The GMC Sierra 3500HD, in its fifth generation (GMTT1XX), received a significant facelift for the 2024 model year. This iteration continues GMC’s tradition of offering a heavy-duty pickup truck geared towards demanding tasks like towing and hauling. The Crew Cab Standard Bed configuration, paired with the 6.6-liter Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8 engine producing 470 horsepower and a robust 975 lb-ft of torque, represents a premium offering within the Sierra 3500HD lineup. This particular variant is positioned as a workhorse for those needing substantial capability without sacrificing interior space and comfort. Production began in late 2023 for the 2024 model year, building upon the foundation laid by previous generations while incorporating updated technology and styling.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | GMC |
| Model | Sierra 3500HD |
| Generation | Sierra 3500HD V (GMTT1XX, facelift 2024) Crew Cab Standard Bed |
| Type (Engine) | 6.6 Duramax TD V8 (470 Hp) 4WD SRW Automatic |
| Start of production | 2024 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.6 kg/Hp, 131.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 2.7 kg/Nm, 370.3 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 470 Hp @ 2800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 71.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 1322 Nm @ 1600 rpm (975.06 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 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 | 28.5 l (30.12 US qt | 25.08 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 3570 kg (7870.5 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 5489 kg (12101.17 lbs.) |
| Max load | 1919 kg (4230.67 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 136 l (35.93 US gal | 29.92 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 9072 kg (20000.34 lbs.) |
| Length | 6369 mm (250.75 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2079 mm (81.85 in.) |
| Height | 2054 mm (80.87 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 4037 mm (158.94 in.) |
| Front track | 1731 mm (68.15 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1736 mm (68.35 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 284 mm (11.18 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | All wheel drive (4×4). ICE drives rear wheels, front engaged via clutch. |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 10 gears, automatic transmission Allison |
| Front suspension | Independent torsion bar, double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension, Leaf spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 355×40 mm |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 360×34 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 275/70 R18; 275/65 R20 |
| Wheel rims size | 8J x 18; 8.5J x 20 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Sierra 3500HD is the 6.6-liter L5P Duramax turbo-diesel V8 engine. This engine has been a mainstay in GMC and Chevrolet heavy-duty trucks for years, undergoing continuous refinement. The L5P utilizes a cast iron block and aluminum cylinder heads, contributing to its durability. It employs a common-rail direct fuel injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressures for optimized combustion. The turbocharger, coupled with an intercooler, forces more air into the engine, boosting power and torque. The engine features an overhead valve (OHV) valvetrain, a design choice prioritizing low-end torque and reliability over high-revving performance. The Allison 10-speed automatic transmission is specifically tuned to handle the immense torque output of the Duramax engine. This transmission features electronically controlled shifts and a robust internal design for heavy-duty applications.
Driving Characteristics
The 470 horsepower and 975 lb-ft of torque delivered by this powertrain translate into exceptional towing and hauling capabilities. While not designed for outright speed, the Sierra 3500HD with this configuration offers ample power for merging onto highways and maintaining speed even when heavily loaded. The 10-speed Allison transmission is crucial here, providing a wide range of gear ratios to keep the engine in its optimal power band. Compared to the gasoline-powered engine options available in the Sierra 3500HD, the Duramax diesel offers significantly more torque at lower RPMs, making it ideal for demanding tasks. Compared to earlier Duramax engines, the 2024 version benefits from improved refinement and smoother shifting thanks to the 10-speed transmission.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Crew Cab Standard Bed configuration typically comes well-equipped, even in base trims. Standard features generally include a user-friendly infotainment system with a touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a suite of safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning. Interior upholstery is typically cloth, with options for leather upgrades available on higher trim levels. The 2024 facelift brought updated interior materials and a more modern dashboard layout. Optional extras include a premium audio system, heated and ventilated seats, a power-adjustable steering column, and advanced trailering technology like a bed view camera and trailer sway control.
Chassis & Braking
The Sierra 3500HD utilizes a fully boxed frame for enhanced rigidity and durability. The front suspension features an independent torsion bar setup with double wishbones, providing a comfortable ride while maintaining stability. The rear suspension employs a traditional leaf spring design, optimized for handling heavy loads. Braking duties are handled by ventilated disc brakes at all four corners, providing ample stopping power. The rear brakes are slightly larger in diameter than the front. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard. The steering system utilizes a hydraulic power steering setup, offering a direct and responsive feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The GMC Sierra 3500HD with the Duramax diesel engine consistently receives positive reviews for its towing and hauling capabilities. Critics praise the engine’s power and torque, as well as the smooth operation of the Allison transmission. Fuel economy, while not a primary concern for heavy-duty truck buyers, is generally considered competitive within the segment. Compared to the gasoline-powered Sierra 3500HD, the diesel variant offers superior fuel efficiency when towing heavy loads. Reliability has been a strong point for the Duramax engine, although diesel engines generally require more expensive maintenance than their gasoline counterparts.
Legacy
The Duramax diesel engine has established a strong reputation for longevity and durability. Properly maintained, these engines can easily exceed 200,000 miles. The L5P variant, in particular, has proven to be a reliable and capable powerplant. On the used car market, Sierra 3500HDs equipped with the Duramax diesel and Allison transmission command a premium price due to their proven performance and durability. The 2024 facelifted model is expected to continue this legacy, offering a refined and capable heavy-duty truck for years to come.
