2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD

header-image
$34,740 - $59,145
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on September 26, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Smooth transmission

Not so good handling

2 colors added to the lineu

Efficient Engin

Larger carbon footprint

No significant Change

Suave looks

Specs & Features

$38,525

price

360 hp @ 5400 rpm

horsepower

380 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm

torque

6-Speed Shiftable Automatic

transmission

6.0L 8cyl RWD 6A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

GMC Sierra 2500 HD has 3 big engines. First, you have a 6.0L Vortec Variable Valve Timing V8 SFI engine that generates 360 horses and 380-pound feet of torque @ 4200 rpm. Then you have same 6.0L V8 mentioned above but it is CNG/LPG capable engine. A diesel engine is available and its a behemoth 6.6L Duramax turbo-diesel V8 developing 445 horses and massive 910-pound feet of torque. The 6.0L V8 SFI engine is available with a 6-speed automatic transmission and Duramax diesel gets Allison 6-speed automatic transmission.

Buying Advice

2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD Regular Cab is best to have in the SLE trim That is the best the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD Regular Cab can offer

Comparative Analysis against Competition

GMC is a division of the American automobile giant General motors whose main focus is to build trucks and utility vehicles. GMC Sierra 2500HD is a full size heavy duty pick up and shares its underpinnings with Chevrolet Silverado which is one of the most popular trucks available in the market today. Primarily designed as work trucks, they are now also being called lifestyle vehicles. They work hard on the weekdays and even harder during the weekends.

Features
8.9/10

2018 GMC Sierra 2500 HD has 4 trim levels. It starts from Sierra which is the base trim and goes all the way to the posh Denali trim. Sierra trim level retails at $40,195 for 2WD and $43,195 for 4WD. The ultra-posh top trim Denali starts at $57,795 for 2WD and $60,795 for 4WD. With every trim level, you get good number of configurations be it bed length, transmission and 3 engine options. A 6.0L Vortec Variable Valve Timing V8 SFI engine that generates 360 horses and 380-pound feet of torque @ 4200 rpm.

Then you have same 6.0L V8 but it is CNG/LPG capable, a behemoth 6.6L Duramax turbo-diesel V8 developing 445 horses and massive 910-pound feet of torque. The 6.0L V8 SFI engine is available with a 6-speed automatic transmission and Duramax diesel gets Allison 6-speed automatic transmission.

Trim Sierra 2500HD Sierra 2500HD SLE Sierra 2500HD SLT Sierra 2500HD Denali
MSRP $34,740 $46,495 $51,695 $57,795
Key Features High-capacity air cleaner Outside, Leather-wrapped steering wheel with cruise and audio controls Leather-wrapped steering wheel with cruise and audio controls Automatic locking rear differential
  manual-adjustable Black mirrors Remote Locking Tailgate Remote Locking Tailgate Digital Steering Assist Outside,
  Solar-absorbing glass Air conditioning High-capacity air cleaner High-capacity air cleaner power-adjustable,
  Manual tilt steering column Digital Steering Assist Digital Steering Assist power-folding heated mirrors
  7" diagonal GMC Infotainment System Air conditioning Dual-zone automatic climate control 8" diagonal GMC Infotainment System with Navigation Front and rear carpeted floor mats
  6-speaker audio system Manual tilt steering column 6-speaker audio system Remote Keyless Entry
    6-speaker audio system    

There are 6 optional packages that are available with GMC Sierra 2500 HD. These are convenience Package, Sierra convenience plus package, 5th wheel prep package or as they say Gooseneck, Hitch Package, Protection Package and essential package.

Our recommendation for the best trim

If you’re looking for a trim which is loaded with creature comfort, SLT trim suits most of your needs. With this trim you get the optional Duramax 6.6L turbo diesel engine giving you the best torque and towing capacity.

Fuel Economy
6.8/10

Heavy duty pick-up trucks have very high fuel consumption that is why they are not rated for fuel economy.

