GMC has an all new heavy duty pickup ready to do battle with Ford and Ram. Similar to the all-new Chevrolet Silverado HD, the Sierra HD offers double cab and crew cab models, both with standard and long beds. The regular cab is no longer offered. Changes for 2020 include all-new exterior and interior styling, strengthened frame that's longer and taller, revised suspension and engines, new transmission for the diesel engine and additional safety and technology features.
Four basic trim levels are offered: Sierra HD, SLE, SLT and Denali. All are available with rear- or four-wheel drive. In addition, there's a off-road-ready trim called the AT4 that comes standard with four-wheel drive and lots of off-road goodies.
Two engines are offered. Standard is a new 6.6-liter gasoline V8 that makes 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque. It replaces a less-powerful 6.0-liter V6 and mates to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Also offered is a 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 that carries over from 2019 and makes 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque. The diesel mates to a new Allison 10-speed automatic. Most models have a payload rating in excess of 7,000 pounds and all save the AT4 can tow more than 30,000 pounds.
Newly available is GMC's Multi-Pro Tailgate that provides additional functionality to the standard pickup-truck tailgate. Other new features include a segment-first transparent trailer view, 15-inch head-up display, rear camera mirror, wireless charging, front and rear park assist, lane-change alert, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. AT4 models get off-road suspension, Rancho shocks, skid plates, Eaton locking rear differential., 18-inch wheels, Michelin all-terrain tires, Traction Select System with Off-Road mode, hill descent control and hill start assist. Prices start as low as $40,000 and clime to well above $60,000 for the 3500 HD dual-rear-wheel models.
The returning Duramax turbodiesel is a stout and terrific offering. It provides smooth and seamless power and mates very well to the new 10-speed automatic transmission. It can literally tow a house with ample reserve power. The new-for-2020 gas V8 is a huge improvement over the outgoing engine. It provides more horsepower, torque and most importantly smoothness. Sadly, it only gets a 6-speed autobox, while other gas engines in the GM family get an 8- or 10-speed automatic.
Depending on trim, the 4-wheel-drive system is either part time or full time. Regardless, both have a low-range. If you intend to use the truck off-road a lot, you should seriously consider the AT4 trim. It offers all of the off-road goodies with a factory warranty and is extremely capable when the going gets tough.
Because the Sierra HD is a heavy-duty truck it is not subject to EPA evaluation and has no official fuel-economy estimates. However, for most HD owners, fuel economy is still a very big issue. Expect to average 16-18 MPG with the gas engine and perhaps 20 MPG with the diesel. In one highway only trip, the diesel managed nearly 23 MPG over nearly 400 miles. The diesel brings a nearly $10,000 price premium, so fuel economy savings alone might take a long time to justify.
Of the large pickups, the GMC Sierras generally provide the smoothest and most comfortable ride. Sometimes that comes at the expense of overall composure, though for the most part it is a positive. In addition, there is a wide range in overall ride quality between the base models and the Denali or AT4. For most Sierra HD models the ride is comfortable and nicely composed over nearly all types of pavement. Body motions and undue bounding, which are common to most full-size trucks, can get unnerving with an empty bed or light passenger load. Add a few hundred pounds to the bed or four adults and the ride generally smooths out nicely.
Dynamically the Sierra HD isn't going to win any gymkhanas. In fact, the extremely long wheelbase, wide stance and tall tires conspire to keep the Sierra in the slow lane. To be fair, this is a trait common to ALL full-size pickups and the GMC might offer better handling than most. Though somewhat light and numb feeling, steering is accurate and tracks straight and true on the highway. Brakes have plenty of stopping power and an easy-to-modulate pedal. Interior noise levels are likely the lowest in the full-size truck class, even on diesel models.
Though portrayed as upscale and premium, the interior of the Sierra HD is fairly conservative. Materials are appropriate for the price, impressive even in Denali and AT4 trim. The design is straightforward and GMC has done an excellent job of grouping controls logically. Where some newer designs have leaned heavily on digital displays, the Sierra HD sticks to traditional needles-and-dials with a subtle mix of digital thrown in.
In terms of layout, the design is very straight forward. The instrument panel features two large analog gauges with a center display screen are topped by a subset of smaller dials for ancillary measurements. Steering-wheel controls are basic and include buttons behind in the 9 and 3 o'clock positions for audio control. The center stack boasts a large touchscreen and then traditional radio and climate controls. In addition, there are buttons and knobs for truck-specific functions like trailer towing and 4WD system operation. In all the layout is extremely functional and easy to grasp.
The infotainment system supports both Android Auto and Apple Car Play and there's an available wireless charging tray. In addition, GMC has added a very nice available head-up display and General Motor's "magic" rear-view mirror. In all, the Sierra gets an A+ for the tech upgrade and lags to no competitor in the features department.
The front seats are thickly padded and offer a surprising amount of support. Though chair like, they offer ample head and leg room. Same can be said for the rear seats of the crew cab. The extended cab models have good adult-size room, but if you are consistently using the back for passengers, the crew cab makes the most sense. All models have a large step up into the cab, more so 4-wheel-drive models. Door openings are wide and both front and rear and feature grab handles to make things easier. Power running boards are available.
Interior storage is ample, highlighted by dual gloveboxes and a large center console. In addition, there are ample map pockets and a couple of open bins throughout. The rear seats fold to add to interior storage, but there are no hidden bins like in some competitors. Bumper steps are standard, and that makes it easier to climb into the bed. The Multi-Pro tailgate is the Swiss Army Knife of tailgates and really does come in handy in lots of ways. It can extend the bed, it can be a step, it can make it easier to grab items in the bed. If you use the bed a lot for small-item storage it can be a godsend.
Bottom Line -- GM's strategy is to go after mass-market and contractors with the Chevrolet Silverado HD and go after executives and construction managers with the Sierra HD makes all the sense in the world. The Sierra and Sierra HD offer just enough of a prestige bump over the Silverado twins to justify the slight price increase. Strengths of the Sierra include the smooth and powerful engine choices, abundance of safety and tech features, and roomy and quiet interior.
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