Whether you are looking for a reliable truck with an open cargo bed or looking to tackle tough jobs, there is no better choice than the GMC Sierra. Choosing between a GMC 1500 or a Sierra 2500 HD can be a difficult choice. Each model offers a great performance, but you’ll need to determine the amount of power and capabilities you are looking for in this great truck. Let’s look at both and let Reliable Buick GMC help you make your choice.
Design and Style
The Sierra 1500 is as attractive on the outside as it is on the inside, with plenty of quality materials, usable storage, and well-placed controls. It seats three in Regular Cab models and five or six in Double and Crew Cab models. The Sierra has three bed lengths available that are matched with different cabs. The Crew Cab models feature 5 feet, 8-inch beds, the Double and Crew Cab models are available with 6-foot-6-inch beds, and the Regular Cab is available with an 8-foot-long bed. Its long cabin provides spacious seating and excellent rear legroom, with plenty of storage throughout the cabin. You will feel comfortable driving around town, as well as performing on the job, with plenty of options for seat materials, sound systems, and other comfort options. Cabin features include dual glove compartments, angular air vents, and a bold steering wheel. The Sierra offers more cargo bed volume than any competitor, with exclusive features that include an all new carbon-fiber cargo bed and a good amount of in-bed tie-down points. The GMC Sierra models are available in six trim levels: Sierra, Sierra SLE, Sierra Elevation, Sierra SLT, Sierra AT4, and Sierra Denali.
The GMC Sierra 2500 HD is available in five trim levels: Sierra, SLE, SLT, AT4, and the Denali. It has a bold design that features sculpted headlamps, a prominent hood, and distinctive grilles. The base version is pretty basic; but as you jump up trim levels, you will be offered power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and heated and ventilated seats. It offers a comfortable interior with plenty of head and legroom and extra-wide beds. It is also available in Regular, Double, and Crew Cab configurations, offering from 3 to 6 passenger seating.
Power and Price
The 2020 Sierra 1500 features a powerful performance and offers either an 8- or 10-speed automatic transmission. A broad range of engine options start with a 285-horsepower 4.3-liter V6 engine. Another option will be the 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit with 310 horsepower. A V8 comes with two 5.3-liter units that deliver 355 horsepower each or a 6.2-liter with 420 horsepower. The top of the lineup is a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline-six engine with 277 hp with 460 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission is paired with the 5.3-liter V-8 engine on the Sierra AT4 and Denali, and on the SLE trims and above when you select four-wheel drive. With all its power, the Sierra still feels stable and composed around turns and winding roads. When properly equipped, the Sierra can tow up to 12,100 pounds and haul up to 2,265 pounds. With its base engine, the Sierra averages 16/21 mpg in the city and on the highway. Base price of the Sierra starts at $30,000 and goes to $54,700 for the range-topping Denali.
The Sierra 2500 HD is a highly capable heavy-duty truck with an excellent diesel powertrain and a good amount of power, hauling, and towing capabilities. It comes standard with 401-horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque in a 6.6-liter gas V8 engine. An optional turbocharged 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V8 with 446 horsepower and 910 lb.-ft. of torque, paired with a new Allison 10-speed automatic transmission is available. GMC performs at its peak, with a towing capacity of up to 18,510 pounds. Depending on your trim, Sierra HD offers a maximum payload of up to 3,3,979 lbs. Pricing for the Sierra HD starts at $40,000 for the Sierra SLE & SLT, $57,700 for the Sierra HD AT4, and $63,700 for the Sierra HD Denali.
Safety and Tech Features, Price
The arrival of the available ProGrade Trailering system brings 15 different available camera views, including the first “transparent trailer” view that makes anything you’re towing disappear. A rearview camera and a Teen Driver system comes standard in the GMC Sierra. There are plenty of other available driver assistance features including automatic high-beam headlights, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, lane change alert, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, forward collision warning, low-speed forward automatic braking, pedestrian detection, a rear camera mirror, a head-up display, and a safety alert seat. Sierra features intuitive technology that can help enhance your overall driving experience. GMC offers an infotainment system with an all-new 7-inch touch screen, a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, a USB port, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
The Sierra 2500 HD is also equipped with the ProGrade camera system that features up to 15 different viewing modes on the higher trim models. Available key safety features include forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and available lane-departure warning. Every Sierra HD has a standard touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Most trim levels have an 8.0-inch screen, but a larger touchscreen can be upgraded with built-in navigation, a Bose audio system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a rear-seat entertainment system.
Overall
Overall, the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 and the Sierra 2500 HD are two powerful pickup trucks. Each is capable of some amazing feats, while featuring a bold design and a commanding performance. It comes down to the power and towing capabilities that each truck offers. If you want a pickup truck that offers the best of both worlds as an everyday vehicle, as well as a truck for the job site, then the Sierra 1500 is the truck for you. If you need a truck that’s made to work and work hard, then the Sierra 2500 may be the right call. Either way, GMC’s Sierras can handle whatever you have to throw at them. Stop by Reliable Buick GMC and see for yourself.