People buy pickup trucks for many purposes, but when they buy a Heavy Duty 3/4-ton or 1-ton pickup, it's almost always used for towing. That's why automakers compete so strongly on towing capacity in this part of the market.
For 2020, GMC (and Chevrolet) have completely refreshed their heavy duty truck lineups, and the new trucks feature astonishing towing capacity. The top trucks in GMC's lineup can pull trailers up to 35,500 pounds. That's the best rating in the category, but you'll need a Class A commercial driver's license to actually do that on a public road. Both Oregon and Washington limit trailers to 10,000 pounds, or a total combined vehicle weight of 26,000 pounds. It's enough to say that these GMC trucks can easily tow anything you can legally put on the road.
To go with the towing capacity, GMC offers ProGrade trailering technology, including 15 different camera views and the ability to combine several camera images to create an "invisible trailer" view on the dashboard display. The body of the trailer itself becomes an outline. For those who pull large cargo or camping trailers, this is truly revolutionary tech.
ProGrade trailering also includes a long list of additional features like hill start assist, power trailering side mirrors, integrated trailer brake controls with pre-settable trailer profiles, automatic sway control, variable power steering assist, and automatic diesel exhaust braking if you get the diesel engine.
Driveline options include a standard 6.6-liter gasoline engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission, or a 6.6-liter Duramax turbo-diesel with an Allison 10-speed automatic. Buyers will be able to choose rear-wheel or four-wheel-drive. GMC's new 4X4 system offers high and low range, and an Automatic mode that you can leave on all the time for traction.
As if that's all not enough, there's more. GMC has adapted its six-way MultiPro tailgate to the new HD truck lineup. This innovative tailgate has a second, smaller tailgate within the main tailgate. You can fold it down to serve as a step up into the bed, or flip up a panel to extend the bed length. Finally, GMC has a camera-based rear-view mirror that gives you a crystal-clear rearward view even if you've got a cap or a tall load in the bed.
Right now, GMC is delivering the new Sierra with the AT4 off-road trim, and the top Denali luxury trim. The AT4 trim includes upgraded suspension, off-road traction control, a head-up display, and surround-view cameras. The Denali continues to be GMC's top luxury trim. Less expensive trim levels will come later, and the real base price for a GMC Sierra 2500HD will be around $40,000.
2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD AT4
Base price: $59,295
Price as tested: $69,185
Type: Full size pickup
Engine: 6.6-liter V8 (401 hp, 464 lbs-ft)
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
EPA estimated mileage: TBD
Overall length: 266 inches
Curb weight: 6,570 pounds
Final assembly: Flint, Michigan
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