2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD Review: Reliable To A Fault
There is no denying the love USA has for its pickup trucks, especially considering they top the sales charts year after year. Thus, it makes sense that some of the best models are locally grown, with the 2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD being a great example. It goes up against the likes of the Ram 2500, Ford F-250, and Chevrolet Silverado 2500, and manages to hold its own despite the fierce competition. GMC has bestowed a choice between two engines to its heavy-duty pickup: a gasoline V8 that develops 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque, and a turbo diesel that pumps out 445 hp and 910 lb-ft. Properly equipped, it boasts a towing capacity of 18,510 lbs, which is respectable, but a bit behind the class leaders. It's a good-looking vehicle with great credentials, but the interior is lackluster, and the tech features need an update.
Best Deals on 2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD
2021 Sierra 2500HD Exterior
Dimensions
Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width |
---|---|---|---|
235.5 in | 141.6 in | 79.9 in | 81.8 in |
2021 Sierra 2500HD Performance
Engine and Transmission
2021 Sierra 2500HD Interior
Seating and Interior Space
2021 Sierra 2500HD Trunk and Cargo Space
2021 Sierra 2500HD Safety and Reliability
Warranty
Warranty Note | Basic | Drivetrain | Drivetrain Note | Rust-Through | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance | Roadside Assistance Note | Maintenance Note |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Preliminary 2021 Warranty | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | HD Duramax Diesel: 5 Years/100,000 Miles; Qualified Fleet Purchases: 5 Years/100,000 Miles | 6 Years / 100,000 Miles | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | HD Duramax Diesel: 5 Years/100,000 Miles; Qualified Fleet Purchases: 5 Years/100,000 Miles | 1 Year/1 Visit |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
Verdict: Is the 2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD A Good Truck?
The 2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD is a real straight shooter; it doesn't pretend to be more than it is, which is a no-nonsense, reliable, dependable pickup truck that sits firmly in the middle of the segment in terms of performance and capabilities. It won't wow you, especially when it comes to the interior, which is basic and hardy, but nothing to write home about. This leans into the whole rugged, workmanlike nature of the Sierra 2500HD pickup and may work in its favor for some shoppers.
There is no safety review of the 2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD, but large, heavy-duty trucks are built to withstand just about anything life can throw at them. However, like the rest of the tech, the safety suite is not as comprehensive and up to date as what you'll find in rivals. The GMC also can't tow as much as class-leaders, even with its strongest engine. Overall, it's a solid pick for the price, with its pros perfectly balancing out its cons.
What GMC Sierra 2500HD Model Should I Buy?
The top-tier model in the lineup, the Denali, is simply too expensive, even if it does do much to offset the low-quality cabin issues that plague the truck. Instead, we'd recommend focusing on the strengths of the fifth-gen Sierra and opt for the mid-spec SLE model. It gets enough nice-to-haves to make it feel a little less underwhelming in the cabin, and has access to the turbodiesel, which allows it to max out towing capacity. The 2-door regular cab will help you maintain that rating, but if you want to take the family along for the occasional off-road jaunt in your pickup, the 4-door double cab may suit you better. A base 2WD SLE with the diesel V8 will set the price of the 2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD pickup to $51,490 before destination if you opt for the regular cab with the long bed.