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2018 GMC Sierra 2500: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2018 GMC Sierra 2500 was a light-update year, not a redesign. The most important change was the base truck’s move to a standard 7-inch touchscreen and rearview camera.
About the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500
3rd-generation Sierra HD (2015-2019), late-cycle light-update year.
GMC positions the Sierra 2500 as a heavy-duty pickup that mixes real towing and hauling strength with a more polished cabin than many rivals. The official brochure leans hard on the truck’s quiet interior, “Professional Grade” image, and premium feel, especially in upper trims, while still treating it as a serious work tool. For most used-truck shoppers, its identity is simple: a big HD pickup that can do hard jobs without feeling stripped-down or overly basic inside.
The base Sierra remained the work-first truck, while SLE added everyday conveniences and SLT brought leather seating and dual-zone climate control. Denali sat at the top with heated and ventilated leather-appointed front seats, navigation, Bose audio, and a more upscale cabin. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard on SLE, SLT, and Denali through their 8-inch touchscreen systems.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
A natural-gas powertrain was added to Base, SLE, SLT, and Denali. The core 6.0-liter gas V8 and 6.6-liter Duramax diesel carried over.
Styling
Denali received a new grille design. The rest of the lineup was largely unchanged visually.
Safety
A rearview camera became standard on pickup-box models.
Tech
The base Sierra’s 7-inch touchscreen and Bluetooth moved from optional to standard.
2018 GMC Sierra 2500 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, Turbo Dsl, 6.6L / V8. FF, 6.0L / V8, Compressed Natural Gas, 6.0 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / V8, CNG, 6.0L / V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 Liter | V8, Turbo Dsl, 6.6L / V8. FF, 6.0L / V8, Compressed Natural Gas, 6.0 Liter / V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / V8, CNG, 6.0L | V8, Turbo Dsl, 6.6L / V8. FF, 6.0L / V8, Compressed Natural Gas, 6.0 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / V8, CNG, 6.0L / V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 Liter | V8, Turbo Dsl, 6.6L / V8. FF, 6.0L / V8, Compressed Natural Gas, 6.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Allison OD / Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd Allison OD | Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd Allison OD |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Diesel / Flexible Fuel / Natural Gas | Diesel / Flexible Fuel / Natural Gas | Diesel / Flexible Fuel / Natural Gas | Diesel / Flexible Fuel / Natural Gas |
| Horsepower | 360–445 hp | 360–445 hp | 360–445 hp | 360–445 hp |
| Torque | 380–910 lb-ft | 380–910 lb-ft | 380–910 lb-ft | 380–910 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 13000–14500 lb | 13000–14100 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 | ||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500 compared with the 2017 model?
The 2018 Sierra 2500 received a few focused updates rather than a redesign. The base trim gained a standard 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and a rearview camera; pickup-box models gained a standard rearview camera; Denali received a new grille; and a natural-gas powertrain joined all four trims.
Was the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500 redesigned?
No, the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500 was not redesigned. It was a late-cycle light update within the third-generation Sierra HD, which ran from 2015 through 2019.
Does the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500 have a standard rearview camera?
Yes, 2018 Sierra 2500 pickup-box models have a standard rearview camera. This was especially notable on the base trim, where the camera had previously been optional.
Did the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500 powertrain lineup change?
Yes, a natural-gas powertrain was added to Base, SLE, SLT, and Denali for 2018. The main engine lineup otherwise carried over with the standard 6.0-liter gas V8 and the 6.6-liter Duramax diesel.
What was new on the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500 Denali?
The 2018 Sierra 2500 Denali received a new grille and a standard rearview camera. Its other signature equipment included heated and ventilated leather-appointed front seats, navigation, Bose audio, wireless charging, and front and rear parking sensors.
2018 GMC Sierra 2500 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500.
4.1
2018 GMC Sierra 2500
(158 reviews)
“Durable, strong, stylish. Great towing vehicle with lots of creature comforts. Could use some common options such as keyless entry/start.”
“Loaded with options considering the price. Great tow vehicle. Visually appealing truck.”