Behold GMC’s 2020 Sierra HD. All-new for the 2020 model year, the new heavy duty pickup truck is bigger, stronger and smarter than ever before, bringing form and function together for greater trailering capability with technologies designed to provide a world-class towing experience.
“The all-new 2020 Sierra HD is the most capable heavy-duty truck that we’ve ever offered,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Global GMC. “For customers who demand a premium, innovative heavy-duty truck that supports their passions, the next-generation Sierra HD can pull like a pro.”
Comprehensive Improvements
Compared to the current model, the 2020Â Sierra HDÂ has:
- A longer wheelbase, a taller, more dominant hood line and taller overall height
- A larger grille and complementing functional hood scoop to feed an advanced cooling system for the Duramax turbo diesel
- Class-leading heavy-duty cargo bed volume and 12 corner tie-downs with a new, available 120-volt power outlet
- One-inch-lower bed lift-in height compared to the outgoing 2019 Sierra Heavy Duty, providing easier loading and fifth-wheel and gooseneck trailer hitching
- New, segment-exclusive cargo bed side steps (Bed Step) on all box styles, located in front of the rear wheel openings, that complement integrated CornerSteps in the rear bumper to improve access to the cargo area
- The six-function MultiPro tailgate available on all trim levels and standard on SLT, AT4 and Denali
Exterior
The 2020 Sierra HD is bigger and bolder in every way. It has a commanding, powerful design rooted in a new architecture with larger proportions. It is taller and longer than its predecessor, with a more confident stance defined by a bold design that embodies GMC’s signature refinement and technologically-driven attention to detail.
But this isn’t an example of form without function. The larger, commanding design provides more room for cargo and occupants.
“We took every opportunity to visually express the strength and capability that lies beneath the surface,” says Matt Noone, director of GMC exterior design. “The elevated hood line, the strong shoulders, the striking front grille – these cues communicate the strength and performance that have been engineered and built into each and every Sierra Heavy Duty.”
The all-new Sierra HD is highlighted by new signature lighting, including prominent “light blades” that deliver LED illumination for the daytime running lamps. LEDs are also used for the headlamps, taillamps, available fog lamps and other lighting elements, including the available roof marker lights that are standard on all dual-rear-wheel HDs and all Sierra HD Denalis (except where prohibited by law).
The MultiPro six-function tailgate allows easier loading, unloading and bed access. It is available on all trim levels.
Interior
The cabin of the new, 2020 Sierra HD features best-in-class maximum headroom and legroom for the driver and front-row occupants (on Crew Cab models). A higher seating position complements the truck’s taller profile to offer a confident view from behind the wheel. Additional optimized ergonomics emphasize easy, intuitive interaction with the vehicle’s available technologies, such as a heavy-duty segment-first head-up display and GMC’s latest touchscreen infotainment systems.
On the range-topping Sierra HD Denali, trim-exclusive materials, including premium leather-appointed seating, authentic open-pore wood trim and dark-finish aluminum decor, raise the interior’s refinement. The leather appointments have a distinctive, large-pebbled grain with a contrasting stitch pattern that is premium in appearance and touch without sacrificing durability, and the wood trim features an open-pore texture evocative of hand-planed furniture.
An available, 15-inch-diagonal head-up display is exclusive to the segment, and offers useful trailering information such as vehicle speed, navigation information and an inclinometer display for the road grade. The available Rear Camera Mirror is also a segment first.
Powertrain
The legendary turbo-diesel Duramax engine and Allison Transmission pairing continues. The Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel L5P enigne offers an SAE-certified 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque.
This already powerful engine performs more efficiently thanks to increased cooling capacity delivered in part by improved air induction. A dual-path intake system draws dense, cool air through both the prominent hood scoop and the larger front grille.
The new Sierra HD marks the introduction of an all-new 10-speed Allison automatic transmission (which is not exactly an Allison) – the first-ever offered in the heavy-duty pickup segment. The all-new 10-speed transmission with closer gear spacing allows the engine to operate in an optimal range at all times with varying load and terrain conditions.
An all-new, segment-first, Allison 10-speed automatic transmission mated to the legendary 6.6L Duramax turbo diesel.
