People pulling their full-size RV, large watercraft or horse trailer may need the towing and hauling power of a heavy-duty pickup. And they are used to a certain level of luxury. It’s this segment that GMC often attracts to its HD trucks. But for those looking at HDs, capability is still the highest of priorities.
Though the starting price of a 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD is around $45K, our tester proves that the price tag quickly vaults up from there. Across the GMC lineup, however, the upper level AT4 and Denali trims made up more than half of GMC sales last year. And it’s obvious that there are plenty of takers on upper end trims by heavy duty buyers when you look at the expansion of GMC’s HD lineup.
The 2024 model’s Duramax 6.6-liter turbo-diesel V8 engine offers 25% more low-end torque compared to the 2023 model. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission it rates at 470 horsepower and 975 lb-ft of torque. The gasoline version also upgrades the previous six-speed transmission to a new 10-speed, good for 401 hp and 464-lb-ft. These under-the-hood refinements bring improved trailering capabilities to the 2024 Sierra Heavy Duty. And conventional towing is increased to 21,900 pounds for crew-cab models and 22,500 pounds for regular- and extended-cab models. Maximum payload is 4,178 lbs.
Luxury truck buyers towing their second home, yacht or thoroughbreds to remote areas may also appreciate add-ons that prepare their HD truck for off-roading.
GMC’s AT4 is outfitted with 20-inch wheels, standard four-wheel drive, hill descent control, off-road suspension tuning, underbody skid plates and red recovery hooks. It adds plenty in the way of looks and comfort with body-color bumpers, spray-in bedliner, front bucket seats with center console, ventilated front seats, and heated rear outboard seats. All 2024 models come with a full suite of driving aids. But the AT4 adds more, including parking sensors and a surround-view camera system. These come in handy for the tight parking situations when you’re driving your big, beautiful beast in town. (These are included options on some higher trim levels but are also offered as options on others.)
Our AT4X trim test vehicle anted up the AT4’s all-terrain offerings even more. It included raised off-road suspension with advanced adaptive dampers, stronger underbody skid plates, driver-selectable locking rear differential and trailer tire pressure sensor capabilities. Its turbo-diesel engine was a $9,500 upgrade. And AEV Edition add-ons got it unique parts and accessories designed by American Expedition Vehicles. These include a unique front grille and fascia, gloss black door handles and a black contrast inner tailgate. (Montana-based AEV specializes in off-road vehicles and conversions and collaborates with GMC to make this package available.) All in, the price tab just topped the six-figure mark. And GMC’s demographic will swallow that price without blinking!
What’s Next for GMC?
As we previously reported, GMC fights to hold Its top spot in the ring.
Business Insider reports that millennial men with lots of money are leading the way on buying electric vehicles. GMC is taking no chance of missing out on this bandwagon. So, it is will introduce the Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 this summer. It will be third vehicle in GMC’s lineup of all-electric vehicles alongside the HUMMER EV Pickup and HUMMER EV SUV.