2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4WD version can tow up to 18,100 pounds but here we are testing 2WD version which can pull 13,000 pounds. Thats really good considering the fact its not 4WD.

Model GMC Sierra 2500HD Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD WT Ford F250 Superduty XL RAM 2500 Tradesman Crew Cab
Maximum Towing Capacity 13000 lbs. 13000 lbs. 12900 lbs. 11520 lbs.

In comparison, Chevrolet and GMC have equal towing capacity of 13,000 pounds, the best in segment. Ford F-250 Superduty has a towing capacity of 12,900 pounds which is pretty good considering it is the lightest truck in the segment. Ram 2500 has the least towing capacity of 11,520 pounds.

Interior
8.5/10

"While it might not be the most luxurious vehicle in the class, this 2500HD has a totally livable interior. The overall design is dated, but the materials quality is sufficient."-Edmunds

Seating & Comfort

2018 GMC 2500HD has good interior comfort. With regular updates every year, the interior gets little Knick knack changes. These trucks can take up to 6 passengers and offer list of endless features which keep everyone at ease. The tall stance and long wheelbase provides ample amount of headroom and legroom.

Model GMC Sierra 2500HD Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD WT Ford F250 Superduty XL RAM 2500 Tradesman Crew Cab
Passenger capacity 6 6 6 6
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) 42.8/64.8/45.2 42.8/64.8/45.2 40.8/66.7/43.9 41.0/66.0/41.0
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) 40.5/64.3/40.9 40.5/64.3/40.9 40.4/65.6/43.6 39.9/65.7/40.3

With 42.8 inches of headroom and 45.2 inches legroom, GMC Sierra 2500HD and Chevrolet 2500HD are the best among competition. Ford F-250 Superduty has best shoulder room, be it front and rear at 66.7 inches and 65.6 inches respectively. At the rear, GMC Sierra 2500HD and Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD have best headroom 40.5 inches.

Cargo Capacity

2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD has a big bed which has massive cargo volume of 61 cu. Ft. It is enough to carry large suitcases when on a trip or heavy equipment when youre on work.

Model GMC Sierra 2500HD Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD WT Ford F250 Superduty XL RAM 2500 Tradesman Crew Cab
Cargo Volume (ft.3) 61.0 61.0 65.4 57.5

In comparison, Ford F-250 Superduty has the best cargo volume of 65.4 cu. ft, GMC and Chevy have the same cargo volume of 61 cu. Ft. RAM 2500, due to its small exterior dimensions than competition, has the least cargo volume of 57.5 cu. Ft.

Infotainment System

GMC Sierra 2500HD has a 7-inch infotainment system. The touchscreen is really intuitive and easy toVoice-activatedivated technology comes standard which helps in keeping the hands more at the steering column than on the screen. Rest it has host of features such as Apple car play, android auto, Bluetooth streaming etc.

Exterior
8.5/10

Dimension & Weight

2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD is 239.5 inches in length, 80.5 inches in width and 78.2 inches in height. Wheelbase of 153.7 inches opens up a lot of room for passengers inside the cabin. A good ground clearance of 9.6 inches gives it easy clearance over road undulations and a massive advantage over any terrain.

Model GMC Sierra 2500HD Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD WT Ford F250 Superduty XL RAM 2500 Tradesman Crew Cab
Curb weight (lbs.) 6,242 6,242 6,060 6,306
Length(in) 239.5 239.5 250.0 237.4
Width(in) 80.5 80.5 80.0 79.5
Height(in) 78.2 78.2 78.3 76.9
Ground clearance (in) 9.6 9.6 8.5 6.1
Wheelbase (in) 153.7 153.7 160.0 149.0
Track width (in) F/R 68.8/68.8 68.8/68.8 67.2/67.2 66.4/66.4

In comparison, Ford F-250 Superduty is longest at 250 inches and has the largest wheelbase at 160 inches. Such wheelbase provides superb space inside the cabin. GMC and Chevrolet are widest at 80.5 inches and have really good cabin space. RAM 2500 is the heaviest and smallest in the segment. RAM also doesnt have room inside the cabin as competitors.

