The 2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD is known for its style, but it’s got as much muscle as any other comparable pickup. A vehicle that is basically twinning with the 2018 Silverado HD, The Sierra has an overall rating of 4.5 stars.
With its powerful Duramax diesel engine and Allison transmission, the GMC Sierra was built for power as well as style. It has a high towing capacity, up to 23, 300 pounds, and gets an incredible 910 lb.-ft of torque. So, it stands up to the test of what truck enthusiasts want in a hard-working vehicle. Power, strength, reliability and fuel economy.
There are more than a few advantages when it comes to purchasing the 2018 GMC Sierra, the way it handles, the optional diesel powertrain and the knock-out luxury styling. It’s got the best of both worlds. It’s eye-catching and stylish inside and out, but it also packs a punch.
The Denali Trim
In some ways, Sierra 3500HD is an exciting vehicle because it has more features available. Upgrading to the Denali trim, which makes for an even more luxurious ride, is considered worth the investment by buyers and critics alike. Buyers who opt for the top-of-the-line Denali trim will get that extra amount of oomph, they were looking for. The Denali trim provides chrome fixtures with its premium exterior, adding a bit more luxury to an already head-turning vehicle. This slick looking vehicle still stands up to any other pickup with a comparable powertrain.
Sierra’s Stylish Exterior
The new Denali grille design and exterior colors are enough to set the 2018 GMC Sierra apart from the competition. These new colors include White Frost Tricoat, Red Quartz Tintcoat, and Deep Mahogany Metallic. These are the most recent additions that come with a gorgeous blacked-out trim. The metallic paint colors that were very popular in 2017 and are still available are Pepperdust and Dark Slate.
Critics don’t always suggest paying extra for trims, considering them at times to be a waste of extra money, but in this case, they indicate they would definitely “pony up.” They suggest that the Denali trim is worth the investment because it is the best in class styling that you can get in one package. This package includes a shiny chrome grille with matching 20-inch chrome wheels, leather-trimmed seating that is power-adjustable and both heated and ventilated. This makes for an exquisite interior that you wouldn’t want to go without.
Sierra’s Great-Looking Interior
The interior for the 2018 GMC Sierra has a high rating of 4 stars, which is not surprising considering how ergonomic and spacious the seating is. The interior has always been spacious, even in earlier generations of the model and so it’s no surprise to testers that they were in for a treat of comfort and luxury. All of the available controls are practical yet still stylish, everything placed in a straightforward and intuitive way. The great thing about the styling of this interior is that you have choices. You can have a tough and durable interior or a soft, inviting almost pillow-like interior. It’s up to you!
The cargo space and storage rating is 4.5 stars. Wow! This is what you want in a vehicle that is meant to haul and tow and meant to store all of the essentials of both work and home. Much like other vehicles in its class, it has an array of bins and cubbies, some hidden for the item’s protection. There is plenty of room for storage even though the cabin is packed full of all the switches and knobs you need for state-of-the-art infotainment.
Sierra’s Fun Infotainment
GMC’s IntelliLink infotainment system is rated 5 stars. With a high response time and connectivity, buyers should know that GMC hasn’t skipped out on any of the latest features available. Of course, buyers will have standard the necessary 4G LTE Wi-Fi with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 7.0-inch IntelliLink touchscreen is now standard replacing the outdated 4.2-inch screen.
Buyers can upgrade to the 8.0-inch unit gauge cluster with navigation if they choose to do so. But standard with the infotainment comes all of the voice commands and touchscreen icons buyers have come to expect in a newer vehicle. Buyers who really splurge get the Bose audio, a 110-volt outlet on the dash, and a wireless charging pad.
Sierra’s Powerful Engine
The Sierra’s all-new Duramax diesel is now even more refined and powerful in the 2018 model. GMC improved this by improving the cooling and fuel systems, but also by adding a hood-scoop induction system. The engine paired with the Allison 6-speed automatic transmission is what provides that incredibly high towing capacity. Thus, the engine and transmission rating is a stellar 4.5 stars. GMC produces heavy-duty powertrains and dependable V-8 engines that can boast a best-in-class 445 hp.
This is an improvement to the engines and transmission that came standard in the 2017 model. Which only produced 360-hp with its 6.0-liter V-8 engine, offering a much lower torque at 380 lb-ft. So, it’s safe to say that the upgrades to the engine have made a huge difference, and both critics and drivers have taken notice.
One important thing to note: the engine noise is much reduced as well. These improvements are so significant that drivers can now enjoy a quiet cabin while driving on the highway.
Sierra’s Surprising Fuel Economy
Sierra’s fuel economy rating is 4.5 stars, which is high for a work pickup. A vehicle built to haul isn’t necessarily made for highway driving on a budget, but still, Sierra passes the test. Its diesel engine is one of the most efficient among its competitors even in real-world testing. When unburdened, they really stand up, even at a GPS-verified 75 mph, they get up to 18 mpg. That’s a great number when you consider the alternative.
Choose the 2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD for Your Next Vehicle
Overall, the 2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD is an incredibly powerful truck, producing all the muscle you need for any kind of job. And with a surprisingly luxurious interior and stylish design, you’ll appreciate the blend of capability and class of this heavy-duty pickup truck. If you’re still not sold on the 2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD, visit your local dealership today and see it in person. It’s likely you’ll want to drive this truck off the lot as your own.