The GMC Sierra 3500HD IV (GMTK2XX) Crew Cab Standard Box, equipped with the 6.6-liter Duramax Turbo Diesel V8 engine producing 445 horsepower and paired with a 4WD SRW Automatic transmission, represents a significant iteration in GMC’s heavy-duty truck lineage. Produced from 2017 to 2019, this model year fell within the fourth generation of the Sierra 3500HD (GMTK2XX platform), designed to offer increased capability, refinement, and technology compared to its predecessors. It served as a premium offering within the Sierra 3500HD lineup, targeting buyers needing substantial towing and payload capacity without sacrificing interior comfort.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | GMC |
| Model | Sierra 3500HD |
| Generation | Sierra 3500HD IV (GMTK2XX) Crew Cab Standard Box |
| Type (Engine) | 6.6 Duramax TD V8 (445 Hp) 4WD SRW Automatic |
| Start of production | 2017 |
| End of production | 2019 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.7 kg/Hp, 130 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 2.8 kg/Nm, 360.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 445 Hp @ 2800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 67.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 1234 Nm @ 1600 rpm (910.15 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | Duramax L5P |
| Engine displacement | 6604 cm3 (403 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 103 mm (4.06 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 99 mm (3.9 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | OHV |
| Engine oil capacity | 9.5 l (10.04 US qt | 8.36 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 29.7 l (31.38 US qt | 26.13 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 3424 kg (7548.63 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 5216 kg (11499.31 lbs.) |
| Max load | 1792 kg (3950.68 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1728 l (61.02 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 136 l (35.93 US gal | 29.92 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 5897 kg (13000.66 lbs.) |
| Length | 6083 mm (239.49 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2045 mm (80.51 in.) |
| Height | 1985 mm (78.15 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3904 mm (153.7 in.) |
| Front track | 1748 mm (68.82 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1709 mm (67.28 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 15.8 m (51.84 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | All wheel drive (4×4). ICE drives rear wheels, front wheels engaged via clutch. |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission Allison |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension, Leaf spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 355×40 mm |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 360 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Tires size | 235/80 R17; 265/70 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5J x 17; 8J x 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Sierra 3500HD is the Duramax L5P 6.6-liter turbocharged diesel V8. This engine represents a significant evolution of the Duramax design, incorporating features like a redesigned combustion chamber, improved fuel injection system, and a more robust block. The L5P utilizes a common-rail direct injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressures for optimized combustion efficiency and reduced emissions. The engine also features a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) and an intercooler to maximize power and torque output. The overhead valve (OHV) valvetrain, while traditional, is known for its durability and reliability in heavy-duty applications. The Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission is specifically tuned to handle the immense torque produced by the Duramax engine. This transmission features a lock-up torque converter for improved fuel efficiency and a heavy-duty cooling system to prevent overheating under demanding conditions.
Driving Characteristics
The 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque delivered by the L5P Duramax engine, coupled with the Allison automatic, provides substantial pulling power and a confident driving experience. While not as quick off the line as gasoline-powered trucks, the Sierra 3500HD excels in situations requiring low-end grunt. The automatic transmission is programmed for smooth shifts and efficient operation, but can also be manually shifted for greater control when towing or navigating challenging terrain. Compared to the 6.0L gasoline V8 option, the Duramax offers significantly more torque, making it the preferred choice for heavy hauling. Compared to the 3500HD models equipped with the 1.9 TDI engine, this variant offers a substantial power advantage, but at the cost of fuel economy.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Crew Cab Standard Box configuration offered a spacious interior with seating for five passengers. Standard features typically included air conditioning, power windows and locks, a basic infotainment system with a touchscreen display, and a rearview camera. Higher trim levels, such as the SLT and Denali, added features like leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, a premium sound system, and advanced safety technologies. Optional extras included a sunroof, navigation system, and various towing packages. The interior design focused on functionality and durability, with materials chosen to withstand the rigors of heavy-duty use.
Chassis & Braking
The Sierra 3500HD features a robust chassis designed to handle heavy loads. The front suspension utilizes coil springs and a double wishbone setup, while the rear suspension employs leaf springs. This configuration provides a comfortable ride while maintaining excellent load-carrying capacity. Braking duties are handled by ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power even when towing. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard, enhancing safety and control. The rear axle featured a single rear wheel (SRW) configuration, common for this class of truck.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 2017-2019 GMC Sierra 3500HD with the Duramax diesel and Allison automatic received generally positive reviews. Critics praised its powerful engine, smooth transmission, and comfortable ride. Fuel economy, while not exceptional, was considered reasonable for a heavy-duty truck of its size and capability. Compared to competitors like the Ford Super Duty and Ram 3500, the Sierra 3500HD was often seen as offering a good balance of power, refinement, and technology. The Duramax engine’s reputation for reliability also contributed to its strong market position.
Legacy
The Duramax L5P engine has proven to be a durable and reliable powerplant, with many examples exceeding 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. The Allison 1000 transmission is also known for its longevity. On the used car market, these Sierra 3500HD models hold their value well, particularly those in good condition with well-documented maintenance histories. They remain a popular choice for buyers seeking a capable and dependable heavy-duty truck for work or recreational purposes. The GMTK2XX platform, while superseded by newer generations, established a benchmark for heavy-duty truck design and capability.
