GMC has been rapidly moving towards solidifying its position in the premium pickup market while also preparing for an all-EV future with the Hummer family and the all-electric Sierra 1500, which will debut soon. In the meantime, the brand also understands that the bulk of its customers use their trucks for extreme amounts of work and has followed Chevrolet’s lead by unveiling the revamped 2024 Sierra HD lineup, which introduces new technologies and two new models to the HD ranks.
Refreshed Styling And Identity Define Sierra HD Styling Tweaks
Like the 2024 Silverado HD, GMC designers gave the Sierra HD a revised suit of clothes with the front end getting bracket-shaped headlights and a reworked lower bumper. Each model will now have a unique front grille treatment, and this is part of GMC’s attempts to add distinction to each trim level while removing some of the redundancy that used to define select trims of the outgoing truck when viewed side by side. The truck’s rear also receives a light freshening, but unlike the front, buyers will have to look with a sharp magnifying glass to spot some of the differences that exist versus the outgoing model.
The interior of the 2024 Sierra HD is still the comfortable technology-filled oasis that many GMC owners have come to expect, but GMC made some upgrades to the fitments to make it stand out from the rest of the crowd. An all-new 13.4-inch infotainment system is now standard, and the luxury side of the equation is enhanced further with an all-new Denali Ultimate model, which adds trim exclusive wood and leather accents and blacks out the bulk of the chrome accents on the exterior while 20-inch blacked-out wheels add a sinister vibe when observers view the truck. Look for lesser models to have a more functional setup in the interior, but we get to wait a bit before we have the chance to see these lesser models in person.
Performance Hardware Is A Mirror Image Of Silverado
When it comes to what changes are lurking under the hood for 2024, it might feel like you’re looking in a mirror, and that’s because the Sierra gets the same revisions as the 2024 Silverado HD. That means the 6.6 liter Duramax diesel gets the same suite of upgrades which helps it produce an identical 470 hp and 975 lb-ft of torque. But if you prefer to feed your truck a steady diet of gasoline, GMC will also let you equip the Sierra HD with a 6.6-liter gasoline V8 that makes a stout 401 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to an Allision-sourced 10-speed automatic and rear or all-wheel drive continues to be the two drive layouts available.
With the revamped Ford Super Duty lineup making its own debut recently, the pressure is on the Sierra HD to stand out more in the market, and it will be interesting to see how these updates help move the needle for the model both in sales as well as its quest to wrestle away the top sales crown from Ford. If the towing numbers are to be believed, then the brand is off to a good start with 2500HD models towing up to 22,500 lbs which is a 4,000 lbs gain versus the year before. That figure and the 3500HD’s 36,000 lb hauling rating are also shared with the Silverado, but in a segment where hauling and towing are potent bragging rights look for that small fact of life to not be on the mind of too many buyers.
When Can I Buy One?
The 2024 GMC Sierra HD lineup will be making its way to dealerships in the first half of 2023, with the hardcore AT4X version making its trek to showrooms later this year. Speaking of the AT4X, GMC didn’t reveal a teaser image of the truck (like Chevrolet did with the ZR2) instead, the brand mentioned it on a trail marker sign that it featured in a video that they released about the truck. Look for this truck to add more capability to the AT4 and, like the ZR2, embrace distinctive exterior styling to make them stand out in the crowded performance off-roader sub-segment.
Pricing was also not disclosed either, but overall pricing should rise slightly compared to last year, especially when the Denali Ultimate and the AT4X are added into the model family.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.