Josh Jacquot is an automotive journalist at Edmunds.
Pros
Stout towing and hauling capabilities
Updated cabin improves luxury-truck feel on upper trims
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
Overview
GMC's 2024 Sierra 3500HD is available across a spectrum of trims that lean heavily into luxury as the price climbs. There's a work version, sure. But GMC intends to be The General's luxury truck brand with trims like the new Denali Ultimate that maxes out the options list and nearly hits a six-figure price tag. The 3500HD makes dual rear wheels available (they can't be had on the 2500HD), further increasing its towing and hauling abilities.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 GMC Sierra 3500HD Denali Ultimate 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.6L 8cyl Turbodiesel 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 Virginia.
Edmunds spotlight: Midcycle update brings new interior, transmission and towing tech
The ever-growing arms race among heavy-duty American trucks continues with updates to GMC's HD lineup this year. Topping the list is a more powerful diesel engine (standard on the new-for-2024 Denali Ultimate trim, optional on other trims) that gains 25 horsepower and 65 lb-ft of torque, bringing it to 975 lb-ft. The base gas engine is now paired with an Allison 10-speed automatic that replaces last-year's six-speed. SLE and higher trims get a 13.4-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. There's an all-new adaptive cruise control system designed to work while trailering as well as new trailering tech enhancements.
Competitors to consider
If you're looking for ultimate towing and hauling capability, there aren't a lot of choices. And if the Sierra 3500HD is at the top of your list then you should also consider the Chevy Silverado 3500HD, which is its mechanical twin. The Chevy costs slightly less and offers different styling and fewer trims. And don't forget about the Ford F-350 and Ram 3500.
Which Sierra 3500HD does Edmunds recommend?
We think the SLT trim hits the sweet spot in terms of value. It offers heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Four-wheel-drive versions get a two-speed transfer case that will automatically engage the front axle. But it's only available as a crew cab.
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
Save as much as $6,521 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; $6,521 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the Denali Ultimate trim.
2024 GMC Sierra 3500HD Diesel pricing in Ashburn, VA
This truck can't stay on the road. It's already killed a DPF and had to have a break pedal assembly replaced! less than 20K miles - what a joke. BTW - that DPF takes 30 days for a part from the factory.... My 2003 still has both of these systems operating from the factory with over 300K miles hahahahaha
We have a 2023 GMC 3500 and a 2023 Chevy Highcountry. Both brand new. One at 20k miles and one at 40k miles and both keep going in low power mode, shutting down exhaust brake option. Seth Wadley in Paul’s Valley has told us each time it’s a computer issue and needs to happen three time to each truck before they will cover it under warranty. The last time it’s made a large popping noise … and left us 3 hours from home with a loaded trailer. We have one more time for it to occur to see if they will fix the problem. We have been Ram 3500 owners for almost 30 years. These trucks have more power and would like to continue to work with them but we feel vulnerable going across the country. Cannot rely on the truck. That’s 180k investment that you can’t rely on….
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 warning
Alerts you to cross traffic on either side when you're backing out of a parking space or driveway.
FAQ
Is the GMC Sierra 3500HD a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 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
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 2024 GMC Sierra 3500HD a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 GMC Sierra 3500HD is a good car. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 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 2024 GMC Sierra 3500HD?
The least-expensive 2024 GMC Sierra 3500HD is the 2024 GMC Sierra 3500HD Denali Ultimate 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.6L 8cyl Turbodiesel 10A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $95,300.
Other versions include:
Denali Ultimate 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.6L 8cyl Turbodiesel 10A) which starts at $95,300
Denali Ultimate 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.6L 8cyl Turbodiesel 10A) which starts at $95,500
Denali Ultimate 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl Turbodiesel 10A) which starts at $98,800
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 Denali Ultimate 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.6L 8cyl Turbodiesel 10A), Denali Ultimate 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.6L 8cyl Turbodiesel 10A), and Denali Ultimate 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl Turbodiesel 10A). For a full list of Sierra 3500HD models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more