Safety
8.0/10

GMC Sierra 2500HD gets some really good safety technologies which makes this truck a safe bet when youre carrying loved ones. Some of the features are: -

  • 6 air bags
  • Daytime Running Lamps
  • Rear Vision Camera
  • StabiliTrak, stability control system with Proactive Roll Avoidance and traction control
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Competition
9.0/10

GMC Sierra 2500HD vs Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado are mechanical twins. They have equal exterior dimensions, engine and performance, seating and comfort, cargo space etc. They are seemingly the same, just the design is a little different and come under different company logos. Both can tow massive amounts of loads and are very capable. The only difference is $1,000 between these two.

GMC Sierra 2500HD vs Ford F-250

Ford has been producing the best-selling heavy-duty pickup trucks since decades. Ford F-250 has got a cyborg look and looks a truck that can be a transformer. Ford has some serious pedigree and heritage that proves its mettle. With an exhaustive list of safety tech, creature comfort features, it is superior to GMC Sierra 2500HD in most areas. The Acceleration department is the only place where the latter exceeds but nobody buys these trucks for drag strips.

GMC Sierra 2500HD vs Ram 2500HD

RAM 2500HD is a really good competition to GMC Sierra 2500HD but only in terms of price and engine performance. In other spheres, GMC has a solid lead over RAM. RAM does have really good interior quality but the in terms of space inside the cabin GMC is a notch above. RAM also lags behind in towing capacity, exterior dimensions etc. Reliability might raise a question as RAM is better than GMC in after sales and longevity.

Final Verdict

GMC is the core of SUVs and heavy-duty pick-ups. It might not have the power of Ford or is reliable as RAM, but it does make up for it by giving absolute best interior space, towing capacity, acceleration etc. It might be pricy than other competitors but luxury and looks do come at a price and GMC Sierra 2500HD justifies it.

Trims

    Base
    $34,740 onwards
    • 17-inch painted steel Wheels
    • 1St row LCD monitor
    • AM/FM/Satellite-Prep
    • Cloth Seat trim
    • Driver Lumbar support
    • Manual front air conditioning
    SLE
    $40,140 onwards
    • 17-inch machined aluminum Wheels
    SLT
    $47,335 onwards
    • Engine: 6.0L 8cyl 4WD 6A
    • Horsepower: 360 hp @ 5400 rpm hp
    • Torque: 380 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 7.3 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 21 mpg
    Denali
    $55,945 onwards
    • Engine: 6.0L 8cyl RWD 6A
    • Horsepower: 360 hp @ 5400 rpm hp
    • Torque: 380 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 7.3 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 21 mpg

Compare to similar cars

Price

$34,740- $59,145

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

8.36

Horsepower

360 hp @ 5400 rpm

Torque

380 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm

Capacity

6

Read Review

$28,285- $55,575

Gasoline

7.3

285 hp @ 5300 rpm

305 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm

3

Read Review

$33,960- $58,360

Gasoline

7.53

360 hp @ 5400 rpm

380 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm

3

Read Review

$35,260- $59,465

Gasoline

6.7

360 hp @ 5400 rpm

380 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm

3

Read Review

$28,705- $56,055

Gasoline

7.29

355 hp @ 5600 rpm

305 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm

3

Read Review

$35,900- $59,500

Gasoline

8.02

360 hp @ 5400 rpm

380 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm

3

Read Review

$30,030- $56,800

Gasoline

8.14

390 hp @ 5800 rpm

394 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

3

Read Review

$32,290- $64,110

Gasoline

7.98

390 hp @ 5800 rpm

394 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

3

Read Review

$32,545- $62,895

Gasoline

7.57

383 hp @ 5600 rpm

400 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

3

Read Review

$33,645- $63,995

Gasoline

8.11

383 hp @ 5600 rpm

400 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

3

Read Review

2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    7.3 sec--
    5.9 sec--
    6.7 sec15.1 sec110 mph
    7 sec--
    7.1 sec--
    7.2 sec15.2 sec124 mph