An all-new gasoline engine will be available, but details have not been announced.
Capability
GMC says that the bigger frame, stronger propulsion and smarter technologies in the 2020 Sierra HD are expected to deliver dramatically greater towing capacity than previous models, well in excess of 30,000 pounds.
ProGrade Trailering Technology
First introduced with the 2019 Sierra light duty, the ProGrade Trailering System leverages technology advancements to offer additional features and functionality for the 2020 Sierra Heavy Duty.
“Trailering is the most important consideration for Sierra Heavy Duty customers, and the new features and technologies in the 2020 Sierra HD make it easier than ever to hitch a trailer and tow it confidently,” said Jaclyn McQuaid, vehicle chief engineer, Heavy Duty Trucks. “We’ve developed this new truck to offer the greatest trailering experience ever offered by GMC.”
To help optimize the driver’s view around the truck and compatible trailers to provide added confidence when towing, the system offers 15 unique camera views, including an industry-first transparent trailer view. Making this view possible is a tailgate-mounted camera and an available accessory camera mounted on the rear of the trailer, with the resulting display helping the driver to virtually see through the trailer, a benefit when navigating parking lots, merging into traffic or making tight turns.
In addition, owners of the 2020 Sierra HD will have access to available smart trailer technology designed to allow access to select features of the iN-Command control system from ASA Electronics via the myGMC mobile app, either on compatible Android and Apple iOS smartphones, or on the vehicle’s infotainment system via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Acting as the central hub of operations to monitor and control an array of systems in trailers equipped with next-generation technology, the iN-Command control system is similar to the features of a smart home. Depending on how a compatibly equipped trailer is configured, 2020 Sierra HD owners may be able to turn on the trailer’s air conditioning or water heater, check water and holding tank levels, or monitor fuel levels on trailers equipped with generators, all before arriving at their destination.
The ProGrade Trailering System also includes an in-vehicle Trailering App with the following functions:
- Trailer Light Test
- Trailer Electrical Diagnostics
- Trailer Tire Pressure
- Temperature Monitoring
- Pre-Maintenance Reminders
- Departure Checklist
Many of the Trailering app’s functions, including the lighting test and pre-departure checklist, are also available with the myGMC mobile app, which offers great convenience when outside the truck or trailer.
Additional available technologies and hardware to aid towing in the 2020 Sierra HD include:
- Auto Electric Park Brake to automatically apply the parking brake to help maintain truck position when hitching
- All-new Park Grade Hold Assist enhances hill hold by using braking effort at each wheel for an extended period of time
- All-new larger, door-mounted trailering mirrors with a four-bar link providing power extend and retract for the driver and passenger sides
- Integrated trailer brake controller that works with the trailer profile in the Trailering App to recall a specified trailer’s most recent gain setting
- Tow/Haul mode that remains engaged on the next key-on cycle, for up to four hours; includes a reminder the feature is engaged
- Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control
- Trailer Sway Control
- Auto Grade Braking and Diesel Exhaust Braking
- Digital Variable Steering Assist that dynamically optimizes power steering according to driving scenarios, including trailering, and enables features like road pull compensation
- Trailering Info Label placed on the driver’s door jamb that clearly calls out the truck’s specific trailering information, including curb weight, GVWR, GCWR, maximum payload, maximum tongue weight and rear GAWR
Sierra AT4 HD Joins Lineup
GMC will offer the 2020 Sierra HD in existing and new models. The lineup will consist of:
- Sierra HDÂ base
- SLE
- SLT
- AT4
- Denali
The all-new Sierra AT4 Heavy Duty will be available on Crew Cab configurations in both a 2500 and 3500 single rear wheel configuration. Stay tuned for more details on the 2020 Sierra AT4 HD.
Manufacturing
The GM Flint Assembly plant in Michigan will proudly build the 2020 Sierra Heavy Duty.
General Motors has invested $1.5 billion into the plant to support the next-generation Heavy Duty truck launch.
Availability
The 2020 Sierra HD goes on sale later this year in 2500HD and 3500HD dual rear wheel (dually) and single rear wheel configurations.
