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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 GMC Sierra 3500 HD Crew Cab

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Overview

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2013 GMC Sierra 3500 HD Crew Cab Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.4

When the task at hand calls for more muscle than a conventional full-size truck can handle, it's time to summon a heavy-duty pickup. In both 3/4-ton and 1-ton configuration, the 2013 GMC Sierra HD delivers the type of power and utility needed for the most demanding jobs and does it while providing commendable levels of comfort. To that end, the 2013 Sierra HD lineup offers an exclusive pair of high-content Denali variants to further broaden appeal. Motivation comes in the form of a gasoline-fueled V8 or a torque-rich turbodiesel. Since rival HD pickups like the Ford F-250/F-350 and Ram 2500/3500 each offer of the most hauling power this side of a Class 8 semi-truck, choosing the right brand ultimately comes down to personal preference.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you require a vehicle that can transport over 10,000 pounds without breaking a sweat, the 2013 GMC Sierra HD deserves a spot on your short list. Furthermore, most prospective HD truck buyers who place a premium on luxury will find the Sierra HD Denali worth springing for.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Anyone who needs to tow more than eight tons should take a closer look at the 2013 Ram 3500 HD and its colossal 30,000-pound towing capacity. And if you feel styling is the only detractor to the Sierra HD, the Chevrolet Silverado HD offers an identical roster of features and configurations (excluding Denali), but with a unique design aesthetic.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.4
Driving Dynamics

6.9
Comfort & Convenience

6.9
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.1
Value

7.9
Safety

7.8

How It Ranks

#22

out of 30

Horsepower

#22

out of 28

5-Year Cost

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

8.9 out of 10

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consumer ratings

2013 GMC Sierra 3500 HD Crew Cab Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2013

For 2013, extended-cab 2500 HD models equipped with the standard 6.0-liter V8 can be had with a new bi-fuel system that accommodates both gasoline and compressed natural gas (CNG). Two new exterior colors (Sonoma Red Metallic and Heritage Blue Metallic) round out the changes.

Driving the Sierra 3500 HD Crew Cab

2013 GMC Sierra 3500 HD Crew Cab Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions Thanks to its optional 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel V8, we found that towing a 10,000-pound trailer behind the 2013 GMC Sierra 2500 HD posed no challenge of any kind. This optional...

turbodiesel develops 397 horsepower and 765 lb-ft of torque (more horsepower, less torque than the Ram HD, less horsepower and torque than Ford's PowerStroke diesel). Despite the difference in power from its main rivals, the Sierra 2500 HD still takes top honors in 5th-wheel and conventional towing, as well as payload figures. The Duramax diesel produces quite a bit of noise, but you wouldn't know it from inside the cabin. One of our favorite features of the diesel powertrain is the "smart" exhaust-braking. Depending on topography and vehicle speed, the system works by progressively restricting exhaust output to help slow the rig with added compression braking. We tested a number of 2013 GMC Sierra HD trucks, with gasoline and diesel engines, long and short beds, and basic to plush trim levels. We found that each exhibited a taut yet compliant ride, good steering feedback, and suitable braking power.

Favorite Features

ALLISON 1000 SERIES TRANSMISSION
This robust 6-speed transmission is designed to withstand the extra torque generated by the Duramax turbodiesel while also delivering improved fuel economy. Plus, the Allison 1000 is manufactured by the same company that produces transmissions for the U.S. Army's M1 Abrams tank.

BI-FUEL SYSTEM
Although compressed natural gas has yet to gain a stronghold in the marketplace, the 2013 Sierra HD lineup embraces this cleaner-burning, domestically-sourced alternative fuel with the newly available bi-fuel system. Though it carries a lofty $11,000 price tag, the bi-fuel system could potentially prove itself financially prudent in the long run, as CNG fuel costs roughly $1.50 per gallon less than diesel or gasoline (depending upon local markets).

