All heavy-duty trucks are built to handle rigorous towing and hauling needs, especially for professionals in construction and agriculture trades. But they also come in handy for intrepid trailer-travelers and those with a fondness for destroyer-class watercraft. The 2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD, however, adds another layer of comfort and luxury to all these utility tasks, and it does so with rugged exterior design and cabin comforts that you're more likely to find in high-end SUVs. If you want to bask in comfort while breaking a sweat, this is the truck.

Available with two powerful engines and in several cab configurations, the 3500HD can be tailored to fit your priorities, whether interior space, cargo room or maximum towing capacity. The optional diesel engine generates 910 pound-feet of torque — about a third of what a 60-ton Abrams tank engine produces — so there's not much beyond its capabilities before entering the realm of commercial freight hauling.

Ford and Ram also make robust, luxury-trimmed pickups for extreme towing duties, but you'll likely find the 2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD just as appealing.

Trim levels & features

The 2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD heavy-duty pickup truck is available in four trim levels and three cab sizes: regular cab, double cab and crew cab. All are available with two- or four-wheel drive and in either single rear-wheel (SRW) or dual rear-wheel (DRW, or dually) configuration. All 3500 Sierras come with a long bed (8 feet 1 inch) except the crew cab, which in single rear-wheel form offers a choice of long bed or shorter standard bed (6 feet 6 inches).

For buyers interested in a basic heavy-duty truck, the base Sierra comes standard with a 6.0-liter V8 engine (360 horsepower and 380 pound-feet), a six-speed automatic transmission, 18-inch steel wheels, an automatic locking rear differential, xenon headlights, air conditioning, a choice of cloth or vinyl upholstery, a 40/20/40-split front bench with a fold-down center armrest, power door locks, manual crank windows, cruise control and a tilt-only steering wheel.

Also standard are a rearview camera, Bluetooth, a 7-inch touchscreen, a USB port, a four- (regular cab) or six-speaker sound system, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.

From the base Sierra on up, you also have your choice of engine. A turbocharged 6.6-liter diesel V8 (445 hp and 910 lb-ft) is available, also paired to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Many options are available for the base Sierra. Highlights include a remote locking tailgate, LED bed lighting, a 110-volt power outlet, satellite radio, and OnStar services with 4G LTE Wi-Fi.

For a slightly less bare-bones experience, the SLE offers an 8-inch touchscreen, 18-inch alloy wheels (single-rear-wheel models only), tinted rear windows, a remote-locking EZ-Lift tailgate, remote keyless entry, carpeted floor, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, full power accessories, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a CD player, satellite and HD radio, and most of the base Sierra's options.

Further up the ladder is our recommendation, the SLT. Building on the SLE's equipment, the SLT adds foglights, power-folding mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, power-adjustable and heated front seats, 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 luxurious take on your hard-working truck, go with the Denali. It adds 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, an upgraded driver information display, upgraded interior trim, ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

Many of the standard features on upper trims can be added at lower trim levels in grouped packages. Other optional highlights depend on trim level and include different axle ratios, a bed storage box, tonneau covers, trailering mirrors, a sunroof, a gooseneck/fifth-wheel trailering prep package, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a Driver Alert package, which includes front and rear parking sensors, lane departure warning, forward collision warning and a safety-alert driver's seat.

Only available on the SLT is the All Terrain HD package, which includes 18-inch wheels, the Z71 off-road suspension, skid plates, front-and-rear parking sensors and a heated steering wheel. A separate Suspension package (available on the SLE and the SLT) offers hill descent control, skid plates, specially tuned shock absorbers and unique styling treatments.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD (6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 | 6-speed automatic | 4WD). The Silverado and Sierra are mechanical twins, although the GMC features more upscale interior quality and appointments. Our observations still apply.

Driving

The optional 6.6-liter turbodiesel is an impressive engine that gives the 3500HD big towing numbers and impressive acceleration. Steering and braking are less impressive, but objectively this truck performs well by most standards that matter to truck buyers.

Acceleration

4.5

The 6.6-liter diesel makes massive torque and more than sufficient power, which give it a surge of acceleration off the line. Surprisingly, it goes from 0 to 60 mph in just 7.7 seconds. In-town acceleration is more reserved, but there's still plenty of power to get up to freeway speed.

