2024 GMC Sierra HD: What We Know So far

The GMC Sierra HD pickups exhibit an impressive capacity for hauling massive loads, but their exceptional capabilities extend beyond sheer strength. These robust and powerful workhorses also boast an appealing aesthetic, featuring gleaming chrome exterior accents and a plush leather interior. Distinguished as the oversized counterparts of the Sierra 1500, the Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD offer a level of opulence and refinement that sets them apart. This distinctness is especially pronounced when compared to Chevrolet’s Silverado HD lineup.

Under the hood, a robust 6.6-liter V-8 engine generates 401 horsepower and is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, constituting the base powertrain option. Alternatively, an available Duramax turbodiesel V-8 engine produces an impressive 445 horsepower and is coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission, a crucial configuration for achieving the Sierra HD’s staggering 22,500-pound maximum conventional towing capacity. Notably, the Sierra HD incorporates advanced trailer assist features, including Transparent Trailer View, Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert, and the option for adaptive cruise control with trailering. These elements collectively enhance the Sierra HD’s efficiency and effectiveness, demonstrating a focus on working smarter rather than harder.

What’s New for 2024?

GMC’s most robust pickup undergoes a subtle yet impactful visual update alongside significant enhancements, including a revamped powertrain for heightened towing capacity and the introduction of a brand-new trim level. The Sierra HDs receive a refreshed front fascia, featuring newly available LED headlights and taillights equipped with sequential turn signals. The 6.6-liter Duramax turbocharged diesel V-8 engine sees a power and torque boost, now delivering an impressive 470 horsepower and 975 pound-feet of torque. This elevated power output translates to increased towing capabilities across the Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD lineup, boasting a maximum hitch rating of 22,500 pounds.

Furthermore, the 401-hp 6.6-liter V-8 gas engine’s six-speed automatic transmission is replaced with the Allison-certified 10-speed automatic, previously exclusive to the diesel engine. Introducing the all-new Denali Ultimate trim for the 2500HD and 3500HD models adds an even higher level of luxury beyond the popular Denali tier. Notable upgrades include leather-wrapped door panels, steering wheel, and A- and B-pillar handles. The 16-way power-adjustable front seats, featuring heating, cooling, and messaging functions, receive intricate leather stitching showcasing a topographic map of Mount Denali in Alaska.

These enhancements are complemented by advanced trailering technology, encompassing features such as adaptive cruise control with trailering, gross combination weight (GCW) alert, and the expansion of GM’s Transparent Trailer View to include gooseneck and fifth wheel trailering. The Sierra HD’s standard driver assistance technology has been expanded for the 2024 model year, and the lineup welcomes the AT4X off-road trim. Additionally, an AEV Edition is introduced, offering steel bumpers, AEV 18-inch wheels, and reinforced skid plates for enhanced capability and durability.

2024 GMC Sierra HD Price

The starting MSRP for the 2024 GMC Sierra HD is $44,400 for the Pro model with a regular cab and long bed. The most expensive model is the Denali Ultimate, which starts at $91,900 for a crew cab and short bed. Here is a table of the starting MSRPs for all the 2024 GMC Sierra HD models:

2024 GMC Sierra HD Colors

Here are the 10 exterior paint colors available for the 2024 GMC Sierra HD:

• Cardinal Red
• Downpour Metallic
• Onyx Black
• Redwood Metallic
• Sterling Metallic
• Summit White
• Thunderstorm Gray
• Titanium Rush Metallic
• Volcanic Red Tintcoat
• White-Frost Tricoat

The following colors are available for an additional cost:

• White-Frost Tricoat ($1,095)
• Volcanic Red Tintcoat ($645)

2024 GMC Sierra HD Mileage

The EPA has not yet released fuel economy estimates for the 2024 GMC Sierra HD. However, the 2023 Sierra HD gets an estimated 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway with the 6.6-liter V8 gas engine and 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway with the 6.6-liter Duramax diesel engine.

2024 GMC Sierra HD Top-speed

The top speed of the 2024 GMC Sierra HD is electronically limited to 118 mph. This is the same top speed for the 2023 Sierra HD. The top speed is limited for safety reasons, as the Sierra HD is a large and heavy truck that can be dangerous to drive at high speeds.

2024 GMC Sierra HD Dimensions

The 2024 GMC Sierra HD has the following dimensions:

• Length: 250.1-266.1 inches
• Width: 81.85 inches
• Height: 79.8-80.9 inches
• Wheelbase: 158.9-170.2 inches
• Ground clearance: 12.2-14.2 inches

Here is a table of the dimensions for each cab style and bed length:

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Sierra HD comes standard with a 6.6-liter V-8 gasoline engine that delivers 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and offers the choice of rear- or four-wheel drive configurations. For those seeking enhanced performance, the optional Duramax diesel 6.6-liter V-8 engine produces an impressive 470 horsepower and a robust 975 pound-feet of torque. It is mated to an Allison-certified 10-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, customers have the option to select either a single-rear-wheel or dual-rear-wheel axle, referred to as a “dually,” for the 3500 HD models.

