2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD Double Cab
| MSRP | $46,665 |
|---|---|
| Average price paid | $48,176 |
2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD Review
- Powerful diesel engine option
- Impressive towing camera system and other available in-cabin tech
- Variety of available models, including off-road-focused AT4
- Lags behind primary competitors for maximum towing and payload capacity
- Uninspired interior design
- Can get pricey with options
- New driver aids for towing debut
- Expanded availability of safety, off-roading and utility features
- Additional option packages for SLT, AT4 and Denali trim levels
- Part of the fourth Sierra 2500HD generation introduced for 2020
One year after a complete redesign that brought more right angles than an architectural firm and more chrome than Chicago's bean-shaped Cloud Gate, the Sierra 2500HD heads into 2021 with a handful of additional improvements. These are mostly related to technology. For instance, the Sierra's available trailer camera system is more capable than last year's setup and can provide more camera views to help make towing even easier. There's also new wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, so you no longer have to use a USB cord to connect your phone to use these systems.
On the whole, the Sierra 2500HD is a capable truck. The cab is roomy and comfortable, the bed is deep and useful (especially with the available MultiPro tailgate), and GMC provides helpful built-in steps to access the cargo area. But the Sierra's towing and hauling capabilities are a little lower than those of the rival Ford F-250 and Ram 2500, and its cabin is nothing special either. Read our Expert Rating below to get our full review of the Sierra 2500HD's high points and low points.
Our verdict | |
The Sierra 2500HD is a seriously capable heavy-duty truck. The large cabin fits passengers and cargo without issue. Hauling and towing capacities are strong, just as you'd expect from a truck in this class. The available MultiPro tailgate also makes loading items into the bed easy. But a few things are holding the Sierra back, such as poor ride quality, below-average visibility, and in-cabin tech that doesn't match up with the tech in segment leaders. | |
How does the Sierra 2500HD drive? | |
The Sierra 2500's optional 6.6-liter diesel V8 is an excellent engine, and the 10-speed automatic it's paired to is top-notch. That V8 and its 910 lb-ft of torque propelled our 8,300-pound test truck from 0 to 60 mph in just 7.3 seconds — one of the quicker times in the 2500-series segment. We're less pleased with the brakes. The overly soft and long feel of the brake pedal action can diminish your confidence in the truck's abilities should you need to stop quickly. Steering and handling are unremarkable. The steering is vague but well weighted. And despite its size, the Sierra tracks well through corners. In-town drivability and off-road capability are similarly average for the class. Keep the Sierra 2500 on bigger roads and you'll enjoy it just fine. | |
How comfortable is the Sierra 2500HD? | |
Without any cargo in the bed, the Sierra 2500 has a bouncy ride, especially on the highway where road imperfections are common. The front seats help boost the Sierra's score with their comfortable and supportive padding. Lumbar support is excellent too. Things should be just fine on a long road trip over relatively smooth roads. The Sierra's climate control system works quickly and is operated by easy-to-use control knobs placed conveniently on the dashboard. Road and wind noise is about average for the heavy-duty segment, but there is a pretty notable ruckus from the diesel up front, especially at idle. You'll definitely never forget that you got the diesel V8. | |
How’s the interior? | |
The Sierra 2500 is a big truck with a big interior. Headroom and legroom are abundant in the crew-cab configuration. Getting in and out will take some climbing, but the truck's available side steps help with that. The Silverado 2500HD's interior is essentially the same design as in the previous-generation truck. The design, layout and switchgear are utterly familiar and a bit underwhelming. But to GMC's credit, it's all easy to use and well labeled. Poor outward visibility drags down the Sierra's score a bit because of the small rearview mirror, big roof pillars and giant hood that's hard to see over. Luckily, the driving position is relatively high and gives a commanding view forward for most drivers. | |
How’s the tech? | |
Our Denali test truck came with the Bose premium sound system and the 8-inch infotainment touchscreen. The audio and picture quality lived up to class standards, but there's no competing with the Ram 2500's massive center screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are standard with the 2500, and our smartphones connected quickly during our test. One weak spot is that the factory voice controls don't understand natural language, and they even have trouble with prescribed commands. Siri and Google Voice will paper over this weakness if you use them, though. We like that a full suite of advanced driver safety aids is standard, but the forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring systems seemed too oversensitive in our testing. | |
How are the towing and storage? | |
The Sierra 2500 gets top marks in the cargo and utility segment thanks to an abundance of big in-bed tie-downs, the trick six-position MultiPro tailgate, smartly placed bed sidesteps, robust hauling capability, and plenty of cargo space inside the cabin. The rear seats flip up easily to accommodate larger items, and cupholders abound throughout the cabin. In-cabin small-item storage could be better optimized, but there's still a decent amount. Maximum fifth-wheel gooseneck towing capacity for the GMC is respectable for the class, but the topped-out rating for conventional towing is a few thousand pounds behind key rivals. But the Sierra makes towing easy with standard extendable tow mirrors, a remarkable 15-view towing-camera system, and a tire pressure monitoring system for a trailer's tires. | |
How’s the fuel economy? | |
The EPA doesn't require fuel economy testing for heavy-duty pickups, so the Sierra 2500 doesn't have a published fuel consumption number. That said, our diesel-powered test truck returned respectable numbers during its time with us. On long highway journeys, it averaged around 17-18 mpg, which is good for the segment. | |
Is the Sierra 2500HD a good value? | |
It's built well, and our test truck didn't have any glaring flaws in construction inside or out. But the Sierra, especially in Denali trim, can get pretty expensive, and it still uses a lot of the Chevrolet Silverado's middle-of-the-road cabin materials. For a truck that can easily crest $80,000, we'd like things to be a bit higher-quality. The ownership experience is about average for the class. The Sierra offers an average warranty for the class, with three years/36,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper and five years/60,000 miles of powertrain coverage. | |
Wildcard | |
Like many of its rivals, the Sierra 2500's personality comes mostly from its sheer size. Up front, the tall and imposing grille gives it a certain curb appeal. And from inside the cabin, the high driving position makes you feel like you're on top of the world. There's a certain amount of fun to be had in a rig like the Sierra Denali. | |
Which Sierra 2500HD does Edmunds recommend?
