Which GMC Sierra is Right for you?

The GMC Sierra lineup consists of the light-duty GMC Sierra 1500 pickup with impressive capability and innovative features as well as the heavy-duty GMC Sierra HD models — 2500HD and 3500HD — that offer exceptional towing power and rugged attitudes. Both variants are quality options, and your choice depends only on your driving needs. Here is a closer look at how the GMC Sierra 1500 and GMC Sierra HD differ so you can make the right decision for your new truck in Mandan, North Dakota!

Sizing them up

Since the GMC Sierra 1500 is a light-duty truck and tips the scale at just a half-ton, it is smaller than its heavy-duty counterparts. A new Sierra 1500 with a Regular Cab and Standard Bed measures 210.97 inches long and 81.15 inches wide (not counting the side mirrors). The smallest Sierra 2500HD, with a Regular Cab and Long Bed, measures 236.30 inches long and 81.75 inches wide. While that’s not much more width, that’s more than 2 feet longer bumper to bumper.

That’s all certainly worth considering when you’re parking and driving around Mandan or Bismarck. The 2500HD is also taller than the 1500 by about 4 inches. The size of the Sierra 2500HD comes with obvious advantages of more towing and hauling capabilities. The Sierra 1500 is no pipsqueak, though, and offers tons of power for its light-duty pickup class.

Both the Sierra 1500 and the Sierra HD models provide similar passenger space, depending on the type of cab you choose. You can select a Regular Cab (two or three seats up front), a Double Cab (up to six seats with a front-row bench), or a Crew Cab (also six seats, but with more legroom in the back). The difference in rear legroom for the Double vs. Crew comes to 35.24 inches in the Double and 43.4 inches in the Crew. Front legroom is the same at 44.53 inches in all Sierra models, no matter which cab you choose.

Among all of the Sierra 1500 and Sierra HD trims, you’ll find a collection of comfortable and convenient interior amenities. Many of these features are the same for each version of the truck, including the incredibly smart and standard connected tech like a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless smartphone capability, and Teen Driver.

Powerful options

Both the Sierra 1500 and Sierra 2500HD come with versatile powertrain options that are more than capable of getting the job done. The 2024 Sierra 1500 offers a few more engine options to choose from:

• TurboMax™ engine: 310 horsepower and best-in-class 430 lb-ft of torque
• 5.3-liter EcoTec3 gas V8: 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque
• 3.0-liter Duramax® Turbo-Diesel: 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque
• 6.2-liter gas V8: 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque

The standard TurboMax™ engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, but all of the other upgraded engines are mated to a 10-speed Allison® automatic transmission instead. The most efficient option of this group is the Turbo-Diesel Duramax®, which gets up to 29 mpg on the highway.[1] That’s what you can expect on the 2024 GMC Terrain, too.

The 2025 GMC Sierra 2500HD, with fewer engines, offers two formidable powertrains to choose from:

• Standard 6.6-liter gas V8: 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque
• Available Duramax® 6.6-liter Turbo-Diesel V8: 470 horsepower and 975 lb-ft of torque

Both of these engines are paired with an Allison® 10-speed automatic transmission. There is an available variant of that 10-speed transmission for four-wheel drive (4WD) Sierra 2500HD models, adding an integrated Power Take-Off that’s useful for powering other devices outside of the truck.

Strong capability

In addition to size, the major difference between the trucks is their towing capability. Here’s what you can expect for maximum towing for the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 and its available engines:

• TurboMax™ engine: 9,500 pounds
• 5.3-liter EcoTec3 gas V8: 11,200 pounds
• 3.0-liter Duramax® Turbo-Diesel: 13,300 pounds
• 6.2-liter gas V8: 13,100 pounds

The 2025 GMC Sierra 2500HD’s capability is more powerful and depends greatly on the cab, engine, and type of trailering you’re doing. For example, the 2500HD Crew Cab can tow up to 21,870 pounds with the available Turbo-Diesel V8 engine.

GMC Sierra 3500 HD Differences

If you want the most power possible in a GMC Sierra truck, you should consider the Sierra 3500HD. This beastlier version of the 2500HD offers even greater capability thanks to how it’s built. With four rear wheels and two in the front in a dually configuration, this heavy-duty pickup delivers improved balance and traction over the Sierra 1500 and Sierra 2500HD.

When properly equipped with the Max Trailering Package, a gooseneck hitch, the Convenience Package, and 120-volt power outlet, the Sierra 3500HD Crew Cab 2WD can tow a staggering 36,000 pounds (when powered by the available 6.6-liter Turbo-Diesel V8).

The Sierra 3500HD is also heavier than the Sierra 2500HD, which could make it harder to maneuver for some drivers. Coming in at a full ton, the GMC Sierra 3500HD weighs 500 pounds more than the GMC Sierra 2500HD.

Sierra Truck Pricing Explained

Since you get greater capability in the GMC Sierra HD compared to the GMC Sierra 1500, you’ll pay more for the 2500HD or 3500HD. For example, the starting price for the 2024 Sierra 1500 is $39,695 while the 2025 Sierra 2500HD comes in with an MSRP of $48,295.[2]

With a range of trims and packages for both the light-duty and heavy-duty models, though, you’ll be able to find an option that fits your budget at Schwan Buick GMC. This includes options like the Denali and Denali Ultimate trims that add touches of luxury, inside and out, to the trucks. There are also the adventurous AT4 and AT4X models that are outfitted with exclusive features like suspension lifts, front and rear electronic locking differentials, and Multimatic™ DSSV dampers.

The best way to decide which GMC Sierra truck is best for your life in Mandan is by taking them for test drives here at Schwan Buick GMC - contact us to set one up. We look forward to seeing you and answering any questions you may have about the GMC Sierra 1500 or the GMC Sierra HD.