Nissan Frontier vs GMC Sierra 2500HD

Sitting at the top of the Sierra’s six available trims, the Denali Ultimate is newly added for the 2024 model year and comes with nearly every available option that can be included on this full-size truck.

The Denali Ultimate trim level is offered on both the 2500 and 3500 HD models. Each provides a higher degree of towing and payload capacity than what’s available in the standard GMC Sierra 1500. To put it bluntly, the Sierra HD models are pickup overkill for anyone simply looking to tow a couple of jet skis or haul a moderately-sized camper. The “HD” in the name stands for “Heavy Duty,” and its capabilities (and price) reflect this.

Powered exclusively by a 6.6-liter turbocharged Duramax diesel V8, the HD Denali Ultimate we test drove has a maximum towing capacity of 22,500 pounds—a 4,000 pound increase versus the 2023 model. Need to tow something along the lines of construction equipment or, say, a small island? Stepping up to the Sierra 3500 HD equates to a max tow rating of 36,500 pounds when using a gooseneck trailer hitch.

Okay, so the Sierra HD lineup has serious chops for getting tough tasks done. But how does it stack up against the competition? Hop aboard as we take a look at every aspect of the HD Denali Ultimate, from how it drives, to the user-friendliness of its infotainment system, trailer tech, and whether this new top-of-the-range trim is worth the price.

Equipped with a V6 engine, body-on-frame construction, and competitive towing and payload ratings, the 2025 Frontier gets several improvements that should help it to better compete with newer rivals. All Frontiers come with more standard safety features, and most models receive a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Towing capacity is up, more versions offer a long cargo bed option, and Nissan refines the look and feel of its only pickup.

Verdict: Those changes make the 2025 Nissan Frontier more appealing. Not only that, but compared to some alternative models, the Frontier offers more comfortable front seats and a higher sense of quality. The Nissan’s excellent V6 engine is increasingly rare, too. But what the Frontier needs is a more compelling value equation.