2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD
Pros
- Impressive hauling and towing capabilities
- Refined and quiet ride on the highway
- Massive power from optional diesel engine
- Solid build quality gives a high-end feel
Cons
- Limited availability of telescoping steering wheel
- Rear visibility isn't all that great
2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Which Sierra 2500HD does Edmunds recommend?
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
The 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD is a highly capable heavy-duty truck with lots of extras. It can tow over 14,000 pounds, seat six and it's wrapped up in an attractive package. If you need more capability than the Sierra 1500 but don't want the added expense or size of the 3500, the 2500 is the obvious choice.
For 2018, the Sierra 2500HD doesn't change much, and that's not necessarily a negative. A previously optional 7-inch touchscreen (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) is now standard but there are no updates to powertrains, suspension or features availability. That means that the 2500HD is still well-built and high-class and as utilitarian as it needs to be. It also means you can still get tech items such as the user-friendly Intellilink infotainment interface or the optional Driver Alert package, which adds parking sensors, lane departure warning and forward collision warning.
Of course, you'll also want to check out its corporate sibling, the Chevrolet Silverado 2500. It's mechanically the same, but it's priced lower and with less luxury equipment. For buyers who can do without the luxury gear, the Silverado is certainly worth a closer look. On its own merits, though, the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD is certainly a desirable truck with a lot to offer, even to the most demanding of truck owners.
2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD configurations
The 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD is a heavy-duty pickup truck available in four trim levels. The base (Sierra) version comes with basic equipment such as vinyl flooring and steel wheels, but you'll get a lot more if you pick the SLE, SLT or the range-topping Denali. On upper trim levels, items such as a remote-locking tailgate, leather upholstery and navigation become available. There are three cab configurations: regular cab, double cab and crew cab. All are available with two- or four-wheel drive.
The regular cab is available only with a long bed (8.2 feet), while the extended- and crew-cab models can have a standard bed (6.5 feet) or a long bed. Unlike its 3500HD big brother, the Sierra 2500HD is not available with a dual rear-wheel (DRW, or dually) axle. The SLT trim is available only on the double and crew cabs, and the Denali is available only as a crew cab.
The base Sierra comes standard with a 6.0-liter V8 engine (360 hp and 380 lb-ft), a six-speed automatic transmission, 17-inch steel wheels, an automatic locking rear differential, xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, air conditioning, a choice of cloth or vinyl upholstery, a 40/20/40-split front bench with a fold-down center armrest, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, rubber floor covering, a rearview camera, power door locks, cruise control, a tilt-only steering wheel, a 7-inch IntelliLink touchscreen infotainment system and a six-speaker sound system with two USB ports, an auxiliary audio input jack, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth phone and audio, Pandora radio, and voice controls. Optional tech equipment on the base Sierra 2500HD includes OnStar, 4G LTE Wi-Fi and satellite radio.
From the base Sierra on up, you have your choice of engine, too. A turbocharged 6.6-liter diesel V8 (445 hp and 910 lb-ft) is also available, and it is paired to a different six-speed automatic. Buyers can also add a bi-fuel option to the 6.0-liter engine, allowing it to run on gasoline or compressed natural gas.
If the base truck isn't your flavor, then step up to the SLE. It gets most of the base trim's optional tech features plus an upgraded 8-inch central touchscreen, 17-inch alloy wheels, tinted rear windows, a remote locking EZ Lift & Lower tailgate, LED cargo box illumination, remote keyless entry, carpeting, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, HD radio and a CD player.
With a few more luxury items, the SLT trim level feels a bit better equipped than our standard work truck. It adds 18-inch chrome alloy wheels, additional chrome trim, foglights, power-folding mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, eight-way power-adjustable and heated front seats (with power lumbar adjustment), driver-seat memory settings, power-adjustable pedals, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, remote ignition and a 110-volt household-style power outlet.
For a plush and upscale vibe, choose the Denali trim. It will get you even more chrome on the outside, 20-inch wheels, chrome side steps, a spray-in bedliner, a power-sliding rear window with defogger, front and rear parking sensors, a navigation system, wireless phone charging, a Bose audio system, a configurable 8-inch driver information display, upgraded interior trim, ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel.
Most of the upper trims' extra standard features can be added to the lower trim levels as options. Other option highlights, depending on trim level, include different axle ratios, a bed storage box, various tonneau covers, trailering mirrors, a sunroof, a gooseneck/fifth-wheel trailering prep package, and a rear-seat entertainment system. There's also a Driver Alert package, which includes front and rear parking sensors, lane departure warning, forward collision warning and a safety-alert driver seat. The Z71 suspension package adds hill descent control, skid plates, specially tuned shock absorbers and unique styling tweaks. Also available (on SLT crew-cab models only) is the All Terrain HD package, which includes off-road tires, the spray-in bedliner, a skid plate, the Z71 suspension and a heated steering wheel.
