12 Differences | GMC Sierra 1500 Vs 2500

The GMC Sierra 1500 is a light-duty truck designed for light-duty activities.

On the other hand, the GMC Sierra 2500 is a heavy-duty truck designed for heavy-duty activities.

Both trucks are renowned for their performance, durability, and reliability.

I’ve written down everything you need to know about the main differences between the GMC Sierra 1500 and the Sierra 2500HD in this article.

GMC Sierra 1500 Vs 2500 [12 Differences and Similarities]

Even though the Sierra 1500 and 2500 are both made by General Motors under the same brand name, they are not exactly the same. For example, they have different trim levels, towing capacities, powertrain options, gas mileage, etc.

Both trucks are designed for different purposes.

The Sierra 1500 is designed for light workload duties, while the Sierra 2500HD is designed for heavy workload duties.

However, both trucks share some similarities, like safety features, warranties, etc.

Let’s start the discussion.

1. GMC Sierra 1500 Vs 2500 Trim Levels

The latest GMC Sierra 1500 offers 08 trim levels.

SLT
ELEVATION
AT4

NEW AT4X
DENALI
DENALI ULTIMATE

On the other hand, the latest GMC Sierra 2500HD offers 05 trim levels.

SLT
AT4
DENALI

The Sierra 1500 has three more trim levels than the Sierra 2500.

2. GMC Sierra 1500 Vs 2500 Price

Generally, vehicle prices depend on trim levels and model years.

GMC Sierra 1500 comes in eight trim levels, each at a different price.

The starting price of the GMC Sierra 1500 is $37,200 (PRO).

The Denali Ultimate is the most expensive trim level of the Sierra 1500 and comes with some extra features.

The GMC Sierra 2500HD has five different trim levels at different prices.

The starting price of the Sierra 2500 is $42,000 (PRO).

DENALI is the most expensive trim of the Sierra 2500HD, starting at $73,100.

There is a $4,800 price difference between the Sierra 1500 and the Sierra 2500.

3. GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2500 Towing

The GMC Sierra 1500’s maximum towing capacity is 13,000 pounds (5896.7 kilograms), and the maximum payload capacity is 2,250 pounds (1020.55 kilograms).

But depending on the trim level, the towing and payload capacities differ.

According to the official GM website, the maximum towing capacity of the GMC Sierra 2500HD is 36,000 pounds (16,329.3 kilograms), and the maximum payload capacity is 7,442 pounds (3375.6 kilograms).

Because of its powerful engine, the GMC Sierra 2500 has huge towing capability.

The GMC Sierra 2500 has a towing capacity of 23,000 pounds (10432.6 kilograms), more than the Sierra 1500.

As for payload capacity, the Sierra 2500 can carry 5,192 pounds (2355 kilograms) more than the Sierra 1500.

4. GMC Sierra 1500 Vs 2500 Cab Size

Depending on the trim levels, cab size varies.

The latest GMC Sierra 1500 and 2500 offer regular, crew, and double cab options.

The GMC Sierra 1500 regular cab offers three passenger seats, while the double and crew cabs offer six seating capacities.

The GMC Sierra 1500 Cab bed lengths are:

Regular Cab: 79.44 inches (Standard bed)
Double Cab: 79.44 inches (Standard bed)

Regular Cab: 98.2 inches (Long bed)
Crew Cab: 79.44 inches (Standard bed)
Crew Cab: 69.92 inches (Short bed)

The GMC Sierra 2500HD Cab bed lengths are:

Regular Cab: 98.27 inches (Long bed)
Double Cab: 98.27 inches (Long bed)
Double ab: 82.25 inches (Standard bed)

Crew cab: 98.27 inches (Long bed)
Crew cab: 82.2 inches (Standard bed)

5. GMC Sierra 1500 Vs 2500 Dimensions

GMC Sierra 1500 (Double Cab) Dimensions are:

Length: 231.7 inches or 588.515 cm

Width: 81.2 inches or 206.248 cm
Height: 75.6 inches or 192.024 cm

GMC Sierra 2500HD Dimensions are:

Length: 250.1 inches or 635.254 cm

Width: 81.9 inches or 208.026 cm
Height: 79.9 inches or 202.946 cm

The GMC Sierra 2500HD is taller, longer, and wider than the GMC Sierra 1500.

6. GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2500 Gas Mileage

According to the GMC official website, the fuel tank capacity of the GMC Sierra 1500 is 24.0 gallons.

The GMC Sierra 1500’s estimated fuel economy in the city is 19 mpg and 22 mpg on the way.

On the other hand, the Sierra 2500HD’s fuel economy is not listed on its official website.

But according to my test, the GMC Sierra 2500HD’s estimated fuel economy on the highway is 20 mpg and 15 mpg in the city.

