2024 GMC Sierra 3500 HD Crew Cab

The GMC Sierra HD is a fancy truck that can do it all. It offers more muscular engines and a beefier chassis than the Sierra 1500 but retains its little brother’s personality as a premium truck that doesn’t compromise on capability. Buyers have many options in the Sierra HD model range, including the off-road-ready AT4 models and the lavish Denali Ultimate. With six trims and two engines available, you can pick the level of luxury that works for your tastes and your budget. It rivals the Ford Super Duty and the Ram HD, and the mechanically identical Chevy Silverado HD is also worth consideration.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of full-size heavy-duty trucks, including the GMC Sierra HD.

The GMC Sierra HD gets a mid-cycle refresh for 2024. In addition to a slight aesthetic makeover, the available Duramax turbodiesel V8 engine gets more power, more torque, and an impressive new maximum towing capacity of 22,500 pounds. The standard gas V8 has adopted the Allison 10-speed automatic transmission previously exclusive to the diesel.

The Denali Ultimate trim that’s been working its way through the GMC lineup has arrived for the Sierra HD this year. It’s the new top trim with luxuries like full-grain leather seating, massaging front seats, open-pore wood interior trim, a MultiPro tailgate with a built-in Kicker audio system, a Vader Chrome grille, and 20-inch wheels.

The Sierra HD also has capable new off-road models in its lineup; the AT4X and AT4X AEV. These improve upon the regular AT4 with bigger tires, tougher skid plates, more robust suspension systems, and more aggressive appearance packages.

As for technology, front pedestrian braking is a new standard safety feature, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay now come standard. There’s also a new available 13.4-inch infotainment system with Google built-in and a split-screen feature.

The Sierra HD is priced pretty close to the Ford Super Duty and the HD variants of the Ram. Its corporate cousin, the Chevy Silverado HD, is a bit more affordable.

Before buying a Sierra HD, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. GMC Sierra HD resale value beats its rivals from Ram and Ford.

The GMC Sierra HD drives like a big pickup truck, but we found it comfortable and composed for its considerable size. Rough roads are no problem for the Sierra HD, and it floats along rather nicely on the highway.

Since this truck is 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 that makes 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 and AT4X models are the most adventurous variants in the Sierra HD lineup. The AT4 has Rancho shocks and all-terrain tires, and the AT4X boasts 35-inch tires, stronger skid plates, and more robust suspension components, including Multimatic DSSV shocks.

The GMC Sierra HD is a little nicer than the average heavy-duty truck. The interior design is upscale but practical. Every Sierra HD has roomy front seats. We found the legroom adequate when we climbed in the back of the double cab. However, we’d much prefer the crew cab’s rear seats on a long road trip. The crew cab also benefits from under-seat 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 Denali model is full of luxurious materials like Denali-exclusive leather and open-pore wood trim.

The top Denali Ultimate trim is one of the most luxurious trucks in this class, with premium features like massaging front seats, a microsuede headliner, and a Bose 12-speaker audio system. It rivals 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 your chosen trim. The AT4 models have rugged appearance packages with red tow hooks and stylish black accents. The Denali trim has its own flashy grille and wheels. The Denali Ultimate model adds a unique look with Vader Chrome exterior trim, 20-inch 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 without compromising 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 Models
The AT4 and AT4X models are capable off-roaders. On top of a rugged appearance package inside and out, they come with skid plates, an off-road inclinometer, all-terrain tires, and upgraded suspension systems.

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 (the EPA doesn’t require fuel economy ratings for these big trucks).

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, GCW Alert, Bed View, and more, making towing and hauling safer and easier. It also has an in-vehicle trailering app.

Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
This convenient standard feature brings your maps, music, and more to the screen in your truck without taking your phone out of your pocket.

The 2024 GMC Sierra HD lineup includes a choice of two engines: strong and stronger.

Gas V8

The base engine in the Sierra HD is a gas-powered 6.6-liter V8 mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. It’s a robust engine optimized for towing and hauling, and it’s more than enough for most drivers. If you don’t have the budget or the need for the diesel, the gas V8 is plenty.

6.6-liter V8
401 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm
464 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
Max towing: 18,700 pounds (2500), 19,150 pounds (3500)
Max payload: 3,759 pounds (2500), 7,290 pounds (3500)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A

Duramax turbodiesel

The available Duramax turbodiesel V8 significantly boosts the torque rating and maximum towing capability of the Sierra HD. If you need a workhorse to do serious heavy lifting regularly, then this is a worthwhile upgrade.

6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel V8
470 horsepower @ 2,800 rpm
975 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600 rpm
Max towing: 22,500 pounds (2500), 36,000 pounds (3500)
Max payload: 3,850 pounds (2500), 6,644 pounds (3500)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A

3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty

The Sierra HD is backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. This coverage is average for this segment. You also get one complimentary service visit for an oil change, tire rotation, and multi-point inspection.