Truck Review: 2015 GMC Sierra 3500 4x4 Diesel Denali Crew Cab Review By Steve Purdy
2015 GMC SIERRA 3500 DENALI CREW CAB 4X4
Review
By Steve Purdy
TheAutoChannel.com
Michigan Bureau
Maybe I missed my calling. I could easily have been a truck driver had fate moved me in that direction when it had the chance. I was a very young man just out of high school when my neighbor, an independent over-the-road trucker, wanted to take me on the road with him that summer. I was tempted but declined, having already made another work commitment for the summer and college plans for the fall. Throughout the years, and to this day, I love to drive trucks – the bigger the better. I even drove city busses my first few years after college.
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Had we found something to haul we could have managed over 4,200 pounds of payload with this diesel charmer. Had we found something to tow we could have managed 13,000 pounds with the ball-type hitch. If we had a fifth-wheel hitch we could tow up to 17,100 pounds.
We could do that because we have the GM heavy-duty truck platform with fully-boxed frame and the Duramax 6.6-liter V8 turbo-diesel (B20-capable) making almost 400 horsepower and 765 pound-feet or torque, mated to a sturdy Allison 1,000 six-speed automatic transmission. While the MPG rating is not listed on the specification sheet (find specs for all GMC 3500's below my review) we managed just over 18 mpg on our road trip to Chicago on the freeways (unloaded, of course), and we were not driving timidly. That mileage is even more amazing when we consider our 4.10 rear axle ratio.) With the 36-gallon fuel tank we have an amazing cruising range of around 600 miles.
The GMC Sierra line of HD trucks got a mild facelift and some accessory upgrades for this 2015 model. Exterior styling goes another notch upscale with more flashy trim and some aerodynamic enhancements that, among other advantages, improves airflow to the engine compartment for better cooling. A tailgate step helps us climb into the bed and the optional light on the back of the cab will illuminate the cargo at night. The optional spray-in bed liner protects the painted surfaces back there and we have a nicely damped tailgate for a quality feel.
Our test truck came with all the safety and driving dynamic controls no one had heard of a few years ago like stability control, trailer sway control, hill start assist, hill descent control, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning, pre-collision warning, rear view camera with 180-degree visibility and lots of airbags.
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The rear seats on our crew cab model offer generous space for three and the seat base flips up easily for lots of inside storage.
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You can get the basic Sierra 3500 with the 6.0-liter engine and no extras for around $33,500. Our Sierra 3500 Crew Cab 4WD Denali starts at $54,000 MSRP and the diesel package adds another $8,845. With a few other options, the destination charge and a modest built-in discount our sticker shows $64,000 on the bottom line.
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Had I actually become a trucker, I can envision using this Sierra Denali 3500 for a cross-country trip hauling a 5th-wheel goose-neck trailer loaded with a bulldozer or perhaps a couple of classic cars. Easy work.
Our son drives a 10-year-old Silverado 2500 diesel that he has massaged adding turbo, lift kit, heavy-duty winch and other trucky stuff. He uses it primarily for serious play including going out in Chicago snow storms and pulling people out of the ditch just for fun. He had an opportunity to drive this luxo-truck and came away impressed. That is a good recommendation, indeed.
©Steve Purdy, Shunpiker Productions, All Rights Reserved