GMC Sierra 1500 vs Sierra 2500 HD

The GMC Sierra 1500 and the Sierra 2500HD are two very popular, capable and versatile pickup trucks. Both trucks have ample room for passengers and cargo and are strong enough to carry work tools and materials or tow equipment, motorcycles, jet skis and anything else for work or play. Plus, their cabs combine a bit of luxury, convenience, comfort, connectivity and infotainment technology. The trucks also have key safety and driver assistance features. They're also durable, have attractive interior and exterior styling, exclusive amenities and all the power needed to get any job done right. The GMC Sierra 1500, a full-size light duty truck and the GMC Sierra 2500HD heavy-duty truck, both offer great value for the price.

The Exterior

Both trucks have a powerful presence and appealing exterior design. The Sierra 1500's front-end features chrome bumpers, large, bold, chrome grille, LED headlights that have Intellibeam technology as well as chrome surrounds. It has a swept back windshield, chrome door handles and mirror caps, short, long, or standard truck beds with spray-on bedliner and a power tailgate. The back has a chrome bumper, a Cornerstep, as well as LED tail lights, 17-inch alloy wheels and dual chrome exhaust.

The Sierra 2500HD's front-end has chrome bumpers, a black grille featuring a chrome surround, 2 tow hooks, High Intensity Discharge headlights. It comes with black door handles, black folding side-view door mirrors and a body made of galvanized steel and aluminum. The Sierra 2500HD has a regular size cargo bed with a cargo bed light, power locking tailgate and moveable upper cargo tie-downs. It also has a chrome rear bumper with a Cornerstep, HID tail lights, recovery hooks, as well as 18-inch painted steel wheels.

Inside The Cab

Both the GMC Sierra 1500 and the Sierra 2500HD are available with a crew cab, two-door regular cab or a four-door double cab. Inside the GMC Sierra 1500' cab has a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a tilting steering wheel, as well as steering wheel mounted controls and a rearview backup camera. There's vinyl covered split front bench seats, a vinyl covered floor and manually locking doors and windows. It has smartphone integration, multiple USB ports and manual air conditioning. The Sierra 2500HD's cab has an 8" touchscreen, a tilting steering wheel with steering wheel mounted controls, rear vision camera, a day-night rearview mirror, floor-mounted transfer case shifter, covered dashboard instrument-panel storage, 2 USB ports, 12 volt DC power outlets, air conditioning and power-locking doors and windows.

Infotainment And Connectivity Technology

The GMC Sierra 1500's cab comes with connectivity technology including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto as well as Bluetooth streaming audio, voice control, hands-free calling, smartphone compatibility, available 4G LTE Wi-Fi, 7 device connectivity, OnStar, turn-by-turn navigation, the GMC Infotainment System with the myGMC mobile app, plus much more. The cab of the GMC Sierra 2500HD features GMC's unique Infotainment System with a 7-inch diagonal interface, a driver Information Center on a 3.5-inch diagonal monochromatic screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth wireless connectivity, voice activated AM/FM, Satellite and SiriusXM radio, wireless phone charging, first row LCD monitor, a 6-speaker audio system, GMC 4G LTE internet access and app link smart device integration.

Under The Hood

There are several engine options available for the GMC Sierra 1500. A 285 horsepower, V6, 4.3 liter FlexFuel capable Ecotec3 gasoline powered engine comes standard. You also have the option to choose a 310 horsepower, 2.7 liter, turbocharged Inline-4 engine with cylinder deactivation, a 355 horsepower, 5.3 liter, V8 EcoTec3 engine that is FlexFuel-Capable and utilizes a Dynamic Fuel Management or Active Fuel Management systems. The Sierra 1500 can also come equipped with a 420 horsepower, 6.2 liter, V8, EcoTec3 engine featuring Dynamic Fuel Management or a 277 horsepower 3.0 liter, I6 turbocharged diesel engine. All the engines are mated to a smooth shifting six, eight, or ten-speed automatic transmission. Plus, you can get the Sierra 1500 with two-wheel or four-wheel-drive.

The GMC Sierra 2500HD's base engine is a 360 horsepower, 6.0 liter V8 that can pump out 380 pound-feet of torque. Buyers have the option to have it equipped with a 420 horsepower, 6.2 liter, V8 EcoTec engine that delivers 460 pound-feet of torque. Both of the engines work with an available 10-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. Plus, if you want even more power you can have them install a 445 horsepower, V8, 6.6 liter intercooled turbo diesel engine that cranks out an incredible 910 pound-feet of torque. It works with a six-speed automatic transmission featuring OD and auto-manual.

Maximum Towing And Hauling Capacity

When it comes to towing and hauling, the Sierra 2500HD has a distinct advantage over the powerful, light duty GMC Sierra 1500. The maximum towing capacity of the Sierra 1500 is 12,200 pounds. And it can haul a maximum payload of 2,240 pounds. The GMC Sierra 2500HD has a maximum towing capacity of over 16,100 pounds. Plus, it can haul as much as 3,964 pounds. So if you need to tow and haul super-heavy loads, the Sierra 2500HD is the truck to buy to get all of your heavy-duty work done.

Overall Performance

The GMC Sierra 1500 and Sierra 2500HD are both powerful, capable, technologically-advanced, comfortable trucks. Both seat 3 to 6 people and have a near identical amount of both headroom and legroom in each of their cab options. Plus, they both have an easy to use and logically laid out interior design and the latest in infotainment, connectivity and communications technology. And they both deliver excellent overall driving performance. The trucks' driving demeanor is quiet and compliant, they have controlled steering, great cornering, serene, composed ride quality and exceptional driving dynamics.

Making A Tough Choice

Looking for a truck that offers more flexibility for work and play, the GMC Sierra 1500 may be the better choice. However, if its heavy-duty hauling and outstanding towing and cargo capacity you need, the GMC Sierra 2500HD is the truck to choose. Visit Tim's Truck to find any model GMC Sierra 1500 and GMC Sierra 2500HD you need.