GMC Sierra 3500HD

Name: 2011 GMC Sierra 3500HD
Brand: GMC

EPA MPG: NA

RECALL ALERT: There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

First Take

These heavy-duty versions are designed for heavy towing and hauling, not ride comfort and handling. The 2500 and 3500 HD models have been freshened for 2011. They are offered in two- and four-wheel drive as well as with the dual rear-wheel setup. Multiple bed sizes are offered. The standard engine is a 6.0-liter V8 with the 397-hp, 6.6-liter turbodiesel optional. A work-oriented interior is offered in addition to more luxurious one that is similar to the one in the GM full-size SUVs.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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2011 Pickup trucks Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

GMC Sierra 3500HD

vs. Similar Cars

Chevrolet Silvera...

Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Ford F-150

GMC Sierra 1500

Ram 1500

Toyota Tundra

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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GMC vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

GMC vs. Other New Car Brands

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GMC vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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2011 Full-sized pickup trucks Ratings

2011 GMC Sierra 3500HD

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2011 Chevrolet Avalanche

$8,725 - $10,275

EPA MPG 17 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

$5,425 - $13,450

EPA MPG 16 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2011 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2011 Dodge Ram 1500

$ NA

EPA MPG 15 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2011 Dodge Ram 2500

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2011 Dodge Ram 3500

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2011 Ford F-150

$6,875 - $17,725

EPA MPG 17 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2011 Ford F-250

$7,375 - $17,225

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2011 Ford F-350

$7,975 - $17,400

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2011 GMC Sierra 1500

$6,350 - $14,450

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2011 GMC Sierra 2500HD

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2011 Nissan Titan

$6,175 - $10,325

EPA MPG 16 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2011 Ram 1500

$5,925 - $10,750

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2011 Ram 2500

$5,575 - $20,825

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2011 Ram 3500

$11,175 - $26,225

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2011 Toyota Tundra

$8,775 - $16,675

EPA MPG 14 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

extended cab

regular cab

crew cab

3 front, 3 rear

4WD, Rear

6-liter V8 (360 hp)
6.6-liter V8 turbodiesel (397 hp)

6-speed automatic

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2020-Present

Current Generation

The redesigned, next-generation Sierra HD's exterior is more visually distinguished from the Sierra 1500. Aside from its roof, which is shared with the light-duty Sierra, all other visible elements are unique to the work-focused HD truck. The standard engine is a 401-hp, 6.6-liter V8 with a six-speed transmission. A 445-hp, 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 engine with a 10-speed transmission is also available. The new truck is 10 inches longer than the previous one, which translates to more legroom. GM claims that the new HD, when properly equipped, can tow up to 35,500 pounds. Available safety features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot warning, and rear cross traffic warning.

2015-2019

2015 Redesign Year

The HD Sierra and its twin the Chevrolet Silverado HD are designed for heavy towing and hauling. The 6.0-liter V8 and 6.6-liter turbodiesel, both mated to a six-speed automatic, carried over on the 2015 redesign. There is also a natural gas (CNG) version of the 6.0-liter V8. GM said that the new cabs and interiors provide increased space and comfort, with extensive storage space. The Sierra 3500HD is available with head-curtain and seat-mounted side airbags. Braking and handling capabilities on the outgoing HD Sierra come close to those of the Sierra 1500. Handling is not agile but has a modicum of responsiveness that other three-quarter-ton trucks don't provide, but it rides more stiffly than the Sierra 1500. Beginning with the 2016 model year, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities are added to the infotainment system.

2011-2014

2011 Redesign Year

These trucks are much stiffer and ride less comfortably than the standard Sierra 1500 (1/2 ton). They are designed for hard work and a 3/4 ton capacity. The ride is bouncy but the available engines include a relatively refined, Isuzu-developed 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 and a huge 8.1-liter, 340-hp V8. There is a 6.0-liter V8 in addition to the 6.6-liter V8 turbodiesel. The six-speed Allison transmission is very smooth.

2007-2010

2007 Redesign Year

These trucks are much stiffer and ride less comfortably than the standard Sierra 1500 (1/2 ton). They are designed for hard work and a 3/4 ton capacity. The ride is bouncy but the available engines include a relatively refined, Isuzu-developed 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 and a huge 8.1-liter, 340-hp V8. The 2007 redesign brought a new 6.0-liter V8 in addition to the older 6.6-liter V8 turbodiesel. The six-speed Allison transmission is very smooth.

2003-2006

2003 Redesign Year