In the heavy-duty pickup truck market, performance and capability still reign supreme. As the competition intensifies, General Motors made a significant announcement in San Diego on Tuesday, unveiling the next-generation 2020 GMC Sierra HD. This new model boasts advanced trailering technology, a 10-speed transmission, and a classic design that avoids the divisive rework of the Chevrolet Silverado. The GMC Sierra is set to become GM’s newest premier workhorse.
While the Chevrolet Silverado HD’s distinctive design has sparked much debate, the 2020 GMC Sierra HD offers a more classic and calming aesthetic. In its premium Denali variant, it features a design with straight lines and chrome details that exude a robust, genuine presence, contrasting sharply with the Silverado’s unconventional front-end. The GMC Sierra has long been referred to as the “boss’s truck,” and this latest heavy-duty model captures that persona effectively. With a longer and taller frame than its predecessor, it competes with the new Ram HD for the title of the most visually appealing work pickup.
Beyond its appealing design, the new Sierra HD impresses with a comprehensive array of towing technologies. The ProGrade Trailering System—also found in the regular Sierra 1500, though in a less advanced form on the Silverado—offers 15 different camera views to aid in parking and towing, including a feature that allows users to “look through” the trailer.
Other camera angles provide every perspective needed, even permitting users to check inside the trailer if they’ve connected a compatible indoor security camera. This offers peace of mind, ensuring that items like a camper’s TV remain undisturbed during transportation. Additionally, drivers can remotely check their trailer’s mechanical status or activate its accessories, such as air conditioning, while en route. The truck’s 15-inch heads-up display also features an inclinometer to monitor road grades.
For a truck primarily designed for hauling and towing, the 2020 Sierra HD will include the well-known 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel V8 engine, recently enhanced for better cooling. While its output of 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque remains the same, the new class-exclusive Allison 10-speed automatic transmission allows for optimized torque handling. GMC has not yet disclosed specific towing figures, but they assert that it can tow “well in excess” of 30,000 pounds.
This places the Sierra HD in close competition with the Ram HD, which boasts an impressive 35,100-pound towing capacity. Although the Sierra HD falls short of the Ram’s 1,000-pound-feet torque in diesel dually configurations, it aims to compete with Ram through offerings like the planned Sierra AT4 HD. This off-road variant will feature a lifted suspension, Rancho shocks, skid plates, a locking rear differential, and distinctive interior finishes, designed to rival the Ram Power Wagon. While the AT4 badge may not carry the same prestige, the addition of another off-road capable truck is certainly welcome, particularly given Chevrolet’s constraint on introducing a Silverado Trail Boss HD.
In addition, GMC takes pride in its innovative MultiPro tailgate, which features six different opening configurations. For the 2020 Sierra HD, this versatile tailgate will be standard on SLT models and available on lower trims. Of greater importance for everyday users may be the one-inch-lower bed floor that facilitates easier loading and fifth-wheel hitching, along with standard side steps in front of the rear wheels for improved bed access. The interior is similar to that of the Silverado, which is not as upscale as the new Ram, but it promises the best-in-class head and legroom.
Loyalty is a key factor in the full-size pickup truck market, especially among heavy-duty models. Converting a Ford fan to a Chevy or a Ram customer to a GMC is an uphill battle. However, with the introduction of the new generation, there’s an opportunity to make a lasting impression on consumers. With its appealing design and smart towing features, the 2020 GMC Sierra HD is poised to win over some new fans.
Customers can expect pricing and detailed specifications to be announced before the truck arrives at dealerships later this year.
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