2021 GMC Sierra 2500 review

1. Multiple cab, bed, and trim options

The 2021 GMC Sierra 2500 comes with several body configurations to meet your specific needs. Choose from three cabs: regular (seats three), double (seats six) with half doors at the rear, or crew (seats six) with two full rear doors for easy entering and exiting of the vehicle, especially if you're using child car seats or loading pets. When it comes to the bed, you can opt for a 6ft 10.25in standard cargo box with 69.5 cu-ft of space or an 8ft 2.27in long bed with 83.5 cu-ft of storage, perfect for hauling long lumber or bulky building supplies. This ride features five trim options: Base, SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali.

2. It's a heavy-duty truck

If you need a vehicle for your construction business or weekend livestock hauling, the 2021 GMC Sierra 2500 might just be the workhorse you're looking for. Under the hood of the Base model, you'll find a 6.6L 401-hp V8 gas-powered engine with 464 lb-ft of torque and a six-speed automatic transmission with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

There's an option of a Duramax diesel V8 6.6L 445-hp engine with 910 lb-ft of torque and a 10-speed automatic transmission. An additional upgrade to a dual rear-wheel axle for "dually" lovers is also possible. The 2021 GMC Sierra 2500 has an estimated max towing capacity of 14,500 lbs with the Base trim engine and an estimated 35,500 lbs of impressive pulling power with the Duramax engine when properly equipped.

A tow hitch and traction control come standard on all 2021 GMC Sierra 2500 trims. A fifth-wheel/ gooseneck towing package is available for the SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali trims.

3. Loaded with popular tech features

Just because the 2021 GMC Sierra 2500 is a rugged truck doesn't mean it's basic inside. Drivers and passengers alike will enjoy the Android Auto^™ and Apple CarPlay^® integration, Bluetooth^® connectivity, a touchscreen infotainment system, power locks/windows/mirrors, the rearview camera, and a satellite-ready radio system (available with a subscription).

On the outside, drivers of the SLE trim and higher who opt for the MultiPro six-function tailgate get a handy load-stop barrier to keep long items secure in the truck bed and a handy drop-down step to make getting into the bed easier. Here's to no jumping and jarring of the knees!

4. Luxury upgrades available

You might be shopping for a heavy-duty truck for work purposes or to manage tough rural terrain, but don't sell yourself short. The upper trims offer every bit of convenience and comfort you crave and expect. Go for the SLT model to gain access to memory seats, a heated steering wheel, leather seats, a spray-in bedliner, and rear defrost functions. The AT4 trim adds on rear heated seats and ventilated front seats. If you go for the top trim, the Denali, you can ride in style with a Bose^® sound system, 20-inch wheels, parking sensors, and running boards.

5. Several driver-assist features

Maneuvering a large truck, and possibly with a trailer in tow, can sometimes be challenging, but the 2021 GMC Sierra 2500 makes it as easy as possible with several features to help the driver. All trims come standard with ABS brakes, large trailering mirrors, hitch guidance on the rearview camera, and traction control. Those who go for the AT4 trim also enjoy a lane departure warning system. If you're in a Denali, you also gain a blind spot monitoring system, a bed view camera, a following-distance indicator, a forward-collision alert system, lane change alert with blind zone alert, and trailer tire pressure/temperature sensors.