2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD

The GMC Sierra 2500 Heavy Duty is appropriately named. It’s for heavy-duty use or work. There’s an even heavier-duty 3500 that’s really extreme, but this review will keep things at a payload of 2.5 tons, not 3.5.

For 2022 the only changes are new colors. The base model gets a new name, the HD Pro, but it’s the same as 2021.

The Sierra 2500 HD comes in three cab configurations: regular, extended and crew. There are different lengths for the bed, and also available are dual rear wheels.

The standard engine is a 6.6-liter V-8 making 401 horsepower, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive or optional 4WD. For maximum towing–up to nearly 18 tons–there’s also a 6.6-liter turbodiesel with 10-speed automatic; it makes a monstrous 910 pound-feet of torque.

Trucks this big are not tested by the EPA, NHTSA or IIHS. Don’t expect the Sierra to go easy on your pocket at the pump, and it’s safe to say you can feel secure if you crash. GMC offers cameras for all sorts of hauling and towing help, including a rearview camera with up to 15 views, making connecting a trailer a piece of cake.

Model Lineup

Made in Indiana, the Sierra starts at about $39,000 for the HD Pro and reaches to more than twice that for a well-equipped Denali.

The Sierra HD Pro has an 8.0-inch touchscreen with good infotainment including Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

The SLE and SLT models add features, and can be ordered with features like adaptive cruise control and eight cameras. If you intend to use your Sierra for offroad adventures, there’s an X31 package with skid plates and Rancho shocks.

A 4WD Sierra SLE with the turbodiesel engine runs about $55,000.

The Sierra HD AT4 is good for not only hard off-roading, but also rugged and muddy construction sites.

The luxury Denali hits $78,000, while options can push it to more than $85,000.

Exterior

The Sierra takes on the look of a semi with its giant grille and fender flares, with a lot of angles. It is definitely conspicuous, even among other big pickups. The Denali adds fanciness with chrome pieces. The AT4 is a bit much with its exaggerated off-road appearance.

Interior

The cabin is busy, but the instrument panel is complete. The cabin earns top marks in comfort and storage space, with a lot of places for small things.

The four-door crew cab has a ton of room, but even the regular and extended cabs can tote lots of equipment.

The pickup bed varies in length, but all can be fitted with work-ready add-ons. One complicated feature on some models is a tailgate that can be configured to work as a step up to the bed, or a workbench, or even laptop desk. The beds all have tie-down locations and the option for a 120-volt power outlet.

Driving Impressions

The 6.6-liter V-8 makes 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, which is plenty to carry its theoretical 2.5-ton payload around in the bed, or to tow at least 7,400 pounds. The upgrade engine is a 6.6-liter turbodiesel V-8 with 445-hp and 910 lb-ft of torque, able to pull up to 35,500 pounds with a fifth-wheel attachment. The turbodiesel might be worthwhile for the transmission alone. It uses a 10-speed automatic, while the standard V-8 uses a 6-speed.

The road manners are beastly. The springs are stiff, as is normal for any heavy-duty truck, and the shocks are built for weight. It isn’t realistic of course, but the ride is much better with a bed full of cinder blocks or sandbags. Driving around town isn’t exactly fun, but when it’s fully laden and pulling its weight—and more—to a work site, the Sierra 2500 excels.

Final Word

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500 is a workhorse, no matter how it’s configured. With the turbodiesel and slick 10-speed automatic it tows smoothly and with authority. We’d start there, and add on the available camera systems for a multi-use towing tool with few rivals.

—by Sam Moses with driving impressions by The Car Connection