GMC debuted the 2015 Sierra HD alongside its sibling, the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500 HD, and it’s mechanically very, very similar to its twin. If you want to know more about the long list of exact upgrades to the 2015 models, click here for the full Silverado HD story. For our purposes, we’re focusing on what’s unique about this 2015 GMC Sierra HD. You might be surprised to learn, beyond the mechanical similarities, there are many differences.
New Look
The Sierra HD has a more refined look and feel to the front end, with C-shaped LED lighting on most headlight packages. The grille is taller and wider than the previous generation and specifically designed to flow more (and cooler) air into the engine compartment. Wheel wells are a touch more rounded and offer small inlaid fender flares to frame the wheel openings. The hood — aluminum on all 2015 GM HD pickups — offers a larger, singular bulge that implies there’s something quite powerful underneath, though the powertrains are carried over. The GMC Sierra gets the same redesigned cabs and slicker aero designs as the lighter-duty Sierra 1500 and will offer more chrome accents than comparably equipped Chevys.
New Interior
Inside, the GMC Sierra HDs have slightly higher quality material and textures in the four trim packages. Both Chevy and GMC trucks will use the new center console design to maximize storage cubbies, cupholders and power ports. The new GM HDs can have as many as five USB ports in the interior — 2014 Sierra 1500 pickups can have as many as six — and offer a small 300-watt inverter for 120-volt plug-in devices. All knobs are rubber-covered for solid gripping, and the driver information center (set between the speedometer and tachometer) will have several unique readout features and gauge fonts for all Sierra HDs as well.
Denali Package
We’re told the Denali Package is likely to continue to be the Sierra’s most popular trim level even though GMC hasn’t gone far to separate it from its other premium packages. There will be unique grille surrounds, a polished stainless-steel exhaust, unique wheel options and plenty of Denali interior badging, but it doesn’t look like anything will be separating the truck mechanically from its family members. A few other unique features specific to the Denali include projector-style headlamps with LED signature daytime running lights, a Bose audio system, heated and cooled leather front bucket seats, a heated steering wheel and a power-sliding rear window with defogger. The Sierra Denali HD will continue to be offered in both 2500 and 3500 Double-Cab and crew-cab configurations.
Unique but Similar
The 2015 GMC Sierra HD pickups will have access to the same platforms and features found on the 2015 Chevy Silverado HD, but in many cases, the GMCs will offer those features as standard. The Sierra HDs’ trim package lineup changes slightly for 2015; there’s base, SLE, the well-equipped SLT and the top-of-the-line Denali trims. The only additional level the GMC Sierra 1500 offers is the All-Terrain Package. General Motors is trying to widen the distance between GMC and Chevy by distinguishing content between the two trucks and giving them separate body and styling looks, but we’d like to see more differentiation.
Our hope is more towing and hauling technology will debut on upcoming GMC models, and they could act as a test-bed for new Chevy features down the road. We’ll see if that happens, but we’re hoping that powertrain upgrades are in the Sierra HD’s future, especially after seeing GM’s powerful and efficient EcoTec3 6.2-liter V-8. Expect to hear more relatively soon.
To read the full press release and brief specification chart, .
