2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD vs. 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
If it’s nearing time to purchase your next heavy-duty pickup truck, you have probably been considering the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD vs. 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD. And as you have discovered, a comparison between these two vehicles couldn’t be any trickier. However, there are key differences present between these two incredibly capable trucks.
The 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD is the perfect suite of luxury, intelligence, and power. On the outside, the Sierra has an aggressive stance, but on the inside, this truck is as luxurious as they come. The 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD also features an abundance of standard entertainment and safety technologies across its varying trim levels, allowing drivers to truly make this truck their own. And if luxury is among one of your top priorities, the Sierra features the crowd favorite Denali trim.
The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offers what consumers expect from a heavy-duty pickup truck. It is practical, powerful, and tough. However, as the slightly more affordable option, the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offers much less in the area of luxury and standard premium features.
Overall the comparison between the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD vs. 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is an extremely close call. Yet, there are some important differences in terms of design, luxury, and onboard features. So, let’s take an in-depth look at how these two heavy-duty pickup trucks compare in terms of power, design, and standard and available features.
Trim
The 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD vs. 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD may be extremely similar vehicles in both power output and design, however taking a look at the standard features across each of their trim levels can help differentiate these two heavy-duty pickup trucks. Both the Sierra and the Silverado offer four trim levels, and each features their own luxury trim. For many drivers, the comparison boils down to GMC’s infamous Denali trim and Silverado’s High Country trim.
2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD
The 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD offers a total of four trim levels, each varying in terms of available and standard convenience, safety, and entertainment features. Here is a quick break down of the difference between these trims.
Base
The Base trim on the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD comes with a variety of standard features including:
- 6L V8 Engine, with 6-Speed Transmission
- Rear Vision Camera
- Cornerstep Rear Bumper
- 3.5” Driver Information Center
- 7” Touchscreen Infotainment System
- 6-Speaker Sound System
- Bluetooth Connectivity
SLE
For the SLE trim, drivers experience a huge upgrade in the convenience and entertainment department including standard features like:
- 4.2” Driver Information Center
- 8” Touchscreen Infotainment System
- Built-in 4G LTE WIFI Hotspot
- SiriusXM Satellite Radio
- Remote Keyless Entry
- Remote Locking Tailgate
- LED Cargo Box Lighting
SLT
The SLT trim is where the luxury touches of the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD really start to pour in, including premium standard features like:
- Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Heated Front Seats
- Power Adjustable Heated Mirrors
- Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control
Denali
However, nothing can beat the luxury, and advanced technology of the highly coveted Denali trim with standard features including:
- 8” Touchscreen Infotainment System with Navigation
- Wireless Charging
- Bose Premium Sound System
- Heated Steering Wheel
- 6” Chrome Assist Steps
- Spray-On Bedliner
The Denali trim also comes standard with the Driver Alert Package which allows drivers and passengers to enjoy the luxury of the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD while remaining as safe as possible on the road. This package includes Front and Rear Park Assist, Lane Departure Warning, and Forward Collision Alert.
2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
Like the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD, the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD also has four available trim levels. Here are a few highlights from each of these trims:
- WT – This trim level includes a 6-speaker sound system, Bluetooth connectivity, Rear Vision Camera, and the Tire Pressure Monitoring system. However, for a touchscreen infotainment system drivers will have to upgrade to the LT trim.
- LT – The LT trim includes advanced standard features like the 8” touchscreen display, 4.2” Driver Information Center, and Remote Keyless Entry.
- LTZ – Key highlights from this trim level include fog lamps, power adjustable/heated mirrors, Automatic Climate Control, and heated front seats.
- High Country – As the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado’s top-tier trim level, the High Country includes the 8” touchscreen display with navigation, 20” all-terrain tires, leather-appointed seating, and spray-on bed liner.
While many of the features available across the trim levels of the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD and 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD are incredibly similar, there are a few important differences especially when it comes to the standard features available on their highest trims. In general, the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali comes with more standard features than the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD High Country. Meaning that if you’d like to choose the Chevrolet but want to experience everything that is offered standard on the GMC’s Denali trim, you’re looking at quite a few additional expenses. And since the High Country trim was specifically designed to compete with the Denali trim, this is a disappointing factor for many Chevrolet enthusiasts looking for the ultimate in luxury onboard their new truck.
Design
For the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500 HD vs. 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, there are many similar design elements. However, from varying grille features to unique color options, there are a few differences that can help drivers choose their preference.
2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD
One of the main differences between the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD and the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is the front-end design. For the Sierra, the front-end features an aggressive grille that has a more boxy look compared to the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD. Another notable difference in terms of design involves the interior of the Sierra. GMC is known for its unique blend of luxury and power, and achieving that luxury means high-quality, soft to the touch materials throughout the inside of the vehicle. The 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD also includes a variety of exterior color options that vary from the Silverado, such as:
- Cardinal Red
- Dark Slate Metallic
- Deep Mahogany Metallic
- Quicksilver Metallic
2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
Where the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD is luxurious, the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado is practical and therefore slightly more affordable. On the outside, the Chevrolet Silverado shares the aggressive and intimidating nature of the Sierra. However, it is less boxy and features sleek lines. While design-wise the Silverado’s interior is nearly identical to the Sierra, you won’t find the same premium materials to give it that extra boost of luxury. For exterior customization, the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD and 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD share a few of the same color options including Wheatland Yellow, Tangier Orange, and Woodland Green. However, there are several exterior colors unique to the Silverado including:
- Cajun Red Tintcoat
- Deep Ocean Blue Metallic
- Red Hot
- Iridescent Pearl Tricoat
Overall, the design of the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD vs. 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD are nearly identical. However, there are a few important differences between the two. In terms of design, if you’re looking for a truck that is powerful and intimidating, yet also luxurious and refined, you’ll want to choose the 2018 GMC Sierra. Meanwhile, those looking for a more simplistic and practical design may feel better suited with the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado.
Power
Manufactured by General Motors, the powertrains onboard the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD and 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD are nearly identical. Both heavy-duty pickup trucks offer the same three engine options:
- 6.0L V8 Engine
- 6.0L V8 Engine (Natural gas or Propane)
- 6.6L V8 Diesel
These engines produce up to 445 hp and up to 910 lb-ft torque to power their impressive capabilities. If you’re looking to tow and haul large loads on the worksite or toys on the weekends, the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD and 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD will have you covered with a max towing capacity of 14,000 LBS. Even their Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the same with a max of 9,900 LBS.
The 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD does offer a variety of packages to increase its impressive towing and hauling capabilities. These include the Gooseneck/5th-Wheel Prep Package and the Hitch Package. GMC also provides consumers with a variety of individual trailering, cargo management, and bed accessories.
Overall, you won’t find many differences for the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD vs. 2018 Chevrolet Silverado HD when it comes to power. Both are tough, powerful, and capable contenders that can tackle even the toughest jobs with ease. Ultimately, choosing between these two heavy-duty trucks will come down to the level of luxury and premium onboard features you’re looking for in a vehicle.