2013 GMC Sierra 3500 HD Crew Cab Details

2013 GMC Sierra 3500 HD Crew Cab Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The 2013 GMC Sierra HD Work Truck (WT), SLE and SLT interiors are designed to function seamlessly with a wide range of conventional truck duties. But despite the cabin's utilitarian intent, most trims come nicely appointed with adequate materials quality and fit and finish. While it lacks the bounty of storage bins and compartments found in the Ram and Ford HD trucks, the 2013 GMC Sierra HD nevertheless has a number of useful storage ideas for everything from laptops to the errant tool. On the luxury front, Denali variants feature a distinctive brushed-aluminum trim, leather upholstery and soft-touch materials on the upper dash.

Exterior

The imposing look of the Sierra 2500 and 3500 HD trucks is set off with a massive 3-bar chrome grille flanked by the nameplate's signature stacked headlamps. For better engine cooling, the raised power-dome hood incorporates a functional set of louvers. The upscale Denali trim is distinguished by its color-keyed bumpers, 4-bar grille with chrome mesh inserts, and matching lower grille design. If you are on the fence between a half-ton and a 3/4-ton truck, it's worth noting that the load-in height (distance from the ground to the top of the cargo bed floor) is over five inches taller with the HD version, which makes loading heavy items significantly more strenuous.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 HD models are available in regular cab, extended cab and crew cab body styles as well as four trim levels: Work truck, SLE, SLT or Denali. Standard across the board is all-weather rubber flooring, a 40/20/40 split front bench seat, and a driver information center. SLE models add a CD player, air conditioning, power windows, and driver's seat adjustment, while SLT trims feature heated front seats, Bluetooth connectivity, and fog lights. Top-level Denali versions include ventilated and 12-way power-adjustable front seats, a Bose premium audio system, and power retractable side mirrors. Occupant safety consists of six airbags, a full complement of electronic stability systems, and OnStar emergency/concierge services.

Optional Equipment

Given the Sierra's limited rear visibility, the optional backup camera tops our list of recommended add-ons. Also on the menu is a feature-laden convenience package comprised of power-adjustable pedals, rear sonar proximity sensors designed to help guide you into tight park spots with audible warnings, and a slam-proof EZ-lift and lower tailgate (SLT only). Seeing as the available touch-screen navigation unit is a bit long in the tooth, technophiles who want the latest and greatest in multimedia will be better-off with the F-250's optional MyFord Touch infotainment system.

Under the Hood

2013 GMC Sierra 3500 HD Crew Cab Engine photo

Every 2013 GMC Sierra HD features a standard 6.0-liter Vortec V8 with cam-in-block variable valve timing (VVT), which provides more power at high rpm and better fuel efficiency. For jobs requiring a significant amount of power there's the recently overhauled Duramax turbodiesel that produces an earth-moving 765 lb-ft of torque. As a bonus, the Duramax powerplant is compatible with B20 biodiesel. Like most of today's clean diesels, nitrous oxide emissions are reduced by means of a Selective Catalyst Reduction after-treatment system, which uses urea-based Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) as a cleaning agent. While the DEF tank needs a refill every 5,000 miles, urea-based solution or AdBlue, as it's known, is available at most major auto parts retailers.

6.0-liter Vortec V8
360 horsepower @ 5,400 rpm
380 lb-ft of torque @ 4,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: NA

6.6-liter turbocharged diesel V8
397 horsepower @ 3,000 rpm
765 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: NA

Pricing Notes

In base Work Truck form, the 2013 GMC Sierra 2500 has a Manufacturers' Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of just over $30,000, with the 3500 series tacking an additional $1,500 to the bottom line. 2500 and 3500 Denali trims come in at around $47,000 and top out close to $64,000. Adding 4-wheel drive to the mix will set you back an extra $3,000. The Ford Super Duty and Ram HD each share a similar price range with the 2013 Sierra HD. To get a better idea of what others in your area paying for the 2013 GMC Sierra HD, take a look at KBB.com's Fair Purchase Price at the bottom of this page. Like its heavy-duty challengers, the 2013 Sierra HD is expected to maintain average 5-year residual values.

