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.

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.

Presenter: George Kennedy
Cinematography: Venn Creative Media

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[jimbenoit]

I agree chevy has it right - love my truck. Its a truck - I don't want a Bentley

[texfish]

This guy was really down to earth and I really liked his review. It's amazing how good a review can be when keeping it somewhat simple and easy to follow. I like this guy!

[jimbenoit]

I think the interior is ery practical - RAM a lot of show- Chev has it right

[davidlusk]

Love my 2018 hd. DURAMAX can move mountains. They are called marker lights for the know proper names if your reviewing these trucks. The new v8 gas was a dog, trucks are too heavy from my test drive. But the sticker is misleading. Wait for rebates, dealer cash, and manufacturers cash holding . You'll get easy 10k off the bat. People who drive diesel are known to have more lucrative budgets according to the manufacturers, so they know the non gasses and higher trim will be desired. It's all in what you want with the thickness of your wallet.

[timothyjason]

Dammit, the best car reviewer ever disappeared. Where did this most handsome host

[acdii]

The biggest turn off about any of these GM trucks is that center dash. It looks like a cyst about to burst. The camera setup is one of the best in this class, the Duramax is a proven engine as well as the transmission, but aesthetically, they really need to work on their designs. That hood is too high compared to the other two, and in a truck this big, you want as much visibility as possible. I am considering getting a used one to replace my 2012 F350 King Ranch though, the 2500HD payload is better and has similar towing to the F350. I have to test drive one first, if the seats are not comfortable, no way will I buy one.

[milosusa]

I am in market to replace my 2012 Powerstroke, Ram is out of question, because really bad trany . Was looking on 2021 GMC 3500 Denali, really like everything on the truck, but can't get over crappy front seats. Surprised that they put such thin cushions on bottom of the seats in $75 K truck, like seating on kitchen chair . Come on GM....

[scottkeller]

I bought this truck new in April of 2020. It has been the best vehicle that I have owned! I bought it to tow my 2020 Airstream Flying Cloud (25ft) across the USA with the family for a summer, and it's performance was both effortless and flawless!

[jdlfpr]

Great video. But for $80K, GM is stupid for not putting the same dash as the 2021 Yukon, which is the same vehicle with a camper. Makes no sense, its no wonder people are gong with Ford or Dodge. What a disappointment on GM's part, they're always the last when it comes to looks. Maybe ambient lighting would also be nice on the Denali models both Pickups and Yukon for $80k. Thumbs up for the video and review, thumbs down for GM.

[Denali_Rebel]

Does anyone actually think the fit and finish is better than the gmc? The GMC to me looks much nicer and more usable.

[JoaoMoriera]

I always like this guy's reviews, he keeps it simple and focuses on the truck's working capability instead of getting overawed by all the bells and whistles that the brands are hoping will help you part with $70k.

[MOHD_AUTO_]

thank you for this useful information good luck to you looking for more reviews :)

[renemorales]

Wish dealer in San Antonio Texas have the 2020 G.M.C SIERRA 2500HD CREW CAB LONG BED With a GASOLINE ENGINE.
I'm asking this question because I can't find this truck here in San Antonio Texas.
I have been going to each dealership and they don't have this truck in stock.

[outerfroggy]

So his only real complaints was that a heavy duty is 'too big'?

[anderander]

The Ram is like a Bentley compared to the GMC...

[markcarkner]

Worth every penny if you compare it to the competition.

[richardgallegos]

GMC need bigger screen for radio an gps

[paulm]

That infotainment screen is beyond disappointing. They need to design the interior. Sad for 78, 000

[MrMonk-wziu]

This is how General Motors treated me and my family. ..

I see chevy has a new heart warming commercial, Chevy cares, ask yourself who does chevy care about, , not my family,   all Chevrolet is trying to is to get attention in a time of crisis, make the most out of a crisis,   trying to make a sell, like Chevy really cares.

I was talked very bad and disrespectful  to by  an BBB attorney that works for GM.

( Meghan )  She talked to me and  my sick daughter like we was a piece of crap, ask to hear  shouting match, it's recorded, ,

I was told that I didn't have to buy another GM vehicle, I could go anywhere to buy another truck, and if GM loses I should. This is what I was told by this GM worker who should be fired  (This is a very serious issue and more to it)

My family has to borrow a vehicle from Toyota because my dash swells and it's deadly,  

I Paid every payment on this truck and have been through some very hard and trying times with my daughter with 5 major surgeries,  

Toyota has helped my family more because they see the danger and how my family have been treated very bad by GM,   its actually disgraceful and disgusting. 

In my time of need I couldn't have been treated any worse than I have been and GM Condones this. 

My whole family were GM customers and my uncle retired from GM and he couldn't believe the treatment we have received. .

I have 4 GM vehicles now Yukon Denali, GMC Sierra, Silverado and a Chevy Cruze . a. $200.00 part has dismantled a lifetime of GM loyalty. . Should I ever buy another GM vehicle?

So Please don't hesitate to put a commercial out that Chevy Cares, ,   but chevy cares, about making a sell, if chevy cared this issue would have been resolved a long time ago, but I've been out of a truck for 4 years now,  

I only pray that all of GM customers see how fake and fraudulent Chevy cares really  is.. 

It's my comment to educate as many people that I can before purchasing a new or used GM vehicle about GM saftey cover-up and how the treatment from the top. Lot of people have taken notice and not purchased from GM because of this serious problem, I've turned over 25 people from buying a GM vehicle, after I told how I was talked to. 

No important person would have been treated bad like my family was. This is not going away,  

Ask yourself would you want to be talked to that way, would you still yet be a GM vehicle owner, , this is a serious problem and no-body wants to hear or help..

So what would you do? ??
Would you buy another GM