“Its a manual transmission, which my wife loves to drive. She says it's fun and economical and handles well on her 50 mile commute.”
2018 GMC Sierra 3500: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The 2018 GMC Sierra 3500 HD is a light-update model led by a standard rearview camera and touchscreen infotainment across the lineup. It is not a redesign.
About the 2018 GMC Sierra 3500
3rd generation Sierra HD (2015-2019), fourth year of this body style with no major redesign for 2018.
GMC positions the Sierra 3500 HD as a heavy-duty pickup that blends serious towing and hauling strength with a more polished cabin than many work-focused rivals. The core appeal is straightforward: big-truck capability for trailers, equipment, and payload, with trims that range from basic job-site duty to the luxury-focused Denali. GMC’s messaging leans hard on “Professional Grade” toughness, quiet cabins, trailering confidence, and upscale design touches.
The base Sierra remains the straightforward work truck, but its standard 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and rearview camera make it less bare-bones for 2018. SLE adds everyday convenience, while SLT brings heated leather-trimmed seats and Denali tops the range with navigation, ventilated front seats, wireless phone charging, Bose audio, and added driver-assistance features.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The natural-gas powertrain option is dropped from the Denali trim.
Styling
Denali gets a revised grille for 2018. The rest of the lineup has no broad exterior redesign.
Safety
A rearview camera becomes standard on Sierra 3500 HD pickup models across the lineup.
Tech
Touchscreen infotainment becomes standard across the lineup. The base Sierra gets a 7-inch system and standard Bluetooth, while SLE and higher trims retain 8-inch systems.
2018 GMC Sierra 3500 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / V8, Turbo Dsl, 6.6L / V8, CNG, 6.0L / V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 Liter / V8, Compressed Natural Gas, 6.0 Liter | V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / V8, Turbo Dsl, 6.6L / V8, CNG, 6.0L / V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 Liter / V8, Compressed Natural Gas, 6.0 Liter | V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / V8, Turbo Dsl, 6.6L / V8, CNG, 6.0L / V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 Liter / V8, Compressed Natural Gas, 6.0 Liter | V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter / V8, Turbo Dsl, 6.6L |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Allison OD / Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive / Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive / Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Flexible Fuel / Diesel / Natural Gas | Flexible Fuel / Diesel / Natural Gas | Flexible Fuel / Diesel / Natural Gas | Flexible Fuel / Diesel |
| Horsepower | 225–445 hp | 225–445 hp | 225–445 hp | 360–445 hp |
| Torque | 333–910 lb-ft | 333–910 lb-ft | 333–910 lb-ft | 380–910 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 13000–20000 lb | 13000–20000 lb | 13000–20000 lb | 13000–15000 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 34.7–40.9 in | 34.7–40.9 in | 34.7–40.9 in | 40.9 in |
| Seats | 3–6 | 5–6 | 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 | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Side Steps | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| 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 3500 compared with the 2017 model?
The main 2018 changes are a standard rearview camera and touchscreen infotainment across the lineup. Denali also gets a revised grille, and its natural-gas powertrain option is dropped.
Is a rearview camera standard on the 2018 GMC Sierra 3500?
Yes. A rearview camera is standard on 2018 GMC Sierra 3500 HD pickup models across the trim range.
Does the base 2018 GMC Sierra 3500 have a touchscreen?
Yes. The base 2018 Sierra 3500 HD has a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and USB connectivity. SLE and higher trims use 8-inch touchscreen systems.
Was the 2018 GMC Sierra 3500 redesigned?
No. The 2018 Sierra 3500 HD continues the third-generation design introduced for 2015, with only light equipment and trim updates for this model year.
What changed on the 2018 GMC Sierra 3500 Denali?
The 2018 Sierra 3500 Denali gets a revised grille, and the natural-gas powertrain option is no longer part of the Denali lineup. It remains the luxury-focused trim, with navigation, heated and ventilated front seats, wireless phone charging, Bose audio, and driver-assistance features.
2018 GMC Sierra 3500 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 GMC Sierra 3500.
4.1
2018 GMC Sierra 3500
(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.”