The GMC Sierra HD range, which consists of the Sierra 2500 HD and Sierra 3500 HD, is receiving a major refresh for the 2024 model year. Announced a few weeks ago in early October, the refresh incorporates updates to the exterior, an overhauled interior, along with noteworthy powertrain and capability upgrades. Now, GM Authority would like to shed some light on a small yet interesting change to the updated Sierra HD range.
The fact that GM overhauled the front bumper, facia and grille of the 2024 GMC Sierra HD is well known. However, there was a very small detail about the front facia – the inclusion of the series designation – that has gone relatively unnoticed.
Also known as the tonnage designation, the identifier indicates the capacity of the truck, where 2500 HD reflects a three-quarter ton capacity while 3500 HD designates a one-ton capacity. For the refresh, GM moved these badges to the edges of the front bumper cover. Before the refresh, the Sierra HD had these badges on the front doors.
As of now, this subtle change only applies to GMC Sierra AT4, Denali and Denali Ultimate trim levels, but hasn’t yet been confirmed for the lower-end Pro, SLE and SLT trim levels. No photos of these models have been released at the time of this writing, so it has yet to be seen if the tonnage designation will remain on the front door or turn up on the bumper.
As a reminder, the 2024 GMC Sierra HD will continue to feature the naturally aspirated 6.6L V8 L8T gasoline engine, which continues to be rated at 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque. The 6.6L V8 L5P turbodiesel Duramax remains optional across most trims, while being standard on Sierra Denali Ultimate trims. For the refresh, the large displacement V8 diesel has been uprated to produce 470 horsepower and 975 pound-feet of torque compared to the 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque prior to the refresh. An Allison-branded ten-speed automatic transmission will be the sole transmission option.
The 2024 GMC Sierra HD will continue being assembled at the GM Flint Assembly plant in Flint, Michigan, with production kicking off in Q1 2023. Official pricing details are expected closer to the start of production.
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Comments
The Denali and AT4 HD never had a tonnage number before this, “Denali” or “AT4” replaced the number on the door. Also, the “HD” on the fascia was on the headlights before the refresh.
I always liked the AT4 HD and Denali HD without the tonnage designation to prevent us 1 ton owners always having to justify the “what do you need a 1 ton pickup for”
You know those petty indecisive 3/4 ton drivers that always later state … “my truck sags .. I should of went to a 1 ton” and are later adding air bags and leaf springs.
You’re imagining things because the 2500 and 3500 use the same rear suspension, including the same springs. Yeah, they added 1/2 inch to the diff this time, but it’s largely a paper derate.
The 3500 has an overload pack on top of the regular spring pack, the 2500 not having the overload pack does in fact sag more when loaded. That said things are changing with the 24 refresh. They are going to offer a 2500 max tow that includes the overload springs.
That is incorrect. The 3500 has 2 additional leaf springs in the rear.
Looks ok but it’s in a bad spot to get scraped off.
We’ll ain’t that cute!
This takes me back to the Emblems of the late ’60’s and early ’70’s. Thats when emblems were on the very front edge of the front fenders. Loved it then. Even installed “4 Wheel Drive” emblems on the front fenders of my ’76 Silverado Stepside. Loved the way those emblems always looked. Being kind of hidden in front bumper, is making the public have to guess what you have.
How many tugboats does it take to dock that whale?
It looks like the HD designation is on the front grille not the front bumper.
Why are we still referring to these as three-quarter ton and one-ton trucks?
Where’s the lighter exterior colors? Such as Quick Silver, White? Should get any color choice for a $100,000.00 truck.