2020 GMC Sierra HD: Hard Worker With A Soft Touch
As summer slides into focus, images of backyard barbeques with ice-cold beers and fat, juicy grilled steaks begin to fill your head… Until you remember that your yard looks like a backlot for The Walking Dead. You need a major overhaul—which means you need a truck capable of taking on the job. A truck with the perfect balance of power and user-friendly features, world-class capability and enough luxury to keep the hard work enjoyable. You need the next-gen 2020 GMC Sierra HD.
But aside from some rugged new looks, a freshened interior, and more hauling power to rehab your disaster of a backyard, what are the key features setting the 2020 Sierra HD apart?
It’s more than meets the eye for this new truck. To see what makes it so special, we’ll have to take a look under the hood.
That New Transmission, Though
Think the new Sierra HD is just a better-dressed Silverado? Think again. When it comes to overall strength and durability, the new GMC Heavy Duty lives up to its name. Offering best-in-class available max towing up to 35,500 pounds, a specially-designed larger drive shaft and rear axle, improved brakes and steering, and an all-new Allison 10-Speed automatic transmission (in diesel models) giving drivers 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque, the 2020 Sierra shows it’s not afraid to get a little dirt on all that chrome.
The impressive Allison transmission is the first of its kind in a heavy-duty pickup, designed with closer gear spacings to give the 6.6-liter, small block V8 engine optimal range to operate, regardless of the load it’s carrying or the terrain it’s on. That’s a key upgrade from the previous version’s six-cog unit. Besides, Allison Transmission isn’t the largest global provider for commercial duty automatic transmissions anywhere in the world for no reason. Quality rises to the top.
(Not So) Rugged Ride
Although built with hard work in mind, the 2020 GMC Sierra HD doesn’t make the mistake of compromising comfort. Isolated cab mounts, wider tires, and a sturdy independent front suspension work together to reduce shake and improve handling. And upscale interior appointments ensure that if you do experience an unwanted jolt, the sensation is buffered by the feel of soft, premium leather.
Those itching to head further off pavement—who worry that the standard 10-inches of ground clearance and improved approach angle won’t cut it—can upgrade to the available X31 off-road package. Adding a specially-tuned off-road suspension, Rancho shocks, and skid plates, it also offers available technology boosters to assist in braking, steering, traction, and stability control.
Not only can the 2020 Sierra HD handle the ever-growing backyard battle plan you’ve got cooking, but also any other hard work that comes its way. And that fine-tuned suspension ensures you’ll be just as comfortable driving down an unpaved country road as you would be towing a 25,000-lb trailer down the highway.
Larger and Smarter
Advanced tech is where GMC’s reputation for high-end appointments really shines, and the 2020 Sierra is no slouch. The new model boasts an incredible, class-leading 15 unique camera views—enough to make even a selfie queen blush. Among them, is an industry-first “transparent trailer” view, giving drivers an astoundingly comprehensive look at their truck and trailers. Inside, an available rear-camera mirror and 15-inch head-up display boost user-friendly functionality. GMC has even designed an integrated trailer monitoring system that can be controlled via smartphone, allowing drivers to check in on things like their RV’s water tank levels or HVAC controls.
Reinforcing the idea of a complete rugged and luxurious package, the 2020 GMC Sierra HD ensures drivers have an elaborate clear picture of everything happening in and around their vehicle without having to lift a finger.
Head Out Back
In the rear, the next-gen Sierra HD provides class-leading cargo volume, with a standard bed that is 6.7 inches wider and 5.4 inches longer than previous models. Integrated mounting points in the bed and chassis, as well as lower bed sides with special built-in steps ensure that loading and securing cargo is a breeze. And, of course, the oft-advertised MultiPro Tailgate is just dying to show off how clever it can be—offering six different configurations, including a step and load stop.
Pushing capability further are enhanced trailering, auto-dimming mirrors for optimal visibility, digital steering assistance, trailer sway control and a specialized tow/haul mode that adjusts the transmission shift point for optimal performance.
Itching to add a little more functionality? Well, a premium work truck deserves a premium toolbox, and Better Built’s SLE Series of in-bed truck toolboxes fit the bill.
Short for Shotgun Latch Elite—a pretty self-confident name worthy of the new big boy Sierra—the SLE series is the newest generation of toolboxes to join the Better Built lineup. Featuring quick-pull, trigger-style latches that increase security and ease-of-use (hence the name) the SLE toolboxes focus on innovating the traditional toolbox into something distinctly more comprehensive. In addition to the clever latches, it features D-ring mounts, organizational dividers, a washable liner, and even motion-sensing interior LED lighting.
Available in a range of sizes/finishes the SLE comes as either a low-profile single-lid crossover toolbox or a side-mount toolbox.
So, what are you waiting for?
The new 2020 GMC Sierra HD is probably the only thing standing between you and that backyard daydream of soaking up the sun and throwing back a cold one with your friends. Bump up your curb appeal—and your block party game—with a fresh yard redesign and a badass new ride in the driveway.
