Used 2020 GMC Sierra 3500 HD Crew Cab

Price: The 2020 GMC Sierra HD has a starting price of $35,600, plus a destination charge of $1,595.

On all fronts, the GMC Sierra HD is a better truck than the pickup it replaces. It has a stronger chassis and frame, more powerful engines, heavier payload capabilities and significantly greater towing abilities. Moreover, besides being taller and brawnier, its ride and handling have been improved. The GMC Sierra HD, unlike the heavy-duty Ram and Ford pickups, uses an independent front suspension for improved ride comfort. Although the new truck is slightly taller than the outgoing Sierra HD, its bed is an inch closer to the ground for slightly easier loading.

Buyers have a choice of a 6.6-liter gasoline V8 with 401 horsepower or a 445-horsepower Duramax 6.6-liter V8, the latter the powertrain of choice for heavy towing loads. This diesel V-8, mated to a new 10-speed Allison transmission, will propel a Sierra HD Diesel to 60 mph in 19.9 seconds…when towing an 18,000-pound trailer.

With powerful V8 engines complemented by a ProGrade Trailering System that takes much of the stress out of towing, the 2020 GMC Sierra HD relishes hard work while coddling you in a serenely quiet cabin with abundant space front and rear.

What draws our immediate attention when driving the new GMC Sierra HD is just how quiet this truck is inside. With either V8, the cabin is remarkably tranquil, even when this GMC heavy-duty pickup is pulling a load. This highly refined truck feels big because it is big, but its chassis exhibits well controlled ride motions that add to driver confidence.

The suspension, independent in front, delivers a comfortable ride, especially when the Sierra HD is loaded. Naturally, a high seating position provides a commanding view of the road, while a new Head-Up Display, which measures 15 inches diagonally, is large enough to be useful.

Both 6.6-liter V8s, gas and diesel, feel at home in the new Sierra HD, relaxed in their new duty and impressively isolated from the GMC’s super roomy Crew Cab cabin. If we were planning some serious towing (like the majority of heavy-duty truck owners do), the 6.6-liter Duramax diesel with the sturdy 10-speed Allison would be our choice, although the direct-injected gasoline V8 (with 6-speed automatic) is by no means lacking.

What’s more, with the gasoline V8 there’s no need to refill a Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) tank every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. The 5.1-gallon DEF tank, for the record, has been moved inside the Sierra HD’s frame rails. Also, because the DEF filler has been moved next to the diesel filler, you don’t need to open the hood to replenish the DEF (as was the case on the previous model).

The 2020 GMC Sierra HD, particularly in Crew Cab form, is blessed with outstanding headroom and legroom. In addition to a thorough assortment of gauges (including a handy readout for remaining brake-pad life), the new Sierra HD boasts a large head-up display (HUD) and an easy-to-use touch-screen infotainment system.

The Denali is particularly rich inside, its interior highlighted by premium leather seating surfaces (with large pebble grain and contrast stitching) and trim finished in dark aluminum and open-pore wood.

GMC says the interior of the new off-road-focused Sierra HD AT4 model has an athletic theme. Along with darkened trim, the AT4 interior features textured aluminum finishes on the steering wheel, center stack and sill plates. The seats, notably, are covered in a Jet Black leather with perforated inserts done in an attractive tan color called Kalahari. You’ll also notice that “AT4” has been embroidered into the headrests.

What’s more, the new Sierra HD is available with a Rear Camera Mirror, the first in a heavy-duty pickup. With the flip of a switch, the rearview mirror transforms into a video screen that shows a perfect wide-angle view of what’s behind the Sierra HD, without the Crew Cab’s rear headrests blocking part of the view.

The 2020 Sierra heavy-duty pickup won’t be mistaken for any other truck, thanks to those three bold red letters emblazoned across its grille: GMC. That stated, the new Sierra HD is a handsome truck with a commanding presence, thanks to its larger proportions and new hood with a prominent (and functional) scoop. It’s a taller and longer truck, and built-in steps just aft of the cab and on the rear bumper greatly facilitate access to the bed. Also, amber side-marker lights are now integrated into the lips of all four fenders.

For primary lighting, the new Sierra GMC Sierra HD features LED headlights and taillights, plus prominent C-shaped light blades that bring LED illumination to the daytime running lights. Of note, roof-marker lights are standard on all dual-rear-wheel HDs and all Sierra HD Denalis, except where prohibited by law.

SMART TRAILER INTEGRATION
Via the myGMC App (or via Apple CarPlay/Android Auto), this system allows Sierra HD owners to monitor and control a range of smart systems in their suitably equipped recreational trailers. This includes water-tank levels, air conditioning, even the power slide outs.

INTEGRATED ENGINE EXHAUST BRAKE
The Duramax diesel V8 has an integrated engine-exhaust brake, what big rig truckers call a “Jake brake.” With the press of a button, the engine’s backpressure can be used to control the speed of the Sierra HD while descending a hill, greatly reducing the load on the brakes. The exhaust brake also works with the cruise control, allowing a set speed to be maintained in hilly terrain.

The 2020 Sierra 2500HD Crew Cab comes standard with a 6.6-liter gasoline V8 and a 6-speed automatic transmission. The off-road AT4 model comes with skidplates and off-road suspension featuring Rancho shocks, plus a 2-speed automatic transfer case with an automatic locking rear differential. The luxurious Sierra Denali HD features a heated and cooled, leather-covered front seat along with wireless smartphone charging and a premium Bose audio system. The 6-function MultiPro tailgate is standard on the SLT, AT4 and Denali models of the Sierra HD.

The 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V8, which mates to the 10-speed Allison automatic transmission, is the primary option on the 2020 GMC Sierra HD, but there’s also a Denali Ultimate Package that includes HD Surround Vision, the Rear Camera Mirror, a bed-view camera and a power sunroof. A gooseneck 5th-wheel package with stamped bed holes and a 7-pin trailer harness also is available, as is a Driver Alert Package that includes forward-collision alert, lane-departure warning and automatic emergency braking.

With the 2020 GMC Sierra HD pickups, buyers have a choice of 2- or 4-wheel drive (2WD, 4WD), and two powerhouse engines: a direct-injected 6.6-liter gasoline V8 with 464 lb-ft of torque or a turbodiesel 6.6-liter V8 with an earth-moving 910 lb-ft of torque.

Note: There are no EPA fuel economy numbers for the Sierra HD because the organization does not test vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 8,500 pounds or higher. The GVWR is the total maximum weight of the vehicle and its cargo.

6.6-liter V8
401 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm
464 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A

6.6-liter turbodiesel V8
445 horsepower @ 2,800 rpm
910 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A