Back in June, GMC announced a new hood scoop and new cold air intake system for its 2017 Sierra HD lineup, hinting at a new diesel engine underneath. After months of waiting for more on the 2017 Sierra HD, the wait is now (almost) over, as GM just published order guides for the trucks, revealing the complete updates and changes to the 2017 Sierra HD family, which includes the 2017 Sierra 2500HD and 2017 Sierra 3500HD.
First and foremost: yes, that new hood scoop and intake system is, indeed, hiding a new 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel V-8 engine. Assigned RPO code L5P, the new B20-compatible Duramax is mated to the Allison 1000 6-speed automatic transmission (MW7) and is available across all trim levels of the 2017 Sierra Heavy Duty. Quite unfortunately, there are no other details on the new oil burner — like power or torque ratings… at least not yet just yet.
The base engine in the 2017 Sierra HD remains the 6.0L Vortec L96 V-8. The gasoline drinker is still E85-compatible, meaning that it’s capable of running on unleaded or up to 85 percent ethanol. Like in the previous, 2016 model year, it continues to make 360 horsepower (268.4 kW) at 5400 RPM and 380 pound-feet of torque (515 Nm) at 4200 RPM. The L96 continues to be matched with GM’s 6-speed MYD automatic, electronically-controlled heavy duty transmission with overdrive and tow/haul mode. The gearbox also Features Cruise Grade Braking and Powertrain Grade Braking.
Speaking of the L96-powered gasoline model, it gets the new capless fuel fill system, while the capped fuel fill remains on models with the L5P Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V-8 engine and pickup box delete.
On the outside, the 2017 GMC Sierra HDÂ deletes three colors while adding two new ones:
Deleted Colors
- Light Steel Gray Metallic
- Iridium Metallic
- Mahagony Metallic
New Colors
- Dark Slate Metallic
- Pepperdust Metallic
There is also the new center vent hood on models with the new diesel engine, as well as new 20-inch 6-spoke polished aluminum wheels. They are available exclusively on the SLT trim and are not available with the All Terrain HD package.
Rounding out the changes and updates is the addition of Teen Driver technology to the IntelliLink infotainment system and the heated and vented seats get a new RPO code of KQV.
Finally, we should note that the 2017 GMC Sierra HD changes and updates are quite similar to those for the 2017 Silverado HD.
Stay tuned as we learn more about the 2017 Sierra HD in the days and weeks ahead. Suffice to say, we will be doing our best to dig up anything and everything we can about the new L5P Duramax diesel engine.
Following is the list of RPO-level changes to the 2016 Sierra HD:
Deletions
- (G1C) Light Steel Gray Metallic
- (GXG) Iridium Metallic
- (G1F) Mahagony Metallic
New Features
- (GPA) Dark Slate Metallic
- (GMU) Pepperdust Metallic
- Capless fuel fill with gas engine and pickup box
- (TDM) Teen Driver mode
- (Q7R) 20″ (50.8 cm) 6-spoke polished aluminum
- (L5P) Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 engine
- New center vent hood with Diesel engine
Changes
- (KB6) heated and vented seats change RPO code to (KQV)
- Capped fuel fill is included with (ZW9) pickup box delete and (L5P) Duramax
- 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 engine
Download the 2017 GMC Sierra HD order guides using the following links (PDF format):
For more GMC Sierra HD coverage, check out these links:
Follow this link for GMC Sierra sales numbers and figures, which include Sierra HD sales.
Comments
I need help deciding between a 2017 Sierra Denali HD and a 2016/2017 Sierra Denali.
1500 Pros – White Frost Tricoat(Favorite Color), Magnetic Ride Control, LEDs, Power Running Boards,
2500 Pros – Taller(I love the taller stance), New Duramax, Diesel(Big fan of diesel trucks)
I occasionally will tow around 5,000-6,000 pounds, I want all the bell and whistles(except for the TV and the sunroof) I’m almost 25, but this is going to be my first new pickup truck, I’ve been saving for more than three years speculation for this truck.
Price won’t be much of a difference, considering the 6.2, and the 22 inch wheels are together $5,500 option. The diesel might be 1,000-2,000 more expensive.
Only reason I put the 2016 Sierra Denali is because I have read many comments about getting 10k off 2016 model year pickups.
*Had the HD got the Mid-Cycle refresh with the LEDs, new grill, and power running boards. I withou a doubt would be ordering a 2017 Denali HD.
One last thing, I can’t believe GM is hesitantant to add Whist Frost Tricoat to the HD line! And push to start! Rear air vents! Sorry for the long post.
10k off “select” models in inventory, a 1500 6.2 will be hard one to find. Get the new diesel you won’t regret, ever.
Why do you think the diesel would be a better bet? I read many accounts about the poor visibility from the halogens projector beam lights.
There is actually a bulletin on this. I would have to pull it up to remember the specifics, but the fix entailed replacing the lamps and doing a reprogram on the module. And finally readjusting the lights.
It passed all safety standards, but by performing the recall it allowed to lights to shoot a better light pattern for rural areas
Disappointed there is not a new gas engine being offered. Another year no new truck!
Thankyou GM, you are the cure to my insomnia\
Surprised that the new HDs didn’t get the head light treatment that the 16 1500s got. Way better in my opinion – not only in looks but real world use. Love my 2016. I’ve wanted another HD Diesel for a while but my 6.2 / 8 speed is the bomb. Different application but….
Can we get a 10-Speed tranny?
Go with the diesel if you can. The Duramax can pull more weight, holds up to abuse better, and provides good fuel economy.
Like to see the new pepperdust color for 2017 dullie