After noting that many used pickup trucks have trouble with reliability, Consumer Reports singles out the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD as a significant and worthwhile exception in its recent article on the “Most Reliable Used Pickup Trucks.”
Noted as having an average rating in the Road Test and Owner Satisfaction categories and an above average score in Reliability by CR, the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD is one of the models highlighted as keeping its performance better over time than most.
Among the features of the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD Consumer Reports singles out for praise are the truck’s “intuitive” infotainment system, “cultured and brawny” diesel powerplant, and decent amount of convenience technologies making the vehicle more comfortable. The pickup’s versatility as a work vehicle and its ability to tow up to 35,500 pounds when correctly equipped are also mentioned.
The study remarks that interested buyers should seek out a model of the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD with 18-inch wheels and the Z85 suspension, attributes that make “a truck that’s much more civilized.” The Z71 package is highlighted as an option to avoid because its suspension is very stiff, leading to a highly uncomfortable ride.
The GMC Sierra 2500HD got a reliability rating of 67/100 and a customer satisfaction rating of 3/5. Its dependability is much higher than most competing models in the survey, with the Ram 1500 and Ford F-250 both scoring in the low 30s out of 100, about half of the Sierra’s rating. Only the Toyota Tundra beat it, out of the pickups considered, with a 72/100.
Some of the pluses include “effortless diesel power” and an Allison transmission that works smoothly and in sync with the Duramax engine. The crew cab variant at least has plenty of room in the cockpit and the design is good at suppressing road and engine noise for a quiet ride. The integrated trailer brake controller and other towing-related equipment make the truck towing-ready as well.
Breaking down owner satisfaction in more detail, the weakest point for the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD is value according to CR. Comfort (except with the Z71 suspension package, as noted) is above average for the segment at 69/100. Best of all was owners’ assessment of driving experience, where the Sierra 2500HD got an 80/100 score.
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Comments
My experience with the Z85 and Z71 suspensions is total opposite from what CR is saying. I have had 1500 trucks with both and my dad has had 2500HD trucks with both. Z71 is a much better ride.
My High Country 2019 Silverado 1500 had Z85. After the euphoria of it being new wore off, I hated driving it. Took it in for warranty work and they gave me a 2012 Tundra with TRD suspension. That thing was such a nice ride. Traded the 2019 for a 2021 High Country with Z71. LOVE IT.
But what do I know…I’m not CR.
I agreed with everything except the last when he said GM HD finished behind the Tundra. LOL. There aren’t even enough Tundras on the road to judge them, at least not here in my free red state.
Commenters on here are always saying how CR is biased and unreliable, so I guess this truck is actually a piece of junk.
Ah contraire CR hates the Big 3.. So the 2500 must be incredible.
Automotive tech , sorry to say but gmc could have done better. Electrical problems, transmission problems, this are not inexpensive problems. Especially if you live up north. Salt is an issue with the ground wires.