2023 GMC Sierra 3500HD

The big news for the GMC Sierra 3500HD is that 2023 will be the last model year before this truck's midcycle refresh. But even though it's not the newest heavy-duty truck of the bunch — that honor falls to the 2023 Ford F-350 Super Duty — it's still a solid offering in the segment. It may not deliver best-in-class towing or payload ratings, but the differences in capability to its rivals are small enough to not be the deciding factor in a purchase decision. It's always the big numbers that get compared with heavy-duty trucks, but the reality for all these trucks is that the heaviest tow rating, 36,000 pounds for the Sierra 3500 HD, is produced by a configuration almost nobody buys (two-wheel drive, standard cab, dual-rear wheel, diesel). Besides, a few thousand pounds probably shouldn't decide which truck you buy when you're towing things that weigh more than a house.

The Sierra offers two engines: a 6.6-liter gas V8 linked to a six-speed automatic or a 6.6-liter turbodiesel paired with a 10-speed automatic. Four bed and cab configurations are available, and four-wheel drive is available with each of them. Both the trailering package and an automatic locking rear differential are standard in every Sierra 3500HD.

The bottom line is that this year's Sierra 3500HD remains — as it has always been — a more costly version of the Chevy Silverado 3500HD. And even in Denali trim, the Sierra lacks the comfort and luxury amenities of its closest rivals. But it's still amply capable, offers an attractive cabin design, and may be a strong value given next year's refresh. Shop around and you could find a great deal, especially later in the year.