Denali trim, but it’s the first 2500HD to feel equivalent to a modern SUV. Its 20-inch polished aluminum wheels join chrome assist steps with matching door handles and mirror caps, alongside a power sliding rear window. Step inside and you find navigation and a seven-speaker Bose audio system, HD surround vision and a whole suite of driving aids.

The $1,275 Technology package adds a head-up display and rear camera mirror, or you can combine these with a sunroof via the $2,270 Ultimate Package.

Compare Sierra 2500HD Trims Side-By-Side