GMC Sierra 3500HD Review

2010 GMC Sierra 2500HD SLE Regular Cab Pickup Shown

For the past two decades or so, the Sierra 3500 has been GMC's most capable full-size pickup. Thanks to its stiffened suspension, sturdy frame, powerful engine choices and available dual-rear-wheel axle, the heavy-duty Sierra is a go-to choice for those with big towing and hauling needs.

For that same period of time, however, the truck has suffered from lackluster interior design and below-par interior materials. Happily, interior quality improved considerably with the GMC Sierra 3500HD's 2007 redesign. Mechanically, the beefy Sierra is pretty much identical to the Chevy Silverado 3500HD, with differentiation coming mainly through exterior styling and minor interior and feature alterations.

Current GMC Sierra 3500HD

The GMC Sierra 3500HD is available in regular, extended or crew cab designs. Rear-wheel or four-wheel drive is offered, as is a dual-rear-wheel axle. The extended-cab and crew-cab body styles are offered in four trim levels: Work Truck, SLE1, SLE2 and the top-shelf SLT. The regular cab Sierra can only be had in SLE1 and Work Truck trims.

Standard on all GMC Sierra 3500HD pickups is a 6.0-liter V8 that makes 353 horsepower and 373 pound-feet of torque, paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. The burly Duramax 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 that puts out 365 hp and 660 lb-ft of torque is optional. Its standard Allison six-speed automatic is well-suited to towing and hauling large loads.

The Sierra 3500HD is arguably the most competent, refined and easy-to-drive heavy-duty pickup on the road. Although multigenerational brand loyalty may dictate which heavy-duty pickup you take home, sticking with (or switching to) the Sierra 3500HD will no doubt be a solid decision if you want a full-size heavy-duty truck.

Used GMC Sierra 3500HD Models

The present-generation GMC Sierra 3500HD debuted for the 2007 model year. Changes since have been limited to the arrival of a new OnStar system with turn-by-turn navigation for 2009, as well as available real-time traffic and Bluetooth.

Previous to the current truck, there were two past generations of the Sierra 3500. They were still known as 3500 but lacked the "HD" moniker.

SELECT A SPECIFIC GMC SIERRA 3500HD MODEL YEAR*

* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.