2010 GMC Sierra 2500HD Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

by the zzdcar Experts

　　

What’s new

　　For 2010, the GMC Sierra 2500HD gets a more powerful 6.0-liter V8 as well as some minor equipment changes. Highlights of the latter include newly standard air-conditioning for the regular-cab Work Truck and a USB port for the uplevel sound systems.

　　

zzdcar says

　　The 2010 GMC Sierra 2500HD possesses the brawny capabilities expected of a heavy-duty pickup truck as well as a refined cabin and ride. It's a top choice in the segment.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2010 GMC Sierra 2500HD Work Truck 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of N/A undefined in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　Not Available  for Sierra 2500HD Work Truck

　　Sierra 2500HD Work Truck

　　Work Truck 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $27,465 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Extended Cab SB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $29,895 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Extended Cab LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $29,940 MSRPWork Truck 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $30,615 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $31,345 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $31,390 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $33,045 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Extended Cab 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $33,090 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $34,495 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $34,540 MSRPSLE 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $30,675 MSRPSLE 4dr Extended Cab SB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $33,320 MSRPSLE 4dr Extended Cab LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $33,365 MSRPSLE 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $33,825 MSRPSLE 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $35,425 MSRPSLE 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $35,470 MSRPSLE 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $36,470 MSRPSLE 4dr Extended Cab 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $36,515 MSRPSLE 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $38,575 MSRPSLE 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $38,620 MSRPSLT 4dr Extended Cab SB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $38,690 MSRPSLT 4dr Extended Cab LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $38,735 MSRPSLT 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) (Most Popular) - $40,715 MSRPSLT 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $40,755 MSRPSLT 4dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $41,840 MSRPSLT 4dr Extended Cab 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $41,885 MSRPSLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $43,860 MSRPSLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $43,905 MSRP

　　vs

　　$233/mo

　　Avg. Large Truck

　　

Vehicle overview

　　When it comes to the vehicular workhorses known as heavy-duty pickup trucks, there aren't a whole lot of breeds to choose from. The competition is stiff, and choices are limited to four models. Actually, you can knock that down to three, as two of them are platform mates. The 2010 GMC Sierra 2500HD is one of the latter, as it shares pretty much everything but its sheet metal and grille with its Chevy Silverado 2500 relative.

　　As with the Silverado, the Sierra 2500HD offers an easy-to-handle demeanor and an inviting, high-quality cabin to go along with its immense hauling and towing capacities.

　　As far as its non-familial rivals, the Ford F-250 Super Duty is similarly comfortable and capable, but the Sierra still offers a little more work capacity as well as a nicer cabin (especially on the uppermost trims). Meanwhile, the Dodge Ram 2500 Heavy Duty has been redesigned this year, and though it can't quite match the GMC's towing capacity, it boasts the nicest cabin in the segment as well as a quiet ride.

　　The reality is that the differences among all these tough trucks have grown smaller as the vehicles have gotten better with each passing generation. As such, unless you have undying brand loyalty, your purchase decision will likely be made based on nuances such as how the seats fit you and what features you do and don't need.

　　

Performance & mpg

　　The standard engine in the 2010 GMC Sierra 2500 is a 6.0-liter gasoline-fueled V8 making 360 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard. Optional is a 6.6-liter turbodiesel Duramax V8 that boasts 365 hp and 660 lb-ft of torque. It gets a different six-speed automatic and is the go-to choice if you require a burly tow vehicle (it also gets better fuel economy). Properly equipped, the 2500HD can tow up to 13,000 pounds.

　　Rear-wheel drive is standard across the board, with four-wheel drive optional. Although the Work Truck 4WD gets a traditional floor-mounted transfer case, the two other trim levels available on the Sierra 4WD get Autotrac, a knob-controlled electric transfer case that features an automatic setting that engages 4WD when wheel slippage is detected.

　　

Safety

　　Antilock disc brakes are standard, while front side and side curtain airbags are not available. Curiously, stability control comes only on standard-bed trucks. A Safety package that includes power-adjustable pedals and rear park assist is optional, as is a rear parking camera.

　　

Driving

　　A notable strong point is the Sierra 2500's well-weighted steering that provides the driver with a greater sense of vehicle control. This is a particular benefit on tight country roads. Although a heavy-duty pickup and its taut rear suspension will never offer a Cadillac ride, the 2010 GMC Sierra 2500 is surprisingly comfortable over long distances. Both engines are strong, but if you can swing the price premium, the hefty performance and reasonable fuel economy of the Duramax diesel make it a very tempting choice.

　　

Interior

　　The 2010 GMC Sierra 2500HD features two different interior designs depending on trim level. The Work Truck and the SLE feature a more utilitarian trucklike dash design with an open lower center portion to accommodate the standard three-person front bench (a center console is added with the optional bucket seats). The SLT, however, gets the same upscale design as the Yukon SUV, lending the Sierra's cabin a classier feel with its wood and metallic accents. With either design you get straightforward controls within relatively easy reach. However, the available dual-zone climate control buttons are small and difficult to operate with gloves.

　　The front seats are quite comfy, but some editors found the pedals placed too far apart and the tilt-only steering wheel located too close to the dash. Space in the crew cab's backseat is very roomy, and most average-size adults should find the extended cab acceptable. We strongly suggest springing for the available rearview camera, which not only makes parking the behemoth 2500 much easier but also reduces the guesswork when hitching up a trailer.

　　

2010 GMC Sierra 2500HD models

　　The 2010 GMC Sierra 2500HD full-size pickup is available in three body styles: regular cab, extended cab and crew cab. Regular cabs only come with a long bed, while the two other cabs can have a standard or long bed. All body styles are offered in base Work Truck and midlevel SLE trims, while the extended and crew cabs can also be had in plush SLT form.

　　The Work Truck comes with 16-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, a trip computer, OnStar, vinyl upholstery, a 40/20/40-split front bench seat, a tilt steering wheel and a stereo with just an AM/FM radio.

　　The SLE adds keyless entry, rear tinted windows, chrome wheels, full power accessories, a CD player, cloth upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Some of these features are optional on the Work Truck.

　　The SLT adds a locking rear differential, a heavy-duty trailering package (with an integrated trailer brake controller), alloy wheels, leather upholstery, rain-sensing wipers, remote engine start, upgraded interior design with wood trim, dual-zone automatic climate control, foglamps, 12-way power front bucket seats, heated seats, rear audio controls, Bluetooth and an upgraded audio system (with a USB port, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and a Bose speaker system). Some of these features are optional on the SLE.

　　Other options available on the upper trims include a power-sliding rear window, a sunroof (SLT only), a navigation system with real-time traffic updates, a rearview camera, rear parking assist sensors, power-folding exterior mirrors, power-folding and -extending camper mirrors, a Z71 off-road package (skid plates, off-road suspension, bigger stabilizer bar), the EZ-Lift tailgate, power-adjustable pedals and a rear-seat entertainment system (SLT only).

　　

2010 Sierra 2500HD Highlights

Type: Crew CabRegular CabExtended CabCrew Cab

　　Trim: Work TruckSLESLTWork Truck

　　

Base MSRP	$31,345
Engine Type	Flex-fuel (ffv)
Seating	6 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	13,000 lbs.
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles