2019 GMC Sierra 2500HD Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　

What's new

Regular-cab Sierra 2500HD is no longer availableShort-bed Double Cab model removed from the 2500HD lineupPart of the third Sierra HD generation introduced for 2014

　　When you need a truck that can haul a heavy trailer, cradle up to six passengers in luxury SUV-like comfort, or do some combination of both, the 2019 GMC Sierra 2500HD delivers. While the Sierra 1500 is completely redesigned for 2019, the heavy-duty Sierra 2500HD is largely unchanged.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4dr Double 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 Base

　　Sierra 2500HD Base

　　4dr Double Cab LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $38,200 MSRP2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $38,600 MSRP4dr Crew Cab SB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $39,000 MSRP4dr Crew Cab LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $39,200 MSRP4dr Double Cab 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $40,900 MSRP4dr Double Cab 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $41,100 MSRP4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $41,900 MSRP4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $42,100 MSRPSLE 4dr Double Cab LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $43,600 MSRPSLE 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $45,300 MSRPSLE 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $45,500 MSRPSLE 4dr Double Cab 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $46,800 MSRPSLE 4dr Double Cab 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $46,900 MSRPSLE 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $48,600 MSRPSLE 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $48,800 MSRPSLT 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $50,500 MSRPSLT 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $50,700 MSRPSLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $53,600 MSRPSLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $53,800 MSRPDenali 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) - $56,600 MSRPDenali 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 6A) (Most Popular) - $59,800 MSRP

　　vs

　　$233/mo

　　Avg. Large Truck

　　That means you still get a choice of the robust 6.0-liter V8 or the massively powerful 6.6-liter turbodiesel. Maximum towing weight is still more than 14,000 pounds, and payload capacity tops out at more than 3,200 pounds. While these aren't the highest numbers in the class, they're certainly close and definitely respectable.

　　Aside from its tremendous capability, the 2500 features a handsome cabin highlighted by loads of passenger room and an easy-to-use infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. And like many of today's cars and trucks, the 2500 also offers a suite of active driver aids, including helpful parking sensors, lane departure warning and forward collision warning.

　　Just know that while the Sierra once stood nearly alone as a heavy-duty truck with a taste of luxury, the latest Ford and Ram trucks have pretty much caught up. But considering its appealing combination of capability and comfort, the Sierra 2500HD is worth taking a good look at.

　　We Recommend Module

　　Sure, we're tempted by the 2500's maxed-out Denali trim level; it's about as opulent as you can get while still preserving the ability to tow mountains. But a more sensible pick is the SLT with the optional 6.6-liter turbodiesel engine. The SLT offers desirable features such as power-adjustable pedals, an 8-inch touchscreen and leather upholstery, and you can also equip it with many individual options to suit your taste.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

　　

Driving

　　The 6.6-liter diesel V8 gives the Sierra 2500HD big towing numbers and impressive acceleration. Steering and braking are less awe-inspiring, but objectively this truck performs well by most standards that matter to truck buyers.

　　

Acceleration

　　The 6.6-liter diesel makes massive torque and more than sufficient power, giving it a surge of acceleration off the line. In our testing, it covered 0-60 mph in just 7.7 seconds. In-town acceleration is more reserved, but there's still plenty of power to get the Sierra 2500HD up to freeway speed.

　　

Braking

　　These brakes don't offer much confidence. Under hard braking, the pedal can go all the way to the floor. Braking distances are long, but in traffic they seem to work well enough if you leave some distance. You just don't feel very connected to the action.

　　

Steering

　　The steering is well-weighted and provides stability when cruising straight, but it's hard to judge what the tires are doing around turns. The low steering ratio adds stability when towing, but it results in busy hands when parking or making U-turns.

　　

Handling

　　The big surprise is how well this gargantuan vehicle takes turns. There's minimal body roll around corners unless you're going way too fast. In parking lots and tight spaces, it maneuvers well enough considering its size.

　　

Drivability

　　If you live in a city, drivability will be low with any 2500 series pickup truck. Otherwise, the diesel's low-end torque and abundant features make for a pretty approachable truck.

　　

Off-road

　　Our test vehicle had plenty of ground clearance and the Off-Road Z71 package, which is a great deal for the price. You won't be taking this truck on any tight trails, but it will conquer your average dirt road.

