2010 GMC Sierra HD
- 2009 GMC Sierra HD
Based on analysis of 23 Sierra HD reviews and test drives.
GMC Sierra HD - What the Auto Press Says
The 2010 GMC Sierra HD ranks 2 out of 3 Heavy Duty Pickup Trucks. This ranking is based on our analysis of 23 published reviews and test drives of the GMC Sierra HD, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
Though competitors can tow and haul more, it's hard to beat the GMC Sierra HD trucks for daily drivability.
Available as a 2500 or 3500 truck, the GMC Sierra HD, with its strong engines, versatile interiors and easy-to-live with ride and handling, is an appealing option when it comes to heavy duty trucks. Reviewers are particularly pleased with the Sierra HD's 6.6 liter diesel engine that generates torque like it's going out of style.
However, most heavy duty truck buyers opt for these rigs because they have more to haul or tow than a full-size truck can handle. While the Sierra HD, depending on configuration, can tow up to 13,000 pounds and haul just over 5,000 pounds, the Ford Super Duty trucks can pull more -- a lot more. The Ford F-250 out pulls the Sierra 2500 by about 3,000 pounds, and the F-350 can tow about 5,000 more than the Sierra 3500. If towing and hauling are a bigger (much bigger) priority for you, the Ford is a better option. If you routinely tow or haul less, however, it's tough to beat how easily the Sierra HD trucks ride and handle.
Also, though the Ford Super Duty trucks start out cheaper than the Sierra 2500 and 3500 do, a fully optioned Ford costs more than a fully-loaded Sierra HD. For your extra cash, Ford will give you some features that aren't available on the Sierra HD, but the options GMC does offer, like Bluetooth, navigation and a DVD system, may be enough to satisfy most buyers.
The 2010 GMC Sierra HD trucks are available as 2500 and 3500 models. Each is available in regular, extended and crew cabs. The 2500 models can be outfitted with a regular or long bed. Sierra 3500 models are available in a dually setup, but only come with the long bed.
- "If I needed a brand-new pickup, I know to which company I'd be writing my check: General Motors." -- Car and Driver
- "In all, a must-see for anyone shopping heavy-duty pickups." -- Consumer Guide
- "It's an up-to-date truck, and its superior driving dynamics and extraordinary interior quality nicely complement its expected hauling and towing talents." -- Edmunds
- "All of the virtues, with few of the vices, normally associated with a "heavy-duty" truck. " -- Kelley Blue Book
- "While mechanically identical to the Chevrolet Silverado heavy-duty models, GMC positions the Sierra 2500HD/3500HD to appeal to a more upscale customer. There's a little more flash on the outside and a little more elegance on the inside. But the real selling point for the Sierra is the same as the Silverado: the combination of a Duramax diesel and Allison six-speed automatic transmission." -- PickupTrucks.com
Sierra HD Performance - 9.1 (Excellent)
Though no HD truck is at home in the city or on twisty roads, the Sierra HD trucks do better than most. Car and Driver says, "Though they drive big, GM's HD trucks are surprisingly smooth and quiet, and make child's play of towing." Reviewers are pleased with both the engines available on the Sierra HD, and even happier with how easy these big trucks are to drive. Others in the class have higher towing and hauling capacities, however. Read More
Sierra HD Exterior - 8.0 (Very Good)
Kelley Blue Book says "'Upmarket' might be a kiss-of-death descriptive for a heavy-duty pickup, but it will work for the . . . GMC Sierra HD." Other reviewers agree. Beyond looking good, the Sierra HD truck buyers can tailor the truck's looks to suit their needs. Sierra 2500 models are available as regular, extended and crew cabs with long and short boxes. Sierra 3500 models come in all three cab configurations, but with only the long bed. The 3500 is also available in a dual rear wheel setup. Read More
Sierra HD Interior - 8.7 (Very Good)
Most reviewers say that the interior of the GMC Sierra HD is one of the nicest in the class, with solid construction. Buyers can choose between a basic work-oriented interior, or one that's more like what you'd find in an upscale SUV, with plenty of interior features like a USB port for portable devices, navigation and a DVD entertainment system. Read More
Sierra HD Safety - NA
The 2010 GMC Sierra HD hasn't been subjected to government crash tests yet. However, its size and heavy-duty construction do give it something of an advantage in crashes. Read More
Sierra HD Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2010 GMC Sierra HD reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2010 GMC Sierra HD comes with a five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Read More
