Used 2023 GMC Sierra 3500 HD Crew Cab

The GMC Sierra HD takes everything we like about the Sierra 1500 full-size pickup truck and super-sizes it. It has a premium look and feel, especially in the Denali trim from GMC, and it impresses with its towing and hauling capabilities. Its rivals from Ford and Ram have higher maximum torque and towing ratings, but the Duramax turbodiesel V8 available in the Sierra HD is no slouch with its 910 lb-ft torque rating. The Sierra HD has nice variety in its model range, including the rugged AT4 model and the luxurious Denali trim, in addition to the humbler lower trims for drivers looking for a no-nonsense workhorse.

The GMC Sierra drives like a big pickup truck, but it’s more comfortable and composed than you might expect for its size. This is partially thanks to the independent front suspension, which you can’t get in its rivals from Ford and Ram. Rough roads are no problem for the Sierra HD, and it floats along nicely on the highway.

Since this truck comes designed for heavy towing and hauling, it can tow without skipping a beat as long as your load is within its capabilities. It can tow especially comfortably with the available Duramax turbodiesel V8 making over 900 lb-ft of torque. The standard gas V8 gets the job done but is a bit more strained in heavy towing situations.

As for off-road capabilities, the rugged AT4 model is the most capable truck in the Sierra HD lineup. It has a few unique features like Rancho shocks and all-terrain tires, but it doesn’t quite match the ferocity of the Ram Power Wagon.

The GMC Sierra HD is a little nicer than the average truck. The interior design is upscale but practical. Every Sierra HD has roomy front seats, and the double cab models have fairly roomy rear seats. If you have rear passengers regularly, they’ll appreciate the extra space in the crew cab models. The crew cab also benefits from under-seat storage and rear seatback storage.

The Sierra HD gets nicer inside the higher you go in the model range. For example, the SLT trim and up come with perforated leather seats, the AT4 trim has Jet Black and Kalahari interior accents, and the range-topping Denali model is full of luxurious materials like Denali-exclusive leather and open-pore wood trim.

It’s worth noting that the Sierra Denali HD isn’t the only name in luxurious heavy-duty pickup trucks. If you’re shopping on the more premium side of this segment, consider the Ford Super Duty Limited and Ram HD Limited.

The GMC Sierra HD does a great job looking both premium and rugged. It wears the GMC design language well, but still looks unique compared to the Sierra 1500 and the mechanically similar Chevrolet Silverado HD.

Like the interior, the Sierra HD’s exterior can change quite a bit depending on the trim you choose. The AT4 model has a rugged appearance package with red tow hooks and stylish black accents. The Denali trim has its own flashy grille and wheels. The available Denali Black Diamond Edition adds a unique look with 20-inch high-gloss black wheels, power running boards with LED lighting, and a MultiPro audio system by Kicker in the bed.

One of our favorite exterior features of the Sierra HD is the 6-position MultiPro tailgate. You can configure it with load stops, cab steps, a “Work Surface” desk, and more.

The size of the Sierra HD is similar to other trucks in this class, like the Chevrolet Silverado HD, Ram HD, and Ford Super Duty. Like any truck in this class, many configurations are available with three cab sizes, two bed lengths, and even a chassis cab option.

Luxurious Denali Trim
The Sierra HD Denali is a luxury pickup truck that doesn’t compromise on capability. It has a premium appearance package, perforated leather seats (heated and cooled in front), open-pore wood trim, a Bose premium sound system, and much more.

Off-Road-Ready AT4 Model
The AT4 model is a capable off-roader. On top of a rugged appearance package inside and out, it comes with twin-tube Ranco shocks, skid plates, an off-road inclinometer, and all-terrain tires.

Duramax Turbodiesel V8
This optional turbodiesel V8 greatly increases the torque rating and towing capability of the Sierra HD. When properly equipped, it can tow a whopping 36,000 pounds, plus it’s likely more fuel-efficient than the base engine.

MultiPro Tailgate
The MultiPro tailgate is standard on all but the base Pro trim of the Sierra HD. It has six different positions, including load stops, cab steps, a desk, and more.

ProGrade Trailering System
The ProGrade Trailering System includes Hitch Guidance with Hitch View, making it safer and easier to hook up your trailer to your truck. It also has an in-vehicle trailering app.

Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
This convenient feature is standard on the SLT, AT4, and Denali trims and optional on the SLE model. It brings your maps, music, and more to the screen in your truck without taking your phone out of your pocket.

There are two engine options in the GMC Sierra HD. The base engine is a gas-powered 6.6-liter V8 mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. It’s upgradable to a 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel V8 with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

The gas V8 has a maximum tow rating of 17,200 pounds and a max payload rating of 7,442 pounds, which is more than enough for most truck drivers. The Duramax diesel can tow up to 36,000 pounds and has a max payload rating of 6,523 pounds.

There are no official fuel economy ratings for this pickup because the EPA does not rate trucks in this class. However, we can confidently say that the diesel is the more fuel-efficient choice.

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