The pickup truck wars are moving into the heavy duty realm with automakers focusing on bigger, more capable and more fun off-road.
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GMC is using the same criteria for its 2020 Sierra Heavy Duty trucks that it uses for its GMC Sierra. GMC is promising that the heavy-duty trucks will be bigger, stronger and smarter. With a new 2020 GMC Sierra HD AT4 version, the trucks will also be more agile off-road.
The 2020 GMC Sierra HD AT4 will sport a special grille surround and body color front and rear bumpers. The special grille will be black chrome and the truck will have distinctive red recovery hooks.
The big news for GMC is the heavy-duty off-road suspension. According to GMC, the special off-road equipment includes:
- Off-road suspension, Rancho Shocks, skid plates, Eaton locking rear differential.
- Eighteen-inch wheels wrapped with Michelin all-terrain tires, with 20-inch wheels available.
- Traction Select System with specific Off-Road mode.
- Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist.
- Segment-exclusive 15-inch diagonal Head-Up Display with Off-Road Inclinometer.
- HD Surround Vision1 for low-speed views of vehicle surroundings.
The AT4 version is just one of the 2020 GMC Sierra HD versions that will be available. There will also be a luxurious Denali trim for the truck owner that wants to be surrounded in high-quality leather and comfort. The all-new 2020 Sierra HD is taller and longer than the previous models. They feature class leading headroom and legroom.
Watch the interior and exterior review of the 2020 GMC Sierra AT4 and click to subscribe to Torque News Youtube for daily automotive news analysis.
“The all-new 2020 Sierra HD is the most capable heavy-duty truck that we’ve ever offered,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Global GMC. “For customers who demand a premium, innovative heavy-duty truck that supports their passions, the next-generation Sierra HD can pull like a pro.”
Safer and Better Trailering
Improving the trailering experience is a huge part of the new GMC Sierra HD package. The Sierra HD will offer an enhanced ProGrade Trailering system featuring class-leading available 15 camera views, including a segment-first transparent trailer view to virtually see through a trailer in tow. Drivers will be able to get a Rear Camera Mirror that will be the first in the heavy-duty segment. Buyers will also be able to get smart trailer technology that will integrate with the myGMC app so drivers can better monitor the trailer and some of the functions.
“Trailering is the most important consideration for Sierra Heavy Duty customers, and the new features and technologies in the 2020 Sierra HD make it easier than ever to hitch a trailer and tow it confidently,” said Jaclyn McQuaid, vehicle chief engineer, Heavy Duty Trucks. “We’ve developed this new truck to offer the greatest trailering experience ever offered by GMC.”
The 2020 GMC Sierra HD will also offer the versatile tailgate that has been winning awards ever since being introduced on the light-duty Sierra. The MultiPro tailgate, the world’s first six-function tailgate, allows easier loading, unloading and bed access and is available on all trim levels.
Diesel and Gasoline Versions Available
The 2020 GMC Sierra HD will be powered by the Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel engine. The Duramax provides 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque. The Duramax will be paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission. The bigger frame, stronger propulsion and smarter technologies are expected to deliver towing capacity in excess of 30,000 pounds.
GMC also says there will be an all-new gasoline engine available, but is not yet announcing those details.
The 2020 GMC Sierras will be built at Flint Assembly in Flint, Michigan.
The 2020 Sierra HD goes on sale later this year in 2500HD and 3500HD dual rear wheel and single rear wheel versions. Pricing and fuel economy will be announced closer to when the trucks are available
Written by Mary Conway.
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