Tow (Like A) Pro

RIDING HEAVY IN GMC’S NEW SIERRA HD

- Brett T. Evans

For the last decade or so, the heavy-duty truck market has been full of competitive spirit, with each automaker churning out a new technology or powertrain that oneups the others in some way. However, with a few exceptions, General Motors has been content to watch Ford and Ram return volley for volley—sitting out on the max-towing measuring contest specifically.

That changes with the all-new 2020 GMC Sierra HD, available as always in ¾-ton 2500HD and 1-ton 3500HD variants. Thanks to a completely redesigned platform, suspension, and drivetrain, the new Sierra HD can haul a trailer weighing up to 35,500 pounds, pole-vaulting over the 2020 Ram Heavy Duty and 2019 Ford F-Series Super Duty. What’s more, all dual-rear-wheel/ Duramax diesel configurations can tow at least 30,000 pounds, even in heavier, more optionladen trim levels and body styles.

To find out how well it works in regular use, GMC hosted us in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where we got to sample the 2020 Sierra HD in some surprisingly rugged and taxing situations.

Towing Truths

The 2020 GMC Sierra HD is available with two powertrains: an all-new 6.6L gasoline V-8 paired to a six-speed automatic transmission and the carryover Duramax L5P 6.6L turbodiesel V-8 mated to an all-new Allison-branded 10-speed auto. We spent the vast majority of our drive time behind the wheel of diesel-powered pickups, and while the GMC brings up the rear in terms of maximum available torque among big trucks, we found very little to complain about.