GMC Sierra 2500HD vs Chevrolet Colorado

Sitting at the top of the Sierra’s seven available trims, the Denali Ultimate is newly added for the 2024 model year and comes with nearly every available option that can be included on this full-size truck.

The Denali Ultimate trim level is offered on both the 2500 and 3500 HD models. Each provides a higher degree of towing and payload capacity than what’s available in the standard GMC Sierra 1500. To put it bluntly, the Sierra HD models are pickup overkill for anyone simply looking to tow a couple of jet skis or haul a moderately-sized camper. The “HD” in the name stands for “Heavy Duty,” and its capabilities (and price) reflect this.

Powered exclusively by a 6.6-litre turbocharged Duramax diesel V8, the HD Denali Ultimate we test drove has a maximum towing capacity of 10,200 kilograms (22,500 pounds)—an 1,800-kilogram (4,000-pound) increase versus the 2023 model. Need to tow something along the lines of construction equipment or, say, a small island? Stepping up to the Sierra 3500 HD equates to a max tow rating of 16,550 kilograms (36,500 pounds) when using a gooseneck trailer hitch.

Okay, so the Sierra HD lineup has serious chops for getting tough tasks done. But how does it stack up against the competition? Hop aboard as we take a look at every aspect of the HD Denali Ultimate, from how it drives, to the user-friendliness of its infotainment system, trailer tech, and whether this new top-of-the-range trim is worth the price.

The midsize truck segment is chock full of options to entice buyers, and the 2025 Chevrolet Colorado is a strong entry. We expect some buyers will have sticker shock when they see the price tag attached to this medium-sized crew cab truck, but it’s mostly priced on par with its primary competition.

Verdict: If you’re in the market for a right-sized truck that will fit in your garage and won’t be too hard to park in town, the 2025 Chevrolet Colorado is an appealing package. With a powerful standard turbocharged engine and multiple option packages designed to appeal to the off-road crowd, including the top-spec ZR2 Bison, the only thing the Colorado lineup is missing is a long-bed option to compete on level footing with the sales-leading Toyota Tacoma.