2023 GMC Sierra 2500HD Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

When it comes to heavy duty trucks, the 2023 GMC Sierra 2500HD ranks up there with the best of them. This truck is incredibly spacious and therefore has no issue fitting people and cargo into it. Its towing and hauling capacities are immense enough to meet the needs of the average driver, and there is an optional feature called the MultiPro tailgate that gives you even more utility and versatility. You can max towing out at 18,500 pounds when properly equipped, which tops the light duty Sierra 1500 by 5,500 pounds.

The 2500HD has multiple trim level configurations available, so there is a little something there for everyone, including the off-road oriented AT4 trim level. There is also a lot of available tech for the Sierra 2500HD's cabin. A strong diesel engine options means that you can get a reasonable fuel economy for the segment. Even though heavy duty pickups are not required to report fuel estimates with the EPA, real-world tests put the diesel engine's combined city and highway miles per gallon at about 17-18.

Unfortunately, there are a few downsides to buying the 2023 GMB Sierra 2500HD. First of all, this Sierra does not offer the same max towing numbers as some of its toughest rivals. On top of that, the cabin's materials have some questionable quality to them that might make you wonder if this truck is really worth its price tag. There is also a clear lack of attention to detail that comes out in how dated the layout and design look. It appears too much like the design that came on the previous generation of the Sierra 2500HD. But, on the plus side, the cabin has size and comfort on its side.

The Sierra 2500HD comes in five trim levels, plus it has two bed lengths and three cab styles to choose from. You can also select between the gas and diesel engines. There is a regular cab, crew-cab, and double-cab (which is a four-door crew-cab with smaller rear seat dimensions instead). Bed lengths come as either a 6.8-foot bed or an 8.1-foot bed. The base Pro trim is the line-up's work truck while the line-topping Denali is the most luxury-oriented trim level.

Which configuration will you choose? Let's dive in and discuss what you can get so that you end up with the heavy duty pick-up truck that is right for your unique needs.

Compare the Sierra 2500HD Pro vs SLE Trims. What is the difference?

As already mentioned above, the Pro is the 2023 GMC Sierra 2500HD's base trim and work trim level. This truck is powered by the standard 6.6-L V8 engine that delivers a maximum power output of 401 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission is paired up with the V8. However, opting for the 6.6-L turbo V8 diesel gives you a 10-speed automatic transmission and a power output of 445 hp and 910 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is standard for the Pro, SLE, and SLT trim levels while these can be equipped with 4-wheel drive (4WD) instead. 4WD is standard issue on the AT4 and Denali trim levels.

With the Pro base work truck trim level, you get standard 17-inch wheels and a trailering hitch to help you get the job done. The trailering mirrors can be manually adjusted for better views. Additionally, you get a spare tire carrier as well as a locking tailgate.

Inside of the Pro's cabin, you get a fairly standard array of features geared toward keeping you comfortable while you are on the job. There is a 40/20/40-split folding front bench seat, and the floor coverings and seats are done in vinyl material. The windows and door locks are manually operated.

Tech is relatively sparse but is enough to keep you connected while on the clock. You get a standard 7-inch infotainment touchscreen display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both available for smartphone app integration.

Now, if you plan on skipping the Pro trim level, you will be able to step it up to the SLE for a nice list of upgrades. The wheels get upgraded to alloy material but remain sized at 17 inches. The body receives some enhanced trim offerings, and the trailering mirrors are heated and power adjustable on this trim level. In the back, you get that ultra-versatile MultiPro configurable tailgate.

The integrated brake trailer controller is helpful since it lets you adjust the trailer's brakes from your seat inside of the cab. The seats and floor mats get upgraded to a cloth material, and there is under-seat storage up front to help with toting smaller items around. The windows and door locks are upgraded to power operation, and cruise control gets tacked on as well. On top of that, you get remote keyless entry on the SLE trim level.

WIFI hot-spot comes along with the list of connected services that get added to the SLE trim level. Also, you get a larger, 8-inch infotainment touchscreen display.

Compare the Sierra 2500HD SLE vs SLT Trim Levels. What is the difference?

Upgrading to the mid-tier SLT trim level might be more ideal for you if you are looking to get a few more creature comforts. This trim level will upgrade you to 18-inch wheels forged from alloy material and outfitted with all-terrain tires. On the front end of the vehicle, you get LED headlights for enhanced visibility in darker driving conditions. The trailering mirrors for the SLT trim level gain power-extending and also power-folding capabilities for your convenience. There is also a good amount of lighting built into the truck bed and 120-volt outlets found in the cargo bed as well as on the dashboard inside of the cabin.

You can use keyless access to gain entry into the SLT trim level and use the push button ignition to start it up. There is also remote engine start to get the engine up and running. Inside of the cabin, you can turn on the dual-zone automatic climate control system, set the two zones to their desired individual temperatures, and let the system automatically adjust itself to stick to those set temps.

The SLT's seats get upgraded to a breathable leather upholstery that is comfortable to sit on, even on hotter days. Both of the front seats gain power adjustability, and the driver's seat gains its own memory settings so that you can easily find a comfortable driving position once you get behind the wheel. What's more, the steering wheel and both front seats have their own heating functions to keep you warm on cooler days.

There aren't too many tech upgrades on the SLT trim level. However, you do get a high-definition rearview camera that includes a Hitch View angle, which makes backing this massive vehicle up a good bit easier.

Compare the Sierra 2500HD SLT vs AT4 Trims. What is the difference?

If you plan on taking the Sierra 2500HD off of the beaten path, then the AT4 might just be the trim level for you. When you buy the AT4, you get 4WD as standard issue to help with grip and control while off-roading. Also, the AT4 comes with a suspension tuned for off-roading, hill descent control, and underbody skid plates to aid in creating an enhanced off-roading performance.

Other features found on the AT4 trim level include ventilated front seats, a spray-in bedliner, and a center console tucked between the two front bucket seats.

Compare the Sierra 2500HD AT4 vs Denali. What is the difference?

At the top of the 2023 GMC Sierra 2500HD line-up is the Denali trim, which tends to be a popular choice among buyers despite its steeper price tag. Why do buyers prefer the Denali? That could be due to the fact that its side steps make entering and exiting the truck a whole lot easier. It could also be due to the bigger 20-inch wheels made from alloy. You also get a rear window with power sliding capability, an advanced driver information display, and seats upgraded to premium leather material.

There is also a lot more technology found inside of the Denali trim level. The Denali tacks on a bed-view camera, which can certainly come in handy when you are hauling things back there. An integrated navigation system, wireless charging pad for your smartphone, and a premium Bose audio system all come as part of the standard package.

The Denali also gets a lot of standard advanced driver aids, which are otherwise optional on the lower trim levels. The safety alert seat will vibrate as a safety alert to get your attention. Forward collision warning will issue an alert if it detects an impending frontal crash and will try to apply the brakes for you to avoid it. The vehicle's parking sensors can detect and alert you to objects sitting below your line of view so that you do not run into them on accident. If the vehicle starts straying over the line, the lane departure warning will let you know. The 360-degree surround-view camera provides you with a clear top-down view of the immediate surroundings around the vehicle. Finally, the rear cross-traffic alert within the blind spot monitoring system will warn you if a vehicle is driving in your blind spot while you go in reverse or try to change lanes.

There are quite a few optional standalone features that can be equipped on various Sierra 2500HD trim levels. These features include a head-up display (which projects important vehicle info onto the windshield before your eyes) and a digital rearview mirror (which shows you the view out the back even then it is loaded up with items). The trailering camera system will show you several trailer-based camera perspectives on the vehicle's touchscreen to help you with towing. LED perimeter lighting comes with the power-retractable side steps. An X31 off-road package gives the vehicle skid plates, an advanced suspension, and hill descent control.

Final Thoughts

The 2023 GMC Sierra 2500HD line-up makes it easy to configure this truck to your liking. It is easy to get lost in the details while trying to piece one together for order. Which one will offer you the most bang for your buck?

While the Denali is our pick for buyers who don't have too many budget restrictions, we think that the mid-tier SLT offers a good balance of features and cost. Getting it as either the crew-cab or double-cab should do just fine. Getting the MultiPro tailgate is absolutely a 'must' on the Sierra, and you still get options for things you want to add on to make the vehicle feel like it is truly, uniquely yours.