2025 Sierra 3500 vs. 2024 Sierra 3500: Uncover Key Differences

In the heavy-duty truck segment, the GMC Sierra 3500 is a titan of capability and comfort. The 2025 Sierra 3500 builds on the success of its predecessor, the 2024 Sierra 3500, with subtle but meaningful upgrades, combining the brawny capabilities and upscale creature comforts that have endeared buyers to this dependable truck. At Fahrney Buick GMC in Selma, California, we've broken down the key differences between these model years to help you decide which truck best suits your needs.

GMC Sierra 3500 Overview

The Sierra 3500 has long been a favorite for its blend of raw power, refined interiors, and rugged durability. For 2025, GMC has opted for a carryover design from the 2024 model year, focusing instead on enhancing technology and safety features. While the core specs and trim levels remain unchanged, strategic upgrades make the 2025 model a smarter choice if you prioritize advanced trailering aids and convenience.

Performance and Engine Specifications

The 2025 and 2024 Sierra 3500 share identical powertrains, ensuring best-in-class performance. The 2025 and 2024 Sierra 3500 share identical powertrains. The base engine is a 6.6-liter V-8 gas engine delivering 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque. Or you can choose the optional Duramax 6.6-liter Turbo-Diesel V-8 that produces 470 horsepower and 975 lb-ft of torque. These engines support a maximum towing capacity of 36,000 pounds with a fifth-wheel setup and a payload capacity of 7,306 pounds — figures that remain unchanged between model years.

Although there has been no real 2025 GMC Sierra redesign, the new model does offer expanded accessibility to trailering technology. Adaptive cruise control with trailering assist, once exclusive to the AT4X and Denali Ultimate trims in 2024, is now standard on the AT4 and Denali models. Additionally, every 2025 trim comes with a trailer brake controller, eliminating the need for costly add-ons.

Interior Comfort, Features, and Technology

The new Sierra 3500 focuses on standardizing premium features across six trims: the Pro, SLE, SLT, AT4, Denali, and Denali Ultimate. The 2025 Denali Ultimate's interior continues to impress with its premium leather seats that are heated and ventilated. A 13.4-inch touch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also stands out. These elements mirror the 2024 model, though the newer year offers greater value by bundling previously optional tech into standard packages.

The Pro Safety Plus package adds front and rear parking sensors to the base Pro and SLE models — a feature unavailable on the 2024 base trims. The 2024 Sierra 3500 requires you to upgrade to higher trims or pay extra for features such as the trailer brake controller. While its interior comfort and infotainment remain competitive, the 2025 model edges ahead with its democratized access to advanced tools.

Exterior Design and Aesthetic Appeal

Externally, both model years share the same bold, muscular styling. The MultiPro Tailgate — a signature feature for easy loading — remains standard across all trims. Although structural and functional elements remain identical, LED lighting is available on higher trims, such as the AT4 and Denali.

If you prioritize aesthetics over tech, the 2024 Sierra 3500 offers nearly identical visual appeal. It's a great option for a timeless design without the latest upgrades.

Safety Features and Driver Assistance

Safety is where the 2025 Sierra 3500 shines. Adaptive cruise control with trailering assist is now standard on the AT4 and Denali trims. You can also select the Pro Safety Plus package that brings front and rear parking sensors to the Pro and SLE trims — features that were either unavailable or required upgrades in 2024. The 2025 model also includes standard trailer sway control and hill-start assist, enhancing your confidence when hauling heavy loads.

The 2024 Sierra 3500, while still robust in safety, reserves its most advanced driver aids for the AT4X and Denali Ultimate trims. You can still add these features on other trims if you invest in additional package upgrades. This makes the 2025 model a more cost-effective choice if you're a safety-conscious driver.

Pricing, Value, and Purchase Considerations

The 2025 Sierra 3500 starts at $53,195 for the base Pro trim. The price climbs to $98,195 for the Denali Ultimate trim. While slightly pricier than the 2024 model (which starts at $45,400), the 2025 model justifies its cost with standardized advanced features.

The 2024 Sierra 3500 presents an opportunity for savings, particularly as dealers may offer discounts to clear inventory. Both models hold strong resale value, retaining 65%-70% of their value after three years, ensuring long-term investment appeal. You can't go wrong with either the 2024 or 2025 model of the Sierra 3500. Both are capable, reliable, and offer some of the poshest interiors in the heavy-duty truck segment.

Which Sierra 3500 Should You Choose?

Choose the 2025 Sierra 3500 if you prioritize cutting-edge safety and trailering technology. Its standardized adaptive cruise control, trailer-brake controller, and Pro Safety Plus package on base models deliver exceptional value.

Choose for the 2024 Sierra 3500 if you seek similar capability at a lower upfront cost, especially if advanced trailering aids are not a priority. You'll find a capable workhorse that excels at demanding jobs while pampering its occupants on and off the worksite with either model you choose.

Test-Drive Your Sierra 3500 at Fahrney Buick GMC

Whether you opt for the refined 2025 Sierra 3500 or the value-packed 2024 model, Fahrney Buick GMC is here to help. Visit us in Selma to explore our inventory, take advantage of exclusive financing offers, or schedule a test-drive to experience GMC's legendary capability firsthand. Contact us today to find your perfect heavy-duty truck.

2024 GMC Sierra 3500 HD Trim Levels

Truck drivers planning on towing and hauling the heaviest loads will struggle to find a better option than the GMC Sierra 3500 HD. This pickup stands out with potent engine options, expansive cargo beds, and an impressive towing capacity. You can choose from a range of 2024 GMC Sierra 3500 HD configurations and unique specifications to create your perfect HD truck. Here at Fahrney GMC, our vehicle experts can advise you on the best 3500 HD configuration to meet your needs and answer any questions you may have.