    2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      ---36 gal.349.8/461.1 mi.
      2018 RAM 2500

      Ranked #1

      28 mpg34 mpg31 mpg32 gal.-
      16 mpg24 mpg20 mpg26 gal.468/624 mi.
      18 mpg24 mpg20 mpg26 gal.468/624 mi.
      15 mpg21 mpg18 mpg26 gal.390/546 mi.
      15 mpg21 mpg18 mpg26 gal.390/546 mi.

      2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        224.4 in.80.12 in.77.8 in.8.8 in.133.6 in.

        2018 RAM 4500

        Ranked #1

        234 in.97 in.80 in.14 in.145 in.
        231.8 in.80 in.77.8 in.8.5 in.141.6 in.
        231.8 in.80 in.77.9 in.8.5 in.141.6 in.
        2018 RAM 2500

        Ranked #3

        231 in.78.9 in.73.3 in.6 in.140.5 in.
        231 in.79.5 in.77.3 in.8.1 in.139.8 in.

        2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          76.3 cu.ft.114.3 cu.ft.76.3 cu.ft.
          11.6 cu.ft.91.5 cu.ft.16.2 cu.ft.
          11.6 cu.ft.-78.5 cu.ft.
          76.3 cu.ft.119.7 cu.ft.76.3 cu.ft.
          2018 RAM 3500

          Ranked #4

          34.4 cu.ft.104 cu.ft.60.8 cu.ft.
          76.3 cu.ft.-61 cu.ft.

          2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            14.9 cu.ft.76.3 cu.ft.76.3 cu.ft.98 ft.
            61 cu.ft.76.3 cu.ft.61 cu.ft.98 ft.
            61 cu.ft.-61 cu.ft.79 ft.
            19.1 cu.ft.76.3 cu.ft.19.1 cu.ft.98 ft.
            -7.2 cu.ft.-99 ft.
            2018 RAM 2500

            Ranked #6

            60.9 cu.ft.16.4 cu.ft.16.4 cu.ft.98 ft.

            2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Gooseneck/5th Wheel Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              18100 lbs.14800 lbs.3534 lbs.5741 lbs.
              2018 RAM 3500

              Ranked #1

              31210 lbs.11730 lbs.4080 lbs.3691 lbs.
              21500 lbs.13000 lbs.4060 lbs.5909 lbs.
              18500 lbs.13200 lbs.4250 lbs.5683 lbs.
              18100 lbs.14800 lbs.3534 lbs.5741 lbs.
              2018 RAM 2500

              Ranked #5

              17980 lbs.11710 lbs.3050 lbs.3359 lbs.

              Top GMC Cars

              2018 GMC Yukon

              Horsepower : 355 hp @ 5600 rpm

              MPG Combined : 19 mpg

              0-60 : 7.3 sec

              #1

              2018 GMC Sierra 1500

              Horsepower : 355 hp @ 5600 rpm

              MPG Combined : 20 mpg

              0-60 : 7.7 sec

              #2

              2018 GMC Canyon

              Horsepower : 200 hp @ 6300 rpm

              MPG Combined : 22 mpg

              0-60 : 8.7 sec

              #3

              2018 GMC Acadia

              Horsepower : 193 hp @ 6300 rpm

              MPG Combined : 23 mpg

              0-60 : 8.1 sec

              #4

              2018 GMC Terrain

              Horsepower : 170 hp @ 5600 rpm

              MPG Combined : 28 mpg

              0-60 : 9.29 sec

              #5