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2017 GMC Sierra 2500: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The biggest change for the 2017 GMC Sierra 2500 is its heavily revised 6.6-liter Duramax turbo-diesel V8, which produces 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque. This is an update year rather than a full redesign.
About the 2017 GMC Sierra 2500
Third-generation heavy-duty Sierra (introduced for 2015), third model year; 2017 is the diesel-upgrade year before minor 2018 trim tweaks.
GMC positions the Sierra 2500 HD as a “Professional Grade” heavy-duty pickup that pairs serious towing and hauling strength with a quieter, more upscale cabin than many work-first rivals. The model’s core appeal is real truck capability—strong frames, serious trailering hardware, and available diesel torque—without giving up comfort, design, or everyday usability. That mix is especially important in the Sierra lineup, where buyers can move from simple work-truck duty to premium Denali luxury without leaving the same heavy-duty platform.
The 2017 Sierra 2500 ranges from a straightforward work truck to the upscale Denali, with SLE and SLT filling the space between capability and everyday comfort. SLE has an 8-inch touchscreen and a rearview camera, while SLT adds leather seating and heated front seats. Denali tops the range with heated and ventilated leather seats, navigation, Bose audio, and front and rear parking sensors.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The available 6.6-liter Duramax turbo-diesel V8 was heavily revised, raising output to 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque. The natural-gas powertrain was dropped from the Base, SLE, SLT, and Denali trims.
Styling
Diesel-powered trucks received a functional hood scoop, and the new All Terrain X model joined the lineup.
Safety
Teen Driver became standard across the Sierra HD lineup. Lane Departure Warning also became standard on Denali.
2017 GMC Sierra 2500 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8. FF, 6.0L / V8, Turbo Dsl, 6.6L / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 Liter | V8. FF, 6.0L / V8, Turbo Dsl, 6.6L / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 Liter | V8. FF, 6.0L / V8, Turbo Dsl, 6.6L / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 Liter | V8. FF, 6.0L / V8, Turbo Dsl, 6.6L |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Allison OD | Auto, 6-Spd Allison OD | Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd Allison OD |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Flexible Fuel / Diesel | Flexible Fuel / Diesel | Flexible Fuel / Diesel | Flexible Fuel / Diesel |
| Horsepower | 360–445 hp | 360–445 hp | 360–445 hp | 360–397 hp |
| Torque | 380–910 lb-ft | 380–910 lb-ft | 380–910 lb-ft | 380–765 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 13000–14500 lb | 13000–14500 lb | 13000–14500 lb | 13000 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 34.6–40.9 in | 34.6–40.9 in | 34.6–40.9 in | 40.9 in |
| Seats | 3–6 | 5 | 3–6 | 5 |
| Doors | 2–4 | 4 | 2–4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Side Steps | ||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| 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 Driver Seat | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2017 GMC Sierra 2500?
The biggest change is the revised 6.6-liter Duramax turbo-diesel V8. It produces 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque, and diesel trucks have a functional hood scoop.
Is the 2017 GMC Sierra 2500 a full redesign?
No. The 2017 Sierra 2500 is an updated version of the third-generation truck introduced for 2015, with its basic structure, cab choices, and main trim lineup largely unchanged.
What safety features changed on the 2017 GMC Sierra 2500?
Teen Driver became standard across the 2017 Sierra HD lineup, and Lane Departure Warning became standard on Denali. Teen Driver lets an owner set certain driving limits and review driving information for another driver.
Did the 2017 GMC Sierra 2500 add a new model?
Yes. The All Terrain X joined the Sierra 2500 lineup for 2017, giving the range a new distinct version alongside the established Base, SLE, SLT, and Denali trims.
Is the 2017 GMC Sierra 2500 meaningfully different from the 2016 model?
Yes, especially with the diesel engine. The 2017 model has a substantially stronger Duramax diesel, standard Teen Driver across the lineup, a functional hood scoop on diesel trucks, and standard Lane Departure Warning on Denali; otherwise, the truck changed relatively little.
2017 GMC Sierra 2500 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 GMC Sierra 2500.
4.3
2017 GMC Sierra 2500
(166 reviews)
“This is an awesome truck and has everything you could possibly want in a truck very satisfied with it.”
“This is the best vehicle to date I have purchased. Plenty of power for towing my camper, ride quality is superior to my old truck, and it is quiet also.”