2011 GMC Sierra HD

As far as Heavy Duty Pick up Trucks go, the 2011 GMC Sierra HD is one of the best options available in the market today. More than any other pick up truck in its class, it dominates in terms of the power, performance and driveability.

Performance

The Sierra HD model boasts of features for superior performance: Duramax Diesel engine, increased fuel tank capacity and fuel economy. It also has independent front suspension, asymmetrical rear suspension and Allison transmission.

With these capabilities, drivers can enjoy in driving comfort beyond their expectations. Its fact of being a heavy duty truck did not necessarily exclude the aspect of driving ease and flexibility to adapt to the demands of different road conditions.

Exterior & Interior

This latest model boasts of a highly impressive exterior look. It sports an all-new boxed frame, adjustable suspension trim height, lift locking tailgate. At one glance, it emanates that feeling of strength and maximum utility. This appearance is what highly demanding pick up lovers look for, who have at the same time possess the sensitive eye for knowing one great looking pick-up when they see one.

To support its towing and hauling capacity, it is capable of trailering and payloading as it comes with a trailer sway control, integrated trailer brake controller, hill start assist, and large rotors, new “smart” exhaust brake, automatic grade breaking and a heavy duty trailer hitch. All these features combined only bring about one all-important thing: power. The well-integrated and highly coordinated mechanisms are all designed to achieve maximum power necessary to enable a pickup truck perform what it was made primarily for: to tow and to haul.

The seats have a 60/40 rear split and further offers style and comfort. It easily lives up to its dual role – a powerful truck and a comfortable day to day transportation. Drivers really get to appreciate comfort when in the beginning it was not exactly what they are looking for.

Safety & Reliability

The GMC Sierra HD is equipped with an airbag protection to ensure optimum safety. As pick – ups are the most preferred transportation partner for the rough and tough, safety becomes even more essential and critical. Information Technology is a mainstay in this vehicle as it is geared with the Bluetooth and Onstar technology, which are already communication basics in this day and age.

Most of all, the Sierra HD is covered by the GMC warranty, giving owners every inch of assurance all vehicle owners look for. When a car manufacturing company has proven time and again its own corporate reliability and exacting standards of excellence and competency, its name is on its face a dependable warranty.

The Competition

Other heavy duty pickup trucks in the market are the Ford Super Duty (MSRP $28,715) and the Chevrolet Silverado HD (MSRP $28,800). The For Super Duty is believed to be the most tow and haul capable, compared with its two other competitors. Its 2011 offering is also the most refreshed and believed to be the quietest. It also features an innovative mobile office interior design. The Chevrolet Silverado HD in most aspects is just like the GMC Sierra, though in a slightly upscale way, the GMC Sierra beats it in engine refinement and ride quality. Another noticeable feature of the Chevrolet Silverado HD interior is its minimalist attribute, having done away with unnecessary designs that only add up to the pick up’s interior clutter.

Overall Rating
60 out of 100

What others say:

“Sierra HDs are surprisingly pleasant and manageable for such large, hefty vehicles. Straight-line stability is excellent, though Sierra’s significant size and weight limit cornering speed, as does the expected big-truck body lean. Steering is well-weighted, direct, and responsive. The brakes furnish stable, relatively short stops with fine pedal feel. Plus-size exterior dimensions make close-quarters maneuvering a challenge.”Consumer Guide

“The heavy-duty Sierra has a stiff ride, but is designed for hard work and towing rather than around-town driving. The 6.6-liter turbodiesel is strong and is mated to a smooth six-speed automatic.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“Notably improved with added capability, the 2011 GMC Sierra 2500HD is an excellent choice for a heavy-duty truck.”Edmunds

“The 2011 GMC Sierra HD’s Duramax turbo diesel’s power, torque, maximum conventional and fifth-wheel tow and payload ratings are best in class.”KBB

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Pick Up Truck Base Price: $28,415.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 36 gallons (136 liters) MPG: NA
Dimensions
Length: 225 in. (571 cm) Width: 80 in. (203 cm)
Height: 77.5 in. (196 cm) Wheel Base: 133.7 in. (339 cm)
Curb Weight: 5596 lbs (2538 kg) Ground Clearance(Front): 9.8 in. (24 cm)
Payload Capacity: 3704 lbs Maximum Seating: 3 people
Performance
Engine: Vortec VVT OHV V8 Displacement: 6.0 liter
Horsepower: 360 HP Max RPM: 5400 RPM
Torque: 380 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
0-60 mph: 8.3 seconds Max Towing Capacity: 13,000 lbs (5896 kgs)
Available Trims & Engine
Option:Sierra HD SLE MSRP: $34,825; MPG: NA
Option:Sierra HD SLT MSRP: $39,675; MPG: NA

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