In the ever-evolving landscape of the automobile industry, there’s a noticeable trend among manufacturers to pivot away from sedans and coupes, gravitating instead towards SUVs and trucks. However, for GMC, trucks have always been the backbone of its lineup. From the brand’s inception, GMC’s vehicles were engineered for the rigorous demands of hard work but evolved over time to blend heavy-duty utility with everyday useability. The 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 HD expresses that legacy perfectly and defines professional-grade luxury.
GMC models like the Sierra HD have not only been mainstays on construction sites and farms but are also emblematic of a rugged yet refined attitude. The evolution of its upscale Denali line further emphasizes GMC’s commitment to delivering trucks catering to performance and premium comfort. As the automobile world shifts, GMC’s focus on trucks endures and allows it to claim the mantle of “Professional Grade.”
The 2024 Sierra 2500 HD is the three-quarter-ton model in GMC’s heavy-duty pickup truck lineup, designed to handle some of the toughest jobs and heaviest payloads. It’s built for drivers who demand more from their vehicles, from commercial hauling to challenging off-road tasks. Under the hood, the Sierra HD lineup offers potent powertrains, including a turbo-diesel option, ensuring excellent torque and towing capabilities. Their reinforced frames, enhanced suspension systems, and innovative towing technologies make the trucks a favorite among professionals who require major hauling or towing performance.
Heavy-duty pickups bridge the gap between light-duty pickups and commercial vehicles. Within GMC’s product lineup, the Sierra 2500 HD trucks sit above the standard Sierra 1500 light-duty pickup and below the Sierra 3500 HD one-ton truck in terms of capacity and durability. And within the product hierarchy of General Motors, GMC trucks are intended to be more upscale than offerings from Chevrolet. They cater to drivers who seek a blend of everyday drivability and luxury with the muscle to manage hefty tasks.
The Heart of the Truck
The most important measure of a heavy-duty truck lies under the hood. In the 2024 Sierra 2500 HD, you’ll find two engine options. The first is a 6.6-liter gasoline-powered V8 that generates 401 hp. For 2024, that engine is now joined to a 10-speed Allison automatic transmission in place of last year’s six-speed automatic. With 464 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 RPM and a 3.73 rear axle ratio, this engine offers plenty of pulling power.
For truly heavy-duty loads or trailers, though, there’s really only one choice. That’s the 6.6-liter Duramax turbo-diesel V8. For 2024, GMC enhanced this already very potent diesel to pump out 470 hp and a stump-pulling 975 lb-ft of torque at only 1,600 RPM. This engine is truly designed for towing with a 3.42 rear axle ratio, an exhaust brake, and an engine after-run feature for cooling after a tough haul.
Like the gas engine, the Duramax is also mated to the Allison 10-speed automatic. This transmission is electronically controlled for smoother shifting and features three overdrive ratios for improved efficiency. Its Tow/Haul Mode means less hunting for gears and a more confident driving experience. It has newly improved cooling capabilities along with Auto Grade Braking for safer downhill driving and reduced brake wear under heavy use.
The enhancements to the Duramax engine and Allison transmission demonstrate how serious GMC is about towing. With this drivetrain configuration and the appropriate towing options, the 2024 Sierra 2500 HD can tow 22,500 lbs, which is a full two tons more than last year’s model.
More Towing Tools
We’ve seen how much the Sierra 2500 HD can tow, but to truly be a professional-grade vehicle means having features to make trailering easier and safer. Here, the Sierra HD shines. We’ve already mentioned the engine braking and cooling features of the Allison transmission. The 2024 Sierra HD also offers a full suite of advanced towing tech, which GMC refers to as the ProGrade trailering system.
The Trailer Tire Pressure and Temperature Monitoring system keeps track of not just your truck’s tire health but your trailer’s, too. The Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert gives you an extra set of eyes to alert you if there’s something in your blind spots. Plus, the Trailer Length Indicator displays on-screen the length of your trailer and any objects beside it.
The Trailer Angle Indicator with Jack-Knife Alert warns the driver if the angle between the truck and trailer is reaching a point where it might jack-knife. Adaptive Cruise Control with Trailering makes long trips easier and safer by automatically accounting for increased braking distances when towing. Trailer Sway Control prevents dangerous trailer fishtailing.