Braking

3.5

The brake pedal feel is strong and consistent in everything other than full panic-stop scenarios. During Edmunds testing, we were able to press the pedal all the way to the floor, which is far from ideal. A 60-0 mph panic stop required 132 feet, about average in this class.

Steering

The steering is well-weighted, but it takes several full revolutions of the steering wheel to turn this rig. There isn't much of a connection between the steering wheel and the tires, but that didn't factor too heavily into our score since most vehicles in this class feel similar.

Handling

3.5

The big surprise is how well this gargantuan vehicle takes turns. There's minimal body roll around corners unless you're going way too fast. In parking lots and tight spaces, it maneuvers well enough for a dual rear-wheel setup, but this won't be your grocery-getter.

Drivability

The low-end torque gives plenty of off-the-line acceleration and shifts from the six-speed automatic are smooth even under full-throttle acceleration. The cruise control and the exhaust brake keep a good handle on the 3500's downhill speed. Out in the open country, this is a very drivable truck.

Off-road

There are several laser-focused full-size trucks with specific tires, suspension and clearances designed for going off-road. This 3500HD dually is not one of those trucks. Four-wheel drive will help with inclement weather, but the stiff suspension and sheer size limit its dirt-road capabilities.

Comfort

Overall comfort isn't the Sierra 3500's strong suit. Trucks in this size range aren't exactly bastions of comfort, but this one is particularly rough on the senses with a combo of stiff seats, lots of wind noise and a rigid suspension. A big payload, however, settles things down a lot.

Seat comfort

2.5

The front seats are well-padded and well-bolstered on the sides for lateral support, while the rear seats are relatively flat. The seat padding in both the front and rear is overly firm, though, and will take some serious breaking in to get comfortable.

Ride comfort

The stiff leaf-spring suspension means the 3500HD has a rigid, uncomfortable ride when unladen. Load it up with a heavy payload or a big trailer, though, and the ride quality is significantly better. We're giving the latter more weight because we assume a dually is unlikely to be an "air-hauler."

Noise & vibration

While there isn't as much road noise as you'd expect from the dual rear wheels, there is quite a bit of wind noise from the square front end and big mirrors. The diesel engine rumbles a bit, too, but it isn't particularly grating or abrasive and it's relatively smooth while cruising on the highway.

Climate control

4.5

The Silverado's climate system cools this big cabin quickly. The climate control knobs and vents are easy to control, even with gloves on, and the fan blows pretty quietly even at full blast. The heated split front seats are a great feature.

Interior

3.5

The interior is likable and user-friendly. Hop in and you'll operate almost all the controls without busting out the manual. It has a no-nonsense vibe, but that's not necessarily a bad thing in this segment.

Ease of use

The dashboard is about as basic and user-friendly as they come. The buttons are large and readable, within arm's reach and easy to operate. The solid switchgear contributes to ease of use.

Getting in/getting out

3.5

The proper grab handles and side steps help with entry, but it's still a tall truck. Most adults will have to do some climbing to get in. Keep in mind that this is pretty standard for the segment. It's not any harder to get in and out of the Sierra than any of its main rivals.

Driving position

The optional power-adjustable pedals, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a highly adjustable driver's seat mean you can pretty much get the position you want. As with most trucks this big, seating position may be a bit high for shorter drivers, but it isn't a deal-breaker.

Roominess

Pick any seating position in the 3500HD and you'll have plenty of room to spread out. Headroom, legroom, shoulder room are all extensive inside this massive cabin. Pretty much every crew-cab 3500-series truck provides lots of space, and the GMC is no exception.

Visibility

2.5

The massive windshield and door pillars give the 3500 big blind spots. The large towing mirrors help with lane changes, but knowing where this truck's corners are can be tough. A rearview camera is standard, but competitors offer surround-view cameras and the GMC doesn't.

Quality

The body panels and interior pieces are well put together, without any rattling, shaking or malfunctioning during our test.

Utility

3.5

By most standards, the 3500HD certainly is utilitarian. It can tow and haul massive loads, and it has abundant interior storage. However, offerings from Ford and Ram outclass it by pretty much every measurement and in the arms race that is towing capacity, it falls behind by a few tons.

