As rumours swirl that GMC will introduce an all-new Sierra HD 2500 for the 2020 model year, this brand’s entry-level heavy-duty pickup carries over largely unchanged for 2019.
This marks the fifth year for this truck, which competes against formidable foes in the form of Ford F-250 Super Duty and the Ram 2500, along with the Nissan Titan XD. The GMC does that with a choice of regular, double and crew cab body styles and six- and eight-foot cargo boxes.
Naturally, there are also options under the hood. The Sierra 2500 comes standard with a 6.0L gasoline V8 making 360 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, which can be optioned to a 6.6L turbodiesel that makes 445 hp and a big 910 lb-ft. Expect the next-generation diesel model to boast even more torque as right now Ford has the edge in that department with its Power Stroke diesel engine.
Both engines come standard with a six-speed automatic transmission, but buyers do get to choose between rear- and four-wheel drive.
Trim levels include a base model as well as SLE, SLT and the luxurious Denali.
The Sierra 2500 may be available with upscale interior appointments that allow it to present as a luxury vehicle, but don't expect them to ride like a fancy European sedan; the Sierra 2500 boasts a beefed-up suspension designed for maximum towing and hauling capacity rather than ride comfort.
An all-terrain off-road package offered on SLT Crew Cab models seems to focus on appearance items including a body-colour grille, door handles and mouldings and black mirror caps, front skid plate and assist steps. Toward the bottom of GMC's list are 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, a spray-on bedliner, off-road suspension with Rancho shocks and other exclusive interior and exterior cues.
There’s a less-comprehensive off-road package for other SLT models that basically consists of grippier tires and a bed-mounted sport bar. That said, GMC will let you option any SLE or SLT model with the off-road suspension without getting the full all-terrain package.
Otherwise, key engineering highlights include a standard locking rear differential and a cab structure composed mostly of high-strength steel.
A 7.0-inch infotainment system is standard in the base model, and an 8.0-inch screen is included in SLE and SLT trims. The Denali gets standard navigation and wireless smartphone charging, which can be optioned into SLE and SLT models; Denali's standard leather seating with front-seat heat and ventilation is an option in the SLT.
Available active safety features include lane departure warning, forward collision alert and front and rear park assist, all of which are bundled into a driver alert package optional in SLE and SLT trims and standard in Denali.
You won’t find fuel economy estimates for the Sierra 2500 as Natural Resources Canada doesn’t require them for vehicles it classifies as commercial in nature.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
