2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD vs 2020 GMC Sierra 1500

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD was a behemoth, prioritizing function over form with its massive scale. Whether in a base trim or the luxurious Denali, the Sierra 2500HD was always ready for serious work. The enormous grille fed multiple radiators for the hard-working engine and other sub-systems. The Denali trim stood out with its extensive use of chrome, including a large chrome grille and 8-lug chrome wheels. It was available in several premium exterior colors, with Onyx Black being particularly popular. Despite its flashy touches, the 2500HD Denali was still a workhorse, putting function above luxury.

Trims for the Sierra 2500HD started with the Base, known as the “Sierra,” and included the SLE, SLT, and the top-tier Denali. The base model came with a V8 engine and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SLE added features like 17-inch aluminum wheels, two-tier trailering mirrors, and a 4.2-inch color driver-information screen. The SLT offered 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED bed lighting, and a power-release tailgate. The Denali featured a full leather interior, wood-grain inserts, navigation, wireless device charging, and a Bose premium sound system. However, the Denali's cabin was somewhat lacking in fit-and-finish compared to competitors like the Ram 2500 Limited.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 carried over its 2019 redesign into the 2020 model year with minimal changes. The design was a smart evolution from its previous generation, featuring straight lines and crisp angles that gave it a timeless look. Inside, the layout remained nearly identical to the 2018 model, with a flatter dash that resembled a jukebox. The controls were well-placed, making the interior functional and user-friendly.

The Sierra 1500 was available in six trims: Base, SLE, Elevation, SLT, Denali, and AT4. The Base model came with a V6 engine, a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and LED headlights. The SLE added a larger 8-inch touchscreen, a WiFi hotspot, and remote keyless entry. The Elevation trim offered a unique look with body-color bumpers and 20-inch wheels. The AT4 trim, which we tested, featured off-road-oriented touches like all-terrain tires and red tow hooks. The Denali trim set the bar for luxury with chrome accents, 22-inch wheels, a head-up display, and wireless device charging. CarGurus recommended the SLT trim for its blend of features and road-friendly setup.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered two V8 engine options: a gas and a diesel. The gas V8 produced 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, while the Duramax diesel V8 cranked out 445 hp and an impressive 910 lb-ft of torque. The diesel engine provided relentless power, making it feel like it would never run out of steam. The gas engine was paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel came with a 10-speed Allison transmission, which managed power exceptionally well.

Despite its power, the Sierra 2500HD was a massive, heavy truck with a poor turning radius. Maneuvering it required careful planning, especially in tight spaces. The truck could tow up to 18,510 pounds with a 5th wheel or gooseneck connection and haul a payload of up to 3,979 pounds. For even more capability, the Sierra 3500HD offered higher towing and payload capacities. Fuel economy was not rated by the EPA, but we observed an average of 16.5 miles per gallon during our test drive.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 offered five engine choices. The base engine was a 4.3-liter V6 with 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque. A 2.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine produced 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque. The Duramax turbodiesel 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine delivered 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Two V8 engines were available: a 5.3-liter with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, and a 6.2-liter with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque.

All engines were paired with an automatic transmission, with power routed to the rear wheels or available 4-wheel drive. The 6.2-liter V8 in our AT4 test model provided commanding acceleration and a classic V8 power swell. The Sierra 1500 could tow up to 12,100 pounds when properly equipped. The AT4 trim featured off-road enhancements like skid plates, upgraded suspension components, and hill-descent control. Fuel economy for the AT4 was 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 17 combined. The most efficient version was the turbodiesel with rear-wheel drive, returning 23/30/26 mpg.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD was available in various bed and cab configurations, including a regular cab with a long bed, a double cab with a standard or long bed, and a crew cab with a standard or long bed. The Denali trim was only available with the crew cab and a choice of bed lengths. Both bed sizes featured bed corner steps and steps ahead of the rear wheel well, which were expanded to accommodate larger work boots.

Our test truck came with the EZ lift-and-lower tailgate and the MultiPro tailgate, which offered six different configurations, including a massive step into the truck bed. Inside, the 2500HD had plenty of room and numerous storage options, including a storage area below the rear seats on SLT-and-up trims.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 was available with a single cab and a long bed, a double cab with a standard bed, or a crew cab with a standard or short bed. Our test model featured a carbon-fiber bed and the MultiPro tailgate. The carbon-fiber bed reduced weight, helping to conserve fuel. The MultiPro tailgate could function as a bed-extender or steps into the truck bed, complementing the corner bed steps.

The cabin was loaded with cupholders, cubbies, and storage units. The rear seats folded upward, providing a large storage area for valuable items. The tailgate could be opened with a button in the cab, on the key fob, or on the gate itself, although it was not power open-close.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running GMC Infotainment 3, which featured customizable icons and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SLT and Denali trims had an 8-inch infotainment screen, with navigation available. The Denali also featured an 8-inch color driver-information screen in the instrument panel. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large icons and a sensible menu.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 had straightforward controls and a simple infotainment system with clear graphics and large icons. The system was complemented by tactile controls for the radio and climate. Our AT4 trim featured a head-up display, wireless charging, and multiple USB ports and outlets. The controls were straightforward and easy to use.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD was a massive truck, which presented safety concerns. It came with standard safety features like front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Our test truck had the Driver Alert Package I, which included front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Driver Alert Package II added forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 came with standard safety features like a reversing camera, traction control, and front- and side-impact airbags. Our AT4 test truck had additional safety features, including a surround-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. It also featured GM’s rear camera mirror, which projected a digital image on the rear-view mirror.