Trim tested
Driving
Acceleration
Braking
Steering
Handling
Drivability
Off-road
Comfort
Seat comfort
Ride comfort
Noise & vibration
Climate control
Interior
Ease of use
Getting in/getting out
Driving position
Roominess
Visibility
Quality
Utility
Small-item storage
5.0Cargo space
Child safety seat accommodation
4.0Towing
Hauling
Technology
Audio & navigation
Smartphone integration
Voice control
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Features & Specs
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Sierra 2500HD safety features:
- OnStar Telematics
- This optional system adds items such as roadside assistance, remote door unlocking, stolen vehicle assistance and turn-by-turn navigation.
- Lane Departure Warning
- Alerts the driver when he or she is leaving the lane, which can be especially helpful on such a big truck.
- Teen Driver Mode
- Uses custom vehicle settings associated with a specific key fob to limit certain driving features such as vehicle speed and radio volume.
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See your car's valueThe 2018 GMC Sierra HD is a strong contender among full-size heavy-duty pickup trucks, boasting capability and refinement in equal measure. Three cab and two bed configurations are available, plus a dual rear-wheel variant and a wide variety of trim levels. Several option packages, stand-alone options and drivetrain choices are on offer. Then there is the lengthy accessories list, which includes many useful items that are available à la carte. As such, pricing spans a vast range. Deciding which GMC Sierra is right for you can be an intimidating task.
The 2018 GMC Sierra HD is available in Sierra, SLE, SLT and Denali trims. All Sierra HDs have a 6.0-liter gasoline V8 and offer a 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 with a six-speed Allison transmission as a stand-alone option. The diesel option is pricey but has few rivals when it comes to doing the kind of work that users demand of heavy-duty pickups, and it's one we highly recommend. The base Sierra trim is fairly sparse when it comes to standard equipment, though all of the basic mechanical hardware is shared across all trims and several options are available.
In terms of basic livability, it's worth stepping up to the SLE trim level at a minimum since it adds additional cabin storage, a larger center screen, keyless entry, and under-seat storage plus access to several option packages. Those who want a dose of near-luxury appointments and additional style in their Sierra should check out the SLT trim. It adds 18-inch wheels, leather seat upholstery, dual-zone climate control, an integrated trailer brake controller, power-folding mirrors, heated front seats, and access to additional option packages. At the top of the range is the Denali trim level, which is available only in a crew-cab configuration. It includes upgraded leather seats, revised cabin and exterior trim, 20-inch chrome wheels, a bundle of driver assistance features, a spray-in bedliner, parking alerts, a heated steering wheel and wireless phone charging.
Compared to the Chevrolet Silverado HD, the 2018 GMC Sierra HD is priced somewhat higher and is largely interchangeable save for some cosmetics and feature availability. Overall, there's little reason to pay more for the GMC-badged version of the GM pickup. In any case, diesel models, in particular, have historically enjoyed good residual value, and we expect the trend to continue with the 2018 Sierra and Silverado, which are equipped with an even more capable version of the Duramax diesel engine. As always, Edmunds' truck-shopping tools are ready to help you find the 2018 GMC Sierra HD that's right for your needs.
2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD Overview
The 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD is offered in the following submodels: Sierra 2500HD Crew Cab, Sierra 2500HD Regular Cab, Sierra 2500HD Double Cab. Available styles include Denali 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 6A), SLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 6A), 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 6A), SLE 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 6A), 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A), 4dr Double Cab 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 6A), SLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A), SLT 4dr Double Cab 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 6A), 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A), SLE 4dr Double Cab 4WD SB (6.0L 8cyl 6A), 4dr Double Cab 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A), 4dr Double Cab LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A), 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A), SLE 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A), SLE 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.0L 8cyl 6A), SLT 4dr Double Cab 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A), SLT 4dr Double Cab SB (6.0L 8cyl 6A), SLE 4dr Double Cab SB (6.0L 8cyl 6A), 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.0L 8cyl 6A), 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A), SLE 4dr Double Cab LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A), SLE 4dr Double Cab 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A), SLT 4dr Double Cab LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A), SLT 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.0L 8cyl 6A), SLE 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A), SLE 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A), SLT 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A), Denali 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.0L 8cyl 6A), 4dr Double Cab SB (6.0L 8cyl 6A), and SLE 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A).
What do people think of the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD and all its trim types. 0 Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2018 Sierra 2500HD.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 Sierra 2500HD featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Edmunds Scorecard
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
Which 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HDS are available in my area?
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Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
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