2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD vs 2021 GMC Sierra 1500

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD was a behemoth of a truck, prioritizing function over form with its massive scale. Whether in the base trim or the luxurious Denali, the Sierra 2500HD was always ready for serious work. Its enormous grille fed multiple radiators, supporting 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 chrome wheels, making it one of the flashiest trucks available from General Motors. Despite its bold design, the Denali's cabin was somewhat underwhelming, lacking the soft-touch materials found in competitors like the Ram 2500 Limited. However, the Sierra 2500HD remained a workhorse, with a straightforward design that emphasized practicality over luxury.

In contrast, the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offered a more refined look, especially in the upscale Denali trim, which was akin to owning a luxury vehicle. The Sierra AT4, priced at $66,695, was the off-road-ready version, featuring a factory-installed 2-inch suspension lift, off-road suspension, and unique design elements like red front recovery hooks. The AT4's aggressive mud-terrain tires and CarbonPro Edition Package, which included a carbon fiber composite cargo bed, highlighted its rugged capabilities. Inside, the Sierra 1500's cabin was dominated by black plastic, with some caramel seat trim and metallic accents. While the interior was functional, it lacked the luxury expected at its price point, especially in the Denali trim.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered two robust V8 engine options: a gas and a diesel, both displacing 6.6 liters. The gas V8 produced 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, while the Duramax diesel V8 delivered an impressive 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque. The diesel engine, paired with a 10-speed Allison transmission, provided a lively driving experience, despite the truck's massive size and poor turning radius. The Sierra 2500HD could tow up to 18,510 pounds and haul a payload of up to 3,979 pounds, making it a formidable choice for heavy-duty tasks. During testing, it achieved an average fuel economy of 16.5 miles per gallon.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500, on the other hand, featured a more affordable Duramax 3.0-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder engine, priced at $995. This engine produced 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, offering maximum thrust at lower RPMs compared to the Sierra's 6.2-liter V8. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Duramax engine provided smooth gear transitions and impressive fuel economy, averaging 21.1 miles per gallon during testing. The Sierra 1500's towing capacity reached up to 9,300 pounds, with a payload rating of 2,150 pounds, making it a versatile option for both everyday driving and light-duty towing.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD was available in various bed and cab configurations, including regular, double, and crew cabs, with standard or long beds. The Denali trim was limited to the crew cab with a choice of bed lengths. The truck featured helpful bed corner steps and an innovative MultiPro tailgate with six configurations, including a step into the truck bed. Inside, the 2500HD offered ample room with numerous storage options, including a storage area below the rear seats in SLT-and-up trims.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 provided a comfortable interior with large, supportive seats, though the leather felt more durable than luxurious. The front seats offered power adjustments and heating/cooling options, while the rear seats were heated. The Sierra's innovative six-position Multipro tailgate and standard rear bumper steps facilitated easy access to the cargo bed. The CarbonPro Edition package added a carbon fiber composite cargo bed, enhancing durability and increasing payload capacity. The Sierra's bed held between 62.9 and 89.1 cubic feet of cargo, with up to 12 cargo tie-downs. However, the cab's storage space was less impressive compared to other full-size pickups.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running GMC Infotainment 3, featuring customizable icons and compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SLT and Denali trims offered an 8-inch infotainment screen with available navigation. The Denali also included an 8-inch color driver-information screen. The infotainment system was user-friendly, providing the right tech in a practical package.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 featured numerous camera-based technologies, including a surround-view camera, trailer- and bed-view cameras, and a rear camera mirror, enhancing visibility and maneuverability. The optional Technology Package included a 15-inch head-up display and an 8-inch driver information display. The infotainment system offered a choice between a 7-inch and an 8-inch touchscreen, with fast loading times and responsive input. The test truck included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and a navigation system. The Bose premium sound system was adequate but not as impressive as competitors' offerings.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD's massive size posed safety challenges, but it was equipped with cameras on all sides and two-tier trailering mirrors to aid maneuverability. Standard safety features included front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Driver Alert Package I added parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Driver Alert Package II included forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offered optional safety features like forward collision warning, front pedestrian braking, and automatic emergency braking. The Denali trim included blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning, with additional options for lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and a Safety Alert Seat. Adaptive cruise control was available for the SLT, AT4, and Denali trims. The Sierra's crash-test ratings were less than stellar, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Marginal" ratings from the IIHS for certain tests. The 2022 model-year refresh promised improvements with the addition of GM's Super Cruise technology.