GMC Sierra 3500HD

Name: 2021 GMC Sierra 3500HD
Brand: GMC

EPA MPG: NA

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: NA

Owner Reported MPG:

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

The next-generation Sierra HD exterior is more visually distinguished from the light-duty Sierra with the redesign. In fact, the Sierra HD shares only its roof with the light-duty. All other visible elements are unique to the work-focused HD truck. The standard engine is a 401-hp, 6.6-liter direct-injection V8 with a six-speed transmission. The other choice is a 445-hp, 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 engine with an Allison 10-speed transmission. The current model is quite a bit bigger than the previous model in all dimensions, riding on a 5.2-inch longer wheelbase, measuring an extra 10.4 inches bumper to bumper. The maximum towing capacity for the diesel crew cab version is 31,400 pounds, and the maximum payload is 5,890 pounds. Available advanced safety systems include FCW, AEB, BSW, and rear cross traffic warning.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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2021 Pickup trucks Reliability

This Car

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GMC Sierra 3500HD

vs. Similar Cars

Chevrolet Silvera...

Chevrolet Silverado 1500

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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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2005

2006

2007

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2010

2011

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2015

2016

2017

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2020

2021

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2023

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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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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2021 Full-sized pickup trucks Ratings

2021 GMC Sierra 3500HD

$30,900 - $43,275

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

$19,625 - $41,950

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD

$30,900 - $43,275

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Ford F-150

$17,775 - $58,500

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Ford F-150 Hybrid

$17,775 - $58,500

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Ford F-250

$24,950 - $54,700

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Ford F-350

$25,975 - $56,425

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 GMC Sierra 1500

$22,350 - $41,950

EPA MPG 17 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Nissan Titan

$19,675 - $33,425

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Nissan Titan XD

$24,000 - $34,650

EPA MPG NA

Road test

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2021 Ram 1500

$16,150 - $69,500

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Ram 1500 Classic

$ NA

EPA MPG 17 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Ram 2500

$22,650 - $49,550

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Ram 3500

$23,275 - $50,625

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Toyota Tundra

$28,225 - $46,575

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

6.6-liter V8 turbodiesel (445 hp)
6.6-liter V8 (401 hp)

10-speed automatic
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