2026 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Engines & Towing Capacity | Gas vs. Turbo Diesel Specs

From your daily grind on the job site to weekend adventures, the 2026 GMC Sierra 2500 HD is designed to deliver the muscle needed for demanding tasks. Its powertrain lineup includes a capable gas engine and a potent turbo diesel engine, giving you the flexibility to choose the right balance of power, torque, and efficiency. To help you compare engine options and understand what this impressive heavy-duty pickup truck can do, the team at McGonigal Buick GMC has assembled this detailed 2026 GMC Sierra 2500 HD engine overview, covering performance specs, towing figures, and key capabilities.

Explore our new inventory to find your ideal Sierra 2500 HD, then schedule a test drive at our GMC dealership in Kokomo, IN. For additional information, please contact us online or speak with a member of our team by calling (765) 459-0381.

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2026 GMC Sierra 2500 Exterior On Rocks With A Camper

2026 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Gas vs. Turbo Diesel Engine Specs

Built for the moments you need more than everyday pickup performance, the 2026 GMC Sierra 2500 HD offers two distinct powertrain choices. The standard 6.6L V8 gas engine provides strong, dependable output for routine towing and hauling with up to 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque. The available 6.6L Duramax® turbo diesel V8 engine ups the ante on performance with 470 horsepower and an impressive 975 pound-feet of torque. Both engines are paired with a smooth-shifting Allison® ten-speed automatic transmission and offer either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), depending on your preferred trim.

When you’re seeking added confidence off the pavement, you can also equip the available Off-Road Suspension Package, which enhances durability and ride control with protective skid plates and specialized twin-tube Rancho® shocks.

See the accompanying engine specifications.

Engine6.6L V8 gas6.6L Duramax turbo diesel V8
Horsepower401 HP470 HP
Torque464 lb.-ft.975 lb.-ft.
DrivetrainRWD / 4WD
TransmissionTen-speed Allison automatic
Sierra 2500 HD Exterior Pulling Camper

2026 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Towing & Payload Capacity

Built to take on demanding towing and hauling tasks, the 2026 GMC Sierra 2500 HD delivers impressive heavy-duty capability. When configured with the regular cab, long bed, RWD, and turbo diesel V8 engine, this truck offers a burly 22,390-pound fifth-wheel/gooseneck towing capacity. You can also haul up to 4,049 pounds of payload, ideal for tough jobs on and off the worksite.

See the accompanying towing and payload capacities.

Cab SizeRegularDoubleCrew
Max. Payload Capacity4,049 lbs.3,848 lbs.3,863 lbs.
Max. Conventional Trailering Capacity14,500 lbs17,900 lbs20,000 lbs
Max. Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Trailering Capacity22,390 lbs.18,600 lbs.21,870 lbs

2026 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Towing Technology

With a range of available driver-focused towing features, the 2026 GMC Sierra 2500 HD helps take the stress out of hitching and hauling with a range of towing technologies. The ProGrade® trailering system is designed to improve visibility and enhance control while towing trailers and other heavy loads. You can also access up to 14 available camera views, including trailer transparent view, for optimized awareness of your surroundings. Additionally, adaptive cruise control with trailering helps streamline your drive on the open road, even when carrying a large trailer.

2026 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Learn More About the GMC Sierra 2500 HD

Further your research of the GMC Sierra 2500 HD with help from the truck pros at McGonigal Buick GMC. See our review guide for details about key highlights, exterior colors, and innovations. For a comparative look at each model, visit our comprehensive trims guide

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2025 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Model Information | Kokomo, IN

Superior control, exceptional towing, and premium sophistication come together in the 2025 GMC Sierra 2500 HD. Burly trailering power helps you complete a variety of tasks on and off the jobsite, while a plush interior grants you sanctuary after a hard day’s work. Ready to learn more? Read through the following 2025 GMC Sierra 2500 HD review written by the experts at McGonigal Buick GMC. For a look at each model’s standard features, visit our comprehensive Sierra 2500 HD trims guide. 

Explore our inventory to find your ideal trim, and pair it with a finance or lease offer for an attractive rate. When you’re ready to experience the 2025 Sierra 2500 HD firsthand, visit our GMC dealership in Kokomo, IN. Have questions? Contact us online or call us at (765) 319-8473.

2025 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Exterior Design

The 2025 GMC Sierra 2500 HD showcases a bold, captivating design packed with the functionality you need to get the job done. Optional trailering mirrors enhance towing capabilities with their powered extension, retraction, and folding functions. Additional exterior convenience features include auxiliary spot lamps, amber clearance lights, perimeter lighting, and auto-dimming upper glass. For customizable flair, outfit your Sierra 2500 HD with a range of attractive 17-, 18-, or 20-inch wheel options.

Simplify your latest haul with the six-function MultiPro™ tailgate, which includes remote release, a load stop, and a fold-down inner gate that can be used as a full-width step or a work surface. When you want to bring the party with you from the tailgate to the campsite, this MultiPro tailgate comes with an integrated audio system by Kicker®.

Available exterior features include:

  • 17-, 18-, and 20-in. machined aluminum wheels
  • Animated LED projector headlamps with LED turn signals and daytime running lamps
  • LED fog lamps
  • Vertical trailering mirrors
  • Side bed step
  • CornerStep rear bumper
  • 12 cargo tie-downs
  • EZ Lift tailgate with power lock and release
  • Rainsense™ automatic wipers
  • Cargo area LED lighting
  • GMC MultiPro tailgate
  • MultiPro tailgate audio system by Kicker

2025 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Interior Design & Technology

Experience first-class comfort inside the 2025 GMC Sierra 2500 HD. Choose from vinyl, cloth, or perforated leather seat upholstery options, and enjoy premium relaxation with up to 16-way power adjustability for the front seats. Additionally, the front seats offer a massaging feature to help make you feel rejuvenated after a long day on the job. When you want to warm up during cold-weather drives, opt for a heated steering wheel as well as heated front and rear outboard seats. 

