The GMC Sierra 2500HD keeps one of America's greatest traditions alive and well: big trucks. The sheer dimensions and weight of one of these full-size pickups will make Prius drivers cower in fear. Last year saw the 2500HD undergo a complete redesign to keep it in the running against competitors such as the Ram 2500, and the good news is that it still feels fresh. Under the hood, the 2500HD packs your choice of V8 gas or diesel engines, with the 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 producing a massive 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear or all four wheels via a ten-speed automatic transmission with this Duramax power plant or a six-speeder with the V8 gas engine. With a wide number of bed and cab configurations on offer and numerous packages, the 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD is a well-rounded truck that can stick with the best of them.
For the 2022 model year, the base trim is being renamed to Pro. There is a new paint color - Forest Metallic - and other metallic colors have been discontinued; these are Brownstone and Carbon Black. There are another few minor changes to the trims and specs but other than that, it is business as usual for the Sierra 2500HD.
See trim levels and configurations:
Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Pro |
6.6L V8 Gas
|
6-Speed Automatic
|
Rear-Wheel Drive
Four-Wheel Drive
|
$40,200 |
SLE |
6.6L V8 Gas
|
6-Speed Automatic
|
Rear-Wheel Drive
Four-Wheel Drive
|
$45,500 |
SLT |
6.6L V8 Gas
|
6-Speed Automatic
|
Rear-Wheel Drive
Four-Wheel Drive
|
$55,100 |
AT4 |
6.6L V8 Gas
|
6-Speed Automatic
|
Four-Wheel Drive
|
$63,100 |
Denali |
6.6L V8 Gas
|
6-Speed Automatic
|
Four-Wheel Drive
|
$69,600 |
Full-size trucks have come a long way in terms of drive comfort and handling ability, and the GMC Sierra 2500HD is up there with the best of them thanks to its use of an independent front suspension. Not only does this little party trick make the ride more comfortable than ever before, but it also helps the truck feel more eager to turn in and more maneuverable in general. This is great for city driving but also helps a ton when taking on the great outdoors. When it comes to towing, it is amazing how comfortable the 2500HD is; this truck will make an excellent long distance cruiser. It helps that both V8 options barely feel strained when hauling a trailer on the open road.
Off-road, the 2500HD is a capable machine but can be a bit big for tight trails. The AT4 trim adds all-terrain tires and a two-speed transfer case, as well as an off-road-tuned suspension for increased capability, and it pays off. The exhaust brake function is highly effective at keeping the brakes from overcooking.
NHTSA safety ratings are not available at this time.
GMC plays open cards with buyers: the 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD is a no-nonsense truck that gets the job done. In base form, the features list is short, and the interior basic, but the moving parts under the skin are well-engineered and hard-wearing. The two engine options help this truck haul competitive loads and offer good power, albeit at the cost of fuel economy. On the road, the 2500HD drives surprisingly well, and with good available trailering tech, this pickup is the perfect work partner. Those looking for a more refined experience will have to deal with a notable price increase, especially when going for the top-of-the-range Denali. Pay the extra money, and you do get a fair share of premium features and standard driver assistance features. The 2500HD is a solid truck. Our only wish was that GMC did something to freshen up the dated interior, but other than that, it's a solid choice.
Competitor | Horsepower | MPG | Price (MSRP) |
---|---|---|---|
GMC Sierra 2500HD | 401 hp | TBC | $42,200 |
GMC Sierra 1500 | 310 hp | 19/22 mpg | $37,100 |
Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD | 401 hp | TBC | $39,500 |
GMC offers a massive range of trucks for all occasions and requirements, and the 1500 is the smaller brother that is just as hardy but costs less. The GMC 1500 starts at just over $30,000 but is still a solid performer with a maximum towing capacity of 11,800 pounds. Unfortunately, it doesn't offer the same power but does get a powerful 3.0-liter Duramax diesel engine with 460 lb-ft of torque. It's the more economical truck thanks to its lighter weight and smaller engines. On the inside, these trucks both offer the same look and feel and spacious cabins. The 1500 is perfect for the person who needs a rugged truck, but not necessarily all the pulling power of the 6.6-liter diesel in the 2500. Which one is best, though, will depend on just how much heavy lifting you need to do.
The choice here will, in most cases, boil down to brand loyalty, seeing as both the 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD and the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD share the same underpinnings and engines. The bad news for the GMC is that the Chevy is nearly $2,000 cheaper. The significant difference here is the look of each pickup. We prefer the blunt and aggressive look of the Chevrolet, although personal tastes will vary considerably and many don't love the Chevy for exactly the same reason. On the inside, the GMC surprises by offering better interior quality, and the GMC MultiPro tailgate is also a big plus. But neither of these will really sway Chevy loyalists away from the brand, and vice versa.
The most popular competitors of 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD: