2019 GMC Sierra 3500HD

When you pick a full-size pickup like the 2019 GMC Sierra 3500HD, it's not just because it looks great - it's because you want heavy duty power and performance. Fortunately, GMC has really come through in this department and the 2019 model has something for just about everyone. Whether you just need a truck to get you to work every day or you're looking for something to haul your camper behind you while driving off-road, there is a Sierra 3500HD configuration that is right for you.

One of the best things about the 2019 GMC Sierra 3500HD is that you can choose between two different drive type setups to get exactly the kind of truck you need. Just planning on driving around the city and not looking to do any off-roading? Then the 2WD option is probably all you will need. If, however, you are interested in going off road or worried about some of the areas you are likely to visit, then the 4WD setup is ideal for making sure you are always in control.

Let's be honest, however, the "heavy" in heavy-duty really comes down to power, and that means the beating heart of your full-size pickup: the engine. The standard engine for the 2019 GMC Sierra 3500HD is a Vortec 6.0L variable timing valve V8 that provides 360hp and up to 380 lb.-ft. of torque for great performance.

Interested in something different? Then there is an available 6.0L V8 SFI Gaseous CNG/LPG capable engine that provides the same horsepower and torque as the standard model, but can run on both gasoline and compressed natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas. Finally, for optimal power and performance, consider the available Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel V8 engine, which offers 445hp and up to 910 lb.-ft. of torque.

If you want a heavy-duty pickup truck, then you are probably interested in things like towing capacity and maximum gross vehicle weight rating, or GVWR. In order to fully appreciate what the 2019 GMC Sierra 3500HD has to offer, it is best to compare it to the 2500HD, which is an excellent truck in its own right but just cannot stack up to the 3500HD in terms of hauling power and capacity. If you find that the 3500HD is more than you really need, then the 2500HD is worth considering, but for maximum payload, it's hard to beat the 3500HD.

Cargo volume for the 3500HD is 61 cubic feet with the standard box or up to about 76 cubic feet if you choose a long box - and this is the same as the 2500HD, since it's all about physical size. Maximum payload, however, is where things really start to differ between the two models. While the 2500HD can handle a respectable max payload of just over 3,200 pounds, the 3500HD pretty quickly puts it to shame with a max payload of more than 6,100 pounds, nearly double the 2500HD.

The 2500HD has a maximum GVWR of 10,000 lbs. and a maximum conventional trailer capacity of 14,500 lbs. That is a decent amount of weight, but if you are planning on hauling loads of lumber or other building materials, then it could very well come up short of what you need. By comparison, the impressive 2019 GMC Sierra 3500HD has a maximum GVWR of over 13,000 lbs. and a maximum conventional trailer capacity of 20,000 lbs. with a fifth-wheel or gooseneck rating of more than 23,000 lbs. The numbers speak for themselves; if you want optimal towing capacity and payload, then the 3500HD is the clear winner.

Technically, there are eight different trim options for the 2019 GMC Sierra 3500HD, which can seem a little overwhelming at first. In reality, however, there are four different trim levels, but each one is available in either a single or double rear-wheel configuration. With that in mind, the following are the four distinct trim levels and what they have to offer.

The base level Sierra comes with the standard 6.0L Vortec V8 gas engine, includes a 7-inch Infotainment system, and rear-vision camera. It has 18-inch painted wheels, a standard locking tailgate and door handles, and HID headlamps. You also get a 3.5-inch driver information center and 6-speaker audio system. Step this up to the SLE trim level, however, and you get the standard 6.0L gas engine with an 8-inch Infotainment system. This trim level includes remote keyless entry and remote locking tailgate, along with LED cargo box lighting, and 18-inch chrome aluminum wheels. The SLE trim option includes a 4.2-inch driver information center and a CD/MP3 player.

The SLT trim level also includes an 8-inch Infotainment system, and it has the same 6.0L Vortec V8 gas engine. It has an EZ-Lift and Lower tailgate for easier loading and unloading of cargo and power-folding vertical trailering mirrors with amber running lamps. It includes power outlets for charging devices and dual-zone climate controls for the driver and front-seat passenger.

At the highest level is the 2019 GMC Sierra 3500HD Denali, which brings a far greater level of luxury to this powerful pickup. It has heated and ventilated leather-appointed front bucket seats, the driver alert package for additional safety, and an 8-inch Infotainment system with navigation. The Denali trim level also includes a 7.1 Bose audio system, wireless charging pad, and 8-inch driver information display.

Nothing is more important than safety. The biggest, most powerful truck on the road is pointless if it cannot keep you and those you care about safe while you are behind the wheel. That is why the 2019 GMC Sierra 3500HD is loaded with great features at every trim level, though some become standard on certain trims and additional features may only be available at some levels.

Features to help prevent collisions include StabiliTrak electronic stability control that automatically helps adjust brakes and engine torque to let you stay in control of the truck, especially during emergency maneuvers. The rear vision camera helps give you a greater view behind the truck and there are also available front and rear park assist systems. Other features at high trim levels include forward collision alert, lane departure warning, and a safety alert seat that can vibrate to warn the driver rather than relying on auditory alerts.

The Sierra 3500HD includes single-stage frontal airbags for the driver and front-seat passenger, as well as side-impact airbags, and roof-rail side-impact airbags. You also get the Teen Driver feature, which lets you set up a customizable teen-driver setting associated with a particular key fob. With this feature activated, certain safety systems and vehicle features become available or active when your teen is driving. You also gain access to an in-vehicle report card with information about your teen's driving habits, so you can make sure you are raising a safe driver.