No One Can Beat the GMC Truck Lineup

While GMC has expanded into a multifaceted brand producing some of the industry’s best SUVs, crossovers, and vans, pickups have long been the company’s specialty. GMC is a trailblazer in the truck segment, producing one of the industry’s earliest commercial trucks in 1902. Dubbed the Rapid, the pickup was about as basic as you can get, with little more than a frame, engine cover, and seat. It would set the stage for over a century of innovation that continues to this day.

Drivers browsing trucks for sale near Minneapolis have no shortage of options, but when you’re in the market for a time-tested brand that knows its way around the modern pickup, it’s hard to do better than GMC. Today’s GMC trucks have come a long way from the Rapid and include some of the most powerful, adventurous, and practical models on the market. From the midsize Canyon and full-size Sierra 1500 to the hard-working Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, the modern GMC truck lineup has something for everyone. Let’s explore each of these models in depth, compare some relevant statistics, and see why GMC has earned its reputation as one of the most trusted truck brands.

Sierra 1500

Seating: Six
Max Horsepower: 420
Max Torque: 495 lb-ft
Max Towing Capacity: 13,200 lbs
Max Payload Capacity: 2,240 lbs
Passenger Volume: 136 cu.ft.

GMC knows there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when shopping for a full-size pickup, so the brand offers the Sierra 1500 with eight different trim options. The 1500 Pro is a great option for those seeking a reliable, affordable work truck with a starting price under $30,000 that’s sure to fit any budget.[a] The SLE introduces some convenient modern tech, like a 13.4-inch touchscreen infotainment display and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, but the auto-locking rear differential really enhances the trim’s utility. The SLT and Denali both come standard with a 355-horsepower 5.3L V8, with the latter adding some stylish and luxurious touches like an exclusive chrome grille, wheel-to-wheel assist steps, and leather seats with 12-way adjustment and power lumbar support.

GMC offers two purpose-built off-road trims for the Sierra: the AT4 and AT4X. Both receive a two-inch factory lift for improved ground clearance, but the AT4X ups the ante with front and rear electronic-locking differentials, Multimatic DSSV dampers, steel front bumpers, and a boron steel skid plate courtesy of the off-road pros at American Expedition Vehicles (AEV). Drivers who will settle for nothing but the best should look into Denali Ultimate, which provides an opulent, tech-heavy ride complete with 16-way power heated and ventilated front seats with a massage feature, GM’s advanced Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance technology, and a 12-speaker Bose Premium Series with Centerpoint surround sound system that’ll have you feeling like you’re sitting front-and-center at First Avenue. Most importantly, the Denali Ultimate doesn’t prioritize luxury over performance, with a 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 that churns out 420 hp.

GMC’s “Professional Grade” ethos has made the brand’s trucks the go-to choice for those who know the value of a hard day’s work, an impressive feat that can largely be credited to the automaker’s commitment to continual innovation. Just take the Sierra 1500’s MultiPro Tailgate, for instance. First introduced in 2019, the MultiPro Tailgate has quickly become a must-have feature for trade pros, contractors, and DIY-ers. While a pickup’s tailgate might not seem like an area ripe for improvement, GMC has proved doubters wrong with an ingenious design that allows the MultiPro Tailgate to shift between six distinct functions seamlessly. The Sierra’s cargo bed is already notable for its length, measuring up to 98.2 inches in the Long Box model, but those looking to add a little extra real estate can employ the MultiPro Tailgate’s Primary Gate Load Stop setting, which allows drivers to fold down the primary gate while still keeping their cargo secure thanks to a built-in load stop. The Easy Access setting enables drivers to get seven to nine inches closer to their cargo by folding down the inner gate, while the Full-Width Step setting provides an ergonomic four-foot-wide step with a maximum weight capacity of 375 lbs. These features will help drivers solve problems they didn’t even know they had, but the Inner Gate Work Surface feature probably represents the MultiPro Tailgate’s most innovative setting. Just lower the upper half of the tailgate, and you’ll be treated to a mobile workbench that’s perfect for reviewing plans, using the 120-volt outlet to power your laptop to fire off some emails, or setting up a pre-game smorgasbord at a U.S. Bank Stadium tailgate party.

Sierra HD

Seating: Six
Max Horsepower: 470
Max Torque: 975 lb-ft
Max Towing Capacity: 22,500 lbs (2500 HD), 36,000 lbs (3500 HD)
Max Payload Capacity: 3,850 lbs (2500 HD), 7,290 lbs (3500 HD)
Passenger Volume: 139 cu.ft.

If you’re looking for a top-tier towing machine that can handle even the toughest jobs, there’s no substitute for the GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD. The HD versions of GMC’s full-size Sierra are built with the working world in mind, offering the sort of towing and payload capacity that few models can match. The Sierra 2500 HD boasts a maximum towing capacity of 22,500 lbs, which places it towards the top of the segment compared to some of its closest rivals. That number easily surpasses the towing capacity of the Ram 2500, which maxes out at 19,990 lbs when paired with the pickup’s high-output diesel engine and eclipses the Nissan Titan XD’s 11,050 lbs.