While our experience has been limited to a previous diesel iteration, we had the opportunity to test the gasoline powertrain on the mechanically identical Chevy Silverado 2500HD, appreciating its diligent performance. However, there’s no denying that the Duramax engine stands out as a highlight of the heavy-duty Sierra lineup, particularly for those who frequently tow substantial loads. The engine exhibits surprising refinement, and its seamless collaboration with the transmission results in excellent responsiveness. Together, they contributed to impressive acceleration times during our testing of the 2500HD Denali.

Despite its considerable size, the GMC Sierra HD delivers a commendable ride quality within its category. While its steering can feel somewhat imprecise at highway speeds, the Sierra maintains a sense of agility that sets it apart from its heavy-duty counterparts. The trail-focused AT4 and AT4X models present a more rugged interpretation of the traditionally chrome-adorned design. Equipped with an off-road suspension and a locking rear differential, these models feature a distinctive blacked-out aesthetic that underscores their adventurous nature.

Towing and Payload Capacity

The most powerful variant of the Sierra 3500HD boasts an impressive towing capacity of up to 36,000 pounds. It’s important to note that achieving such substantial towing capabilities necessitates specific configurations, including the utilization of the diesel engine, a regular cab setup, rear-wheel drive, the dual-rear-wheel axle, and the use of a gooseneck hitch. Opting for a fifth-wheel hitch instead slightly reduces the towing capacity to 32,000 pounds for the same truck.

In contrast, the Sierra 2500HD is exclusively available with a single-rear-wheel axle configuration. Its most robust iteration is capable of towing up to 22,500 pounds, providing a formidable towing capability for a range of hauling needs.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

As the EPA does not conduct testing on vehicles of the Sierra HD’s substantial size, and the same applies to its formidable competitors, our assessment of their real-world fuel efficiency is based on our highway fuel-economy evaluation route. Specifically, we have conducted testing on a Sierra 2500HD Denali equipped with the diesel engine, achieving a highway fuel economy of 17 mpg. In comparison, the diesel-powered Silverado 2500 LTZ crew cab and the Ram 2500 Tradesmen regular cab, both featuring diesel engines, achieved slightly higher figures at 19 mpg.

For those who opt for the GMC model’s standard gas-powered V-8 engine, it is anticipated that the fuel economy will be even less favorable than the diesel option.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Within the cabins of the Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD, a generously proportioned dashboard houses intuitively designed controls. The majority of models are equipped with a front bench seat that can be transformed into a set of bucket seats accompanied by a comprehensive center console. Optional interior features for the Sierra encompass a head-up display, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and wireless charging. However, the quality of panel fits and materials in the cabin is modest at best. Despite a profusion of soft-touch surfaces and the presence of resilient plastics in most models, the top-tier Denali trim disappointingly falls short of delivering a truly luxurious ambiance. The recently introduced Denali Ultimate trim aims for grandeur, incorporating leather-wrapped interior elements, Paldao wood trim accents, and a plush microsuede headliner. Comparatively, the more opulent offerings from Ram overshadow the GMC with their notably more upscale appearance and tactile sensation.

Nevertheless, the Sierra HD succeeds in satisfying the preferences of pickup-truck enthusiasts who prioritize practicality and adaptability. Ample passenger space can be found in the crew cab, and the GMC interior boasts numerous convenient storage cubbies. Both the standard and long cargo boxes come equipped with built-in steps on either side of the bed, and additional steps are integrated into the rear bumper corners. The cargo box can be further tailored with features like LED lighting, adjustable tie-downs, and a 120-volt power outlet. The most impressive feature of the heavy-duty Sierra’s interior is its innovative multi-function tailgate, which offers six distinct positions including a work surface and a bench. It’s a feature that tailgating enthusiasts will undoubtedly appreciate.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Each Sierra HD model comes equipped with a standard touchscreen infotainment system featuring seamless integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Even base models offer customization options such as a 120-volt outlet and a mobile hotspot. The majority of trim levels feature an 8.0-inch screen along with additional charging ports. All systems are designed with user convenience in mind, incorporating rotary knobs and tactile buttons that are easily within reach. For those seeking an enhanced experience, the larger touchscreen can be upgraded to include built-in navigation, a premium Bose audio system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and even a rear-seat entertainment system.

A standout feature is the expansive 13.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, which provides an unparalleled integrated experience. It boasts functionalities like Google Built-in, split-screen navigation, and seamless wireless compatibility with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This impressive display comes standard on Denali and Denali Ultimate trims. GMC also offers a dedicated smartphone app that enables users to remotely control trailer functions, enhancing convenience during towing operations. Furthermore, the truck’s advanced infotainment system allows users to save various trailer profiles, facilitating efficient maintenance monitoring and enhancing overall usability.

2024 GMC Sierra HD Features

Here is a table of the 2024 GMC Sierra HD features: