There is an argument to be made that pickups represent automotive production at its finest. While we see excellence in design, engineering, and capabilities across vehicle lineups, pickups tend to do all of this at the largest scale and with the most excellence. Two brands which have seemingly mastered the art of pickup production are GMC and Chevy; both under the GMC nameplate, to compare the two is to compare to masters. Today let’s put into the ring two champions of the pickup market: the 2022 GMC Sierra 2500 HD vs 2022 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD.
HD Truck Overview
HD trucks don’t bear the name Heavy Duty for no reason—they are a step up from their regular counterparts. If you’re looking for a vehicle with heightened work capabilities, HD is the way to go. Even if you are used to the excellence of a standard full-size pickup, the capabilities of an HD pickup will blow your mind, especially the two we are about to look at. Speaking of which, let’s get to the trucks!
Sierra Engineering
GMC is one of the most sought-after brands for SUVs and pickup trucks; when it comes to large vehicle engineering, GMC is the name that comes to mind. So, let’s see what they’re up to with the 2022 Sierra 2500HD.
Of course, engineering would be nothing without an engine, and the 2022 Sierra 2500HD is equipped with a 6.6-liter V8 gasoline engine. This impressively-designed engine makes the vehicle capable of 401 horsepower and 464 pounds-feet of torque with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Let’s pause there for a moment because those are impressive numbers. 401 horsepower is certainly on the high end of pickup horsepower capabilities, and 464 pounds of torque is about as good as it comes, at least for a standard gasoline engine. Yes, the 2022 Sierra 2500HD offers diesel technology, which allows the vehicle to get more bang per gallon.
Diesel technology makes for a more responsive and powerful drive. This responsiveness does not come at the cost of performance numbers, as the available Duramax 6.6-liter Turbo-Diesel V8 engine allows the vehicle to perform at 445 horsepower and 910 pounds-feet of torque. Yes, you read that correctly: the 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD can reach 910 pounds-feet of torque. That is an impressive number you will not find in a standard full-size pickup anywhere. But that’s the benefit of HD and diesel. Sometimes a vehicle offers a higher level of either horsepower or torque, but at the expense of the other. With this 910 pounds-feet of torque also comes a significant increase in horsepower from the regular gasoline engine. So, if you are going HD, you might as well go diesel.
As you may have surmised, the HD diesel technology allows for impressive towing capabilities. With the diesel engine, drivers can reach a maximum towing capacity of 18,500 pounds. Interestingly enough, the gasoline engine provides the best maximum payload capacity at 3,862 pounds. But, seeing as the gasoline engine allows for a maximum towing capacity of 14,500 pounds (4,000 pounds less than the diesel engine), the 3,597 pounds of maximum payload on the diesel engine is still an impressive number and a negligible difference.
When using diesel technology, you must make sure that the engine does not overheat. This is why the 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD is equipped with the Dual Path Air Induction System, which includes a 28-inch variable-speed cooling fan, taking air from the hood scoop and grille to ensure the diesel engine stays at optimum temperature to deliver the finest possible performance capabilities.
With performance capabilities this good, you will want to make sure that the vehicle is highly responsive. Well, then, you’ll be glad to hear that the truck is equipped with live-axle suspensions, which include two-stage, semi-elliptic multileaf rear springs. Put in English, you’re in for a responsive, easy, and comfortable ride with a well-balanced payload.
Silverado Engineering
The Chevy Silverado is known for being one of the finest trucks on the market, along with the Sierra. So, this is not a classic good vs. bad pickup competition—this is a comparison of two champions. This is emphasized by the amazing fact that the two trucks share the exact same engine options. Yes, the 2022 Silverado 2500HD offers the 6.6-liter V8 gas engine and the 6.6-liter Turbo-Diesel V8 engine, just like the Sierra. This, of course, means that both vehicles share the impressive statistic of maximum horsepower of 445 and maximum torque of 910 pounds-feet. So, where do things look different?
The big difference between the Sierra and the Silverado is the Sierra’s presence of the Dual Path Air Induction System. This cooling system is key in keeping the diesel engine running at top performance. Heavy Duty pickups are made for work–they are made to go back to the grind day after day, and they need to continue that level of performance. Without proper temperature control, an overworked engine can quickly run itself into the ground, and even if the rest of the car is just fine, replacing an engine is not a cheap endeavor. The Sierra is ready to keep itself running for years to come so that drivers can keep hitting the grind for years to come.
Sierra Cargo Bed
When it comes to hitting the grind with a work pickup, one of the most important factors to consider is the cargo bed; after all, the bed is what makes the pickup a pickup. The 2022 Sierra 2500HD’s bed is not messing around. This six-function MultiPro tailgate puts functionality at the forefront with dynamic features, including two load stops (both inner and outer), a work surface, and a full-width step. Your tailgate can become your workshop in the Sierra.
Silverado Cargo Bed
The Silverado and the Sierra are quite similar when it comes to the tailgate in that both share the same six functions. Where the Silverado differs is in its bed. Referred to as the Durabed, it has a higher cargo volume than the Sierra’s bed. Additionally, it bears twelve tie-downs and has available LED cargo lighting with an available outlet (120-volt) for tool charging. So, you won’t be hurting for functionality on either bed, but the Silverado will have some extra available features.
The Big Race
As said in the introduction, this is not a competition of good vs. bad—this is a competition between two of the finest pickups on the market. As you may have noticed, the two are very similar in almost every way. It is nearly impossible to determine which is better between the two because GM continues to outdo itself with automotive excellence. The big benefit behind the Sierra, however, is that its trims are slightly more specific and directed to specific drivers—the AT4 is all about off-roading and capability, while the Denali is all about luxury and style. There is no wrong answer here. Both vehicles offer safety, comfort, and what’s probably most important to those looking for a heavy duty pickup—power. After considering what the Sierra and Silverado have to offer, the deciding factor might come down to what’s going in the back. Regardless of what you choose, both trucks will have you covered!
