The 2024 GMC Sierra HD gets more diesel power, more towing for 2500 models, and a big upgrade to the truck’s interiors.
GMC’s Heavy Duty Sierra pickups are getting big upgrades for 2024. New styling and a much-needed update for the cabin are at the top of the list, but GMC is also upping the Sierra HD’s ability to work. Look for more power and more torque from the Duramax diesel, class-leading towing for an often overlooked grade, and enhanced tech to make your trailering experience easier.
Exterior enhancements start with the new grille, fascia, and front bumper. It’s enough to let you know you’re looking at a different truck, but the changes are small. Current wheel designs help differentiate new and old, and there are six new exterior paint colors to choose from.
2024 GMC Sierra HD Cabin Gets Big Screen
All 2024 Sierra Heavy Duty trims get a new cabin. The centerpiece is a 13.4-inch center screen, but there is more in store. GMC isn’t yet showing the SLE and SLT revisions. AT4 and up get new color and stitching designs, more premium materials and, according to GMC, more premium designs.
The changes to the GMC Sierra 2500HD and Sierra 3500HD are a lot like those made to its sibling at Chevrolet because the Sierra and Silverado are largely the same truck with two slightly different design approaches.
One place Sierra HD delivers that Silverado doesn’t, though, is luxury. For 2024, the Sierra HD Denali Ultimate makes that clearer than ever before.
New Top Trim: Sierra HD Denali Ultimate
GMC’s Denali Ultimate grade isn’t new, but this is the first time we see it on HD trucks. The grade gets a special grille with black Vader chrome accents. The truck wears special 20-inch ultrabright wheels and Mount Denali fender badges.
In the cabin, Denali Ultimate has full-grain leather seats, door panels, and steering wheel — all in an exclusive Alpine Umber color. Those seats are new, with 16-way power adjustment and massage up front. The 12-speaker Bose audio system is shown off with stainless steel speaker grilles, and the pillars and headliner are microsuede.
More Power & Torque for Duramax Diesel
For hauling, the Denali Ultimate comes standard with the 6.6L Duramax diesel engine. Upgrades for 2024 boost the engine to 470 horsepower and 975 pound-feet of torque from 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque in 2023. On top of the peak numbers, GMC claims 25% more low-end torque to help with getting loads moving.
Gas trucks don’t get more power (401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet), but the 6.6L V8 gets what might be an even bigger upgrade. GMC has bolted the 10-speed Allison automatic from the Duramax to the back. Replacing a six-speed automatic, the new box should keep the gas engine at peak power more of the time, improving efficiency and its ability to do work.
More Towing for 2500 Trucks
Max towing at the top of the range doesn’t change for 2024 (still 36,000 pounds for the right 3500HD), but it does improve in the mid-range trucks. A 2024 Sierra 2500HD crew cab can now tow up to 21,900 pounds. That’s a useful 3,400 pounds more than the truck it replaces.
The regular 2500HD will now tow up to 22,500 pounds, which is 4,000 more than last year. All this at a figure that could help keep buyers in a ¾-ton truck instead of a one-ton.
Trailer Tech Upgrades
To help make towing those heavier loads easier, Sierra HD has upgraded trailer assistance tech features. New this year is a GCW alert that can tell you if your loaded truck is over its Gross Combined Weight rating. Available adaptive cruise control can now work with a trailer, taking into account the extra weight and longer stopping times.
Tech upgrades include an enhancement to GMC’s Transparent Trailer View camera system that will work with a fifth wheel or gooseneck. The available blind spot alert can now extend to see the blind spots around your trailer and not just the truck.
2024 GMC Sierra HD Availability & Pricing
The 2024 GMC Sierra Heavy Duty arrives at dealers in the first quarter of 2023. The off-road AT4X will follow later in the year, and pricing for all models will come closer to the start of production.
