Starting at
Starting at
464-975 | Torque (lb-ft) | 464-975 |
3,850 | Payload (lbs) | 7,290 |
22,500 | Towing (lbs) | 36,000 |
No one does heavy-duty quite like GMC, which is evident when you take a look at the brand's lineup for 2024. But how do you decide which heavy-duty truck is right for you? How about a head-to-head battle that pits the 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 HD vs 2024 GMC Sierra 3500 HD. What will be the outcome? Who will survive the heavy-duty truck face-off?
For both trucks, you can choose between six distinct trims: the PRO, SLE, SLT, AT4, Denali, and Denali Ultimate. The PRO, SLE, and SLT are available with two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, while the AT4, Denali, and Denali Ultimate come standard with four-wheel drive. Both options offer impressive towing and hauling capabilities, but the Sierra 3500 HD exceeds the Sierra 2500 HD by a substantial margin.
Of course, that's the benefit of being able to choose between a three-quarter-ton truck and a one-ton truck. Not all drivers' needs are the same, which is why it's great to be able to pick and choose what matters most. That also means not paying for what you don't need. Though the Sierra 3500 HD has some increased capacities, the Sierra 2500 HD comes in a bit lower on the price scale, so you don't have to pay more for extra muscle if you don't need it.
Both options are equipped with plenty of safety, tech, towing, and driver-assistance features. A full suite of cameras, a multi-function tailgate, and a premium sound system are just a few benefits to be expected. In the end, you can't call one GMC Sierra HD model a winner over the other. They both offer terrific features, so in the end, all you have to do is decide how much power is enough.
Whether you choose the Sierra 2500 HD or the Sierra 3500 HD, you'll have two powertrain options. With the exception of the Denali Ultimate, all trims come standard with a gas-powered V8, allowing you to enjoy 401 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque. For the 2024 model year, this 6.6-liter engine is now paired with an impressively smooth 10-speed Allison transmission that optimizes torque and braking, even when towing or hauling heavy loads, making sure shifting is done with ease.
Another feature is Auto Grade Braking which kicks on engine braking to aid in downhill maneuvers while towing or hauling. Auto Grade Braking will lessen the wear on your brakes, keeping them from overheating and helping them last longer. Available Tow/Haul mode minimizes hunting for gears, offering better control. This feature also improves cooling, decreasing the strain on your engine.
Step it up with the Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8 for those heavy-duty jobs. This 6.6-liter diesel engine is standard on the Denali Ultimate and available on the other five trims for a powerful upgrade. The Duramax is also paired with the Allison 10-speed transmission, letting you enjoy 470 hp and 975 lb-ft of torque low in the power band. On select trims, the diesel can be equipped with an integrated Power Take-Off. This handy feature allows you to power auxiliary features while idling, such as running tools at your job site to make your workday that much easier.
One significant difference between the Sierra 2500 HD and Sierra 3500 HD options is their towing and hauling capabilities. The three-quarter-ton model offers a max tow rating of 22,500 lbs, while the one-ton truck has a maximum towing capacity of 36,000 lbs in its available dual-rear-wheel configuration. However, while the Sierra 2500 HD has a lower towing capacity, it also has a lower price tag, allowing you to only pay for the power you need.
When it comes to towing and hauling, the GMC Sierra HD is king. Whether you choose the Sierra 2500 HD or the Sierra 3500 HD, your truck will be decked out from head to toe with features designed to make your job easier and safer. Though the towing and payload capacities of the two models may vary, their features are similar.
Trailering is natural in the Sierra HD, with an Integrated Trailer Brake Controller that provides simple brake force adjustment for the attached trailer. Through the In-Vehicle Trailering App, you can monitor the status of your trailer, be reminded of trailer maintenance needs, check trailer tire pressures, and more. With the addition of the Trailering Package and ProGrade Trailering System, you get the benefit of an included hitch, wiring harness, and a hitch view with guidance courtesy of a camera system.
For hauling and hitching, convenient LED and pillar lighting illuminate the truck bed. The tailgate features EZ Lift Assist, power lock and release, and even more lighting for the hitch area, adding an extra layer of ease. Plus, with the MultiPro Tailgate, you can enjoy easier access to your truck bed and cargo. This outstanding feature has six unique functions that make accessing and loading cargo a piece of cake.
The 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 HD can trailer up to 20,000 lbs with a conventional hitch. When using a gooseneck or fifth-wheel trailer, the limit is raised to 22,500 lbs. The available long bed provides 83.5 cu.ft. of cargo volume, and this three-quarter-ton truck can haul a max payload of 3,850 lbs.
The 2024 GMC Sierra 3500 HD has the same 20,000 lb maximum trailering capacity as when towing a conventional trailer, although it is available in more configurations. However, the maximum rating for gooseneck or fifth-wheel trailers with the Sierra 3500 HD is significantly higher at 36,000 lbs. Additionally, the one-ton pickup can handle much heavier payloads, maxing out at 7,290 lbs.
The 2024 Sierra 2500 HD and Sierra 3500 HD offer much of the same when it comes to safety tech, driver-assistance features, and infotainment options. The base Pro trim has a standard seven-inch color GMC infotainment touchscreen that provides easy access to applications like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For the premium experience, try out the 13.4-inch infotainment screen with Google built-in that comes in the SLE and higher trims.
The Sierra HD is available with an exceptional Bose sound system featuring 12 speakers, including a subwoofer, for the best sound possible. But the music doesn't stop there. The unique MultiPro tailgate can be equipped with a Kicker external sound system. This system features Bluetooth, allowing you to stream music directly from any compatible device. It is also weatherproof, so your party won't be stopped due to rain or excessive heat. A hidden amplifier allows your music to play independently from the interior sound system.
The traditional analog instrument cluster has been replaced with a 12.3-inch digital Driver Information Center that can be customized to your preferences. There is also an available Head-Up Display that projects important information on the windshield, allowing you to keep your eyes front and center. This can be customized as well, allowing you to adjust what information is shown. There are also plenty of charging options throughout the cab.
The Rear-Camera Mirror can be switched from mirror to camera depending on your desired view. Other great features include remote start, which allows you to start the vehicle with the keyfob, enabling you to warm or cool the cab before getting in. Keyless open and start are another bonus that makes digging for your keys a thing of the past.
Both the Sierra 2500 HD and Sierra 3500 HD are available with up to 14 camera views. Depending on your needs, you can equip your truck with cameras to get a close-up of the hitch and use hitch guidelines to get the perfect angle. A Cargo Bed View allows you to peek in on your truck bed cargo, while an Inside Trailer View lets you check on the contents of your trailer.
A series of cameras around the exterior provide a full image of everything outside the vehicle. There is even an Enhanced Transparent Trailer View that combines camera feeds to "see through" your trailer. For the 2024 model year, this feature has been expanded to work with gooseneck and fifth-wheel trailers.