　　

Comfort

　　It has a harsh ride from the stiff and bouncy suspension. But as heavy-duty trucks go, the Sierra HD is relatively comfortable. Put a big load back there and you'll have a road-trip-ready vehicle. But day-to-day comfort suffers, so you might want a 1500 if you don't need the 2500's extra towing capacity.

　　

Seat comfort

　　You'll find big, well-bolstered and comfortable seats no matter which seating position you're in. The seats are wide with sufficient contours to hold you in place, and they provide great road-trip comfort.

　　

Ride comfort

　　This truck bounces, shimmies, shakes and jumps over the slightest road imperfections. That's forgivable in the 3500 class, but this 2500 should be a bit better. Load it up with a heavy payload or a big trailer, though, and the ride quality significantly improves.

　　

Noise & vibration

　　While road noise is subdued, quite a bit of wind noise comes from the truck's square front end and big mirrors. The diesel engine rumbles a bit, but it isn't particularly grating or abrasive while cruising on the highway.

　　

Climate control

　　The big knobs and easy-to-read layouts are a plus. The air conditioning effectively chills the cabin. The split-operation for the heated seats is a neat feature — you can heat your sore back without cooking your behind as well. The vents are vertically mounted, which isn't ideal, but they're easy to direct.

　　

Interior

　　While it might not be the most luxurious vehicle in the class, this 2500HD has a totally livable interior. The overall design is dated, but the materials quality is sufficient.

　　

Ease of use

　　The 2500HD's controls are easy to use with large, readable buttons, and quick response times from the touchscreen.

　　

Getting in/getting out

　　A grab handle and side steps facilitate ingress and egress from the Sierra 2500HD, but some climbing is still involved. However, getting in or out isn't any harder than usual for the HD truck class.

　　

Driving position

　　Adjustable pedals, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and a generally good view over the hood combine for an excellent driving position. You've got a commanding view of the road however you position the seat.

　　

Roominess

　　Call all your NBA player friends and have them stretch out. You can be tall or wide — or both — and fit with no problem in this truck. It's big on the outside; so, there's lots of space for five people on the inside.

　　

Visibility

　　All of the Sierra's roof pillars are wide and thick, obstructing your view. The big towing mirrors and the rearview camera help the situation, but knowing where the corners of the truck are is tough.

　　

Quality

　　The body panels and interior pieces are well put-together. We didn't notice any rattling, shaking or malfunctioning during our test. The interior materials aren't the nicest in the class, but they certainly suffice for such a utility-focused vehicle.

　　

Utility

　　The 2500HD can tow and haul massive loads, and it has abundant interior storage. But offerings from Ford and Ram outclass it in a couple of key categories.

　　

Small-item storage

　　Massive pockets are everywhere: a giant center console, a split-open glovebox, and multiple cupholders in each door, both front and back. If you're looking for more small-item storage, the only place you'll find it is in the Ram equivalent, which has small in-floor cooler boxes in the rear seat.

　　

Cargo space

　　Mirroring its rivals, the Sierra 2500HD is available with a standard bed (6 feet 6 inches) and a long bed (8 feet 1 inch). Our test truck had the long bed, which allows for a massive amount of cargo space. The rear seats fold up for big interior storage as well.

　　

Child safety seat accommodation

　　The 2500 can fit three car seats in the back without much fuss. There are two sets of easily accessible LATCH as well as three shelf anchors that are a bit harder to reach. But this truck's sheer altitude makes it less than desirable unless lifting kids is your workout program.

　　

Towing

　　The 6.6-liter turbodiesel has massive torque and power, but the Sierra's towing capacities are a bit lower than key rivals. The max trailer weight behind the 2500HD is 14,500 pounds; it can tow 18,100 pounds with a fifth-wheel gooseneck.

　　

Hauling

　　All full-size truck beds are a similar size. This one can be accessed by corner bed steps built into the rear bumper corners. Payload maxes out at 3,204 pounds — lower than the class leaders, but only by a few hundred pounds.

　　

Technology

　　Using GMC's tech interface is pretty simple upfront for the most part, but we had several usability issues with our test vehicle. The finicky voice controls and subpar device integration made for a frustrating user experience.

