From its rugged frame, to the ultra-luxe Denali trim line, GM’s heavy-lifting and hard-working Sierra 2500 HD is ready for any job.
Underneath its big chrome grille and new standard projector beam headlamps with LED daytime running lights is a chassis that’s shared with the Silverado 2500 HD. The two are very pretty much the same truck from a mechanical and design standpoint, though the GMC offers more luxury features and a more upmarket look.
The Sierra 2500 HD was just updated last year, so changes for model year 2016 are comparatively minor and focus on bringing additional creature comforts to buyers.
Sierra 2500 HD owners tow a lot, and so GMC has made a new fifth wheel trailer package available right from the factory. It offers a frame-mounted hitch platform and tray for gooseneck trailers, and includes a spray-on bedliner. Buyers of Extended and Crew Cab models can also equip their trucks with a new Digital Steering Assist function, which improves steering feel, offers greater steering response, and enhances stability. A new remote locking tailgate has also been added to the options list, a convenient new security feature.
The interior of the 2500 HD is very similar to the standard Sierra 1500 and is available with a soft-touch plastic dash top, and a clean, easy to navigate design. Two IntelliLink systems are available to buyers. The entry level setup, new this year, offers a 7.0-inch display with new graphics and new processing power. It also has been upgraded to work with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s also an 8.0-inch premium version of this very setup; it will offer CarPlay from the outset, with Android Auto being made available later in the year. And while the Sierra comes loaded with USB ports, and an available 110-volt outlet, GMC has also outfitted it with an available wireless device charger.
The standard engine on the Sierra 2500 HD is a 6.0-litre V8 engine that produces 360 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. The engine is E85 capable; it can also be ordered to run on CNG (Compressed Natural Gas). Also available is GM’s potent 6.6-litre Duramax diesel engine, which produces 397 hp and 765 lb-ft of torque, and is available with both an exhaust brake and a power take-off unit. Both engine use a six-speed automatic; the diesel’s is built by Allison.
The Sierra 2500 HD is available in three different cab styles, with two different bed lengths, and a total of four different trim levels: base, SLE, SLT, and Denali. The luxury Denali trim offers buyers heated and ventilated leather seats, 12-way power front seats, lumbar, and memory amongst other features. The Denali is said to account for half of all Crew Cab Sierra 2500 sales.
Buyers who often find themselves off the beaten path may wish to consider the All-Terrain package. Built on the SLT trim line, it adds Rancho shocks, skid plates, front and rear park assists, unique grille and bumpers, plus a heated steering wheel.
In terms of abilities, payload for the Sierra 2500HD ranges from 1099 kg (2,423 lbs) for a Crew Cab long box with 4WD and the 6.6L diesel, to 1834 kg (4,043 lbs) for a Regular Cab long box with 2WD and the 6.0L gas engine. Towing ranges between 5,851 kg (12,900 lbs) for the Crew Cab long box with 4WD and 6.6L diesel, and 8,165 kg (18,000 lbs) for the Regular Cab long box with 2WD.
Pricing for the Sierra 2500 HD starts at $41,540 for the simple regular cab 2WD long box, and goes all the way up to $73,165 for the Crew Cab 4WD Denali.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
