2013 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Review

The 2013 GMC Sierra 2500 HD is capable of handling all but the most demanding tasks that a pickup may face. And, for those challenges, GMC offers the Sierra 3500 HD.

The 3/4 ton 2500 includes both gasoline and diesel options. The 6.0 L gasoline power plant generates a maximum of 360 hp and 380 ft-lb of torque. The diesel engine displaces 6.6 liters. It is an advanced direct injection design that links up with a six-speed tranny, the Allison 1000. The Sierra 2500 HD diesel offers a maximum of 397 horsepower. Meanwhile, the torque is massive, at 700 ft-lb. The old challenges faced by diesel owners in cold weather have been conquered with this GMC design. A three-second start at temperatures al low as minus 40 degrees F are possible. The 3/4 tone diesel is rated at 17,800 lbswhen it comes to hauling fifth wheels. Everything is oversized with the Sierra 2500 diesel. The payload capacity comes in at 4212 lbs. One can drive up to 680 miles on a full 36 gallons of fuel.

Engineers have created a hydro-formed, fully boxed heavy-duty frame out of special high-strength steel. Consequently, the Sierra 2500 offers superior resistance to twisting, bending, and shaking. Heavy towing demands and large payloads are handled with that much less stress on this full-size pick up. In the process, occupants enjoy lower levels of road noise.

Buyers have the choice of crew cab, extended cab, or regular cab configurations. The regular cab offers one row of seating and it is offered in both a work truck set up as well as an SLE trim level. Move up to the extended cab 2500 HD, and an SLT trim level is added to those two. the SLT includes leather upholstery. The crew cab configuration offers two full rows of seats. It is offered in the SLE, SLT and luxury Denali levels.

General Motors’ designers manage to offer an exterior that is bold and assertive on one hand, but still aerodynamic on the other. Chrome accents and trim are liberally applied, especially on the 2500 HD Denali.

For those that may spend many hours in their Sierra 3/4 ton, the interior offers a variety of welcome amenities, including both heated and cooled seats in both the SLT and Denali trim levels. A sophisticated navigation system is optional. It combines a seven-inch touch screen, turn-by-turn directions, and even 3-D mapping. Bluetooth offers smartphone integration.

GMC’s tradition of rugged, heavy-duty full-size pickups continues with the 2013 Sierra 2500 HD. Offered in both gasoline and diesel configurations, the 2500 can tackle most tough towing and hauling tasks with ease. The 700 foot-pounds of torque offered by the diesel will handle everything from mountain towing to serious stump-pulling. Finally, GM continues its 100,000 miles transferable power train warranty that offers real peace-of-mind.