Pricing
Pricing and complete specifications for the 2020 Sierra HD will be announced later.
Stay tuned to GM Authority for round-the-clock GMC news coverage.
Comments
The truck looks so, so much better than the Chevy. The red SLT picture released, the one in this article, is particularly attractive to me. I liked the Ram better than the 2020 Silverado, now I think that GMC will be the best looking truck going into the 2020s.
Can’t wait to hear about the new gas engine. As my username might indicate I am a big fan of peppy and torquey gas jobs just as much as diesel and have been disappointed that there hasn’t been a gas GM HD built with more than 400 ft lb since 2007. My 8.1 with an Allison and 4.10 gears will decimate a new 6.0 in terms of performance, as great as the 6.0 is. It will be sad to see the reliable six liter go, but I don’t think anybody will miss its performance.
EDIT: ALEX changed the pictures. This is the red SLT I mentioned
http://gmauthority.com/blog/wp-content/gallery/2020-gmc-sierra-hd/2020-gmc-sierra-2500hd-slt-exterior-002.jpg
First of all I want an AT4. Second I wonder how much they beefed up the frame and how high will the towing and payload will be. Third (No I don’t tow) but are there really people who need a truck to pull a >30K LBs trailer in a 3/4 and 1 ton? And will there be an AT4 X replacing my dream truck the All Terrain X?
Two well established facts:
1. Ford and Ram have insane tow ratings, in excess of what almost all HD users will need.
2. GM trucks consistently perform better than the competition in tests where all of the Big Three are given the same load (GM’s max tow rating)
I think it is dangerous for GM truck loyalists, myself included, to fall into “Look! GM does better, despite a much lower rating!”
Because what sounds better, GM is a distant third in tow ratings yet performs the best with a 23k load, or GM is right up with (or at the front of) the pack, and performs the best on top of that, with a 30k+ load?
Being the best on paper and in real life is better than letting yourself suck on paper. Marketing would love a 35k tow rating too, it’s a much better asset to flaunt than ridiculous aluminum cab bashing.
30k +lbs trailer – yes, I know ranchers who do that all the time, at 10 ,000 feet. Even got to do it myself a few times. They swear by Duramax, inferior tow ratings be damned. Say that DMAX pulls harder and maintains speed better than the rest and you name it they’ve owned them all. It’s like a real people not actors commercial, just more hetero.
Looks good to me. Get them to the dealership.
YES!! well idk about you guys but I think gm is finally redeeming themselves
It doesn’t have a 17 inch touchscreen so it’s trash, First!
Suck eggs everyone else who came to moan and complain about the interior
I like it! These interiors are meant for work, and are functional.
Also I don’t think the Ram HD’s are available with that monstrosity of a screen.
AT4 for me, please.
Pre-ordering with gas engine. Crew Cab long box. Fully optioned SLE or half optioned SLT. Red Quartz.
1. Are those lights on the front and rear fenders (the 3500 has even more) part of safety regulations ??
2. What will the towing/payload numbers will be on all trims/options and why.
3. From the website https://www.gmc.com/future-vehicles/2020-sierra-heavy-duty-truck … about middle of the page where you can compare trims, the AT4 doesn’t seem to have any additional lift. So what does it have that the X31 trim doesn’t ??
4. In the current 1500, you can’t configure the duel-exit exhaust with the bigger diff. Is that a space thing or its a GM thing ?? Will it be the same on the HD ??
4. Wounder how the gas hood would look like.
They may as well stick a fork in the Chevy, it’s done. Makes me sad too. The GM Sierra just put it in it’s grave.
I really need to update my much loved 2007 LBZ GMC Dually…have been debating between a 2019 this spring or a 2020 this summer/fall. Generally prefer Chevy’s, but like GMC’s and have owned then nearly 50/50. The 2020 Chevy was pushing me toward a 2019 K2, even though I liked the features on the new truck. But this T-1 GMC looks handsome like a truck should.
Well played GMC, looking forward to seeing them in person.
But no matter what, my 2006 Chevy 2500HD Duramax 6 spd manual will be in my estate sale :>)
Yeah going from a 2007 Classic LBZ to the 2017 Denali I have now, was a let down, so its a good thing you waited for this.
