The GMC Sierra HD is known for being both the perfect mix of a luxury driver and a rugged machine, capable of pulling the Titanic out of the water and offering a smooth ride while doing it. What truck drivers love about GMC pickups is this luxurious power: a base powertrain of a 10-speed automatic transmission, 401-horsepower, 6.6-liter, V-8 engine; or the 10-speed automatic transmission, 470-horsepower Duramax turbo-diesel with a V-8 engine–with 22,500 pounds of maximum conventional towing. Impressed? You should be. And there’s more…

America’s favorite truck is also loved for its innovative trailer assist features: Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert, Transparent Trailer View, plus adaptive cruise control with trailering. But for seasoned Sierra truck drivers, these tout-worthy features are nothing new. So, what’s new for the 2024 models? Plenty!
New Features of the 2024 Sierra
GMC’s largest pickup gets a slight facelift in the 2024 model, as well as a revised powertrain that allows for more towing capability, but that’s not all. The all-new 2024 Sierra HD also comes with a modernized front fascia and LED headlights and taillights with sequential turn signals.
The power and torque levels of the 6.6-liter Duramax turbocharged diesel V-8 have been pumped up to 470 horsepower and it offers 975 pound-feet of torque. Another big change is the replacement of the 401-horsepower, 6.6-liter V-8 gas engine’s automatic transmission with a (Allison-certified) 10-speed automatic transmission–one that is usually reserved for diesel engines, so you know it’s tough.
What’s more, there is a new Denali Ultimate trim that comes in the 2500 HD and the 3500 HD that displays a higher level of luxury than any other trim level. The Denali Ultimate includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel and door panels; a 16-way power-adjustable front heated and cooled messaging front seat (both driver and passenger) that includes intricate leather stitching that creates a topographic map of Alaska’s Mount Denali.
And let’s not forget the new trailering technology with adaptive cruise control with gross combination weight alert and the famous Transparent Trailer View–now available for gooseneck and fifth wheel trailering. There’s also Sierra HD’s standard driver assistance tech, which has been expanded for 2024, and the AT4X off-road trim has added an AEV Edition that comes with steel bumpers, more durable skid plates, and AEV 18-inch wheels.
A Look Under the Hood
At the standard, base level the 2024 Sierra HD comes with a 6.6-liter, V-8 engine that offers 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque. It has a 10-speed automatic transmission, plus rear-wheel or four-wheel drive, and there is an optional Duramax diesel 6.6-liter V-8 that has 470 horsepower and 975 pound-feet of torque that works through an Allison-certified 10-speed automatic engine.
The new, massive, Duramax is already being noted for its smooth ride and quality performance. Compared to its heavy-duty competitors, it’s a bit more agile and refined. For all 3500 HD models, you can choose from a single-wheel or a dual-rear-wheel (dually) axle.
A Capacity for Raw Power
The Sierra 3500 HD is by far the strongest of the GMC pickups, as it can pull as much as 36,000 pounds. In order to pull that much weight, the 3500 comes with a diesel engine, regular cab, rear-wheel-drive, a dual-rear-wheel axle, and a gooseneck hitch.
Now, if 36,000 pounds is a bit much–say, you need 32,000-pound capability–then you can go for the same truck, only with a fifth-wheel hitch. The next best in line is the Sierra 2500 HD, which is offered with a single-rear-wheel axle and can tow 22,500 pounds.
Surprising Fuel Economy
Unfortunately, the Office of Transportation and Air Quality does not assess the fuel economy of large trucks such as the Sierra HD, so we have to rely on independent tests which, thankfully, are already out there. At least for the 2024 Sierra 2500 HD there is. With the diesel engine, it earned 17 mpg on the highway, which is right up there with the Silverado 2500 LTZ crew cab and the Ram 2500 Tradesmen regular cab–both also with diesel engines. So, though there is not much to report on this front, the little information we have is good news for Sierra truck drivers.
Comfort and Quality
The comfort and quality of the all-new Sierra HD is simply unmatched. This is because GMC realized that comfort doesn’t only mean plush seating and soft-touch materials. True comfort is created when there is more space to move within and reposition. We like our space and when we can’t move about a bit, well, we begin to feel uncomfortable.
The interior of the 2500 HD and the 3500 HD come with an expansive dashboard full of user-friendly controls and switches. The bucket seats and full center console offer plenty of wiggle room and the plush seating offers comfort at every position. Drivers have an optional head-up display, heated steering wheel, heated (and cooled) front seats, and wireless device charging, and no matter which option you go with, there are soft-touch surfaces and extra durable plastics used throughout the truck. The Denali Ultimate trim comes with leather-wrapped interior pieces, Paldao wood trim, and a light micro suede headliner.
Once inside the truck, one will quickly realize that its luxury and design do not overshadow the practicality of the vehicle. The noticeable passenger space in the crew cab, the plentiful interior cubby storage both offer aid on those long trips. And this doesn’t only go for the inside of the truck: the long cargo boxes with built-in steps on both sides of the bed allow for easy access to storage, and the rear bumper has steps on each corner to allow for an easy step into the bed, rather than the usual necessity to lift and crawl oneself into the truck bed. The cargo boxes can also be customized with LED lighting, movable tie-downs, and a 120-volt outlet.
Most impressive though is the innovative multi-function tailgate that has six different positions easily turning it into a workbench or surface. This is perfect for anyone who needs to work on the go and doesn’t feel like or have the time for sitting in a coffee shop. Now, anywhere you go, your office can be with you.
Tech Features
No matter which 2024 Sierra HD you choose, you are guaranteed a high-quality touchscreen Infotainment System that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s true that base models have a few less option in terms of technology features, but you can still opt for one to be outfitted with a 120-volt outlet and a mobile hotspot.
The Sierra’s Infotainment System includes easy-to-use knobs and buttons that are made of quality plastic that won’t break or fade after years of use. The 8-inch touchscreen can be upgraded with built-in navigation, a Bose audio system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a rear-seat entertainment system.
Drivers can also get a 13.4-inch Infotainment touchscreen that comes with Google Built-in, split-screen navigation that seamlessly connects with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
There truly is no other truck the Sierra HD series of stalwart, luxury drivers. Whether you need a truck for towing or more for a family driver, the Sierra HD has a model for you. Come see us at Liberty Buick GMC today and test drive your new favorite truck.


