2020 GMC Sierra 3500HD Review

　　

2020 GMC Sierra 3500HD Review

byChristian WardlawCorrespondent

　　Christian Wardlaw has worked in the automotive industry since 1994. He has written nearly 10,000 car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 2,000 vehicles over the course of his career. Chris is a correspondent at zzdcar and was the first editor-in-chief of zzdcar.com in the 1990s. He has also contributed to Autotrader, CarGurus, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, NADAguides, New York Daily News Autos and WardsAuto. His mom claims that his first word was “car,” and Chris believes that Miata is always the answer.

　　For years, GMC has struggled to keep up with Ford and Ram in the heavy-duty pickup truck towing and hauling competition. Now, with the redesigned 2020 GMC Sierra 3500HD, the company fields a legitimate heavy hauler with up to 35,500 pounds of trailering capacity. That's up from a comparatively low 23,100 pounds with the previous-generation Sierra 3500HD.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 GMC Sierra 3500HD 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.6L 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 3500HD Base

　　Sierra 3500HD Base

　　2dr Regular Cab LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $36,800 MSRP2dr Regular Cab LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $38,000 MSRP2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $39,600 MSRP4dr Double Cab LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $39,600 MSRP2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $40,800 MSRP4dr Double Cab LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $40,800 MSRP4dr Crew Cab SB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $41,200 MSRP4dr Crew Cab LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $41,400 MSRP4dr Double Cab 4WD LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $42,400 MSRP4dr Crew Cab LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $42,600 MSRP4dr Double Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $43,600 MSRP4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $44,000 MSRP4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $44,200 MSRP4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $45,400 MSRPSLE 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $41,200 MSRPSLE 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $42,400 MSRPSLE 4dr Double Cab LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $43,400 MSRPSLE 2dr Regular Cab LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $44,000 MSRPSLE 4dr Double Cab LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $44,600 MSRPSLE 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $45,000 MSRPSLE 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $45,200 MSRPSLE 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $45,200 MSRPSLE 4dr Double Cab 4WD LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $46,200 MSRPSLE 4dr Crew Cab LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $46,400 MSRPSLE 4dr Double Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $47,400 MSRPSLE 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $47,800 MSRPSLE 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $48,000 MSRPSLE 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $49,200 MSRPSLT 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $53,600 MSRPSLT 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $53,800 MSRPSLT 4dr Crew Cab LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $55,000 MSRPSLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $56,400 MSRPSLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $56,600 MSRPSLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $57,800 MSRPAT4 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $58,900 MSRPAT4 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $59,100 MSRPDenali 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) (Most Popular) - $64,900 MSRPDenali 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $65,100 MSRPDenali 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $66,300 MSRP

　　vs

　　$233/mo

　　Avg. Large Truck

　　You'll need the 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V8 engine to handle loads that heavy. It makes the same amount of power as it did last year, but it's married to a new Allison 10-speed automatic transmission that GMC says will help keep the Duramax within its optimal operating range. Furthermore, the Sierra 3500HD's more substantial frame plus improved cooling capacity, thanks to a larger grille and reworked air induction system, contribute to the truck's increased capability.

　　New technology also improves the GMC's trailering capacity. The 2020 Sierra 3500HD offers an updated ProGrade Trailering system with 15 camera views, including one that allows the driver to virtually see through a trailer for greater visibility and maneuverability. Loading the bed is easier thanks to standard corner-step bumpers and side bed steps, and the available MultiPro tailgate is the equivalent of a Swiss Army knife, supplying six configurations to assist with loading, hauling and working.

　　Our main issue with the Sierra 3500HD has to do with the interior. Ford and Ram have taken luxury to another level in their heavy-duty trucks, and it'd be nice to see GMC put more design effort into the Sierra's ride comfort and interior quality. But given the truck's many other strengths, it's easy to recommend if you're looking for a heavy-duty truck that's well equipped and highly capable.

　　

Which Sierra 3500HD does zzdcar recommend?

For maximum variety, we recommend the SLE trim level. It's offered with all three cab styles, both single and dual rear-wheel axles, and both the gasoline and diesel V8 engines. The SLE trim also serves as a gateway to important comfort, convenience, safety and trailering upgrades.

　　

2020 GMC Sierra 3500HD models

2020 GMC Sierra 3500HD buyers have numerous choices to make when selecting a truck. First, you must decide between regular, double (extended) and crew-cab styles and then determine if you require two- or four-wheel drive. Next up: the rear-axle configuration and single or dual wheels. Then you have a choice of the new standard gasoline V8 (401 horsepower, 464 lb-ft) or the 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 engine (445 hp, 910 lb-ft). Once that's settled, you've got five trim levels available to you, ranging from the standard Sierra to the plush Sierra Denali.

　　As you might expect, the standard specification is light on creature comforts. This is the work truck, but it does include chrome bumpers, LED headlights, a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.

　　Choose the SLE trim, and the Sierra 3500HD includes an integrated trailer brake controller, cruise control, power windows and remote keyless entry among other features. The SLE is also ready for OnStar and GMC connected services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot.

　　If you want SLT, AT4 or Denali trim, you'll need to get a crew-cab version of the Sierra 3500HD. With SLT specification, the truck includes the popular MultiPro tailgate design, as well as digital variable steering assist, upgraded trailering technologies, LED cargo bed lighting and 120-volt power outlets. Comfort improvements include leather upholstery, power-adjustable heated front seats, a heated tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The Sierra 3500HD SLT also has remote engine starting.

　　Based on SLT trim, the Sierra 3500HD AT4 is ready for serious off-roading thanks to standard 4WD, an off-road suspension, skid plates, a locking rear differential and all-terrain tires. This version of the truck gets a unique look, along with hill start assist, hill descent control and an Off-Road driving mode. The standard head-up display includes an inclinometer, while the high-definition surround-view camera system helps to negotiate tight trails.

　　Luxury is the focus of the Sierra 3500HD Denali. The Denali features fancier trim, a Bose premium sound system, navigation, wireless smartphone charging, a wide 8-inch driver information center, and front and rear parking sensors. It also comes with a full suite of Driver Alert advanced driving assistance systems.

　　

2020 Sierra 3500HD Highlights

Type: Crew CabRegular CabDouble CabCrew Cab

　　Trim: BaseSLESLTAT4DenaliBase

　　

Base MSRP	$41,200
Engine Type	Gas
Seating	6 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	20,000 lbs.
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles