GMC Sierra 3500
If you want the ultimate rig for towing and hauling, the GMC Sierra 3500 HD is a strong choice -- literally. Its available Duramax turbodiesel V8 is among the most powerful truck engines on the market. Despite its brutish abilities, the 3500 HD isn’t a beast to drive, thanks to its smooth-riding suspension, excellent trailing tech (especially on 2020 and later models), and roomy cabin, which can be outfitted with a host of upscale features. On the downside, loading up the 3500 HD with options quickly ratchets up the price. The big GMC also lacks a few of the latest driving aids, such as adaptive cruise control.
If you want the ultimate rig for towing and hauling, the GMC Sierra 3500 HD is a strong choice -- literally. Its available Duramax turbodiesel V8 is among the most powerful truck engines on the market. Despite its brutish abilities, the 3500 HD isn’t a beast to drive, thanks to its smooth-riding suspension, excellent trailing tech (especially on 2020 and later models), and roomy cabin, which can be outfitted with a host of upscale features. On the downside, loading up the 3500 HD with options quickly ratchets up the price. The big GMC also lacks a few of the latest driving aids, such as adaptive cruise control.
GMC Sierra 3500 Model Lineup
The Sierra 3500 HD is a heavy-duty full-size pickup. In GMC’s lineup of full-size trucks, it’s the most capable model, slotting above the Sierra 2500 HD. The 3500 HD comes in three main cab styles: the two-door, three-seat regular cab; the four-door, six-seat double cab; and the roomiest of them all, the four-door, six-seat crew cab. All versions come with an 8-foot bed except the crew cab, which is also available with a 6.5-ft bed. A dual-rear-wheel axle (aka a “dually”) is also available. Properly equipped, the 3500 HD can haul up to 7,442 pounds and tow up to 36,000 lbs, according to the manufacturer.
The Sierra 3500 HD comes standard with a gasoline-powered V8 engine, which produces 360 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque in 2019 and earlier models. In 2020, it was enlarged from 6.0 to 6.6 liters, increasing output to 401 hp and 464 lb-ft. The gas V8 pairs solely with a six-speed automatic transmission. Optional is a 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8, which GMC calls Duramax. In 2016 and earlier models, it pumps out 397 hp and 765 lb-ft of torque, and it got a significant boost in 2017 to 445 hp and 910 lb-ft. The Duramax engine was backed by a heavy-duty six-speed automatic until the 2020 model year, when it was paired instead with a 10-speed unit made by Allison Transmission. Power is routed to the rear wheels on the 3500 HD unless the truck is equipped with optional four-wheel drive. No hybrid or electric versions have been produced so far.
GMC offers the Sierra 3500 HD in five trims: the base model (which is called the Work Truck, the Sierra, or the Pro, depending on the model year), the mid-range SLE, the well-equipped SLT, the off-road-oriented AT4 (which first appeared in 2020), and the top-tier Denali. The base model offers little in the way of creature comforts but does at least come with air conditioning, cruise control, and a tilt steering wheel. In 2018, it also gained a standard 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with a rearview camera and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The SLE adds keyless entry, carpeting, power-adjustable side mirrors, and an upgraded 8.0-inch center touchscreen, while the even more upscale SLT comes standard with remote start, dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a 110-volt power outlet. Opting for the AT4 outfits the truck with standard four-wheel drive, an off-road suspension, a locking rear differential, skid plates, and an off-road driving mode with hill-descent control. Finally, the range-topping Denali includes plenty of high-end goodies, such as ventilated front seats, navigation, power-adjustable pedals, a heated steering wheel, and a premium Bose audio system. The Denali also offers some advanced safety tech, including lane-departure warning, forward collision mitigation, blind-spot warning, and a surround-view camera, most of which are also available on the other trims as options.