Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.
Pros
Optional diesel engine supplies plenty of power
Helpful in-cab technology and towing camera system
Lineup variety, including the off-road-focused AT4 and luxurious Denali
Cons
Can't match best-in-class payload ratings
High, broad hood inhibits forward visibility
What's new
Slight styling refresh
Powertrain upgrades increase towing capacity
New Denali Ultimate and AT4X trims debut
Part of the fourth Sierra 2500HD generation introduced for 2020
Overview
Today's crop of full-size trucks are plenty capable for most users, but for the select few who need to tow and haul even more, heavy-duty trucks are the way to go. The 2024 Sierra 2500HD is the first rung in GMC's heavy-duty lineup, supporting the even more capable 3500HD. When this Sierra HD generation debuted four years ago, it lagged behind rivals in towing capacity and interior quality, but improvements along the way have largely evened the playing field. Within that field, the GMC Sierra is positioned as a more luxurious version of the related Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD Pro 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.6L 8cyl 10A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of N/A undefined in Washington.
With heavy-duty pickups, capability is the name of the game, and for 2024 the GMC Sierra 2500HD receives upgrades that finally make it competitive against other trucks in the class. Power from the optional diesel engine rises to 470 horsepower and 975 lb-ft of torque. GMC says the engine offers 25% more low-end torque compared to last year. The gasoline engine also upgrades to a 10-speed transmission, replacing the previous six-speed. These result in an increase in conventional towing to 21,900 pounds for crew-cab models and 22,500 pounds for regular- and extended-cab models. Off-road enthusiasts will appreciate the new AT4X trim that builds on the returning AT4 model, while the new Denali Ultimate trim pushes luxury even further.
Competitors to consider
With towing capabilities now comparable to other heavy-duty trucks, the 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD is on more solid footing. It's more expensive than the related Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD but also notably more luxurious. We're partial to the Ford F-250 Super Duty, which was redesigned last year. It benefits from a wealth of new technology, including worksite apps and tools. The Ram 2500 is another favorite, with a smooth ride and a cabin similar to the GMC in premium design and materials.
Which Sierra 2500HD does Edmunds recommend?
For most people, we recommend the midrange SLT trim. It adds several features that dress up the interior and improve capabilities, making it feel much more polished than the rather spartan lower trims.
Save as much as $5,884 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $5,884 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the SLE trim.
2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD Regular Cab pricing in Everett, WA
Coming off a full redesign last year, the Ford F-250 is the heavy-duty pickup to beat in the class. With a conventional hitch capacity of 20,000 pounds to match the Sierra and a fifth-wheel/gooseneck capacity up to 23,000 pounds, the F-250 holds a slight towing advantage. In terms of technology, the Ford has an edge, offering 5G capability and several useful tools and apps for worksites.
The Ram 2500 also matches the Sierra's 20,000-pound conventional two capacity and finds a few advantages in regard to comfort, interior and technology. Ram uses a coil-spring suspension, which delivers a smoother and more comfortable ride, especially when the bed is unloaded. Its interior is more luxurious than the competition, rivaling the GMC's Denali trims. Add in the handy RamBox bedside bins and it's hard to turn away from the Ram.
The Sierra and Silverado are nearly identical underneath their bodywork, with similar capabilities and manners on the road. The Chevy isn't as luxurious or refined as the GMC, but it's also not as expensive. That places the Silverado as a better truck for job-site duties, while the Sierra could be thought of more as a foreman's or manager's rig.
Our experts’ favorite Sierra 2500HD safety features:
Side Blind Zone Alert
Warns the driver with visual and audible alerts when other vehicles are in the truck's blind spots.
Rear Camera Mirror
Camera-based, unobstructed 180-degree view of what's behind the truck, shown on the rearview mirror glass.
Transparent Trailer View
Uses cameras to stitch together an image that allows the driver to see through a trailer to what's behind and to the sides of it.
FAQ
Is the GMC Sierra 2500HD a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 Sierra 2500HD both on the road and at the track. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a GMC Sierra 2500HD. Learn more
What's new in the 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD:
Slight styling refresh
Powertrain upgrades increase towing capacity
New Denali Ultimate and AT4X trims debut
Part of the fourth Sierra 2500HD generation introduced for 2020
To determine whether the GMC Sierra 2500HD is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Sierra 2500HD. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Sierra 2500HD's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD is a good car. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 Sierra 2500HD is a good car for you. Check back soon for the official Edmunds Rating from our expert testing team Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD?
The least-expensive 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD is the 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD Pro 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.6L 8cyl 10A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $45,400.
Other versions include:
Pro 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.6L 8cyl 10A) which starts at $45,400
Pro 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (6.6L 8cyl 10A) which starts at $48,200
SLE 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.6L 8cyl 10A) which starts at $50,200
SLE 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (6.6L 8cyl 10A) which starts at $53,000
What are the different models of GMC Sierra 2500HD?
If you're interested in the GMC Sierra 2500HD, the next question is, which Sierra 2500HD model is right for you? Sierra 2500HD variants include Pro 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.6L 8cyl 10A), Pro 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (6.6L 8cyl 10A), SLE 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.6L 8cyl 10A), and SLE 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (6.6L 8cyl 10A). For a full list of Sierra 2500HD models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
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