But if you still want the 2017 Denali, I have one with 12,000 miles.
Take that LBZ to the grave it will last that long.
Very impressed with the updated design. The only thing keeping me from trading in my 2018 Denali HD are the goofy mirrors, new 10 speed reliability (I assume will be fine), aluminum doors, and the electronic parking brake. Things I really like are the overall exterior design including the new headlights and side marker lights in the fender flares, relocating DEF fill and tank, side bed steps, lowering the rear a bit, rear camera view when driving, and rear a/c vents.
Omg it looks so much better than the Silverado now work on the interior
The interior still looks too much like a Chevy but this design beats the SIlverado on the outside.
Btw what’s up with having lights on the wheel fenders? It’s not a long semi truck..
I love the AT4
re: Btw what’s up with having lights on the wheel fenders? It’s not a long semi truck..
Well…in Design School, (Detroit no less) we were taught that if a design was less than great (bad) you should make it light up. It is the shiny object, the oooooh and ahhhhh, it is the Candy Corn. All sugar no substance to dupe the masses approach. In other words, the turd couldn’t be polished, so lights were installed!
Great looks compared to the Chevy. It actually has HEADLIGHTS. The Chevy’s look kinda like they ran before they setup. LOL.
That tailgate looks to me like one more thing that could break, but maybe i don’t know anything.
They need a bigger grill……………….NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nostril scoops look like a pig snout!!!!!!
Very happy with how the new GMC 3500 looks. Will definitely be trying to trading off my 2017 f350 for one. Never thought after 35 yrs of being in a ford family I would be saying that! But when you have a truck that has had fords death wobble on it since 10k it’s time to fix it the correct way instead of fords bandage fixes. And for you ford guys its 100% factory not a single thing has been altered on it. Nothing like going 60 and hoping you don’t get rear ended when it decides to start wobbling & you have to get it down to 5 for it to stop bouncing. Plus I own a high dollar truck that I can’t even stop at the local watering hole with. I’m not a sure exactly how that conversation would go with the authority’s but I’m guessing I would not like it! But back to the GMC nice looking truck and I look forward to seeing & driving one.
If you look at the pics of the tailgate closely it looks like you wont be able to fold down the step with a hitch in the receiver with out making a dent. So for the guys that tow it will be more of a pain than it’s worth, IMHO.
Yeah I mentioned this on youtube and some guy said ‘Your hitch shouldn’t even be installed if you’re not towing at the time…’ lol and obviously didn’t reply.
I don’t know why the tailgate would be a pain.
You guys do know it is a standard regular tailgate if you don’t drop the center.
There are two buttons one for the tailgate like ALL other pickups so it will not hit the hitch.
If the hitch is out you can drop them both and it is great go try it you can reach the box with stuff and you can walk right in if you want.
Also you can leave the tailgate up and drop the center and haul stuff not sticking up with your cover closed if you have a cover.
Win win !!
Gotta say the wheel openings are looking better and the chocolate interior really looks rich….wonder if a AT4 with a duramax will have a 10 speed tranny…
The Duramax team can´t respond to RAMs and Fords HD engines as the block is at the greyirons technical limits. I think Ford might respond to the RAMs 1000 lb/ft as they have an engine with a block in CGI same as this Cumminsengine has but with the old greyiron the Duramax are very close to their limits already. By the way the truck OEM Scania in Sweden just told us that they are building a brand new foundry dedicated to CGI . Capacity of 90.000 tons annually
https://www.sintercast.com/$-1/file/dokument/2017/2019/Scania-New-Foundry-English.pdf
Halberg in Germany were the current Duramaxblocks are made in greyiron has capacity to make good CGI. During a strike last summer media said that “A quasi-secure tracking order for the US of over 200,000 engine blocks per year until 2024 will no longer be assigned to NHG.”
In the meantime NHG has restarted the production for Duramax. I read behind this lines that this “quasi-secure tracking order” for over 200.000 blocks might be intended for a shift to CGI and then the Duramax team are back in the race. We will se ..