The 2021 GMC Sierra 2500 HD brings a ton of new features to 2021 and continues a strong tradition in heavy duty pickup trucks from GMC. GMC trucks are reliable and great for enterprising drivers that need supreme capability, strength, and towing. GMC trucks come with a higher price tag than some of their competition, like the Chevy Silverado, but with good reason. GMC trucks, thanks to their engineer’s focus on utility vehicles like pickups and SUVs, are of higher quality and better equipped than standard Chevys.
GMC trucks are targeted toward professionals more than Chevy trucks, which are typically designed with recreational truck drivers. If you need a truck with better towing and hauling and more features that will support you while you work, GMC is a great choice. The GMC Sierra 2500 HD isn’t just capable; it also has a stylish build. The front grille and hood are designed to be bold and powerful, accentuating the higher quality of the brand. There are also plenty of opportunities to get a luxury experience with the GMC Sierra Denali lineup. These trim options have helped make these GMC trucks top picks year after year for luxury pickup trucks.
Having a heavy duty truck comes with a lot of benefits. While harder to maneuver and slower to accelerate, carrying all of that muscle does have its advantages. If you need a truck for a new work opportunity or enterprise, these heavy-duty trucks are incredibly powerful and capable of taking on anything and being reliable day in and day out. Not only can the 2021 GMC Sierra 2500 HD take on the toughest jobs, but it is also one of the incredibly versatile trucks that can take on any job. From heavy lifting to towing, plowing, and even landscaping. No matter what comes your way, you’ll be prepared to take on anything.
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Having a heavy-duty truck means you need the towing, payload, and trailering of an industrial-grade machine. Luckily, the 2021 Sierra 2500 HD comes fully loaded with lots of different levels and options to get exactly what you need from this heavy-duty pickup. With a potential maximum tow rating of 18,510 pounds with their strongest build, the Sierra will be able to carry even the largest trailers, campers, and more.
The 2021 Sierra has two different levels for engine sizes. The Sierra 2500 HD can tow 18,500 pounds and carry up to 3,979 pounds of payload. That's some pretty awesome power that is sure to tow and haul whatever you need it to. The Sierra 2500 HD moves with surprising agility and smoothness even when under heavy stress, and is one of the most comfortable truck interiors in the class.
At the heart of the 2021 Sierra heavy-duty pickup is an engine that provides an incredible amount of power, efficiency, and muscle to the award-winning vehicle. It is obvious that GMC isn’t taking any half measures when it comes to the engine design of the Sierra 2500 HD. These engines don’t get any smaller than over six and a half liters in a colossal V8 engine that roars in the ignition.
The standard engine built on the base trim is the 6.6-liter V8 engine, which is combined well with a 6-speed transmission for versatility and performance at different speeds and terrain. The standard V8 may be the baseline, but it is far from the bottom. The peak 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque are going to be able to take on virtually any job or task. If you need the maximum amount of payload capacity for hauling, this is the engine to choose. With a proper configuration, this engine has the maximum payload capacity of 3,979 pounds.
The Duramax turbo diesel is the same size and grade as the standard option, with 6.6-liters. The turbo diesel engine gets a moderate upgrade to its horsepower, up to 445 versus the standard 401. However, this engine excels when it comes to the torque rating. This engine generates up to 910 lb-ft of torque, which is mind-boggling power that will help get you to the max towing capacity of 18,510 pounds with the right configuration. This is the perfect engine for towing, or just for those who prefer diesel over regular gas power.
The 2021 GMC Sierra 2500 HD is a rugged and powerful heavy duty pickup that is also jam-packed with advanced tech and safety features. These options not only give you tons of convenient options at the touch of a finger but options that also make doing the sorts of things trucks like this are made to do much safer and easier.
Smart trailer integration uses the myGMC App (or the Apple CarPlay/Android Auto) to give owners control over many different smart systems in the vehicle itself. This range of feature controls goes from the interior of the cabin to the trailer. From water tank levels, air conditioning, and powered slide-outs, you can do it all from the convenience of your phone. This kind of innovative connective tech really helps give the driver a sense of ownership of their truck even when they aren’t behind the wheel.
Speaking of what you can do with the myGMC app, you can also take advantage of the trailering features the app has. Create trailer profiles, test your trailer lights, create a pre-departure checklist, and even calculate the combined weight of your trailer and truck for confidence while towing. Your vehicle also features a trailering app that lets you do all of the things the phone app can do, plus check your tire pressure, receive maintenance reminders, and track your trailer mileage and fuel economy. Staying connected is important, but having a way to stay connected to your trailer at all times is above and beyond.
Integrated engine exhaust brakes, or as the big-rig drivers like to call a “Jake Brake.” This system helps reduce the strain on the trucks’ brakes utilizing the backpressure of the engine to slowly come down from speed on steep declines at the touch of a button. Since it works with cruise control, you can easily set a comfortable speed which can be maintained even if you are moving heavy payloads over hilly and steep terrain. Since very often the toughest jobs are often in hard to get places, this is a very considerate innovation.
The new options and additions for the 2021 Sierra HD trucks are many, and they add tons of quality of life improvements that help make the GMC trucks more than just a heavy worker. In addition to the myGMC app, the infotainment comes with wireless connectivity on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto starting at the SLT trim. These help drivers use the range of smart tech controls to remotely interact with their trucks and trailers from their phones.
To the bed of the truck itself, there is an available MultiPro 6-function tailgate, which becomes standard at the SLE level. If your truck is often used to carry lots of heavy and awkward loads that are difficult to get into the back, this is a great option that further expands the versatility of this truck. Use the tailgate like normal or use the primary load stop for longer items. Fold-down the inner gate for easy access, or flip it down into a full step. Finally, utilize the inner gate load stop to prevent second-tier items from sliding out, or fold it flat to create a work surface. The possibilities seem endless with this kind of versatility.
In addition to the tailgate, an impressive new feature is the X31 Off-road suspension/protection package. This is available for the SLE and SLT models and helps give greater torque and control when driving over unstable or uneven terrain. As many people already know, sometimes the toughest jobs are hard to reach.
There is also a suite of new tech features that really shine at the luxurious Denali trim, such as the Black Diamond edition Kicker audio system and extensive camera network to help with any kind of maneuvering. At other trim levels, you can get chromes steps, 20-inch alloy wheels, and a spray-in bed liner to help with more destructive payloads. With all of these new features added and available for the GMC Sierra, there are plenty of new reasons to go with GMC for your heavy duty pickup.