Heavy Dutys—Being Supremely Capable is Expected
A Nice Smooth Comfortable Ride and Lots of Features AreToo!
The Big 3 American automakers all stand vested and focused on the lucrative pickup truck marketplace. Continuous innovation is necessary so none risk falling behind the curve in capability and refinement. This holds true across all facets of the truck world, including the heavy-duty pickup segment. No longer do you have to sacrifice ride quality and luxurious appointments when you need a big, bad truck with max towing capability. Truly, even heavy-dutys can serve as the do-it-all vehicle, supremely capable of doing the hard work. while still offering a nice and smooth ride and coming fully loaded with creature comforts and tech gadgets.
Chevrolet and GMC completely redesigned their 2500HD Silverado and Sierra trucks in 2020. Both offer a new 6.6-liter V8 and the optional Duramax 6.6-liter V8 turbodiesel paired to a 10-speed transmission. The V8 gets 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque while the turbocharged diesel makes 445 hp and 910 lb-ft of torque. Either of 2500HDs can tow up to 18,500 and haul nearly 4,000 pounds. Wider beds with 12 standard tie-downs are a selling point as are the standard extendable towing mirrors and an Advanced Trailering System that can support up to 15 views through eight cameras.
Designed for appeal to the GM loyalist who wants a bit more refinement, the GMC Sierra 2500HD is a close cousin with a few extra luxury touches. Sierras have the same engine options, but where the Sierra 2500HD really separates from its Chevy sibling is the optional MultiPro tailgate that can be opened and folded in different configurations to be used as a step, a desk or a helpful tool for hauling. The top-of-the line Denali trim level continues to uphold GMC as a bar-setter among status and comfort level pickups. Our tester was the Sierra 2500 Denali 4WD Crew Cab with $12,760 in options to put its sticker at $75,755.
It’s vital for any of the Big 3 to stand neck-and-neck in the competition. Your choice is likely to come down to personal brand preference. Year after year, this means fighting to retain loyal clientele and giving them a reason to trade their current model in for a new one.
