2021 GMC Sierra 3500HD Regular Cab
MSRP range: $37,100 - $46,200 Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.
2021 GMC Sierra 3500HD Review
byReese Counts
Vehicle Test Editor
Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at Edmunds in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.Pros
- Stout towing and hauling capabilities
- Roomy cab fitted with the latest tech
- Trailer towing technologies to make hauling loads easier
- Useful MultiPro tailgate, bed steps and box lighting
Cons
- Many cabin pieces are obviously sourced from the less expensive Silverado
- Broad hood inhibits forward visibility
- Can't quite match best-in-class towing and payload ratings
What's new
- Available wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- More features available in the lower trim levels
- Part of the fourth Sierra 3500HD generation introduced for 2020
It really doesn't get much more capable than this. The 2021 GMC Sierra 3500HD is a truck that's made to work, even in its most well-appointed trims. It offers up to 35,000 pounds of towing capacity and more than 5,000 pounds of payload capacity when properly equipped. You'd have to search hard to find a trailer or collection of equipment too heavy for you to pull or haul with this maxed-out Sierra.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 GMC Sierra 3500HD 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) 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 Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
Not Available
Sierra 3500HD Base
vs
$264/mo
Avg. Large Truck
Only a few trucks offer the same performance and capabilities as the Sierra 3500HD, though that doesn't make the segment any less competitive or cutthroat. The Ford F-350 Super Duty and Ram 3500 offer their own take on the heavy-duty truck formula. In our minds, the two have slightly more comfortable and better-appointed interiors, making them better to live with day to day without sacrificing performance.
There's also the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD. It's nearly identical to the Sierra save for interior and exterior design as well as a few features and optional equipment. It could be a viable option if you want to save a little compared to the Sierra. But ultimately the Sierra 3500HD should easily satisfy if you're shopping for a massively capable pickup.
Which Sierra 3500HD does Edmunds recommend?
There are so many configurations for the Sierra 3500HD that it's difficult to narrow it down to one model. We think the SLT offers the best mix of features and engine options, though it's only available in a crew-cab configuration.
GMC Sierra 3500HD models
The GMC Sierra 3500HD is a heavy-duty full-size pickup truck. It's available in five trim levels: Sierra, SLE, SLT, AT4 and Denali. The Sierra and SLE are available in regular-cab, extended-cab (double) and crew-cab configurations, while the SLT, AT4 and Denali models are crew cab only. The Sierra 3500HD is available with a choice of a 6.6-liter gasoline V8 (401 horsepower, 464 lb-ft of torque) paired with a six-speed automatic transmission or a 6.6-liter turbocharged diesel V8 (445 hp, 910 lb-ft) mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Helpful shopping links
2021 GMC Sierra 3500HD Regular Cab Features & Specs
- Total MSRP
- $38,695
- MPG & Fuel
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 36.0 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 3 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: rear wheel drive
- Transmission: 6-speed shiftable automatic
- Engine
- V8 cylinder
- Horsepower: 401 hp @ 5,200 rpm
- Torque: 464 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
- Base Engine Size: 6.6 L
- Base Engine Type: Gas
- Towing & Hauling
- Max Towing Capacity: 14,500 lbs.
- Max Payload Capacity: 4,481 lbs.
- Basic Warranty
- 3 yr./ 36,000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 235.5 in. / Height: 80.9 in.
- Bed Length: 8'2”
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 81.8 in.
- Curb Weight: 6,231 lbs.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Sierra 3500HD 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 3500HD vs. the competition
2021 GMC Sierra 3500HD
2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty
GMC Sierra 3500HD vs. Ford F-350 Super Duty
The Big Three American automakers all make heavy-duty full-size pickup trucks that offer similar levels of configurations, features and capabilities. The F-350 was introduced in 2017, so it still feels fairly fresh despite being the oldest truck in the class. We like the Ford's comfortable and spacious interior with lots of tech options.
GMC Sierra 3500HD vs. Ram 3500
The Ram 3500HD was redesigned in 2019 and has generally the same features and capabilities as its class rivals. Purely on bragging rights, you might like the Ram since its optional diesel engine is capable of producing 1,075 lb-ft of torque. But the main reason to consider the Ram is its interior. It looks and feels more premium than the GMC's.
GMC Sierra 3500HD vs. Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
The Sierra and Silverado are mechanically identical trucks, and the only significant differences are the interior and exterior design as well as the Chevy's slightly lower base price. The GMC is available with a few features that you can't get on the Chevrolet, but overall we think the Silverado is a better value.
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FAQ
Is the GMC Sierra 3500HD a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2021 Sierra 3500HD 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 3500HD. Learn more
What's new in the 2021 GMC Sierra 3500HD?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 GMC Sierra 3500HD:
- Available wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- More features available in the lower trim levels
- Part of the fourth Sierra 3500HD generation introduced for 2020
Is the GMC Sierra 3500HD reliable?
To determine whether the GMC Sierra 3500HD is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Sierra 3500HD. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Sierra 3500HD's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2021 GMC Sierra 3500HD a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2021 GMC Sierra 3500HD is a good car. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2021 Sierra 3500HD 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 2021 GMC Sierra 3500HD?
The least-expensive 2021 GMC Sierra 3500HD is the 2021 GMC Sierra 3500HD 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $37,100.
Other versions include:
- 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) which starts at $37,100
- 2dr Regular Cab LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) which starts at $38,300
- 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) which starts at $39,900
- 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) which starts at $41,100
- SLE 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) which starts at $42,200
- SLE 2dr Regular Cab LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) which starts at $43,400
- SLE 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) which starts at $45,000
- SLE 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) which starts at $46,200
What are the different models of GMC Sierra 3500HD?
If you're interested in the GMC Sierra 3500HD, the next question is, which Sierra 3500HD model is right for you? Sierra 3500HD variants include 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A), 2dr Regular Cab LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A), 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A), and 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A). For a full list of Sierra 3500HD models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