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2013 GMC Sierra 3500 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.9

Out of 10

Based on 665 Ratings for the 2007 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.0/10

Quality

9.0/10
Reliability

9.3/10

Performance

9.2/10
Comfort

9.2/10

Styling

9.1/10

drive line slack

By shorthand (MS) on Saturday, May 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 3,000

10 3.0

overall rating 3 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 3/10
Value: Not Rated
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: Not Rated
Performance: Not Rated
Styling: Not Rated
Comfort: Not Rated

Pros: "Happy with truck except for above problem"

Cons: "problem has not been resolved"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"The truck has slack in the drive train. It is more noticeable in stop and go traffic, and when you turn to the right you can hear a clunk noise as the slack comes out of the drive line. I took the truck back to the dearlership and was told by the technician that I was not the only one who had this same problem. According to GM and the dealership the solution was for me to change my driving habits."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Best value for the money.

By Rodney20 (PA) on Wednesday, April 24, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 70,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Value, classic looks, low ownership cost, reliable"

Cons: "interior styling lags behind Ford F150"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Other than the interior styling (which I think Ford is light-years ahead of all other manufacturers), I have absolutely no gripes about this truck. I test drove the F150, Titan, Ram, and Tundra. The only truck I imediately nixed after driving was the Tundra (after driving the Tundra, I was completely disappointed and cannot understand the infatuation Toyota loyalists have with that truck...way over-hyped and over-priced, and if you don't believe me, drive one and then drive/price any of the other four...unless you are a Toyota apologist, you will be disappointed). The only truck that I actually liked better than the Sierra was the F150. However, considering I could get a comparably equipped Sierra for a few thousand $$ less, the Sierra was definitely the better value. So far, I've had absolutely no problems...even the original tires lasted over 60,000 miles. My family has owned a number of different makes and models of vehicles in the past, including Chevy, Ford, Dodge, Honda, Toyota, Hyundai. A client of mine encouraged me to check out GMC, as he runs GMC's for his business and routinely gets 300,000+ miles out of his work pick-ups. Definitely glad I did check out the Sierra. One of the best vehicles (car/truck/van) I have ever owned. Will definitely buy again if I can get another reasonable deal."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Poor performance and fuel mileage.

By LL (TX) on Wednesday, April 24, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 13,000

10 2.0

overall rating 2 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 2/10
Value: 2/10
Reliability: 2/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 1/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 5/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"Lost 6mpg as compared to 2007 model equiped same. Extremely low oil pressure. Excessive tire wear and vibration thru out vehicle. DEALER SAYS JUST DRIVE IT."

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I own a 2013-no real changes from 2012

By SanJuanWilly (CO) on Tuesday, April 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,400

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Plenty of horsepower and torque"

Cons: "sits up rather high"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I love this truck. I think its only drawback is that it sits up rather high. I think it could be a little lower to the ground. Mine is a 2013 SLT crew cab regular box Duramax 4 wheel drive. Plenty of power to pull our 29 1/2 ft fifth wheel. I love driving this rig, and plan on keeping it for quite a while (I still have my 2002 Duramax with 275000 miles as a work vehicle) I would recommend this truck to anyone who tows a trailer."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Best truck value there is!

By Or Vett 50 (OR) on Sunday, March 31, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 54,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Towing, reliability, durability, mileage, COMFORT"

Cons: "None"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This truck was purchased to meet the following needs: - It had to tow an 8000# travel trailer in mountain terrain. - It had to have 4 wheel drive and off road capability. - It had to have enough back seat area for 4 dogs, 1 large, 1 medium and 2 small. - It had to be COMFORTABLE! I have a bad back and can't tolerate cheap seats. - Fuel mileage was secondary, but 19 mpg highway and 12 mpg towing is quite good. This truck has exceeded all my expectations. It tows a trailer effortlessly. It is driven in 4WD almost daily when I take my dogs to the beach. When driven on long trips, it is exceedingly comfortable, especially with the leather heated seats. I have ridden in many vehicles, some over $100K Europeans. None have as comfortable seats. It has had absolutely zero unscheduled maintenance. One of the best surprises was that it has only depreciated about $3000 from what I paid almost 4 years ago."

5 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Best

By Dennis (NY) on Friday, March 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 2,169

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Everthing"

Cons: "cant drive it 24X7"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have a SLT Z71 black on black loaded with lots extras she has the 5.3 V8 I am getting great MPG my average is 17.8 does it have a fault yeah it has a few have to reach to adjust the radio,the interior is a little dated but I look forward to driving this truck to work everyday"

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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See all 665 reviews