2014 GMC Sierra 2500 Review: Beefed UP, redesigned looks, & a big diesel engine

Remember the 80’s commercial for Wendy’s called “Where’s the Beef?” Well when it comes to pickup trucks, that phrase can be asked frequently as some trucks have become watered down, powered down and dumbed down – just so people can use them as daily drivers and occasional weekend work.

That is not the case at all for my tester this week, the 2014 GMC Sierra 2500, which has plenty of beef. The 2014 GMC Sierra 2500 is a heavy-duty truck without any pretensions to the contrary. My tester was even more stout with its big diesel engine; more on that later.

Updates and Amenities

A lot is new about the GMC Sierra this year. Much like its GM brother the Chevy Silverado, the GMC Sierra boasts an all-new exterior and a reorganized, restyled interior. Both improve the overall value and appeal of the Sierra. A strong dominating grille is the first thing you notice on the updated 2014 GMC Sierra 2500.

A chromed-out bumper stands ready for work. Subtle, yet luxurious styling is added to the hood and the side panels, setting the Sierra aside from the Silverado. After all, the GMC brand is meant to be a step up from the Chevy brand. And the designers accomplished that with this Sierra.

A notched out spot for your foot is on the back bumper making it easy to get in the bed of the truck. My tester was the double cab, which comes standard with a 6.5-foot bed, although a bigger 8-foot bed is an option on the Crew Cab only.

Engine and Transmission

As mentioned, my tester had a diesel engine. The standard engine is a 6.0-liter V8 engine, which does have a natural gas modification available, which is a unique fuel-saving option for a truck. My Sierra had the optional diesel turbocharged 6.6-liter V8 engine. This mammoth power plant makes 397 horsepower and an unbelievable 765 lb./ft. of torque. Where’s the beef? It’s right there under the hood.

A special six-speed automatic transmission exists for the diesel engine, which offers shifts that know how to handle that torque. Rear-wheel drive is standard for the Sierra, but my tester was the all-wheel drive variety. And really, why would you buy a truck that didn’t have all-wheel drive? The Sierra is up for any task of towing. It has a towing capacity of 13,000 pounds and more than 17,000 for a fifth wheel. For such an amazing amount of torque, the Sierra offers a refined ride. Cool, calm and reasonably quiet, the Sierra lives up to its luxurious expectations. Yes, you still hear the chugging of the diesel engine, but it doesn’t drown out the enjoyment for the passengers inside.

GMC Sierra’s Interior

Speaking of the interior, the 2014 GMC Sierra has an all-new interior design that does not go unnoticed. Leather seats and soft touch points are found throughout this truck (except on the base trim, which is more utilitarian than plush). As a technology person, I really enjoyed the reorganized center stack with its easy-to-use controls for phone connectivity and infotainment system. Storage pockets and compartments can be found throughout offering versatility and ease. This would be especially nice for weekend trips to the lake or longer road trips.

Another excellent feature was all the USB ports. Inside the GMC Sierra you get two in the front and two in the back will keep everyone’s devices powered up and all passengers satisfied. (Especially your smartphone loving kids.) Rear seat space for the Sierra is adequate, but for something listed as a double cab, did not seem nearly as cavernous as other heavy-duty trucks I’ve tested.

GMC Sierra Options and Pricing

The Sierra is offered in regular cab and crew cab and comes with an 8-foot-long bed and a 6.5-foot-long bed. Several different trim options are featured. This makes this heavy-duty truck easy to customize. You can pick and choose the things you want and don’t want for the truck. Price point varies considerably based upon the options and the engine. Standard MSRP for the Sierra 2500 Crew Cab is $46,700. However, loaded with options including the aforementioned diesel engine (a $7,000 add on), towing packages, driver/park assist features and chrome, and my tester had a much bigger price tag of $62,580. Fuel economy ratings for this truck are not available. In a week’s worth of mostly urban/suburban driving I averaged about 15 MPG. This did not include any towing.

Final Thoughts on our 2014 GMC Sierra 2500 Review

The 2014 GMC Sierra 2500 puts the heavy in heavy-duty truck. It’s a workhorse with improved looks and a comfortable, refined interior. The Sierra is versatile enough to tow a big payload, and comfortable enough to bring the boat or RV to a weekend retreat for the family. Hope you enjoyed this 2014 GMC Sierra 2500 review.

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