Here’s Why GMC Sierra HD Has Bigger Windows Than 1500 Trucks
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With the upcoming mid-cycle refresh of the GMC Sierra HD lineup, select trims of the 2024 Sierra HD received a substantial interior furnishing upgrade. Recently, we found out that this interior overhaul was more than just a simple cut-and-paste from the light-duty Sierra 1500, and required some extra massaging in order to make everything lineup properly.
First off, it’s important to note that the cabs of the current-generation Sierra LD and Sierra HD are completely different from each other, and only share the roof. Some of the key differences for 2020 and newer trucks, including the 2024 model-year refresh, involve the seemingly mundane, like the doors and windows.
“The doors and beltline is a key difference,” a GM interior designer told Alex Luft, GM Authority Executive Editor, during a recent GM truck media event. “Because we’re sitting higher in an HD, the belt line is about 25 mm [0.8 inches] lower than in the Light Duty.” This means that the windows are taller in the HD than they are in the LD in order to achieve better outward visibility from within the cabin.
Sierra LD
Sierra HD
As a reminder, the 2024 Sierra HD received a complete refresh, boasting a revised exterior with an updated front fascia, as well as the aforementioned overhauled interior. Engine options include the standard naturally aspirated 6.6L L8T V8 gasoline engine, rated at 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, while the 6.6L V8 L5P turbodiesel Duramax engine, now rated at 470 horsepower and 975 pound-feet, up from 445 horses and 910 pound-feet of torque, is optional on all trim levels except the Denali Ultimate, which equips it as standard.
2024 GMC Sierra HD
No matter the engine choice, every 2024 GMC Sierra HD features the Allison-branded 10-speed automatic transmission as standard, which replaces the GM six-speed equipped by gasoline-powered models prior to the refresh.
GM Authority exclusively uncovered pricing details for the refreshed Sierra HD earlier this month, while production is scheduled to start in February.
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Duh
Much thought goes into designing these vehicles from bow to stern. Beautiful interior.
It’s costly and inefficient to build different cabs for 1/2 tons & 3/4-1 tons. Those cabs should all be the same and just sit on different frames like the old days.
That ended in 1999, when all HD manufacturers realized it’s far more costly to pay for CAFE credits for the overbuilt 1/2 tons if they followed your plan.
Worse in 2014, when GHG-series truck fuel economy regulations came in, it meant manufacturers needed to increase the weight and towing capacity of HD pickups, meaning bigger engines and grilles, so the 1/2 ton cabs would be even more overbuilt.
It amazes me when people think they know more than the people in a particular industry.
Like WAY more. So many customers, so many technicians, so many pundits. It’s exhausting. Zero apparent consideration of the sheer number of people involved in the decision on many levels and over many meetings over years. These decisions aren’t made lightly.
There are areas where I think they’re wrong, but it’s on much more minor points such as not allowing certain features to be bundled together. For instance, you can’t order a GMC Sierra with leather, a bench seat, and a rear sliding window. The wire harness is all there. People will do their own retrofits from parts off eBay or wrecked trucks. GM just inexplicably refuses to allow that combo. Same with a bench seat Denali or AT4. You can order a Platinum F-350 with a bench seat and vinyl floors if that’s what you want. (Our GM global certified master technician shop foreman drives one, because GM wouldn’t let him order a loaded Sierra with a bench seat to fit his whole family.) Same for color limitations. If a customer wants a Cardinal Red Denali they should be able to order that. We’re not talking about engineering choices here.
But this idea that GM spends millions tooling up for different truck configurations when it’s not necessary is just brain dead. Just one example among many. They don’t spend money if they don’t expect a substantial return on the investment.
Ford had separate bodies between half tons and all the super duties for many years. They went back to a single cab when the aluminum bodies started.
Wish they’d make the seats W I D E R
Seats suck in my 2020 Sierra Denali HD. The new seats look the same. And no panoramic roof? Again? Looks like I’ll keep driving my 2020 with the underwhelming screen. 😕