Small-item storage

Tons of pockets everywhere — doors, center console, two gloveboxes. The front and rear have pockets everywhere. If you can't find a place for your stuff in this truck, you just have too much stuff. Some competitors have smarter slight storage solutions for phones and devices, but only by a small margin.

Cargo space

As with pretty much every other heavy-duty truck, the Sierra 3500HD is available with a standard bed (6 feet 6 inches) and a long bed (8 feet 1 inch). Our test truck had the long bed, which allows for a massive amount of cargo space. The rear seats fold up for big interior storage as well.

Child safety seat accommodation

The 3500 can fit three car seats in the back without much fuss. There are two sets of easily accessible lower LATCH anchors and three shelf anchors that are a bit harder to reach. The trick, of course, is hoisting the kids up into their high perches.

Towing

3.5

The 6.6-liter turbodiesel has massive torque and power, but the towing capacities are significantly lower than those of its Ram and Ford competitors by about 8,000 pounds with a fifth wheel. Cruise control, exhaust braking and transmission logic are all very good while towing.

Hauling

4.5

When you're not towing your fifth wheel, you can haul any variety of beds, dressers, and various household furniture pieces in the back of the 3500HD. The payload rating is only a few hundred pounds below class leaders.

Technology

2.5

Using the MyLink interface is pretty simple, but we had several usability issues with our test vehicle. The finicky voice controls and subpar device integration made for a frustrating user experience.

Audio & navigation

The menu logic on the MyLink system is easy to understand, but it's not the most elegant in the class. The touchscreen responses are slower than with class leaders. While we like the optional 8-inch touchscreen, it doesn't stand out much from rival systems.

Smartphone integration

2.5

Our experience with smartphone devices was poor, with many dropped connections over the course of the test. We generally like the interface when it's working, but even then it takes quite a bit of time to load music. It's best to use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Voice control

Several attempts to use the Silverado's built-in voice controls fell short, with a success rate of about 50 percent. It was easier to use the physical knobs and touchscreen controls. That said, Siri and Google Voice can be accessed if you've paired your smartphone by holding the talk button longer.

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Features & Specs

MSRP

$39,600

MPG

N/A city / N/A hwy

Seats 3

6-speed automatic

Flex-fuel (ffv)

360 hp @ 5400 rpm

MSRP

$41,400

MPG

N/A city / N/A hwy

Seats 3

6-speed automatic

Flex-fuel (ffv)

360 hp @ 5400 rpm

MSRP

$36,700

MPG

N/A city / N/A hwy

Seats 3

6-speed automatic

Flex-fuel (ffv)

360 hp @ 5400 rpm

MSRP

$38,800

MPG

N/A city / N/A hwy

Seats 3

6-speed automatic

Flex-fuel (ffv)

360 hp @ 5400 rpm

See all 2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD Regular Cab features & specs

Safety

Our experts’ favorite Sierra 3500HD 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 drifting out of the lane, especially helpful on a large truck like this.
Teen Driver Mode: Uses custom vehicle settings to limit certain driving features such as vehicle speed and radio volume for secondary drivers.

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GMC Sierra 3500HD vs. the competition

2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD

2018 Ford F-350 Super Duty

GMC Sierra 3500HD vs. Ford F-350 Super Duty

Ford's burly heavy-duty truck features a recently fortified frame and aluminum bodywork for lighter weight. Also, its V8 diesel engine can twist even more earth than the Sierra's: 925 lb-ft versus the GMC's 910 lb-ft. That helps the F-350 reach a towing capacity several thousand pounds higher than the Sierra.

Compare GMC Sierra 3500HD & Ford F-350 Super Duty features

GMC Sierra 3500HD vs. Ram 3500

The Ram holds the current heavyweight title, with an optional diesel engine that makes 930 lb-ft of torque from just six cylinders. What can it do with all that power? For starters, it can tow a 30,000-pound fifth-wheel trailer. The Ram also offers far tamer V8 options for drivers who don't need to move mountains. But while the Ram is quite nice in its top trim level, the Sierra still wins for overall refinement.

