2013 GMC Sierra 3500: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The 2013 GMC Sierra 3500HD is a light-update year, not a redesign. Its main change is automatic grade braking for trucks with the 6.0L gasoline V8, which works without the driver first selecting Tow/Haul mode.
About the 2013 GMC Sierra 3500
Second-generation Sierra HD (2007-2014), third model year after the major 2011 chassis and powertrain overhaul; one model year before the 2015 redesign.
GMC presented the Sierra 3500HD as its one-ton pickup for heavy towing, large payloads and demanding commercial or recreational work. Its identity centered on a fully boxed frame, high trailer ratings, integrated towing hardware and a quieter, more controlled ride than older heavy-duty trucks. The trim range extended from a durable work cabin to Denali luxury without giving up core hauling capability.
The Work Truck remains the straightforward heavy-use model, with durable vinyl seating and factory-integrated trailering equipment. SLE adds everyday comfort, while SLT brings heated leather seats and Bose audio. Denali sits at the top with heated and cooled leather seats, a heated steering wheel, rear parking sensors and a rearview camera.
What changed, by category
2013 GMC Sierra 3500 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 Liter | V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 Liter | V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 Liter | V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Flexible Fuel / Diesel | Flexible Fuel / Diesel | Flexible Fuel / Diesel | Flexible Fuel / Diesel |
| Horsepower | 322–397 hp | 322–397 hp | 322–397 hp | 322–397 hp |
| Torque | 380–765 lb-ft | 380–765 lb-ft | 380–765 lb-ft | 380–765 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 13000–18000 lb | 13000–18000 lb | 13000–18000 lb | 13000–18000 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 34.3–39 in | 34.3–39 in | 39 in | 34.3–39 in |
| Seats | 3–6 | 5 | 5 | 3–6 |
| Doors | 2–4 | 4 | 4 | 2–4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| Built-In Hard Drive | ||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Cooled Seats | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Power Adjustable Pedals | ||||
| Power Windows | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2013 GMC Sierra 3500 compared with the 2012 model?
The main change for 2013 is automatic grade braking on trucks with the 6.0L gasoline V8. It can help slow the truck on a descent without the driver first selecting Tow/Haul mode; the rest of the lineup changed little.
Was the 2013 GMC Sierra 3500 redesigned?
No, the 2013 GMC Sierra 3500HD was not redesigned. It remained part of the second generation, and its chassis, major powertrain hardware and four-trim lineup largely carried over from 2012.
Which 2013 GMC Sierra 3500 models received automatic grade braking?
Every 2013 Sierra 3500HD trim fitted with the 6.0L gasoline V8 received the updated automatic grade-braking function. That includes the Work Truck, SLE, SLT and Denali trims when equipped with that engine.
Did the 2013 GMC Sierra 3500 diesel receive the grade-braking update?
No, the headline grade-braking update was specifically for trucks with the 6.0L gasoline V8. The major diesel hardware otherwise changed little from 2012.
What trims did the 2013 GMC Sierra 3500 offer?
The 2013 Sierra 3500HD lineup consisted of Work Truck, SLE, SLT and Denali. Work Truck focused on durability, SLE added daily comfort, SLT brought heated leather seating and Bose audio, and Denali added cooled front seats and more driver-assistance equipment.