GMC Sierra 1500 vs GMC Sierra 2500HD

The 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali Ultimate was a striking presence on the road, with its massive grille and imposing size that rivaled even 18-wheelers. Finished in Onyx Black with an Alpine Umber tan interior, it rode on 20-inch aluminum alloys with gloss black inserts, giving it a menacing, traffic-parting attitude. The updated front bumper and grille assembly, along with standard LED headlights and taillights, added to its bold look. The Denali Ultimate trim offered a six-passenger Crew Cab with two cargo bed lengths, featuring handy side steps for easy access. The versatile MultiPro Tailgate, standard on this model, could be configured in six different ways, enhancing its functionality for various cargo needs.

In contrast, the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 maintained its bold styling with a tall, flat hood and broad grille, distinguishing it from its Chevrolet Silverado sibling. The Denali and Denali Ultimate models featured a large chrome grille and available 22-inch wheels, while the AT4 and AT4X off-road models had a more subdued appearance. Inside, the Sierra 1500's blocky design was less impressive, with unremarkable materials even in the Denali Ultimate trim. However, it offered numerous creature comforts, including heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power sunroof, making it a comfortable choice for long drives.

The 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali Ultimate was powered by a 6.6-liter Duramax turbocharged diesel V8 engine, delivering 470 horsepower and an impressive 975 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed Allison automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, it offered strong highway passing power and smooth acceleration despite its three-ton weight. The HD Denali Ultimate's handling was influenced by its size, requiring ample space for agility, while its firm ride was tailored for towing and hauling. The suspension could be unsettled by rough roads, but the lofty seating position provided an expansive view.

The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. Two V8 options were available: a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, and a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. The 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel inline-six, standard on AT4 and AT4X models, produced 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque. The diesel engine in the Denali Ultimate test truck provided smooth, linear power delivery, while the 10-speed automatic transmission shifted seamlessly. The Sierra 1500's chassis offered a comfortable ride, though it couldn't match the refinement of a luxury car.

The 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali Ultimate featured a luxurious interior with full-grain leather seats, leather-covered door panels, and a microsuede headliner. The front seats were wide, supportive, and equipped with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Rear passengers enjoyed limo-like legroom and ample headroom. Storage space was excellent, with a spacious center console and optional locking safe. However, accessing items in the front door pockets proved challenging.

The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 offered multiple cab and bed-length configurations, including a two-door regular cab, double cab, and crew cab. The crew cab provided spacious rear seating, though the cushions were hard and angled awkwardly. The Sierra 1500 boasted higher cargo-box volume than its competitors and offered the reconfigurable Multi-Pro tailgate on SLE and higher models. Towing capacity ranged from 9,200 to 13,200 pounds, with the diesel engine providing the highest capacity. The Sierra 1500's maximum payload capacity was 2,240 pounds, slightly less than its Silverado sibling.

The 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali Ultimate was equipped with a 13.4-inch touchscreen, a 15-inch head-up display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The navigation system was sharp and accurate, while the climate control system featured convenient buttons and dials. However, the steering-column-mounted gearshift stalk obstructed the center screen. The HD Denali Ultimate also included a range of trailer aids, such as a trailer-brake controller and ProGrade trailering system with 14 camera views.

The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500's base Pro models featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and wired smartphone connectivity. SLE and higher models offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.4-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Google-based interface provided a seamless user experience, with large icons and easy-to-navigate functions. Analog controls for audio, climate, and seat heaters were retained for convenience.

The 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali Ultimate came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The power-operated side mirrors provided an expansive view, and the surround-view parking camera aided in maneuvering the large truck.

The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 received mixed results in IIHS testing, with a "Good" score in the driver-side small overlap front crash test but a "Marginal" score in the passenger-side version. It performed better in NHTSA testing, earning a five-star overall safety rating for crew cab models. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane-keep assist. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and GM's Super Cruise hands-free driver-assistance system.