GMC Sierra 3500HD Crew Cab Photos, engines & full specs

In late 2012, GMC unveiled the fourth generation of the Sierra, relaunching competition on the heavy-duty pickup truck in the American markets. Moreover, the automaker made the launch in Detroit to further emphasize the importance of this workhorse in the industry.

Big and bold might be considered an understatement for the GMC Sierra 3500HD Crew Cab. It was a vehicle capable enough to take a team of workers to the top of the mountain and back, with a trailer attached in the back. Of course, the same vehicle could also pull a full-size camper behind, with the whole family onboard. GMC knew its customers and knew that they’d do both things, and that’s why it didn’t cut the spending when it made the vehicle and fitted it with all the necessary features and amenities needed for both situations. To get their attention, the automaker struggled and redesigned the cab design, strengthened the chassis, and made the interior richer, depending on the grade.

At the front, the massive grille was adorned by a chicken-wire mesh that sported the three-letter name of the automaker. It was adorned by a chromed surrounding and flanked by big, rectangular headlights. Unlike its predecessor, the 2014 Sierra didn’t feature a split line between the headlamps and the blinkers, and all of these were under the same piece of glass. The bumper sported round fog lamps on the sides, while the middle section was occupied by an underbody shield with two cut-outs for towing hooks. From its profile, the wide front fenders featured angled cut-outs for the wheel arches at the front, while at the back, the automaker offered the option for a dual wheel system to improve the towing capacity. In addition, next to the tailgate, GMC installed steps cut into the bumper for easier access to the bed.

Inside, the front seats of the Crew Cab version were wide and comfortable, separated by a wide center console where GMC installed a pair of cup holders and an open storage area fitted with USB ports. On the center stack, depending on the trim level and options, the automaker placed a color display for the infotainment system and the controls for the HVAC system. The driver fronted an unusual instrument cluster for a heavy-duty vehicle. Not only did it show the big dials for the speedometer and tachometer and four other smaller gauges for various information, but it also featured a TFT display that revealed other information about the vehicle from the car’s onboard computer. As expected, the lever for the automatic transmission sat behind the steering wheel. In the back, the wide bench was profiled for two but featured three seat belts.

GMC built the Sierra 3500HD on a sturdy ladder-frame chassis fitted with front independent suspension and an axle in the back. Depending on the engine and version, the pickup was available with either rear or all-wheel-drive systems, with a low-range gear for the transfer case. The 3500HD could also pull 19,000 lbs. (8,618 kg) trailer on the hitch or 23,200 lbs. (10,523 kg) on a fifth-wheel system.