Sierra 2500HD comes with a gasoline-powered 6.6L, V8 engine as standard that generates 401 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and can be had in both RWD or AWD options. For what it is, the engine shows refinement we expect from a gasoline mill but it won’t have the brutish power of the optional Duramax turbo diesel engine. The diesel variant is the same by capacity at 6.6L, V8 but gets a turbo setup for enhanced power and fuel economy. This engine churns out 445 hp and a massive 910 lb-ft of twisting moment. It also gets its dedicated 10-speed Allison automatic transmission. It is very refined, something we don’t expect from diesel fuel, and the transmission as well has more than enough ratios to help you while towing substantial loads. The power is available in abundance in the Sierra 2500HD with which the primitive form can accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph within 6.5 seconds and can cover a quarter-mile in 15 seconds.
Models
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2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD
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2020 Ford Super Duty F-250 XL
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2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Work Truck
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2020 Ram 2500 Tradesman
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MSRP
|
$35,800
|
$34,050
|
$34,600
|
$33,900
|
Engine
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6.6L, Naturally Aspirated, V-8
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6.2L, Naturally Aspirated, V-8
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6.6L, Naturally Aspirated, V-8
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6.4L, Naturally Aspirated, V-8
|
Drivetrain
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RWD
|
RWD
|
RWD
|
RWD
|
Transmission
|
6-speed automatic
|
6-speed automatic
|
6-speed automatic
|
8-speed automatic
|
Power (hp @ RPM
|
401 @ 5,200
|
385 @ 5,750
|
401 @ 5,200
|
410 @ 5,600
|
Torque (lb-ft @ RPM)
|
464 @ 4,000
|
430 @ 3,800
|
464 @ 4,000
|
429 @ 4,000
|
0-60 MPH (seconds)
|
6.5
|
7.4
|
6.7
|
8.3
|
Quarter-Mile (seconds)
|
15.0
|
15.3
|
14.8
|
22.9
|
Top-Speed (MPH)
|
100
|
139
|
130
|
120
|
Towing Capacity (lbs.)*
|
35,500
|
37,000
|
35,500
|
35,100
|
As far as the rivalry is concerned, the Ford F-250 champions the towing prowess with its exceptional mark of nearly 7850 lbs while the Sierra 2500HD follows it closely with its 7442lbs in its dual rear wheel setup. The latter can also carry up to 4534lbs in RWD layout which is equally impressive in its own sense. Despite having such strength, the GMC does not compromise with its performance dynamics because of which it leads the pack and comes at the top among all in terms of its desirability. Its mechanical twin Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is somewhat parallel and challenges it to a large extent in this section.
How well does the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD handle?
Thanks to the independent suspension setup the truck feels comfortable to drive and soaks up every undulation it comes across. The steering wheel response isn’t that great on the highway speeds but still, the truck feels agile for its size and segment. The 6-speed auto transmission with the base engine is fine but it feels taxed while towing. The reason is pretty simple; it just doesn’t have enough ratios to keep the truck in its desirable torque band all the time. Here comes the Allison 10-speed auto which no matter what load you are carrying or towing doesn’t disappoint, at all.
Apart from that, there are a few inherent demerits that the body style itself comes with. It includes the huge forward dive during hard braking which exacerbates when it is fully loaded. The mass transfer to the cornering wheels is also a matter of concern that engineers have to sort out. Therefore, to counter such upheavals, the anti-roll bars along with the StabiliTrak and Hitch Guidance have been attached. All in all, one can be content with its overall pursuit.
2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD Braking Performance
To limit this massive pick-up truck the brakes should be big and frictioned enough to take the beating. Though the same is not translated as per what’s expected, as the GMC Sierra 2500HD comes with rather small rotors of 13.0 inches at the front and 13.6 inches at the rear yet that does not affect its braking performance. It takes 140 feet to come to a standstill from 60 MPH speed. In addition to that, the Trailer brake controller, 4-wheel ABS, and Brake lining wear indicator have also been integrated to improve the feedback.
Models
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2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD
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2020 Ford Super Duty F-250 XL
|
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Work Truck
|
2020 Ram 2500 Tradesman
|
Brake Rotors: Front (inches)
|
13.0
|
14.3
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14.0
|
14.2
|
Brake Rotors: Rear (inches)
|
13.6
|
14.3
|
14.1
|
14.1
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Curb Weight (lbs)
|
6105
|
5677
|
6105
|
5988
|
60-0 (feet)
|
140
|
140
|
134
|
135
|
Except for the Sierra, all the other rivals come with almost similar brake-rotor dimensions but two out of them simply outclass the rest. The Chevy Silverado with its 134 feet stopping limit is the best performer followed by the Ram. The other 2 are not really underappreciated but the 6 feet difference could be a deciding factor in some situations. One must bow to Chevy for such a functional braking system it has on offer that works in rhythm despite dealing with the heaviest mass transfer.