The GMC Sierra 3500HD, along with its Silverado stale mate are the largest pickups GM makes. They compete in a surprisingly competitive segment with the Ford F-350 and the Ram 3500, and all four regulary get updates to try and out-tow, out-haul, or out-luxury-trim the other guy. The Sierra was refreshed for 2015, so it just has some small changes for the new year. The changes for 2016 include available remote tailgate locking, wireless charging, and a new power steering system. The new power steering has improved self-centering at parking speeds, and can compensate for road crowns and the effect of wind blowing the trailer around. Also new is an optional fifth-wheel hitch package. The Sierra doesn't have the most power, and it's not the largest truck, but what it does have is ride quality. Even when unladen, this long been the GM HD truck strong suit and the Sierra, along with its GM twin Silverado, have the only independent front suspension in the segment. This gives them the most confidence inspiring drive of the group, along with the most carlike ride.
The Sierra 3500HD comes in base Sierra, midlevel SLE, uplevel SLT, and top spec Denali trims. The pair of engine choices start with the base 6.0L Vortec V8 making 360 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. The gas engine has variable valve timing and can run on E85. The diesel option is a 6.6L V8 putting down 397 hp and 765 lb-ft. The diesel gets a standard exhaust brake to help slow the rig without cooking the massive 14-inch diameter front rotors. The transmission is a six-speed automatic. The diesel gets a heavier-duty Allison transmission.
A single row regular cab is available, with just the long box. Double cab adds a second row with small rear doors, and is long box only as well. The biggest is the crew cab, which comes in short or long box. Best to check your parking space before ordering that one. Two and Four-wheel drive are options on all cab and engine combinations. On 3500HD, single rear wheels is standard, but dual rear wheels is available for increased towing and stability while towing. Payload depends greatly on choice of cab, options and box length, but ranges from a low of 1,805 kg for a long box crew cab 4x4 diesel to a high of 2,007 kg for a regular cab two wheel drive with the gas V8. Towing ranges from a low of 5,897 kg across a number of trims to a high of 10,523 kg.
Base Sierra gets the gas V8, vinyl floors, air conditioning, power locks, cruise, trailer mirrors, a locking rear differential, trailer pack with wiring, brake controller, and 2.5-inch hitch receiver. It also gets HID headlights, chrome bumpers, an AM/FM radio with 4.2-inch display. Options incluide power adjustable mirrors, a snowplow pack with larger alternators, wiring, and underbody shields, carpeted floors, an improved audio system with 7.0-inch touchscreen and USB, rear-view camera, OnStar, and power windows.
SLE adds locking storage under the seats, carpeted floors, power windows, a leather wrapped wheel, power mirrors, electronic control for four-wheel drive, body coloured trim, tailgate opening assist, remote locking tailgate, 8.0-inch touch screen stereo with satellite, bluetooth and USB, OnStar with 4g LTE, keyless entry, and rear view camera. Optional on SLE is collision alert, park assist, hill descent control, and lane departure warning. A Preferred package has 10-way power adjustable seats, fog lights, tilt-steering, remote start, and dual-zone climate control on crew or double cab models. Navigation is also available.
SLT comes only in double or crew cabs. It gets dual-zone climate, chrome door handles, fog lights, power folding mirrors, a 110-volt AC outlet, heated leather front seats, and a tilt and telescoping wheel. Options include ventilated seats, a Bose stereo, navigation, and a safety package that comes with collision alert, park assist, hill descent control, lane departure warning, and a heated steering wheel.
Top of the line Denali is crew-cab only and adds a full leather interior, triple sealed doors, and improved powertrain and body mounts for more isolation. The dash is soft touch, the stitching is contrasting, and the seat surfaces are perforated. Navigation is standard with a seven-speaker Bose stereo. A larger center console storage will hold most laptops, and wireless charging is available. The driver assist features of SLT are available as options.
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