Rugged but Comfortable
GMC has set a mission for itself to build premium trucks that combine technology, engineering, and a higher level of premium materials and features than you’d typically expect to find in highly capable work trucks. To support that mission, the heavy-duty 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 HD offers the power of gas or diesel V8 engines, class-leading towing features, and the ability to haul massive loads—all while offering luxury features such as optional massaging seats.
GMC takes work seriously. The Sierra HD 2500 offers features like ProGrade trailering tech, a full suite of tools designed to simplify the hitching process, and to make towing a trailer easier and safer. At the same time, it offers luxury trim levels like the Denali for owners who value a sophisticated driving experience. And for the first time, the 2024 Sierra HD 2500 offers an AT4X edition that can go off-road as easily as it hauls loads on the road.
Work trucks used to be dusty, spartan vehicles in which you’d never want to pull up to the valet station at your favorite restaurant. Over the years, GMC has changed that. To find out how the Sierra HD 2500 can go from jeans and rolled-up sleeves during the day to black tie at night, let’s start with a look at the basics and then move on to what elevates this truck to a premium level.
The Heart of the Beast
At the heart of any heavy-duty truck is an engine that gets the job done. GMC offers a short list of engine choices in this truck because both engines—one gas and one diesel—are designed to deliver the power you need. There’s no need for a long list of engine configurations when the two engines on offer are among the best at what they do.
The standard engine in the HD lineup is a 6.6-liter gasoline-power V8 paired with a rugged Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. This gas engine generates 401 hp and 464 lb.-ft. of torque using a 10.8:1 compression ratio. With ten speeds to choose from, this engine can stay closer to the peak of its power band for maximum power and torque.
The optional engine is a 6.6-liter Duramax Turbo Diesel V8, complete with a new turbocharger and an Allison 10-speed transmission. This powertrain is engineered to deliver exceptional performance and efficiency. With 470 hp and a very impressive 975 lb-ft of torque, it can tackle the most demanding jobs. For 2024, it offers a 25 percent increase in low-end torque compared to the previous model year, providing the Sierra Heavy Duty with unparalleled low-speed pulling power.
Other enhancements to the Duramax, such as the improved exhaust brake performance and a more powerful turbo vane actuator, contribute to superior control and safety when towing heavy loads. Enhanced engine braking makes downhill descents more manageable, and the entire operating speed range benefits from increased power and torque.
What’s New for 2024?
Along with the increase in low-end torque, the Sierra HD 2500 offers several other new and revised features for 2024. On the exterior, the most noticeable changes include revisions to the front bumper, fascia, grille designs, and finishes for each trim level, along with animated lighting features.
There are new wheel designs for SLE, AT4, and Denali trims, along with new 22-inch accessory wheels to choose from. New exterior colors include Titanium Rush Metallic, Sterling Metallic, Volcanic Red Tintcoat, Redwood Metallic, Meteorite Metallic, and Downpour Metallic.
Inside the cabin, GMC has taken the Sierra’s interior to the next level. SLE and SLT trims feature unique new interiors, setting them apart from the competition. For the AT4, Denali, and Denali Ultimate trims, there are unique premium interior designs that showcase GMC’s commitment to luxury and style. The 2024 Sierra HD 2500’s interior also boasts new color schemes and stitching designs, along with premium materials.
Getting the Job Done
The Sierra HD 2500 offers Regular Cab, Extended Cab, and Crew Cab body styles. (Note that the dual-rear-wheel or “dually” configuration is only available on the heavier-duty Sierra HD 3500 model.) Both engines, gas and diesel, are available in all body styles. An optional MultiPro tailgate offers six functions to make loading and unloading the bed easier.
The 2500 offers a full suite of ProGrade trailering tech—the most trailer technology in its class, in fact. The Transparent Trailer View virtually eliminates blind spots caused by a trailer, using cameras to create a “see-through” view behind it. The Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert identifies and warns you of hazards in the areas beside the trailer. The all-new GCW Alert provides a crucial warning when the combined weight of the vehicle and trailer surpasses the vehicle’s Gross Combined Weight Rating. Adaptive Cruise Control adjusts for additional drag and increased braking distances when towing a trailer.
The Transparent Trailer View is one of up to 14 camera views. These include Hitch Guidance with Hitch View, Bed View with Zoom including fifth wheel and gooseneck hitch guidance, and a Trailer Length Indicator that shows obstacles beside both the truck and the trailer for easier and safer lane changes.
These advanced trailering technologies complement the Sierra HD 2500’s best-in-class maximum tow rating of up to 22,070 lbs. This rating is achieved with the Duramax turbo-diesel, a crew cab long-bed, two-wheel-drive, and proper trailering equipment.
Premium Inside, Too
At the center of the high-tech cabin is the 13.4-inch-diagonal tablet-style touchscreen, the largest infotainment touchscreen in its class. This landscape-oriented touchscreen offers a user-friendly and customizable interface. In addition to the expansive touchscreen, the 2024 Sierra HD introduces a multicolor 15-inch-diagonal head-up display and a 12.3-inch-diagonal digital instrument cluster. These integrated displays allow for a wealth of information and features at the driver’s fingertips.
The Sierra HD’s infotainment center enables users to tailor the interface to their liking. For example, it supports running multiple apps simultaneously in a “split-screen” mode, facilitating multitasking, such as using a Navigation app on the left side while accessing a Music app on the right. Moreover, the Sierra HD’s infotainment system integrates Google built-in, offering connectivity for various aspects of users’ daily lives directly from the vehicle. This feature is available on all trims except the Pro trim. Additionally, the infotainment system supports Wireless Apple CarPlay and Wireless Android Auto.
Some of the Sierra HD 2500’s other interior luxury appointments set it apart from other trucks. For instance, available 10-way power-adjustable front bucket seats are heated and ventilated and offer perforated leather upholstery. Or, for an even more luxurious experience that also comes in handy after a long day of work, step up to best-in-class 16-way adjustable power seats with a massaging feature. Relax to the sound of an optional 12-speaker Bose premium sound system complete with a Richbass subwoofer.
No Compromises
The Sierra HD 2500’s list of powerful work capabilities combined with its list of upscale comfort and technology features all serve to demonstrate GMC’s philosophy of building premium work trucks. Now, there’s no need to have separate vehicles for your work life and your personal life. Just hose off the mud or construction dust and use your GMC as an everyday driver. It’s professional grade—and more.
