2017 GMC Sierra 3500HD Overview
The 2017 GMC Sierra 3500HD stands as a formidable contender in the heavy-duty pickup truck segment, built for those who demand exceptional towing and hauling capabilities. This truck is engineered to tackle the toughest jobs, whether it's for commercial use, recreational towing of large campers or boats, or simply when you need the utmost in brute strength and resilience.
Highlights
- Engine Options: The Sierra 3500HD offers two powerful engine choices to suit your needs:
- 6.0L V8 Gasoline Engine: This engine delivers a robust 360 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for most heavy-duty tasks. It's paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
- 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8 Engine: This legendary diesel powerhouse churns out an impressive 445 horsepower and a staggering 910 lb-ft of torque. This engine is the undisputed champion for maximum towing and hauling, especially when equipped with the available dual rear wheels (DRW). It comes standard with a heavy-duty six-speed Allison automatic transmission known for its durability and smooth operation.
- Towing and Hauling Prowess: The primary strength of the 3500HD lies in its immense capability. When properly equipped, particularly with the Duramax diesel and DRW, it boasts best-in-class conventional towing capacities and can handle significantly higher fifth-wheel and gooseneck trailer weights. This makes it ideal for towing large recreational vehicles, heavy equipment, or multiple trailers.
- Safety Features: While a heavy-duty truck, the Sierra 3500HD offers a range of safety features designed to enhance driver awareness and occupant protection:
- StabiliTrak® Stability Control System with Trailer Sway Control: This system automatically detects and helps correct potential skidding or trailer sway, providing greater control during towing.
- Duramax Diesel Engine Brake (Standard on Diesel Models): This integrated engine brake helps slow the vehicle downhill without excessive use of the service brakes, reducing wear and providing better control when descending grades.
- Available Trailering Camera System: This system can include up to four cameras, offering multiple viewing angles to aid in trailer hookups and blind-spot monitoring, greatly simplifying maneuvering with a trailer.
- Available Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning: These driver-assist features use cameras and sensors to warn the driver of potential frontal collisions or unintended lane drifts.
- Trim Levels: The 2017 Sierra 3500HD is available in four distinct trim levels, each offering a progressively more luxurious and feature-rich experience:
- Sierra: The foundational trim, offering essential heavy-duty capability and functionality.
- SLE: A well-equipped mid-level trim, adding popular features for comfort and convenience.
- SLT: Strikes a balance between rugged capability and premium appointments, offering more upscale interior materials and advanced features.
- Denali: The pinnacle of GMC's truck luxury, the Denali trim boasts premium leather seating, advanced infotainment, distinctive styling cues, and a host of comfort and convenience amenities, making it a refined option for those who demand the best.
- Durability and Build Quality: GMC trucks are known for their robust construction, and the 3500HD is no exception. It's built with a fully boxed high-strength steel frame and a DuraLife™ HD vinyl-coated stainless steel exhaust system, contributing to its longevity and resistance to corrosion.
What to Expect
Owning a 2017 GMC Sierra 3500HD generally means embracing a no-nonsense, work-oriented experience. The ride quality, especially when unloaded, can be firm, a characteristic common to heavy-duty trucks designed for maximum payload and towing. However, when loaded or towing, the suspension settles and provides a stable, confident platform.
Maintenance: Routine maintenance for the Sierra 3500HD will involve standard items like oil changes, filter replacements, and tire rotations. Due to its heavy-duty nature and powerful engines, more frequent or specialized maintenance might be required, especially if consistently used for demanding tasks. The Duramax diesel engine, while incredibly robust, may have specific fluid and filter requirements that are more critical than those of a gasoline engine. Finding qualified technicians familiar with diesel powertrains is advisable for optimal long-term care.
Insurance: Expect insurance premiums for a 2017 GMC Sierra 3500HD to be higher than for a standard pickup truck. This is due to its significant capabilities, higher replacement cost, and the potential for more extensive damage in accidents, particularly when towing large trailers. Your driving record, location, and the specific coverage you choose will heavily influence the final cost.
Potential Considerations
- Fuel Economy: Unsurprisingly, fuel economy is not a strong suit of the Sierra 3500HD, especially when equipped with the Duramax diesel and under load. The gasoline V8 will also consume a considerable amount of fuel. For drivers prioritizing fuel efficiency, this truck is likely not the ideal choice.
- Ride Comfort (Unladen): As mentioned, the ride can be quite stiff when the truck is not carrying a load or towing. This is a trade-off for its superior towing and hauling capacity. Buyers looking for a more car-like ride might find it less appealing.
- Maneuverability: Due to its substantial size and long wheelbase, especially in crew cab configurations, maneuvering the Sierra 3500HD in tight spaces, such as parking lots, can be challenging. A good understanding of its dimensions and the use of parking aids are beneficial.
- Diesel Emissions Equipment: The Duramax diesel engine is equipped with emissions control systems (like Diesel Particulate Filter and Selective Catalytic Reduction) that require diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) and can necessitate specific maintenance to function correctly.
Overall Summary
The 2017 GMC Sierra 3500HD is an uncompromised workhorse, engineered for those who require exceptional towing and hauling capabilities above all else. With its potent Duramax diesel engine and robust chassis, it excels at handling the most demanding tasks. While its size, fuel consumption, and unladen ride quality are considerations, for buyers who need a truck that can reliably and powerfully tackle the toughest jobs, the 2017 Sierra 3500HD remains a highly capable and dependable option, with the Denali trim offering a luxurious touch to its rugged persona.