GMC Sierra 2500HD models
The Sierra 2500HD is a heavy-duty full-size pickup truck. It's available as a regular cab, double cab (a four-door crew cab but with a smaller rear seating area) and full crew cab. If you're buying a Sierra 2500HD for work, you're likely to want the Sierra or SLE versions of this truck. The SLT serves as the broadest structural beam over the Sierra 2500HD's collection of trim levels. If you want a specialized off-road-tuned or luxury model, the AT4 and Denali stand ready to serve, each equipped with standard four-wheel drive.
2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD Double Cab pricing
in Ashburn, VA
2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD Double Cab Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- $41,300
- MPG & Fuel
- N/A City / N/A Hwy / N/A Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 36.0 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 6 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: four wheel drive
- Transmission: 6-speed shiftable automatic
- Engine
- V8 cylinder
- Horsepower: 401 hp @ 5200 rpm
- Torque: 464 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
- Base Engine Size: 6.6 L
- Base Engine Type: Gas
- Towing & Hauling
- Max Towing Capacity: 14,500 lbs.
- Max Payload Capacity: 3,576 lbs.
- Basic Warranty
- 3 yr./ 36000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 240.5 in. / Height: 80.0 in.
- Bed Length: 82.3 in.
- Overall Width with Mirrors: N/A
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 81.9 in.
- Curb Weight: 6736 lbs.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Sierra 2500HD safety features:
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Applies hard braking in the case of a potential front collision or enhances braking initiated by the driver.
- Side Blind Zone Alert
- Provides alerts on the side mirror when the system detects a moving vehicle in a potential blind spot.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Alerts you to cross traffic on either side when you're backing out of a parking space or driveway.
GMC Sierra 2500HD vs. the competition
2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
GMC Sierra 2500HD vs. Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
The Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and the GMC Sierra 2500HD are the same truck underneath their skins. They offer identical drivetrains combined with similar equipment and capabilities. Prices for the GMC are higher because it comes with a little more standard equipment and offers a handful of exclusive features. Overall, we think the better value comes from getting the Silverado.
GMC Sierra 2500HD vs. Ford F-250 Super Duty
Depending on its configuration, the Ford F-250 Super Duty can provide a higher payload capacity and a higher gooseneck towing capability than the GMC Sierra 2500HD. We also prefer the extra features you get with Ford's Tremor Off-Road package compared to the GMC's AT4 trim level. Unless you can't live without the Sierra's styling, the F-250 is the better all-around truck.
GMC Sierra 2500HD vs. Ram 2500
When properly configured, the Ram 2500's capacities are very similar to those of the Sierra. The Ram 2500 also comes in the brilliantly named Power Wagon configuration, which is the most capable heavy-duty off-roader thanks to its locking front and rear axles, disconnecting front sway bar and from-the-factory winch. The Ram also makes a compelling case for itself with the available RamBox bedside storage compartments, high-end infotainment and audio system, and nicer interior fittings.
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FAQ
Is the GMC Sierra 2500HD a good car?
What's new in the 2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD:
- New driver aids for towing debut
- Expanded availability of safety, off-roading and utility features
- Additional option packages for SLT, AT4 and Denali trim levels
- Part of the fourth Sierra 2500HD generation introduced for 2020
Is the GMC Sierra 2500HD reliable?
Is the 2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD?
The least-expensive 2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD is the 2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4dr Double Cab SB (6.6L 8cyl 6A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $38,500.
Other versions include:
- SLT 4dr Double Cab 4WD LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) which starts at $54,000
- 4dr Double Cab 4WD LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) which starts at $41,500
- 4dr Double Cab SB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) which starts at $38,500
- SLE 4dr Double Cab SB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) which starts at $43,000
- SLT 4dr Double Cab 4WD SB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) which starts at $53,800
- SLE 4dr Double Cab LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) which starts at $43,200
- 4dr Double Cab LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) which starts at $38,700
- SLT 4dr Double Cab SB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) which starts at $51,000
- SLT 4dr Double Cab LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) which starts at $51,200
- 4dr Double Cab 4WD SB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) which starts at $41,300
- SLE 4dr Double Cab 4WD LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) which starts at $46,000
- SLE 4dr Double Cab 4WD SB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) which starts at $45,800