History/Overview
The GMC Sierra 3500HD is the toughest version of the brand’s heavy duty pickup truck line that’s aimed at non-commercial buyers. GMC rolled out an all-new generation last year.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
For 2021, the Sierra 3500 gets new tech that makes towing easier, and there are other minor changes to the truck’s list of standard features.
Available Trims
The process of buying a Sierra 3500HD begins with you choosing from regular, double or crew cab body styles, as well as a standard or long cargo bed.
Then you get to choose a trim level: base, SLE, SLT, AT4, or Denali.
Your engine choices include two 6.6L V8s: one runs on gas, while the other burns diesel. Gassers get a six-speed transmission, and diesels use a 10-speed. You also get to choose either rear- or four-wheel drive, and whether you want single or dual rear wheels.
Standard Features
Sierra’s standard mechanical and exterior features include a locking rear differential, 18-inch steel wheels, LED headlights/daytime running lights/taillights, and a locking tailgate.
Inside, you get a two-speaker stereo, a 3.5-inch driver info display, manual vinyl-covered front seats, Bluetooth, a 7.0-inch infotainment screen, and hitch guidance.
Standard safety kit consists of tire pressure monitoring.
SLE gains aluminum wheels, body-colour door handles, the MultiPro tailgate, a 4.2-inch driver info display, a six-speaker stereo, carpeted floors, cruise control, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, power door locks, power windows, cloth seats, and a rear seat reminder.
SLT’s functional and exterior additions are variable steering assist, a trailer brake controller, LED cargo bed lighting, chrome door handles/mirror caps, LED fog lights, power-adjustable/power-folding/auto-dimming side mirrors, trailering aids, passive keyless entry, remote engine start.
Inside, SLT brings an 8.0-inch infotainment display, power front seats, dual-zone automatic A/C, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, tilt-and-telescopic steering, a rear window defroster, leather upholstery, and wireless smartphone projection.
AT4 adds hill descent control, all-terrain tires, off-road suspension, skid plates, gloss black mirror caps, front bucket seats, heated rear seats, and ventilated front seats.
Finally, Denali trim gains 20-inch wheels and tires, lane change alert, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, front and rear park assist, perimeter lighting, lane departure warning, forward collision detection with automatic braking, following distance indicator, automatic high beams, a power-sliding rear window, navigation, an 8.0-inch driver info display, a bed view camera, a Bose stereo, surround view cameras, a universal garage door remote, and wireless smartphone charging.
Key Options
A Kodiak package bundles remote engine start, a heated steering wheel, passive keyless entry, dual-zone A/C, power/heated front seats, tilt-and-telescopic steering, rear-seat USB ports, LED fog lights, and roof marker lights.
The SLE convenience package is similar; an SLT convenience group brings bucket seats with centre console, heated/ventilated front seats, a power sliding rear window, universal garage remote, extra USB ports, and LED roof marker lights.
An SLE preferred package brings a universal garage remote, power sliding rear window, 120-volt outlets, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with phone projection, and trailering aids. SLT preferred package contents include navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a bed view camera.
There are also Driver Alert I and II packages that add varying levels of driver safety assist content.
The tech package gets a rear camera mirror, a head-up driver display, and an 8.0-inch driver info display.
Denali buyers can add an ultimate package (sunroof, rear camera mirror, head-up display, bed view camera); or a black diamond edition package (power-retractable side steps, trailer tire pressure monitor, LED perimeter lighting, and the items in the ultimate package).
Fuel Economy
Natural Resources Canada considers the Sierra 3500 a commercial vehicle and doesn’t require GMC to supply fuel consumption estimates.
Competition
GMC’s competition for the 3500HD begins with the similar Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD, but it also goes up against the Ram 3500, and the Ford F-350.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
