Following in the tracks of the Chevrolet Silverado HD based on the same platform, the heavy-duty GMC Sierra pickup has now received its share of mid-generational updates.
The 6.6-liter naturally aspirated Vortec V8 still burns gas for its usual 407 PS (401 hp / 299 kW) and 629 Nm (464 lb-ft) of torque. Things have changed for the 6.6-liter Duramax diesel, which now pumps out a superior 477 PS (470 hp / 351 kW) and 1,322 Nm (975 lb-ft) of torque, delivering up to 25% more torque at low RPM counts. An Allison ten-speed A/T drives the rear wheels in the cheapest specs and all four wheels in the higher ones.
Like before, customers can choose between two variants named 2500HD and 3500 HD. The former was upgraded for 10.2 metric tons (22,500 pounds) of towing capacity instead of 8.4 tons (18,500 pounds). The latter is now available with rear duallies and comes rated for 16.3 metric tons (36,000 pounds) of towing.
As usual, the cab type can be single, double or Crew (the largest variant). Those who want one of the top trims – Denali or even Denali Ultimate – will have to go for the Crew Cab, because the others aren’t supported. Shelling out for the Denali Ultimate gets you shadow chrome details, darkened 20-inch wheels, retractable running boards and a cabin trimmed with exquisite leather and wood.
Elsewhere, the turn indicators are now animated like arrows and the front grille is larger than before. All trims except for the base one now feature a new dashboard with digital gauges and a 13.4-inch infotainment screen swiveled slightly towards the driver.
The adaptive cruise control now works in conjunction with towing mode and makes corrections based on the weight and the drag of the trailer attached. Blind spot monitoring also takes the same factors into account now. Should the trailer come equipped with its own video cameras, the car will display the feed from all cameras at once, not just its own.
The sales are set to begin in the first quarter of 2023. The off-roading AT4X modification is expected to join the lineup later.