2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD Review | Big, shiny, and ready for work

Filmed on: February 25, 2020
CarGurus takes seriously the recommendations of the CDC around social distancing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. This review of the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD was filmed prior to the global spread of the virus. CarGurus staff is following guidelines to work remotely and we will resume production of new test drive reviews a soon as we're able.

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Few automakers have developed sub-brands with as much recognition as “Denali.” More than just a trim level, it’s a luxury brand with its own identity, somewhat separate from the rest of the GMC “Professional Grade” lineup.

Shop for the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD on CarGurus: https://cargur.us/zrhx7

Today, GMC offers a Denali trim on every model, from the midsize Canyon pickup to the full-size Yukon SUV. The Denali treatment extends to the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD, too. The Denali is distinct from the rest of the 2500HD lineup with its expansive use of chrome, including the seemingly football-field-sized chrome grille. The wheels are purposeful 8-lug units, but they’re still chrome. GMC offers the Denali in a number of premium exterior colors, but we suspect the most popular will be the now-synonymous-with-the-trim Onyx Black. With all these over-the-top touches, the 2500HD Denali is one of the flashiest trucks you can buy from General Motors.

The Sierra 2500HD offers two big V8 engine options: one gas and one diesel. On the medium-duty Sierra 1500 we recently tested, there are a number of engine options, including a V6, V8, and even a turbocharged 4-cylinder, but in the Heavy Duty realm, only V8 power will do.

In the case of the 2500HD, both gas and diesel engines displace 6.6 liters, but power outputs are different. The gas V8 makes 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque. The Duramax diesel V8 cranks out 445 hp and 910 lb-ft. That really is absurd stump-pulling grunt, and the diesel truly feels like it’s never going to run out of power. At low speeds, you can chirp the tires without even trying, and at highway speeds, it accelerates like a 2,500-pound sports-car.

The GMC Sierra 2500HD is available in numerous bed- and cab configurations, including the regular (single) cab with the long bed, the double cab (extended) with the standard bed and the long bed, and the crew cab (full 4-door) with the standard bed or the long bed. The Denali is offered with only the crew cab and a choice of standard bed or long bed.

The GMC Infotainment 3 system has large icons that are actually customizable. Simply hold your finger on the icon and drag it, just like on your mobile device. This setup also comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which you activate by connecting your phone via USB.

Base MSRP for the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD is $35,600, but that is hardly the end of the story. Prices can shoot up quickly. In fact, the diesel engine alone is a $9,700 option.

The SLE starts at more than $40,000, while the SLT starts at over $50,000. Considering most buyers will want the crew cab and standard bed, we’d recommend checking out the SLT trim with the standard gas engine. If you need the diesel, offset that cost by moving back down to the SLE trim. Both paths will cost about $54,000-$55,000, which is common pricing for a heavy-duty truck in 2020.

For more information on the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD, read George's full review on CarGurus: https://cargur.us/zrhwF

Presenter: George Kennedy
Cinematography: Venn Creative Media

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