2024 GMC Sierra HD Debuts As Part Workhorse And Part Luxury Vehicle

This fall has been bountiful for heavy-duty trucks as Ford unveiled the new Super Duty, Chevrolet took the wraps off the facelifted Silverado HD, and Ram introduced a new 2500 HD Rebel.

Now, the 2024 GMC Sierra HD is taking center stage with revised styling, an upgraded turbodiesel engine, improved capability, and a new range-topper in the form of the Denali Ultimate.

Starting outside, the Sierra HD gets a light refresh that primarily focuses on the front end. The changes are relatively subtle, but buyers will find a revised grille that is flanked by new headlights.  The latter also get an animated lighting sequence when approaching or starting the pickup.

Further below, there’s a new front bumper that features an edgier design as well as smaller fog lights. Additional changes are limited, but the truck has been equipped with new taillights and updated wheels. The color palette has also been revamped as there are six new colors: Titanium Rush Metallic, Sterling Metallic, Volcanic Red Tintcoat, Redwood Metallic, Meteorite Metallic, and Downpour Metallic.

A Luxurious New Interior With Additional Tech

The star of the show is an all-new interior that can be found on SLE and SLT trims. The AT4, Denali, and Denali Ultimate are even more luxurious as they sport a “premium interior” that appears best-in-class.

GMC didn’t go into many specifics, but buyers will find a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.4-inch infotainment system with Google integration as well as wireless Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. The infotainment system also has a split-screen view, so drivers can have a navigation screen on the left side while having audio controls on the right.

Besides the new displays, we can see a modern dashboard, higher-quality materials, and updated switchgear. They’re joined by a revised center console and a relocated wireless smartphone charger.

An Upgraded Turbodiesel With 470 HP

The updates continue under the hood as there’s an improved 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine that features a new turbocharger, optimized cylinder heads, and a revamped combustion system with higher-flow injectors.

Thanks to these and other changes, the engine produces 470 hp (350 kW / 477 PS) and 975 lb-ft (1,320 Nm) of torque. That’s an increase of 25 hp (19 kW / 25 PS) and 65 lb-ft (88 Nm), and GMC noted low-end torque production climbs by up to 25% for improved towing performance.

Customers can also opt for a familiar 6.6-liter V8 that develops 401 hp (299 kW / 407 PS) and 464 lb-ft (628 Nm) of torque. While it carries over, the gas engine is now paired with a 10-speed Allision transmission that replaces the old six-speed gearbox.

New Towing Features And Improved Capabilities

Heavy-duty trucks are all about towing, so the pickup has a new Max Tow Package that will enable the Sierra HD 2500 Crew Cab to have a best-in-class towing capacity of up to 21,900 lbs (9,934 kg). In other configurations, the Sierra 2500 HD can tow up to 22,500 lbs (10,206 kg) which is 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg) more than the outgoing model. If that’s not enough, the 3500 HD can tow up to 36,000 lbs (16,329 kg).

On the topic of towing, there are several new and improved features to make trailering easier. Key among them is adaptive cruise control with trailering support. It operates like a traditional adaptive cruise control system, but factors in additional drag and increased braking distances when towing a trailer.

GMC’s Transparent Trailer View technology has also been improved to support goosenecks and fifth wheels. It uses a camera mounted on the rear of the truck and a camera mounted on the back of a trailer to ‘stitch together’ a live video that enables drivers to ‘see through’ their trailer.

Furthermore, the pickup gains a new GCW Alert system that warns owners when the truck and trailer weight exceed the Gross Combined Weight Rating. The Sierra HD can also be equipped with Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert, which extends the blind zone monitoring area to account for the length of trailers.

Other tech features include Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, and Automatic Emergency Braking. The model also has standard IntelliBeam headlights, a Following Distance Indicator, and Front Pedestrian Braking. Customers can also upgrade to the optional Pro Safety Plus Package, which adds Rear Cross Traffic Braking and the aforementioned Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert.

New Denali Ultimate Is One Fancy Workhorse

While the updates are welcome, we’re saving the best for last as GMC is offering an all-new Sierra HD Denali Ultimate. Designed to be luxurious and capable, the model features a unique grille, Vader chrome accents, and exclusive 20-inch aluminum wheels with gloss black flourishes. They’re joined by power side steps, a six-way MultiPro tailgate, and a unique fender badge featuring the topography of Mount Denali.

Inside, buyers will find an exclusive Alpine Umber interior with open-pore wood trim and full-grain leather that covers everything from the seats to the door panels. Other highlights include a Bose audio system with stainless-steel speaker grilles, a microsuede headliner, and 16-way power front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Other niceties include a power sunroof, leather-wrapped grab handles, a rearview camera mirror, and a 15-inch color head-up display.

The 2024 GMC Sierra HD will arrive at dealerships in the first quarter of next year and be followed by an all-new AT4X variant. We’ll learn more about that pickup closer to launch, but it will likely be an off-road-focused model that blends adventure with luxury.