The Auto Electric Parking Brake ensures your truck and trailer stay put when parked. Tow/Haul Mode Reminder gives a nudge when you should switch modes. And, of course, available vertical trailering mirrors ensure you’ve got a wide and clear view of everything behind you.
Best-In-Class Features
The 2024 Sierra 2500 HD doesn’t skimp on digital tech, either. Smart Trailer Integration paired with the myGMC app means you can keep tabs on your trailer from your smartphone. Whether it’s Trailer Theft Detection or Maintenance Reminders, it’s like having a dedicated personal assistant for your trailering needs. Speaking of which, the app also provides Predeparture Checklists, ensuring you’re good to go before hitting the road.
The Sierra HD offers up to 14 camera views for best-in-class awareness. There are cameras that can see to the front, sides, and rear, as well as keep tabs on the hitch and cargo bed. There’s even a remarkable Enhanced Transparent Trailer View, which uses a trailer-mounted camera and real-time video editing to “see through” the trailer. A Rear Trailer View with Guidelines and Trailer Angle Indicator makes backing up easier. There’s even an Inside Trailer View, which is excellent for keeping an eye on your cargo while you’re on the road.
Some trim levels include the MultiPro Tailgate as a standard or optional feature. This trick tailgate can be raised or lowered via buttons on the tailgate, in the cab, and on your keyfob. An inner, smaller tailgate can be lowered while the main tailgate is closed to create a standing-height work surface. When the inner gate is down, a flap can be raised to backstop extra-long loads.
Trim Levels and Configurations
A range of configurations and trim levels enable you to customize the 2024 Sierra 2500 HD to meet your needs for work or recreational hauling and tailor it to your desired level of amenities. First, there are five available configurations: regular cab long bed, double cab standard bed, double cab long bed, crew cab standard bed, and crew cab long bed. Note that the Sierra 2500 HD doesn’t offer a “dually” dual rear wheel configuration; for that, you’d need the heavier-duty Sierra 3500 HD.
Six trim levels help to equip the Sierra 2500 HD both mechanically and in terms of interior amenities. All trim levels except the flagship Denali Ultimate include the 6.6-liter gas engine and 10-speed Allison transmission as the standard offering, with the 6.6-liter Duramax diesel as an option. The Denali Ultimate comes standard with the 6.6-liter Duramax diesel.
While the 2024 Sierra 2500 HD has a base price of $44,400 for a regular cab long bed configuration, the lowest-priced configuration that’s available for all trim levels is the crew cab standard bed. Therefore, the prices listed below are for that configuration to enable a more accurate comparison of prices. However, the AT4, AT4X, and Denali Ultimate all come with four-wheel drive standard, while the other trims come with rear-wheel drive.
- Pro ($51,095): Standard LED headlights, trailering package, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, available MultiPro tailgate.
- SLE ($56,095): Standard 13.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 12.3-inch Driver Information Center, and MultiPro tailgate, available X31 off-road package.
- SLT ($63,495): Standard power-adjustable trailering mirrors, dual-zone climate control, and in-vehicle trailering app.
- AT4 ($72,095): Standard jet black interior with Kalahari accents, heated and cooled leather seats, 20-inch high-gloss black wheels, off-road suspension, and skid plates, available 15-inch head-up display with an inclinometer.
- Denali ($76,195): Exclusive interior with authentic wood and aluminum trim, perforated leather seating, and 20-inch machined aluminum wheels with chrome inserts.
- AT4X ($84,795): Obsidian Rush interior, 12-speaker Bose sound system, Mutimatic DSSV dampers, rear e-Locking differential, 35-inch mud-terrain tires, 1.5-inch lift kit, and larger skid plates.
- Denali Ultimate ($94,895): Ultimate Alpine Umber interior, 12-speaker Bose sound system, unique Vader Chrome grille, illuminated power assist steps, and Kicker MultiPro audio system
A Sanctuary on Wheels
The many features of this truck demonstrate how the 2024 Sierra 2500 HD merges multiple roles. It has the rugged reliability demanded of a workhorse, optional off-road capability, and the refined comforts of a luxury vehicle. It’s not just a truck that can haul, tow, and muscle through challenging terrain. It’s also a sanctuary on wheels, offering plush interiors and state-of-the-art amenities that let you customize the Sierra 2500 HD to be uniquely yours.
