2020 GMC Sierra 3500HD Double Cab

In the full-sized truck segment, the Sierra 3500HD has a stiff competition where big numbers like torque, payload and towing capacity, do the talking. With several cab styles to choose from, the Double Cab offers storage and rear seats, which improves practicality over a basic Regular Cab. The 2020 GMC Sierra 3500HD looks absolutely stunning, with a bright chrome grille at the front, the truck is instantly recognizable in a crowd of sheep.

The 2020 GMC Sierra has 4 Trims namely Sierra, SLE, SLT, Denali. Sierra is the base trim level that starts from $41,995 for the 2WD version and $44,995 for the 4WD version. The top Denali trim has all the goodies and comes packed with creature comfort which is available from $57,795 for 2WD version and $61,095 for 4WD version.

With every trim, you got a choice of 3 engines and 3 transmissions. A Vortec 6.0L Variable Valve Timing V8 SFI engine developing 360 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, 6.0L V8 Gaseous CNG/LPG capable engine with 360horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque and Duramax 6.6L turbo diesel V8 making 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque.

There are optional packages available to make your Sierra even more decked up for glory. A convenience package that includes remote locking tailgate, remote keyless entry, LED cargo box lighting under bed rails, etc. The protection package includes all-weather floor liner and black molded splash guards.

Essential package includes soft folding cover for the cargo bed, all-weather floor liner, etc. and Snow Plow prep package that includes a 220-amp alternator, transfer case shield to protect the transfer case from debris and heavy-duty front springs.

We Recommend

We would suggest SLT dual rear wheel Trim as it has hosts of features in the interior and safety department with a lot of optional packages. You also get the option of picking the 6.6L Duramax Turbodiesel engine to give you the best hauling capacity and good low range torque to aid you in tough situations.

GMC Sierra 3500HD is all about capability and optimal performance. It comes with a Vortec 6.0L Variable Valve Timing V8 SFI engine that produces 360 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque and the legendary Duramax 6.6L turbo diesel V8 developing 445 horsepower with staggering 910 pound-feet of torque. The Gasoline engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission but the diesel one gets 6-speed Allison automatic transmission.

In comparison, Ford F-350 and Dodge are almost identical if you see the power they make. From its 6.2L V8, Ford makes 385 horsepower whereas Dodge makes 383 horsepower, just 2 horsepower less, from its 5.7L HEMI V8. Ford has more torque and considering the price of both of them, they are only $700 dollars apart.

Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra are almost identical in price terms and also dearer to the Ford and Dodge by $4,000. The power and torque they make from the 6.0L V8 engine is 360 horsepower which is identical.

Acceleration

2020  GMC Sierra 3500HD is a truck, so it won't be super quick or as nimble and agile as sports cars. It does 0-60MPH in 6.7 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 15.3 seconds, pretty decent for a truck with huge dimensions and massive weight.

Against the Competition, Ram 3500 is the fastest in all the times despite having a less cubic capacity at 5.7L. Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra are equal in the time at 6.7 seconds for 0-60MPH and a quarter-mile time of 15.3 seconds. Ford F350 however, loses out big time by 2 seconds from Ram and 1.5 seconds than GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado.

Handling and Steering

GMC Sierra 3500HD is a huge truck and it's not the most maneuverable or comfortable vehicle in the segment but it still gives a pleasant driving experience. The steering is not that responsive and can make you falter a bit when making sharp turns. The ride quality is actually satisfying and the vehicle runs easily over big bumps and can tackle rough roads.

The 6-speed automatic transmission keeps in overdrive gear for smooth and efficient operation. The Suspension package is standard across all models to give a smoother ride and also helps in maintaining quality while towing a trailer or carrying a load.

Braking

2020 GMC Sierra 3500HD has 13.8-inch ventilated discs in the front and 14.1 inches ventilated discs in the back. The tires are all seasons. With a curb weight of 6421 pounds, It's close to 3 tons. Braking distance is unavailable, but it wouldn't be that quick because of its heavyweight.

Comparing the brakes, Ford F-350 has bigger brakes at 14.3 inches in both front and rear and weighs less than every other truck at 6279 pounds. Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra have the same size ventilated discs of 13.8 inches in the front and 14.1 in the rear.

Silverado is the heaviest among the lot at 7239 pounds. Ford F-350 is the lightest at 6279 pounds. GMC Sierra and Dodge Ram are almost identical in weights at 6423 and 6421 pounds respectively.

Payload Capacity

2020  GMC Sierra 3500HD has a payload capacity of 4052 pounds which is just massive. It can easily carry 2 Suzuki Hayabusas in the cargo bed which sounds unbelievable!!

In comparison, the heavyweight Chevy Silverado has a payload capacity of 5761 pounds, which is absolutely bonkers. It has a massive advantage of nearly 1700 pounds over the closest rivals ie: - Ram 3500 and Sierra 3500HD. GMC comes in third in payload capacity at 4052 pounds and Ford has the least payload capacity of 3870 pounds.

