When I’m looking at a pickup truck, I like options. I like to see that a manufacturer believes in a truck enough to give me lots of choices and options to choose from in order to customize that pickup just as much as everything else in my life. One of the things I really like about the 2019 GMC Sierra 3500HD is just how many options it gives me and ways to make it my own.
What I’m ultimately talking about are just a few basic categories, but within those areas I find the freedom to make a truck that really represents what I need. There are multiple configurations of the cab and box available on the Sierra 3500HD, plus three different engines to choose from. But where I truly lose myself in options and revel in the raw possibility of customization is in the trim levels available. GMC offers up four different trims, in two different configurations each, for a total of eight trim choices!
Configurations and More
In looking at options for the 2019 GMC Sierra 3500HD, I can think of no better place to start than the three configuration choices for the cab and box. All three choices have a crew cab, so no matter what the Sierra 3500HD is a four-door pickup, but it can have either a standard box, at almost 79 inches long, or a long box that measures nearly 98 inches in length. The third option is for a crew cab with a long box that includes a dual rear wheel setup for better strength and durability under the bed.
No matter how you configure the cab and box, the Sierra 3500HD is available as either a 2WD or 4WD. But is that really important? Personally, I like having that choice because there isn’t one option that’s really best for everyone. Sure a 4WD typically works for every driver, but if you don’t find yourself on a lot of dirt roads or similarly rough situations, then it’s probably wasted. At the very least, having that choice can save you some money if 2WD is really all you need in a pickup truck.
Engine Choices Galore!
Perhaps more important to me than cab and bed options, however, is a choice in engines. There are some models out there with four or more engine choices, which can be great, but also creates an opportunity for too many options (there is such a thing – just look at the bread aisle of your local grocery store). There are three engines to choose from for the 2019 GMC Sierra 3500HD, but most people are really going to look at just two of them.
The standard engine included in the Sierra 3500HD is a Vortec 6.0L V8 SFI engine that provides up to 360hp and 380 lb.-ft. of torque. This is probably enough power for most drivers; even if you are towing a lot of heavy loads, this engine will likely work for you. There is also an option for a 6.0L V8 SFI Gaseous CNG/LPG capable engine that provides the same amount of horsepower and torque. The main difference is that the second option can use Compressed Natural Gas or Liquefied Petroleum Gas – whether that’s something you need is up to you.
The third option, which is really the second option most drivers will consider, is a Duramax 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8 engine. This thing is an absolute beast that provides up to 445hp and 910 lb.-ft. of torque and comes with an Allison 6-speed automatic transmission. If you’re worried about maximum hauling and towing capacity, then this is the engine for you, which can handle just about anything you throw at it, even on steep inclines.
Trim Levels to Explore
As someone who really likes options, trim levels for trucks like the 2019 GMC Sierra 3500HD really speak to me. I mean, trim is all about options for customization, not just in terms of what’s included standard but also what available upgrades you can choose from. And while the four trim levels of the Sierra 3500HD might not be record-breaking, in my book they provide enough options and create an optimal choice for just about everyone.
It’s worth noting that there are technically eight trim levels available on the Sierra 3500HD. In reality, however, they are just the same four trims, but each one is available for either a single rear wheel or dual rear wheel configuration. So once you decide on if you want one or two wheels in the back, you ultimately have the same four trims to choose from, which is nice because picking a dual rear wheel configuration shouldn’t prevent you from embracing luxury or safety.
Trim – Sierra Baseline
In either rear wheel configuration, the 2019 GMC Sierra 3500HD starts with a basic “Sierra” trim level. This is what I’ll refer to as the “baseline” level and compare to the other three options while exploring what’s available on the Sierra 3500HD. It includes the 6.0L V8 360hp engine, though the CNG/LPG capable and Turbo-Diesel engines are both available.
The baseline Sierra 3500HD has a 6-speaker sound system, 7-inch Infotainment center, and available 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot functionality, but it’s not standard. It has Bluetooth phone functionality and available rearview mirror auto-dimming. The safety package for the Sierra is decent but pretty limited, and numerous features such as lane departure warning are not even available.
Trim – SLE
The 2019 GMC Sierra 3500HD SLE has many of the same included features as the baseline model, but with a few improvements and more available options. For example, it includes the same engine and available ones but also has digital steering assist included. The SLE has a 4-inch driver information center, while the baseline only has a 3.5-inch center, and the SLE comes with 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot functionality standard.
The Infotainment center in the SLE is 8 inches in size, with available Navigation, and the SLE has more interior aesthetic options. It includes carpeting and under-seat storage along with HD radio and an included auto-dimming rearview mirror. Most of the same standard safety features of the baseline Sierra are included with the SLE, with a few more available options like rear park assist.
Trim – SLT
Mechanically, the SLT is similar to the baseline Sierra and SLE. It includes an integrated brake controller but otherwise is quite similar to the SLE. Where the SLT shines is on the inside of the cab – with all the features of the SLE plus some additional amenities like heated and vented front driver and passenger seats and dual-zone climate control included. The 2019 GMC Sierra 3500HD SLT has many of the same safety features as the SLE and includes available options like lane departure warning.
Trim – Denali
If you’re familiar with GMC, then you know the Denali trim level is their luxury model that includes all the bells and whistles, and the 2019 GMC Sierra 3500HD is no exception. Mechanically it is quite similar to the rest of the trim levels, but includes an 8-inch Infotainment system with Navigation and an 8-inch driver information center. The Denali includes a Bose sound system, dual-zone climate control, and leather-appointed seats.
The Sierra 3500HD Denali also includes a full suite of safety features. Every available option is included standard in the Denali, including forward collision alert, lane departure warning, and front and rear park assist. In other words, the Denali keeps the driver and all passengers safe and makes them feel amazing while doing it.
