2023 GMC Sierra 2500HD Performance

Those looking to buy full-size trucks will mostly care about factors such as towing capacities, load capacities, and torque figures, and the GMC Sierra 2500HD offers plenty of each. Under the hood, you get the option of a 6.6-liter gas V8 or a 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8. The former produces 401 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque, while the latter churns out 445 hp and 910 lb-ft. The Sierra 2500HD can be configured in RWD or 4x4 guise. No matter what engine you go for, the GMC Sierra offers excellent performance, but those looking for a serious working truck will prefer the massive torque output of the 6.6-liter turbodiesel engine. The performance figures are impressive: independent testing has shown that the diesel will manage a best 0-60 mph sprint in under seven seconds and under 20 seconds when pulling a trailer weighing 18,000 pounds. The maximum towing capacity is 18,500 lbs for diesel-engine Crew Cab trucks, but gooseneck trailering ups that to 18,510 lbs for the diesel 2WD model in Regular Cab form. The maximum payload capacity is 3,979 lbs, which applies to the 2WD Regular Cab with the gas engine.

GMC doesn't beat around the bush when it comes to power, and you won't find any 4-cylinder engines here. Under the hood of the GMC Sierra 2500HD, it's strictly V8 power. The 6.6-liter V8 gas engine was first introduced in 2020 and produces a healthy 401 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear or all four wheels via a heavy-duty, electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission. This engine does a convincing job of hauling this large truck around town, and you'll never be left wanting for power, but you'll be left with the nagging reminder that there is a more powerful option on the table. The 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 engine is the one to go for if you want all the power and bragging rights. With 445 hp and a mammoth 910 lb-ft of torque on offer, this engine makes short work of heavy trailers, and thanks to a silky 10-speed auto transmission, the diesel boasts smooth, hassle-free power delivery. Either way, both power plants are up to the task.

The EPA does not provide any official gas mileage figures for most large, heavy-duty trucks like the GMC but don't get your hopes up: these engines will both offer pretty lousy fuel economy, especially when fully loaded. However, there are a few real-world consumption reports that give an idea of what to expect. With the diesel engine, 2021 trucks were found to return an average figure of around 14.5 mpg. The V8 gas engine, however, returned a heavier number of 11.5 mpg. Based on these figures and the various tank capacities on offer, the range you get will vary quite dramatically. For instance, a Regular Cab with the diesel engine has a 28-gallon tank, so it could, theoretically, achieve around 406 miles. However, all cab styles with the gas engine have a standard 36-gallon tank so can travel for around 414 miles between visits to the pumps, using the assumed figures. Double Cab and Crew Cab derivatives with the diesel engine also have access to a 36-gallon tank and these models will have the best range of around 522 miles. Fuel economy will vary greatly depending on your driving style and how loaded the vehicle is, of course.