Monstrous new GMC Sierra offers power to spare, creature comfort
This week we drive one of the biggest and most rugged vehicles we’ve tested in some time: the 2005 Sierra 2500 HD 4WD Crew Cab SLT. The first thing we must say is that this truck — despite its size and weight — is extremely comfortable, responsive and handles well. These are characteristics you’re probably not expecting to be a highlight in the full-size, heavy-duty pickup truck market. However, the Sierra 2500 HD is just that and more.
It’s tough finding a place to start with this good-looking, fully loaded monster, but let’s take a quick look at some impressive numbers to set the stage: It’s powered by a 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V-8 turbo that provides 310 horsepower at 3,000 rpm and 605 pound-feet of torque at 1,600 rpm. It weighs just shy of three tons at 5,907 pounds. And it can tow up to 12,000 pounds! Oh yes, one more number — an almost $50,000 price tag.
The Duramax diesel is, of course, an option that GMC recommends if you’re looking for maximum trailering capacity. The engine is part of the $6,805 Heavy Duty Power Package that also includes an Allison five-speed automatic transmission and a locking differential rear axle.
We gave the 6.6-liter diesel a bit of a test with two large scoops of landscape stone. It definitely took the back end down a pinch, but the engine hardly seemed taxed by the extra weight. We also backed the Sierra uphill to unload the stone, and the push-button four-wheel drive and low-end torque made it easy.
One final note on the diesel: Unless you really need that extra power, consider the much quieter gasoline Vortec V-8. Despite claims from manufacturers, diesel engines are still loud.
While life on a farm or a construction site is no doubt the best way to get the most from the Sierra 2500 HD, we did enjoy its softer side. The vehicle drives and rides like a sedan, with solid steering response and no sway in the corners, even at higher speeds. The sight lines were impressive as well, thanks to Sierra’s tall, wide windows.
A few things we really like on the long list of creature comforts are the power moon roof with a screen — a great touch, especially in dirty work environments; swiveling map lights; dual-zone air conditioning; front power reclining full-feature bucket seats; remote keyless entry with content theft alarm; steering-wheel radio controls; outside power, heated, folding mirrors with driver-side auto dimming; in-glass turn signals and curb tilt; and one year of OnStar.
The only item on this list not standard on the SLT is the moonroof, at $1,100. Other extras on our tester are chrome tubular assist steps, dealer-installed for $495; XM Satellite Radio ($325); pickup bed extender ($210); and heavy-duty trailering equipment ($210).
The Sierra offers four-wheel ABS with dynamic rear proportioning; longer life brake pads; engine overheat protection; long-life ignition and plugs, serpentine belt, Dex-cool coolant and rear-axle fluid.
Other important numbers include a 153-inch wheelbase, 237.3-inch overall length (256.1 with the long box), and 59 cubic-feet of bed volume (73.9 with the long box).
The Sierra matches up well with its competition from Ford, Dodge and Nissan. We especially like what it offers in looks, power and ride, and rate it a 9 on a scale of 1 to 10.
Likes: Engine power, ride, handling.
Dislikes: Diesels are still noisy. Lacking in having only front air bags for driver and right side passenger.