Photo: GMC
According to the SAE J2807 standards, the 2015 Ram 3500 HD with the 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel offers a best-in-class 30,000 pounds towing capacity. However, that was not the case in the 2014 Ultimate Heavy Duty Challenge's 1-ton diesel category, which saw truck experts test the 2015 Ford F-350 with the updated Power Stroke diesel and the Ram 3500 HD pickup against the 2015 GMC Sierra 3500 HD truck.
The HD challenge put the three pickup trucks head-to-head on a 7.2-mile descent from the Eisenhower Pass in Colorado, which includes up to 7 percent grades. The evaluators reported that out of the three 1-ton 4x4 crew cab dualies with 3.73:1 axle gears, the 2015 GMC Sierra 3500 HD was the only one that didn't need brake pedal depressions during the descent. Judges also appreciated that the GMC was the fastest from 0 to 60 mph, it stopped in the least amount of distance in the 60 to 0 mph braking test and reported the best fuel economy while trailering heavy loads.
Equipped with the 6.6-liter Duramax turbo diesel engine, the 2015 GMC Sierra 3500 heavy-duty got an overall score of 3,292 points, with the '14 Ram 3500 HD Cummins coming in second with 3,221 points and the 2015 Ford F-350 Power Stroke last thanks to the 3,196 points awarded. Another aspect that was highly appreciated by the judges was the revised cabin design and the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system coming with a satellite navigation feature. Another highly praised aspect of the GMC Sierra 3500 HD was the upgraded exhaust brake, described as easy to use for those with little towing experience.
“We’ve always believed we’ve had the best heavy duty truck on the market,” declared GMC Sierra marketing manager Stuart Pierce. “This validation from PickupTrucks.com, a leader in covering the pickup industry, is gratifying for the entire team that designed, engineered, and now sells this capable and refined truck. We look forward to building on this accomplishment as we move forward.” The entire set of results and testing methodology can be found by following this link.
Equipped with the 6.6-liter Duramax turbo diesel engine, the 2015 GMC Sierra 3500 heavy-duty got an overall score of 3,292 points, with the '14 Ram 3500 HD Cummins coming in second with 3,221 points and the 2015 Ford F-350 Power Stroke last thanks to the 3,196 points awarded. Another aspect that was highly appreciated by the judges was the revised cabin design and the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system coming with a satellite navigation feature. Another highly praised aspect of the GMC Sierra 3500 HD was the upgraded exhaust brake, described as easy to use for those with little towing experience.
“We’ve always believed we’ve had the best heavy duty truck on the market,” declared GMC Sierra marketing manager Stuart Pierce. “This validation from PickupTrucks.com, a leader in covering the pickup industry, is gratifying for the entire team that designed, engineered, and now sells this capable and refined truck. We look forward to building on this accomplishment as we move forward.” The entire set of results and testing methodology can be found by following this link.
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