7. GMC Sierra 1500 Vs 2500 Engine Specs

The latest GMC Sierra 1500 comes with four different engine options.

These engines in the GMC Sierra have the following horsepower and torque:

7L turbocharged engine produces 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque.
3L V8 engine produces up to 355 hp and 383 lb.-ft. of torque

0L Duramax diesel engine produces up to 305 hp and 495 lb.-ft. of torque
2L V8 engine produces up to 420 hp and 460 lb.-ft. of torque.

The GMC Sierra 2500 comes with two engine options.

The engine option and specifications are as follows:

6L V8 gas engine produces up to 400 hp and 465 lb.-ft. of torque.
Duramax 6.6L turbo diesel engine produces up to 445 hp and 910 lb-ft of torque.

The Sierra 2500 is always a better option when it comes to power output than the Sierra 1500.

8. GMC Sierra 1500 Vs 2500 Transmissions

The latest GMC Sierra 1500 has two automatic transmission systems, an 8-speed and a 10-speed.

In comparison, the latest GMC Sierra 2500HD has a 6-speed heavy-duty transmission and an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission.

The perception of transmission depends on the trim level.

Compared to the GMC 1500, the 2500HD transmission systems are more powerful.

9. GMC Sierra 1500 Vs 2500 Technology

The GMC Sierra 1500 comes with the following technology:

6-speaker audio system available in SLE, SLT, and ELEVATION.
Bose premium 7-speaker available in AT4 and DENALI.
Google built-in infotainment display (13.4 inches).

3 inches driver information center.
Noise control system available in DENALI ULTIMATE and AT4X.
15 inches heads-up display.

Super Cruise technology etc.

The GMC Sierra 2500HD comes with the following features:

6-speaker audio system available in SLE, AT4, and SLT.

The DENALI trim comes with a Bose 7-speaker audio system.
2 inches driver information display available in SLE, AT4, and SLT trims.
8-inches infotainment system display available in DENALI, AT4, and SLT.

DENALI trim features an 8 inches driver information display.
Wireless charging system available in DENALI trim.

10. GMC Sierra 1500 Vs 2500 Warranty

The Sierra 1500 and 2500 vehicles and parts come with the same warranty from GM.

GM provides the following warranties for specific components:

Scheduled maintenance: 1-year warranty.
Corrosion protection: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Bumper-to-Bumper warranty limited: 36,000 miles or 3 years.
Rust protection: 6 years or 100,000 miles.
Roadside assistance: 5 years or 60,000 miles (100,000 miles for HD Duramax Diesel engines).

Powertrain warranty: 60,000 miles or 5 years (100,000 miles for HD Duramax Diesel engines)

11. GMC Sierra 1500 Vs 2500 0-60 MPH

The GMC Sierra 1500 can reach 0–60 mph in 5.5 seconds.

In contrast, the GMC Sierra 2500 can reach 0–60 mph in 7.1 seconds.

In terms of acceleration, the GMC Sierra 1500 is 1.6 seconds faster than the GMC Sierra 2500.

12. GMC Sierra 1500 Vs 2500 Safety

GMC Sierra 1500 and 2500 trucks have the same safety features.

The highlighted safety features are:

OnStar service plan (3 years)
Six-airbag

Bed view camera
Automatic emergency brakes
Distance indicator for the following vehicle

Forward collision alert system
Rear cross-traffic alert
Safety alert seat etc.

The features’ availability depends on the trim levels.

FAQs

Is the GMC Sierra 2500 bigger than a 1500?

Yes, the GMC Sierra 2500 is bigger than a 1500.

GMC’s official website states that the Sierra 1500’s length is 231.7 inches, while the Sierra 2500’s length is 250.1 inches.

The 1500’s width is 81.2 inches, while the 2500HD’s width is 81.9 inches.

The GMC Sierra 1500’s height is 75.6 inches, while the 2500HD’s height is 79.9 inches.

So, it is clear that the GMC Sierra 2500 is bigger than the 1500.

Whats better 1500 or 2500?

Depending on the individual, the answer may vary.

If you want a daily-driven truck for typical duties, get a GMC Sierra 1500.

If you want a truck with heavy power output, better payload, and towing capacity, the Sierra 2500HD is better.

Why is a 2500 better for towing?

The GMC Sierra 2500HD has two powerful engines, a 6.6L V8 gas engine, and a Duramax 6.6L turbo diesel.

They’re both capable of producing enormous power for towing.

Therefore, GMC Sierra 2500 is better for towing than Sierra 1500.

Final Thoughts

Now you know the main differences between the GMC Sierra 1500 and the Sierra 2500HD.

So, are you still trying to decide which is right for you?

The GMC Sierra 1500 is the right truck for light-duty purposes and daily use.

For heavy-duty activities and professional purposes, you should consider the GMC Sierra 2500HD.