Towing Capacity

GMC Sierra 3500HD is rated to pull up to 23,300 pounds which is incredible. But the 2WD versions of the GMC 3500HD can still tow 14,200 pounds considering the fact it is not 4-wheel drive.

In comparison, Ram 3500 has the edge over Ford F-350 and GMC Sierra 3500HD by 4800 pounds and 3,300 pounds respectively. Chevy Silverado also pulls 17500 pounds, it's a surprise as Silverado and Sierra are one model in 2 different body designs but one does better.

Heavy duty trucks are not rated for fuel economy. It's obvious they are going to massively low because they are bought for the work they are meant to do not for pleasure they provide.

The 3500HD offers great interior comfort. The truck can take up to 6 passengers and has ample creature comfort to keep all passengers at ease. The front and rear head, shoulder and legroom are good in the crew cab model due to wide-body, tall stance, and long wheelbase.

In comparison, Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra have the best front headroom and front legroom at 42.8 inches and 45.2 inches respectively whereas shoulder room, front and rear is best in Ford F-350 at 66.7 and 65.9 inches respectively. Talking about the rear, the Headroom is identical for GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado at 40.5 inches which is the best, Ford is almost equal in that department too at 40.4 inches.

Infotainment

The 3500HD trim gets a 7-inch diagonal infotainment system whereas all the other trim levels get an 8-inch infotainment system. Apple car play and android auto is standard across all trim levels. You also get voice-activated technology to make your browsing a little easier and minimal distraction as you don't have to move your hand from the steering column.

Also, it has got Bluetooth streaming audio and you can also check your phone book listings or incoming caller on the color display. It has got a 6 speaker system which gives great sound and enjoyable listening experience.

The Sierra 3500HD is long at 239.4 inches, has a width of 80.5 inches and a height of 78.3 inches with a ground clearance of 8.5 inches. These trucks are built tough to the core will do anything and tackle any terrain due to durable and capable designs. The wheelbase is 153.7 inches to give rear passengers maximum comfort while you're driving down the country roads.

In comparison, Ford F-350 is the longest among the competitors at 250 inches with a wheelbase of 160 inches makes it the cabin with most space for rear passengers.

Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra have identical measurements in every department as they are under the same parent company, General Motors. As for the ground clearance, Ford, Chevrolet, and GMC are identical at 8.5 inches.

Bed Dimensions

GMC Sierra 3500HD has a bed length of 76.3 inches and a width of 66.4 inches. It is sufficient enough to carry most of your daily cargo from one place to another.

With a bed length of 81.9 inches, Ford F-350 gets first place but it falls short in the width department at 50.5 inches. Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra have the same bed dimensions at 78.8 inches and a width of 51 inches. Dodge has the smallest cargo bed at 76.3 inches but has a maximum width of 66.4 inches.

The GMC is certainly a very capable truck, which is why GMC has added a long list of safety features for passenger safety as well as driver-assist features for trailering as well as graded climbing and descending. The truck isn’t rated for passenger safety through crash testing by NHTSA or the IIHS. The features are listed as follows:

• Frontal driver and right front-passenger single-stage airbags
• Rear Vision camera system
• StabiliTrak stability control system
• Rollover mitigation technology
• Trailer sway control
• Hill-start assist
• Lane Departure Warning
• Forward Collision Alert
• Safety Alert Seat
• Front and Rear Park Assist

GMC Sierra 3500HD vs Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD

Even though these trucks seem like twins at first glance, they have their own individual character. The Sierra 3500HD is a comfortable truck with great ride quality, feature-rich interiors, and high-quality materials, while the Silverado 3500HD is a reliable work truck with plenty of brute force under the hood. From the outside, it’s all up to your personal preferences, both trucks look badass and have an imposing road presence.

GMC Sierra 3500HD vs RAM 3500

The Silverado isn’t the only big hauler you can consider, the Ram is also a sturdy brute which boasts class-leading towing capacity. However, that’s the only arena where the Ram prevails. The engine feels underpowered on highways and the infotainments feel ancient compared to the rivals, especially Ford.

GMC Sierra 3500HD vs Ford F-350

The 2017 Ford F-350 is a complete redesign, and the new truck is better in terms of reliability, features, interiors, and comfort, despite coming at a lower price than the GMC. Ford comes with a 6.7L engine in its top trim to counter the Sierra’s 6.6L Duramax diesel engine, however, as unbelievable it sounds, Ford’s engine can produce even higher torque at 935 lb-ft.

The GMC has given the big truck two great engines a 6.0L gas engine and a mammoth 6.6L turbo-diesel engine. The handling is smooth and comfortable to cruise through city streets and highways, despite the maneuverability issues, which exist in all full-size trucks.

Hauling and cargo carrying capacity is top-notch, the Ram and Silverado have slightly higher numbers, but the Sierra performs well-enough to compete.