2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD Diesel

　　

2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　Today's crop of full-size trucks are plenty capable for most users, but for the select few who need to tow and haul even more, heavy-duty trucks are the way to go. The 2024 Sierra 2500HD is the first rung in GMC's heavy-duty lineup, supporting the even more capable 3500HD. When this Sierra HD generation debuted four years ago, it lagged behind rivals in towing capacity and interior quality, but improvements along the way have largely evened the playing field. Within that field, the GMC Sierra is positioned as a more luxurious version of the related Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali Ultimate 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.6L 8cyl Turbodiesel 10A) 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 Denali Ultimate

　　Sierra 2500HD Denali Ultimate

　　Denali Ultimate 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.6L 8cyl Turbodiesel 10A) (Most Popular) - $91,900 MSRPDenali Ultimate 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.6L 8cyl Turbodiesel 10A) - $92,200 MSRP

　　vs

　　$233/mo

　　Avg. Large Truck

　　

zzdcar spotlight: Big upgrades for 2024

With heavy-duty pickups, capability is the name of the game, and for 2024 the GMC Sierra 2500HD receives upgrades that finally make it competitive against other trucks in the class. Power from the optional diesel engine rises to 470 horsepower and 975 lb-ft of torque. GMC says the engine offers 25% more low-end torque compared to last year. The gasoline engine also upgrades to a 10-speed transmission, replacing the previous six-speed. These result in an increase in conventional towing to 21,900 pounds for crew-cab models and 22,500 pounds for regular- and extended-cab models. Off-road enthusiasts will appreciate the new AT4X trim that builds on the returning AT4 model, while the new Denali Ultimate trim pushes luxury even further.

　　

Competitors to consider

With towing capabilities now comparable to other heavy-duty trucks, the 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD is on more solid footing. It's more expensive than the related Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD but also notably more luxurious. We're partial to the Ford F-250 Super Duty, which was redesigned last year. It benefits from a wealth of new technology, including worksite apps and tools. The Ram 2500 is another favorite, with a smooth ride and a cabin similar to the GMC in premium design and materials.

　　

Which Sierra 2500HD does zzdcar recommend?

For most people, we recommend the midrange SLT trim. It adds several features that dress up the interior and improve capabilities, making it feel much more polished than the rather spartan lower trims.

　　

GMC Sierra 2500HD models

The 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD is a heavy-duty pickup truck available in two-door regular-cab, four-door extended-cab (Double Cab) and four-door crew-cab configurations matched with the standard 6.8-foot or the long 8.1-foot cargo bed.

　　Seven trim levels are available. The Pro is the basic work truck, and the SLE builds on that with an upscale look and added equipment. Choose the SLT trim for leather and other premium amenities, the AT4 or new AT4X if off-roading is a part of your plans, or the Denali and new Denali Ultimate for the most luxurious versions of the Sierra 2500HD.

　　Additionally, GMC offers a choice between two engines, one gas and one diesel. A 6.6-liter gasoline V8 engine (401 horsepower, 464 lb-ft of torque) is standard, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. A turbocharged 6.6-liter diesel V8 engine (470 hp, 975 lb-ft) is optional and also uses a 10-speed automatic. Four-wheel drive is optional for the Pro, SLE and SLT, and it comes standard on the AT4 and higher trims.

　　Pro

　　Highlights of the base Pro trim include:

　　17-inch steel wheels LED headlights and taillights Chrome bumpers Integrated rear bumper steps on each corner Cargo area lighting Trailering hitch with Hitch Guidance system Manually adjustable trailering mirrors Remote keyless entry Locking tailgate and spare tire carrier Manual windows and door locks Air conditioning 40/20/40-split front bench seat Vinyl seats and floor coveringsThe standard infotainment system comes with:

　　7-inch touchscreen display Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration Two USB ports Two stereo speakers Rearview camera Wi-Fi hotspot Remote monitoring and control via a smartphone app or OnStarIn addition, extended-cab and crew-cab models add:

　　Power windows and door locks 60/40-split rear bench seat Rear air-conditioning vents Six stereo speakersAll 2024 Sierras also receive the suite of driver assistants that include:

　　Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane) Automatic high-beams Rear seat reminder (alerts you to check the rear seat before exiting the vehicle)SLE

　　The SLE adds popular features such as:

　　17-inch alloy wheels Upgraded exterior trim Power-adjustable, heated trailering mirrors MultiPro configurable tailgate with EZ Lift assist Integrated brake trailer controller (allows adjustment of a trailer's brakes from the cab) Digital instrument panel Cloth seats and carpeted floors Synthetic leather-wrapped steering wheel Cruise control Power door locks and windows Keyless entry 13.4-inch touchscreen infotainment display Google built-in apps for navigation and voice assistance Satellite radio Connected services including access to a Wi-Fi hotspotSLT

　　The SLT trim equips the truck with added styling, comfort and convenience features:

　　18-inch alloy wheels All-terrain tires Added chrome exterior trim Upgraded headlights and taillights LED foglights LED cargo bed lighting Power-folding and -extending trailering mirrors with auto-dimming Rain-sensing wipers 120-volt power outlets on dashboard and in cargo bed Keyless access with push-button engine start Remote engine start Dual-zone automatic climate control Leather seats Power-adjustable front seats with driver's seat memory Heated front seats and heated steering wheel Rear USB ports High-definition backup camera with Hitch View angle Smartphone trailering app Theft deterrent system Digital steering assist system (reduces driver fatigue by automatically adjusting the steering effort based on vehicle speed and road surface)AT4

　　Made for off-roading, the AT4 provides:

　　20-inch wheels Standard four-wheel drive Hill descent control Off-road suspension tuning Underbody skid plates Red recovery hooks Body-color bumpers Spray-in bedliner Front bucket seats with center console Ventilated front seats Heated rear outboard seats Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in the vehicle's or trailer's blind spot during a lane change or while reversing) Safety alert seat (vibrates to bring added driver attention to safety alerts) Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Sierra 2500HD and its surroundings for tight parking situations) Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)Denali

　　The Denali is all about luxury thanks to:

　　Side assist steps Roof marker lights Power-sliding rear window Wood and aluminum interior trim Premium leather seats Upgraded driver information display Navigation system Bose premium sound system Wireless smartphone charging Bed-view cameraAT4X

　　Building on the off-road-focused AT4, this new trim ups the all-terrain ante with:

　　Raised off-road suspension with advanced adaptive dampers Stronger underbody skid plates Driver-selectable locking rear differential Trailer tire pressure sensor capabilitiesAT4X AEV Edition

　　This new option package partners with AEV (American Expedition Vehicles) and adds:

　　18-inch wheels Heavy-duty bumpers with recovery points AEV-branded interior and exterior elements Accessory switchesDenali Ultimate

　　This new top trim comes standard with the diesel engine plus:

　　Power-deploying side steps Premium leather upholstery Front seats with added adjustments and massage functions Leather-wrapped steering wheel 12-speaker Bose premium audio Tailgate audio system by Kicker Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front) Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield) Digital rearview mirror (allows you to see out of the back even with a fully loaded cargo area)Many of the standard features on the upper trim levels are available on the lower trims as options. Other major extra-cost upgrades, depending on the trim level, include:

　　Trailering camera system (can display multiple trailer-based camera views on the touchscreen to aid with towing)

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