Specs

There are six trim levels for you to choose from in the 2024 Sierra 3500 HD lineup: the Pro, SLE, SLT, AT4, Denali, and Denali Ultimate. The MSRP for the base Pro trim is around $45,600, and the top-ranking Denali Ultimate costs at least $98,295. The 2024 Sierra 3500 HD offers two engine options. The Pro through Denali models come standard with a 6.6-liter V-8 gas engine and the option to upgrade to the 6.6-liter Duramax Turbo-Diesel V-8, while the Denali Ultimate trim features the latter. The diesel powertrain is ideal if you want to utilize the vehicle's towing abilities.

The 2024 Sierra 3500 HD Pro offers three cab styles. The Regular Cab features a single row of seats, the Double Cab adds a second row, and the Crew Cab variant offers much more legroom for second-row passengers and is probably your best bet if you regularly have adult passengers in the back seat for longer drives. Configurations vary across the other models. As you step up the trim ladder, more interior features become available. For example, the SLT model boasts heated driver and front outboard passenger seats and power windows with driver and front passenger express-up/down.

The lower trims feature a standard 8-inch infotainment screen. If you want a larger screen, you can choose the Denali or Denali Ultimate variant and get a massive 13.4-inch diagonal GMC Premium infotainment system with Google built-in, multi-touch display, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. A Bose premium sound system, standard in the AT4, Denali, and Denali Ultimate trims and an available upgrade in the SLT variant, is great if you want the best sound quality for your music.

All six trims offer various appearance and performance packages depending on your needs. For instance, you can prepare your Sierra 3500 HD to handle a snowplow or equip it with additional towing features. A gooseneck tow hitch is a must-have if you plan on pushing your pickup to the limit of its towing capacity. Alternatively, an off-roading package may interest you with its skid plates, hill-descent control, and off-road suspension to improve performance on rough terrain.

Dimensions

The precise dimensions of the GMC 3500 HD vary depending on your choice of cab and cargo box. If you opt for the Pro model with a Regular Cab and long cargo bed, your truck will measure 230.6 inches from front to rear. It will have a 141.55-inch wheelbase and an 11.2-inch ground clearance, allowing you to navigate obstacles easily. Inside the cab, you'll have over 44 inches of legroom for the driver and passengers. The cargo box measures 98.27 inches in length, so you'll have plenty of space to store your work supplies or other equipment.

The Double Cab paired with the long cargo bed gets you a truck measuring 257.24 inches overall with a wheelbase of 162.48 inches. The cab can accommodate six people. The front row provides 44.53 inches of legroom, while passengers in the back get just over 35 inches, about the same as a compact car.

If you choose the Crew Cab with the standard cargo box, your truck will measure around 20 feet, 10 inches in length, and you'll have a wheelbase of just under 159 inches. Inside the cab, you'll find room for six passengers. There are over 44 inches of legroom up front, while second-row passengers get 43.4 inches. The cargo bed is roughly 6 feet, 10 inches long.

Performance

The performance specs for your GMC 3500 HD depend on the engine you choose. The base 6.6-liter gas unit puts out 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the optional V-8 turbo-diesel powertrain churns out 470 horsepower and an impressive 975 lb-ft of torque. Both give you a strong dose of power, but the turbo-diesel engine is the one to go for if you want the best towing experience. Combined with all the optional towing features, you can pull up to 36,000 pounds with the turbo-diesel variant, while the gas-powered unit manages a still respectable 20,000 pounds.

The Sierra 3500 HD's performance specs closely resemble those of the Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD. The vehicles share many features, one of the most significant being the engine. Like the Sierra 3500 HD, the Silverado HD is available with a 6.6-liter gas unit or a turbo-diesel V-8. However, one difference is that the gas-powered Silverado HD has a lower towing capacity than the gas-powered GMC, offering 17,600 pounds and 20,000 pounds, respectively. Both trucks provide a maximum towing limit of 36,000 pounds with the diesel engine.

MPG

Heavy-duty trucks like the GMC Sierra 3500 HD are not subject to the same fuel efficiency tests as smaller vehicles. As a result, the EPA does not have official fuel economy numbers for GMC's largest truck. The automaker also offers no information on the miles per gallon figures for its two engine options.

Test Drive the 2024 GMC Sierra 3500 HD at Fahrney GMC

If you like the look of the 2024 GMC 3500 HD, why not get to know it a little better by browsing our inventory or swinging by our Selma showroom during opening hours? Our truck experts are always on hand to help you decide on a trim, explain the various upgrade options, and arrange a test drive so you can see how this truck performs in the real world. We'd be delighted to help you arrange financing for your next truck purchase, or you can check out our vehicle specials to see how you can save money on your purchase.

Fahrney GMC - The luxurious 2024 GMC Sierra 3500 Heavy Duty near Madera CA

The 2024 GMC Sierra 3500 Heavy Duty is perfect for serious truck owners at Fahrney GMC. The pickup combines the best of GMC's legendary workhorse capabilities and luxury. It's designed to be more than just a work truck. It's also a full-size luxury pickup truck with all the creature comforts you would expect in one. The interior features heated lounge chairs, leather seats, and a premium audio system. You can customize many aspects of the interior, including the color of the leather seats and wood trim.

The exterior design is just as luxurious. It features a new sleek, much more stylish design than previous models. The engine choice on this model is a 6.6-liter engine that has been upgraded for improved fuel economy and performance. This high-end luxury pickup truck perfectly blends power, style, and comfort. If you're looking for an impressive dressed-up truck, visit Fahrney GMC today to check out the 2024 GMC Sierra 3500 Heavy Duty. Visit us near Madera CA. Also serving Visalia, Sanger, and Selma California.

Request more 2024 GMC Sierra 3500 Heavy Duty information