2023 GMC Sierra 2500HD

The 2023 GMC Sierra 2500HD truck battles it out in the full-size pickup segment along with the Ram 2500 and Ford F-250. The GMC Sierra 2500HD is powered by either a gas or turbo-diesel V8, each with a 6.6-liter capacity and available as a regular, double, and crew cab with standard and long bed variations. This truck was designed to haul big loads and tow heavy rigs and does so with aplomb thanks to its comprehensive trailer-assist technologies. It may be a work truck, but the cabin is kitted out with all of the essential comfort, convenience, and safety features expected in this class nowadays. The 2023 Sierra 2500HD is a stopgap model year until a fairly substantial mid-life upgrade is expected to launch next year in the USA as a 2024 model. This overdue update is eagerly awaited by fans, as the GMC Sierra 2500HD's competitors from Ford and Ram have been moving steadily ahead of it in the truck rankings, relegating the GM Silverado and Sierra twins to third place in the HD truck wars.

The price of the GMC Sierra 2500HD lineup starts at $41,200 for the Sierra 2WD Regular Cab Long Bed with the standard gas V8. This price excludes registration, taxes, and a destination fee of $1,795. This is followed by the SLE at $48,000 and the SLT at $57,600, though the latter entails upgrading to the Double Cab and settling for the standard bed. Once you start looking at Crew Cab configurations, the AT4 becomes available at $65,600, but this also means equipping the 4x4 drivetrain. The same is true for the range-topping Denali, which starts at $72,100. These prices all represent the trims in their most affordable form.

Being a truck, the price per trim will rise based on a number of factors. For example, the base Sierra is $2,800 pricier in 4x4 guise. Other trims can also be upgraded to 4x4, although the AT4 and Denali are 4x4 by default. Elsewhere in the lineup, the most affordable SLT will cost $9,890 more if you upgrade to the Duramax turbodiesel engine. Different bed lengths will also influence the price - it simply depends on the type of truck you need.

The gas mill produces 401 horsepower to the wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission and the diesel delivers 445 hp and 910 lb-ft of torque to the wheels using a 10-speed automatic. For a full-size truck, the 2023 Sierra 2500HD fares well in terms of comfort. Its independent front suspension delivers an almost car-like ride over most surfaces while the live rear axle ensures that it remains a tough carrier. It does all the heavy hauling while still feeling easier to drive and more agile than its rivals. It shines brightest when it's towing, particularly when powered by the 445-hp Duramax diesel engine, which does its work very unobtrusively for an oil burner. The Duramax's Allison 10-speed automatic transmission is properly sorted and benefits from quicker responses and more refined shifts than the gas V8's six-speed auto. It's still boat-like on the highway though, with slow, vague steering. If you want to explore the trails, bear in mind that the 2500HD is large and may struggle in tight spaces; for the best experience, look at the AT4 trim with its all-terrain tires, a two-speed transfer case, and off-road-tuned suspension.

A short review of the GMC Sierra 2500HD's good and bad traits reveals that, while it is a good truck, it is outshined by its even better competition. Further hurting its case is the fact that you can get virtually the same experience from the Chevy Silverado at a lower price. While generally offering a generous list of standard features, the base trim is a bit light on toys, which takes away from the overall ownership experience, but it is a trim that caters to buyers who just want a hard-working pickup truck. The workmanlike interior's design and materials might be fine on the base trim, but they're disappointing on the Denali, which doesn't offer the type of experience expected of the Denali badge. An interior update is now overdue and can't come soon enough. With its new front suspension, the truck is thoroughly competitive and genuinely pleasant to drive. Yet, taking everything into consideration, we can't help but suggest that you shop elsewhere if you are looking for more capable trucks at a more reasonable price. Or wait and see what GMC comes up with for the 2024 2500HD.

With so many trims, cab, and bed lengths to choose from, there truly is something for everyone. If you're looking for a comfortable daily workhorse, we would suggest going with the 2WD SLE with the optional 6.6-liter turbodiesel engine. This truck not only sports 910 lb-ft of torque but gets added luxuries such as cruise control, remote keyless entry, cloth seats, a leather steering wheel, and a 4.2-inch driver info display. If you're more of a family man, then the Double Cab, Regular Bed SLT should be perfect. This truck offers ample cargo space and premium features such as leather power seats, dual-zone climate control, and wireless phone charging. We'd suggest getting the optional driver aids, too.