　　

Audio & navigation

　　The menu logic on the GMC system is easy to understand, but not the most elegant in the class. Touchscreen responses are slower than in class-leading systems. We like the look of the optional 8-inch touchscreen, but it doesn't stand out much from rival systems.

　　

Smartphone integration

　　Our experience with smartphone devices was poor, with many dropped connections over the course of the test. When it worked, we generally like the interface, but even then it takes quite a bit of time to load music. It's best to use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

　　

Voice control

　　Several attempts to use the built-in voice controls fell short, with a success rate of about 50 percent. It was easier to use the physical knobs and touchscreen controls. That said, after pairing your smartphone, Siri and Google Voice can be accessed by holding the talk button longer.

　　

Which Sierra 2500HD does zzdcar recommend?

　　The 2019 GMC Sierra 2500HD is a heavy-duty pickup truck available in four trim levels. The base (Sierra) version comes with basic equipment such as vinyl flooring and steel wheels, but you'll get a lot more if you pick the SLE, SLT or the range-topping Denali. On upper trim levels, items such as a remote-locking tailgate, leather upholstery and navigation become available.

　　

2019 GMC Sierra 2500HD models

　　There are two cab configurations (double cab and crew cab) and either a standard bed (6 feet 5 inches) or a long bed (8 feet 2 inches). Note that SLT and Denali trims are only available as crew cabs. All trims are available with two- or four-wheel drive.

　　Unlike its 3500HD big brother, the Sierra 2500HD is not available with a dual rear-wheel (DRW, or dually) axle.

　　The base Sierra comes standard with a 6.0-liter V8 engine (360 hp and 380 lb-ft), a six-speed automatic transmission, 17-inch steel wheels, an automatic-locking rear differential, xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, a choice of cloth or vinyl upholstery, a 40/20/40-split front bench with a fold-down center armrest, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, a rearview camera, power door locks, cruise control, and a tilt-only steering wheel.

　　For infotainment, there's a 7-inch touchscreen, two USB ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a six-speaker sound system. Optional tech equipment on the base Sierra 2500HD includes OnStar with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and satellite radio.

　　From the base Sierra on up, you have your choice of engine. A turbocharged 6.6-liter diesel V8 (445 hp and 910 lb-ft) is also available, and it is paired to a different six-speed automatic. Buyers can also add a bi-fuel option to the 6.0-liter engine, allowing it to run on gasoline or compressed natural gas.

　　If the base truck isn't your flavor, then step up to the SLE. It gets most of the base trim's optional tech features plus 17-inch alloy wheels, tinted rear windows, a remote-locking EZ Lift and Lower tailgate, LED cargo box illumination, remote keyless entry, carpeting, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an upgraded 8-inch central touchscreen.

　　Next up is the SLT. It's available in a crew-cab configuration and adds 18-inch wheels, additional chrome trim, foglights, power-folding mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, power-adjustable and heated front seats, driver-seat memory settings, power-adjustable pedals, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, remote ignition, and a 110-volt household-style power outlet.

　　For a plush and upscale vibe, choose the Denali trim. It will get you even more chrome on the outside, 20-inch wheels, a spray-in bedliner, a power-sliding rear window with defogger, front and rear parking sensors, a navigation system, wireless phone charging, a Bose audio system, a configurable 8-inch driver information display, upgraded interior trim, ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.

　　Most of the upper trims' extra standard features can be added to the lower trim levels as options. Other option highlights, depending on trim level, include different axle ratios, a bed storage box, various tonneau covers, trailering mirrors, a sunroof, a gooseneck/fifth-wheel trailering prep package, and a rear-seat entertainment system. There's also a Driver Alert package, which includes front and rear parking sensors, lane departure warning, forward collision warning and a safety-alert driver seat.

　　The Z71 suspension package adds hill descent control, skid plates, specially tuned shock absorbers and unique styling tweaks. Also available (on the SLT only) is the All Terrain HD package, which includes off-road tires, the spray-in bedliner, a skid plate, the Z71 suspension and a heated steering wheel.

　　

2019 Sierra 2500HD Highlights

Type: Crew CabRegular CabDouble CabCrew Cab

　　Trim: BaseSLESLTDenaliBase

　　

Base MSRP	$39,000
Engine Type	Flex-fuel (ffv)
Seating	6 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	13,000 lbs.
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles