When GMC debuted the all-new 2020 Sierra HD last month, it only showed the range-topping SLT, AT4 and Denali trim levels in the largest Crew Cab configuration. A few weeks later, we managed to spy the Double Cab model. And today, we caught the Regular Cab, Long Box body style, which we haven’t seen before. So, here’s our first look at the 2020 GMC Sierra Regular Cab.
The model seen here is the Sierra 2500HD in base trimmings, which is somewhat analogous to the Work Truck trim on the Sierra HD’s corporate cousin, the Silverado HD. In fact, this also marks the first time we’ve seen the new Sierra HD in its base trim.
As the photos show, the Regular Cab, Long Box configuration is not at all a looker due to its rather disjointed proportions, small steel wheels, and not a lot of design flair. But looks are not its purpose. Instead, this configuration is all about functionality – hauling, towing, and getting work done.
As indicated by the badge fore of the mirrors, the model seen here is powered by the GM’s new 6.6L V8 L8T gasoline engine making 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque mated to GM’s six-speed 6L90 automatic transmission. The body and powertrain configuration is rated at a maximum 17,400 pounds towing capacity via 5th wheel/gooseneck and 14,500 via the conventional hitch.
A few noteworthy elements including the full-LED forward lighting with GMC’s signature C-shaped elements as part of the Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), blanked out fog light/accent light spacers on the chrome front bumper, a basic black grille with the large GMC logo, and the prominent air intake on the hood, despite this being a gasoline-powered model.
On the side, the BedStep feature is prominently present where the box begins, the new door-mounted trailering mirrors are present and accounted for, and the wheel wells with four curves are unique to the 2020 GMC Sierra HD (the Silverado’s wheel wells have a more round shape), with amber reflectors placed at the top portion of each wheel well. Finally, take note of the basic 17-inch steel wheels, the single, straight-through exhaust outlet, and what appears to be regular, and incandescent taillamps.
Comments
Looks awesome! I’d definitely drive one and swap some aluminum wheels on.
One major concern: The curved back of the cab is going to look very awkward with a flatbed or tool body.
How are 18” wheels not standard on HDs by now with the Tundra having standard 18s since 2007.. That said, I’m sure you can option them for not much more money.
The new 6.6 gas V8 is going to be a winner for GM and may convince some diesel guys to switch to gas due to running costs.
Might have something to do with tire options, the Tundra isn’t likely rolling with high-ply rated sidewalls. This is basically a work truck trim, as long as the brakes fit keep it as small and cheap as possible. Hopefully it rides better than the old truck while maintaining payload – my work truck 2500 Sierra gasser (reg cab/long box) makes it apparent 1000+lbs in the bed are needed to settle the thing down.
All Big Three HD trucks have 17’s standard on lower models.
Well Alex, I certainly agree regarding those wheels and it should have LED’s.
Wheels will have upgrade options and If it were me buying it, I’d take the base wheels and look to aftermarket wheels and tires with the obvious re-calibrations required.
However, that grill is far superior to the Chevy version as most GMC grills have always been. Sorry, I’m a biased prior GMC owner, lol. I think your perspective of it being “disjointed proportions” is actually because of the wheels.
As I’m sure you know, GMC is a slight premium over Chevy and these trucks are more likely to do double duty as work and personal vehicle, towing boats, campers, trailers. If all you need is a base WT, the Chevy HD is the one. Want something a little upscale? Go GMC. I did and LOVED my truck.
Forget the specific size of the wheels, does anyone else think that the entire wheel/tire combo looks a bit small for the size of the truck?
It’s small… but the point with how things look on this kind of vehicle is the last priority. Here, it is all about function and reliability. In this case, the wheels and tires worn by the truck have a proper weight rating/capacity, hence function.
You’re right though, it’s not a particularly attractive combination. But nobody cares how it looks when the truck is covered in dirt, dust and whatever else when it spends 99% of its time on the job site.
I’m going to have to disagree with you there Alex. Maybe fleet buyers don’t care, but I really do care about how my work truck looks. That’s why I swapped the steel and hubcap wheels for OEM aluminums I found. Keeping your truck clean and taking care of it isn’t just for retirees who put 2,000 miles a year on a Denali with a RV trailer.
Technically, this truck has the lowest load rated wheel/tire combo offered by GM on the HD trucks for SRW.
LT245/75/17 are a 121 load index (3,197lbs) rated tire. The current 18″ offering LT265/70/18 is a 124 load index (3,527lbs) tire. The current trucks that have 18″ wheel/tire combo are the highest payload offerings. Notice that the 3500HD does not offer a 17″ wheel/tire option on SRW? The 18″ package supports the higher payloads.
The new HD 18″ combo use a LT275/70/18 tire (same as Ford) which would be a 125 load index (3,638lbs) rated tire.
Highest payload rated trucks yet again will be on the 18″ package.
Ya, I think the minimum size tire should be 33” in diameter for an HD.
GM has offered an optional high volume air filter on previous gas engine trucks. Maybe this air scoop hood used on the diesel models, will be used if a high volume air filter system is ordered on the gas engine models. Or just maybe, GM didn’t have any normal gas engine hoods available in this early stage of testing. Or, or, or, it could be the larger gas engine, bigger than the L8T 6.6 liter gas engine, that is rumored for the HD pickups or even the 4500HD to 6500HD Silverados. Also the rumored Class 7 medium duty truck would offer the larger than 6.6 liter gas engine as an option or standard equipment to compete directly with the new 2020 Ford 7.3 liter gas engine. If the 6.6 liter 2020 gas engine used a longer stroke of 4.25 inches, you will have a 441 cubic inch engine. That’s 7.2 liters, to match the new 2020 Ford 7.3 liter big gasser. If an even longer 4.5 inch stroke was used for the new L8T GM 6.6 liter gas engine, you will get 467 cubes or 7.66 liters. Based on a gain of 3 percent, just for the longer stroke and an increase of cubes of 17 percent for a 4.5 inch stroke, you have 467 cubes and 543 lbs feet of torque. Add the 3 percent for the longer stroke affect and you get another 16 lbs feet of torque for a total of 559 pounds feet of torque. That’s in the above the torque range as a turbo diesel engine used in the GMC tilt cabs made for GM by Isuzu.
Does not function on gas. TFLTruck did a good video at the Chevrolet launch. The hood scoop is plugged off on gas.
Plugged off? Ooohhh, that’s gonna get on my nerves. How lazy do you have to be to not design a hood that just slopes down into where the scoop would be for the engine that doesn’t use it?
A few years ago, cars from different car makers had non-function slots for cold air on top of the hood. We used to remove the part of the plastic that blocked the slots and build our own system for more cold air and HP. They are designed for those who want to buy an aftermarket ram air system. Guys in Texas, Nevada and Arizona will be popping those blocked off gasser air vents to help them run much cooler in the hot months. If GM put a separate optional ram air in the gas engine models, they would have to go through separate fuel mileage and emissions tests which costs hundreds of thousands of dollars. Do it yourself guys. GM just did you a huge favour, so recognise it for what it is. You will save at least 1 MPG in the summer because with an extra cool air intake from the top of the hood, the air conditioning won’t have to work as hard because more air if flowing under the hood, pushing out the hot air.
I’m not a truck owner or a truck expert. But, I am a designer, and would like to comment on the looks of trucks today.
The grilles are SO massive and overwrought. I get that the point is to convey power and ruggedness, but it makes the side and rear views seem weak and feeble.
It’s reminds of of a bodybuilder who only works on his upper body, while his chicken legs quiver beneath trying to support the upper half !
Can we get some imagination and “manly” details on the rear portions of these road-going locomotives for a more balanced and cohesive result?
*Rant over*
I also am a big gmc fan I bought a row-over-totaled 1995 sierra with 1400 miles on it.now its300,thousand and still goes like new.rusted but I LOVE MY TRK.i will replace it with the same.thanks