2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD Test Drive Review: Towing Just Got Even Smarter

GMC has an evident approach when it comes to building heavy-duty trucks: make them big, make them bold, make them capable, and make using them as stress-free as possible for practical use. For everyday work, the newly redesigned 2500HD is bigger, features a lower bed lift-in height, a roomy interior, and an optional six-function tailgate. GMC also wants to take the hassle out of towing using tech and clever use of cameras. It's succeeded on all fronts.

Power in the base models comes from an all-new 6.6-liter V8 gasoline engine producing 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque. However, for those that need to pull really big loads, an available 6.6-liter V8 turbodiesel makes 445 hp and a monstrous 910 lb-ft of torque to rival the best on offer in the form of the Ram 2500 and Ford F-250. GMC isn't neglecting the truck owners that need to get off the road anymore and has brought the AT4 off-road trim to the Sierra 2500 HD for 2020.

What's the Price of the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD?

The cheapest model in the range is the base Sierra Regular Cab 2WD which carries an MSRP of $35,800. Next is the slightly less basic SLE at $40,400. The mid-range SLT costs $51,000 and, like all other trims from this level up, can't be paired with the Regular Cab body style. The off-road-focused AT4 costs $58,300, followed by the range-topping Denali at $64,300. All prices exclude tax, licensing, registration, optional extras, and a destination charge of $1,595.

On the base Sierra Regular Cab, upgrading to 4WD costs $2,800 and the turbodiesel engine will add another $12,115 to the price. Also on this model, the Double Cab will add $2,600 to the base price and the Crew Cab adds $4,400. Between the different trims, you can expect similar increases if optioning 4WD, a different body style, or the turbodiesel engine. The most expensive model is the Crew Cab Denali with 4WD, the turbodiesel engine, and the longer bed which will set you back $74,250 excluding the destination charge.

2020 Sierra 2500HD Exterior

Dimensions

2020 Sierra 2500HD Performance

Handling and Driving Impressions

GMC is the segment's only HD truck maker using an independent front suspension, and it shows. The ride is compliant, and there's little chatter from the back end as well across broken roads and bumpy trails. The 2500HD is also responsive and easy to maneuver, relative to its size and heft. You're definitely driving a big truck, but GMC has done a great job at keeping what can be a brute of a truck civilized when it needs to be.

Towing is the 2500HD's specialty, and it does it with almost frightening ease, making it easy to forget you're pulling something with serious weight. Pulling out to overtake slow traffic requires little effort from the engine, even at maximum weight, and toggling the exhaust brake function helps to tax the brakes less and keep them cool in hill country. Add in GMC's ProGrade Trailering system with its 15 cameras and invisible trailer mode, and the stress evaporates out of hauling.

The AT4 trim level doesn't add a lift to the suspension and specialist tires as it does on the Sierra 1500. However, 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires and a two-speed transfer case take care of traction while off-road suspension adds to the 2500HD's agility and stability in the rough stuff. The sheer length of the truck isn't ideal for treacherously bumpy ground, but the AT4 package gives the truck a whole new dimension. We spent a happy afternoon in California's badlands roaming around steep and slippery and rutted dirt tracks with the only concern being the width of the truck.

2020 Sierra 2500HD Interior

2020 Sierra 2500HD Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

Verdict: Is the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD A Good Truck?

For anyone in the business of pulling or carrying large loads, the 2500HD is an excellent premium choice. While we know GMC can do better with an interior, the technology gets us over that. The 2500HD can quickly get pricey, and GMC understands that and banks on people choosing higher trims, options, and packages to get exactly what they want and need. It's a good approach as, at its base level, the 2500HD is a more than capable platform for heavy-duty use and has a strong and powerful drivetrain. Start upgrading it, and it becomes an impressive tool for any job someone could need a heavy-duty truck for before moving up to a dually. But we're not sure if it's a class leader, and while the strong diesel engine and clever trailer camera system are wonderful, we can't help feel that the Ram 2500 remains the unbeaten benchmark in the segment.

What GMC Sierra 2500HD Model Should I Buy?

GMC doesn't expect the bulk of its sales to be in the base models, and we would be looking at non-premium trucks instead of a stripped-down Sierra model. The SLE is where we would start, and add the SLE Convenience Package for some extra creature comforts. We would also add the Technology Package - after all, if you're spending the money on a premium truck, then you'll need those premium features. For those towing sizeable loads, the ProGrade trailering system for $710 is something we consider an essential part of the 2500HD.

The Denali trim is where we back off. For a luxury trim level, the Denali's interior feels like a token effort. GMC is working on spinning Denali into a full-on luxury brand of its own, and, after seeing what GMC did with the Yukon Denali recently, we would hold off a year and see how the company develops the truck interiors.

2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD Comparisons

2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD vs GMC Sierra 1500

If you don't need all of the 2500HD's towing capacity, it's the smarter choice to go for a higher-spec 1500. Starting at under $30,000, the 1500 can still tow up to 12,100 pounds (6,400 lbs less than the best of the 2500HD range). The 1500 also offers a wider range of engines, starting with a 310-horsepower 2.7-liter turbo. Being the lighter truck, it's also more economical than the 2500HD. Both have spacious cabins but rather dull dashboards, but it's nice to know that the 2500HD's highlights (the transparent trailer view and the six-function MultiPro tailgate) are also available on the smaller truck. The 2500HD is the towing king here and benefits from that special 6.6-liter turbodiesel, but other than the numbers game, these are comparable trucks so choose the 1500 if your needs aren't that extreme.

2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD vs Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

These are two very closely matched trucks. Not only do they share the same underpinnings and powertrains, but even the same infotainment system. The Silverado does start at $1,200 less, however, and that's quite a difference for two trucks that are essentially the same. The biggest differences are of course the designs, and it's up to you to decide which one speaks to you more. The Sierra also has the edge for interior quality, although neither are class-leading in this respect. GMC's MultiPro tailgate is a great feature, but is it worth the $1,200 price premium? We're not so sure. Whichever truck you choose, you'll get superb towing capacities, powerful engines, and enough space for your family and their cargo.