GMC Sierra 2500HD vs Toyota Tundra

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.

As the third-generation Toyota Tundra enters its third model year, it adds some new tech features (including an available massaging seat in upper trims) and a retro TRD Rally Package inspired by Toyota Racing Development’s motorsports exploits. Though the mustachioed front-end design was polarizing at launch, it’s starting to grow on us, and we love the tech-forward interior and available hybrid powertrain.

Verdict: The 2025 Toyota Tundra puts a fresh face on the full-size pickup truck segment and is full of interesting and useful technology. However, it does fall short of some competitors with lower max tow ratings and the lack of front recovery hooks. For those worried about reliability and recalls, know that Toyota has fixed the engine issue that plagued 2022 to 2024 models.