GMC Sierra 2500HD vs Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was known for its imposing presence, whether you opted for the basic Work Truck trim or the upscale High Country. Buyers could choose from regular, double, or crew cabs paired with a seven-foot or eight-foot bed configuration. The vehicle's wheelbase could stretch to an astounding 14 feet, and its overall length reached 22 feet—a true Goliath of the road.

Each trim level had its own distinct fascia styling. The Work Truck trim was simple yet appealing, while the Custom trim added a body-colored horizontal bar across the grille. The LT trim swapped this bar for a chrome one, and the LTZ and High Country trims amplified the chrome detailing with C-shaped headlamps. The off-road-specific ZR2 took things in another direction by blacking out the grille and offering a "flow tie" badge for better airflow into the engine bay.

For 2024, Chevrolet upped the ante by introducing standard tow hooks across the lineup and offering wheel options up to 22 inches in bright chrome. Despite the ten available colors, six of them consisted of two shades each of red, gray, and white, none of which particularly stood out. Test drives of the High Country and ZR2 trims revealed an interior in the High Country that was a cut above the rest, featuring open-pore wood, leather trim, metal accents, and elegant embroidery. The Jet Black interior was tastefully accentuated by a brown Umber color, cool stitching, and fabric piping—an understated yet upscale look. Chevrolet had previously struggled with cheap materials, but in the High Country, everything looked and felt high-quality.

Meanwhile, the GMC Sierra 2500HD’s Denali Ultimate trim was a spectacle in itself, particularly its flamboyant front grille that looked ready to boss around traffic. The truck’s intimidating presence was only amplified by its Onyx Black paint, Alpine Umber tan interior, and 20-inch aluminum alloys with a gloss black insert. It was available in six other exterior colors, though the Darth Vader-like aesthetic of our tester ensured it was the center of attention.

For 2024, the Denali Ultimate featured an updated bumper and grille assembly along with standard LED headlights and taillights and sequential turn signals, which added to its already commanding design. The six-passenger Crew Cab came as the only cabin choice, with options for either an 82.2-inch standard bed or a 98.2-inch long bed. Convenient side steps were integrated into the body for easier access to the cargo area, and the versatile GMC MultiPro Tailgate could configure for six different uses. One could even add step lights for improved visibility during those late-night work sessions.

Under the hood, the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD came standard with a robust 6.6-liter V8 gas engine delivering 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque. For those wanting more, an optional 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel V8 provided a remarkable 470 horsepower and 975 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. The Duramax diesel, in particular, was impressively quiet and smoothly operated, with seamless shifts even during downshifting to first gear. Acceleration to highway speeds was stress-free, and once cruising, the truck maintained low RPMs.

Fuel efficiency was also noteworthy. In 2WD mode, the truck achieved about 20.3 miles per gallon over a 100-mile stretch. A mix of 2WD and Auto 4WD over 250 miles yielded around 17 mpg. Depending on the configuration, the Silverado 2500HD offered various fuel tank sizes, from 28 gallons up to 36 gallons.

For off-road enthusiasts, the Silverado 2500 ZR2 with the Bison package was unparalleled. Equipped with Multimatic DSSV spool valve shocks and 35-inch tires, the truck managed dirt and rocks effortlessly. A 1.5-inch lift provided 11.6 inches of ground clearance, and impressive approach, departure, and breakover angles of 29.8, 25.7, and 21.2 degrees respectively. This configuration was further fortified with skid plates and steel bumpers, making it a formidable off-road contender.

The 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali Ultimate also featured a 6.6-liter Duramax turbocharged diesel V8 producing the same 470 horsepower and 975 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with the solid Allison 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. Additional mechanical features included a locking rear differential, a two-speed transfer case, all-terrain tires, a heavy-duty air filter, underbody skid plates, hill descent control, and a diesel exhaust brake for enhanced stopping power when trailering heavy loads.

Performance-wise, the Denali Ultimate accelerated smoothly for a vehicle surpassing three tons. Highway passing was strong, and the powertrain was refined with minimal diesel clatter. Handling was more about accommodating the truck's size than nimble steering, but it felt reasonably agile in city traffic. Driving a week-long, 1,000-mile test revealed a firm ride that unsettled on rough roads, showing the truck’s dual purpose of towing and hauling.

Towing and payload capacities were critical for both models. While the Silverado 3500HD could tow up to a mammoth 36,000 pounds, the 2500HD models were more modest in their capabilities. A Silverado 2500HD could tow up to 22,430 pounds, while the test truck managed closer to 19,000 pounds. As for payload, it could carry around 3,000 pounds, down from the 3500HD’s 7,000-pound capacity. Towing 11,000 pounds behind a Silverado 2500HD ZR2 Bison with the diesel engine was simplified by its array of camera views, including transparent trailer technology, rear side views, hitching cameras, a cargo bed camera, and a 360-degree view.

The Silverado also featured practical touches such as a side step for easier bed access, a versatile six-way MultiFlex tailgate, and power-retractable running boards. Inside, the High Country trim offered heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. However, the audio system lagged behind competitors with just six speakers.

In contrast, the Sierra 2500HD Denali Ultimate went above and beyond in cabin luxury. Full-grain leather adorned the seats, door panels, headliner, and handles. The front seats, wide and supportive, offered heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed limo-like legroom and ample headroom, with seatbacks that accommodated three adults comfortably over long distances.

Storage space was excellent, highlighted by a capacious center console optionally fitted with a locking safe. However, front door pocket accessibility left much to be desired due to their awkward placement. The Denali Ultimate also featured more accessible power-operated running boards.

In the realm of technology, the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD made significant advancements. Starting with the LT trim, it included a 12.3-inch configurable gauge cluster and a 13.4-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system was user-friendly, angled slightly towards the driver for easy access. Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play Store were integrated, along with Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Despite an excellent array of features, the screen’s constant split-mode could be frustrating.

Charging options were abundant, with various USB-A and USB-C ports, wireless charging, and a traditional power outlet. A 15-inch head-up display kept essential information visible, and the rear camera mirror enhanced rear visibility, especially useful when the bed was fully loaded. However, the truck lacked an onboard generator, unlike some of its rivals.

On the tech front, the 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali Ultimate stood out with a 13.4-inch touchscreen, 15-inch head-up display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Google built-in, wireless device charging, and a 12-speaker Bose surround-sound system. Its navigation system was impressively sharp and user-friendly. Notably, physical buttons for climate control were retained, offering a simpler way to adjust settings without distracting the driver.

Trailer aids were plentiful, with a trailer-brake controller, hitch guidance, hitch view, a 2.5-inch receiver hitch with connectors, and a comprehensive ProGrade trailering system providing 14 camera views, including the innovative Transparent Trailer View. However, the steering-column-mounted gear shift stalk somewhat obstructed the center screen, an ergonomic misstep in an otherwise well-thought-out cabin.

Safety features played a critical role in both vehicles. The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered standard front pedestrian braking, forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and a following distance indicator. The unique GM Safety Seat provided haptic feedback to alert the driver in emergencies. Optional adaptive cruise control was capable of considering extra braking distance when towing a trailer, and the Buckle to Drive feature ensured seat belt usage. Teen Driver technology monitored younger drivers’ behavior and provided reports. However, neither NHTSA nor IIHS had rated the Silverado 2500HD yet.

The GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali Ultimate mirrored the Silverado’s safety repertoire and added more. Besides automatic emergency braking and forward-collision warning, it also included lane-departure warning, front and rear parking sensors, a surround-view parking camera, pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, and a rear-facing cargo bed camera. The power-operated side mirrors provided extensive side and rear views and could be adjusted for a wider angle when towing.