The story is largely the same when it comes to the Sierra 3500 HD. The Sierra’s brawniest iteration can pull up to 32,000 lbs with a fifth-wheel hitch and as much as 36,000 lbs when equipped with a gooseneck hitch, the dual-rear-wheel axle, and rear-wheel drive. That sort of capacity will allow drivers to bring even the largest camper along on their next weekend adventure, whether they’ve headed to Sand Dunes State Forest or making the journey north to Voyageurs National Park. What allows the Sierra 3500 HD to achieve these feats of pickup strength? It all comes down to the truck’s robust construction and Duramax diesel. In both the 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC offers a massive 6.6L diesel V8 that can produce 470 hp and 975 lb-ft of torque without breaking a sweat. Throw in the iconic Allison 10-speed automatic transmission and the optional dually, and you’ve got a no-holds-barred towing and hauling behemoth.

Both the Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD are standouts in terms of payload, with the first offering a maximum capacity of 3,850 lbs and the second topping 7,290 lbs when optioned with a regular cab, long bed, and two-wheel drive. While these figures make a compelling case for the Sierra HD, the pickup’s generously appointed cabin sets it apart from the crowd. When opting for some of the higher trims like the Denali and Denali Ultimate, the Sierra HD transforms into a legitimate luxury vehicle complete with leather-wrapped surfaces, an ultra-soft microsuede headliner, Paldao wood trim pieces, a heated steering wheel, and heated and ventilated front seats. The HD model is no slouch from a tech perspective, with an innovative head-up display, wireless phone charging, and a 13.4-inch infotainment touchscreen that comes standard with Google Built-in and a handy split-screen navigation feature.

Canyon

Seating: Five
Max Horsepower: 310
Max Torque: 430 lb-ft
Max Towing Capacity: 7,700 lbs
Max Payload Capacity: 1,640 lbs
Passenger Volume: 104 cu.ft.

The Canyon delivers that legendary GMC performance in a smaller package, making the midsize pickup a more practical choice for those who know that power shouldn’t come at the cost of comfort and efficiency. The pickup offers plenty of power with a 2.7L I-4 engine that offers 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque thanks to the inclusion of a turbocharger. This TurboMax setup allows the Canyon to outpace much of the segment in terms of both horsepower and torque, with the GMC besting midsize offerings from the likes of Jeep and Honda. Throw in an eight-speed automatic transmission, available four-wheel drive, and a solid body-on-frame design, and it’s easy to see why the Canyon is such a popular option in the midsize segment.

The Canyon also proves itself in the towing department with a maximum capacity of 7,700 lbs, though the off-road AT4X trim trends a little lower at 6,000 lbs. Sure, the pickup’s 7,700-pound capacity might be less than a quarter of the towing power offered by the range-topping Sierra 3500 HD, but it’s more than a fair trade-off when considering the Canyon’s impressive efficiency. A little forced induction certainly helps the Canyon’s EPA-estimated fuel economy, with the RWD model providing 19 MPG city and 23 MPG highway. The Canyon surpasses the Jeep Gladiator when visiting the gas pump and even holds its own when paired with 4WD.

The Canyon’s midsize design is the perfect starting point for a hardy off-road pickup, as GMC delivered when it unveiled the AT4X trim in 2023. The trail-ready trim adds a host of heavy-duty components designed with off-road dominance in mind, from Multimatic DSSV dampers and front and rear electronic-locking differentials to an underbody camera system that’ll help you to avoid any obstacles Mother Nature might throw at you. If you don’t manage to avoid those unseen rocks, logs, and other debris, you can rest easy knowing the AT4X’s extensive array of skid plates has your back. Add the AT4X AEV Edition package, and you’ll be treated to four underbody skid plates designed to protect the chassis, transfer case, fuel tank, and rear differential. The AEV Edition package also throws an AEV stamped-steel rear bumper with cast recovery points into the mix, as well as a stamped-steel front bumper, bed-mounted vertical spare tire carrier, and 17-inch mud terrain tires complete with beadlock-capable wheels. This will prove especially useful if you find yourself mired in the muck at one of the many off-road trails spread across the North Star State, giving drivers the ability to let a little air out of their tires to increase surface area and traction without risking de-beading the tire.

GMC maintains its stellar pickup truck track record with the Canyon, Sierra 1500, and Sierra HD models. From the considerable towing prowess of the Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD and the Sierra 1500’s eight diverse trims to the Canyon’s unmatched efficiency and intriguing new AT4X trim, these GMC pickups can go toe-to-toe, or wheel-to-wheel, with any other model on the market. A pioneering spirit has served GMC well over its 100-plus years on the market, and that shows no signs of slowing down with the brand’s current models. The Sierra 1500’s MultiPro Tailgate provides the perfect example of this innovative approach, with GMC updating an often-overlooked area to meet the needs of its hard-working clientele. The AT4 and AT4X trims allow the Canyon, Sierra 1500, and Sierra HD to excel in challenging off-road terrain, rounding out their impressive professional resumes with all the durable gear you’ll need for a weekend full of off-the-grid fun. Explore everything these three pickups have to offer by stopping by Snell Buick GMC for a test drive today.

---

[a] MSRP may change without notice. See dealer for complete details.

Posted in Trucks for Sale Near Minneapolis | No Comments »