Compare GMC Sierra 3500HD & Ram 3500 features

GMC Sierra 3500HD vs. Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD

This is a fraternal battle that makes a winner out of either side. With both the Sierra and the Silverado sharing the same dimensions, capacities and mechanical elements, this decision comes down to features and creature comforts. Prefer your truck to be a truck and not worry about the ritual beatings of heavy-duty life? Get the Silverado. Need something with a little more panache while driving the partners out around the oil fields? Get the Sierra.

Compare GMC Sierra 3500HD & Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD features

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More about the 2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD

2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD Regular Cab Overview

The 2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD Regular Cab is offered in the following styles: 2dr Regular Cab LB DRW (6.0L 8cyl 6A), SLE 2dr Regular Cab LB DRW (6.0L 8cyl 6A), 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.0L 8cyl 6A), 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A), SLE 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A), 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A), SLE 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.0L 8cyl 6A), and SLE 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.0L 8cyl 6A).

What do people think of the 2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD Regular Cab?

Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD Regular Cab 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 3500HD Regular Cab.

Edmunds Expert Reviews

Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD Regular Cab and all model years in our database. Our rich analysis includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 Sierra 3500HD Regular Cab featuring deep dives into trim levels including Base, SLE, etc. with careful analysis around pricing, features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving and performance. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.

Read our full review of the 2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD Regular Cab here.

Edmunds Scorecard

Overall3.5 / 5.0

Driving

4.0 / 5.0

Acceleration4.5 / 5.0

Braking3.5 / 5.0

Steering3.0 / 5.0

Handling3.5 / 5.0

Drivability4.0 / 5.0

Comfort

3.0 / 5.0

Seat comfort2.5 / 5.0

Ride comfort3.0 / 5.0

Noise & vibration3.0 / 5.0

Climate control4.5 / 5.0

Interior

3.5 / 5.0

Ease of use4.0 / 5.0

Getting in/getting out3.5 / 5.0

Driving position4.0 / 5.0

Roominess4.0 / 5.0

Visibility2.5 / 5.0

Quality3.0 / 5.0

Utility

3.5 / 5.0

Small-item storage4.0 / 5.0

Cargo space4.0 / 5.0

Technology

2.5 / 5.0

Audio & navigation3.0 / 5.0

Smartphone integration2.5 / 5.0

Voice control2.0 / 5.0

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.

What's a good price for a New 2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD Regular Cab?

Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on new cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.

Which 2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD Regular Cabs are available in my area?

2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD Regular Cab Listings and Inventory

Simply research the type of used car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap used cars for sale near you. Once you have identified a vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD Regular Cab.

Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD Regular Cab for sale near you.

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Why trust Edmunds?

Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including all models of the 2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD Regular Cab and all available trim types: Base, SLE, Base, etc. Rich, trim-level features & specs and options data tracked for the 2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD Regular Cab include (but are not limited to): MSRP, available incentives and deals, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (interior and exterior color, upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, cruise control, parking assistance, lane sensing, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy and MPG (city, highway, and combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (interior cabin space, vehicle length and width, seating capacity, cargo space). Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds expert review, safety rating, and color.

Should I lease or buy a 2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD?

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.

2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD Regular Cab

New

Used

2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD Regular Cab pricing

Which Sierra 3500HD does Edmunds recommend?

Edmunds' Expert Review

Overall rating

Trim levels & features

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

Cargo space

Child safety seat accommodation

Towing

Hauling

Technology

Audio & navigation

Smartphone integration

Voice control

Features & Specs

Safety

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GMC Sierra 3500HD vs. the competition

GMC Sierra 3500HD vs. Ford F-350 Super Duty

GMC Sierra 3500HD vs. Ram 3500

GMC Sierra 3500HD vs. Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD

2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD Regular Cab for Sale

Get more for your trade-in

2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD Regular Cab Overview

What do people think of the 2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD Regular Cab?

Edmunds Expert Reviews

Edmunds Scorecard

Our Review Process

What's a good price for a New 2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD Regular Cab?

Which 2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD Regular Cabs are available in my area?

Can't find a new 2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD Sierra 3500HD Regular Cab you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

Compare prices on the New GMC Sierra 3500HD for sale in Ashburn, VA to other major cities

Why trust Edmunds?

Should I lease or buy a 2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD?

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