Find a sleek, innovative command center in the 2025 Sierra 2500 HD. Access all your essentials on a vibrant, available 12.3-inch digital driver information center. Optimize every drive when you pair your smartphone with the optional 13.4-inch GMC Premium Infotainment System. Ready to experience seamless connectivity on the go? Wi-Fi® hotspot capability and available wireless charging help you stay in touch. When you want to level up everyone’s entertainment experience, enjoy an available 12-speaker Bose® Premium Series audio system with Centerpoint® surround sound. 

Available interior features include:

  • 40/20/40 split-bench front seat with under-seat storage
  • 16-way power-adjustable and massaging front seats
  • 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat
  • Full-grain leather seats
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • Heated and ventilated front seats
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Heated rear outboard seats
  • Power sliding rear window with rear defogger
  • Power sunroof

Available technology features include:

  • 12.3-in. color driver information center
  • Six speakers, or Bose seven- or 12-speaker premium sound systems
  • 13.4-in. GMC Premium Infotainment System with Google built-in
  • Bluetooth®
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
  • Wi-Fi hotspot capable
  • SiriusXM® 360L capability
  • Rear camera mirror
  • Wireless charging

2025 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Engine & Performance

When you require robust power for your every day, the 2025 GMC Sierra 2500 HD has your needs in mind. Choose two engine options when configuring your ideal Sierra 2500 HD — a 401-horsepower standard 6.6L V8 gas engine or a 6.6L Duramax® turbo diesel V8 engine that delivers 470 horsepower and an impressive 975 pound-feet of torque. Either option pairs with a smooth-shifting ten-speed Allison® automatic transmission and offers rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD).

See the accompanying chart for engine specifications. 

Engine

6.6L V8 gas

6.6L Duramax turbo diesel V8

Horsepower

401 HP

470 HP

Torque

464 lb.-ft.

975 lb.-ft.

Drivetrain

RWD / 4WD

Transmission

Ten-speed Allison automatic

2025 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Towing & Payload

The 2025 GMC Sierra 2500 HD is designed to help you achieve greatness with exceptional heavy-duty towing prowess. When you choose the crew cab configuration, you can achieve a maximum conventional trailering capacity of 20,000 pounds. When you have heavier loads to manage, the Sierra 2500 HD offers a maximum fifth-wheel/gooseneck trailering capacity. Additionally, superb hauling capabilities help you power through your day with up to a 4,064-pound payload capacity with the regular cab configuration. 

Want to maximize convenience? The 2025 GMC Sierra 2500 HD offers a variety of trailering tech to make towing a breeze. The ProGrade® trailering system improves towing performance with innovative features, including an in-vehicle app for trailering and assistance for hitching, which comes with a view of the hitch. Plus, you can optimize your workflow with up to 14 available camera views. If you’re taking your heavy loads on the open road, the adaptive cruise control with trailering helps account for drag and increased braking distances. 

See the accompanying chart for towing and payload capacities.

2025 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Cab Size

Max. Conventional Trailering Capacity

Max. Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Trailering Capacity

Max. Payload Capacity

Regular

14,500 lbs.

22,390 lbs.

4,064 lbs.

Double

17,900 lbs.

18,600 lbs.

3,788 lbs.

Crew

20,000 lbs.

21,870 lbs.

3,859 lbs.

2025 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Capacity & Seating

The 2025 GMC Sierra 2500 HD combines practicality and versatility, making it suitable for both work duties and everyday driving. It offers two bed lengths: a standard 82.3-inch option and a longer 98.3-inch version. Additionally, the Sierra 2500 HD features three cab configurations. The regular cab seats three passengers and is only available with the long bed. Configure the double cab or spacious crew cab with either bed length and transport six passengers.

See the accompanying chart for cab dimensions. 

Cab Style

Regular

Double

Crew

Passenger Capacity

Three

Six

Six

Headroom (front/rear)

43.1 / N/A in.

43 / 39.9 in.

43 / 40.1 in.

Legroom (front/rear)

44.5 / N/A in.

44.5 / 35.2 in.

44.5 / 43.4 in.

Shoulder Room (front/rear)

66 / N/A in.

66 / 64.9 in.

66 / 65.3 in.

Hip Room (front/rear)

60.9 / N/A in.

61.1 / 60.2 in.

61.1 / 60.2 in.

Bed Size Options

Long

Standard or long

2025 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Safety Options

Enjoy a strong sense of security in the 2025 GMC Sierra 2500 HD. Confidently press forward with a range of cutting-edge safety and driver assistance features, including the standard Sierra HD Pro Safety package, which includes automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning. Additional technologies like forward collision alert, pedestrian braking, and rear cross-traffic alert help keep you aware of your surroundings at all times. When you want to make parking a breeze, utilize a rear vision or surround vision camera as well as front and rear park assist.

Available safety features include:

  • Forward collision alert
  • Lane departure warning
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Front pedestrian braking
  • HD rear vision or surround vision camera 
  • Integrated trailer brake controller
  • Bed view camera
  • Front and rear park assist
  • Rear cross-traffic alert
  • Head-up display

2025 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Available Colors

  • Summit White
  • Onyx Black
  • Cardinal Red
  • Sterling Metallic
  • Downpour Metallic
  • Thunderstorm Gray
  • Titanium Rush Metallic
  • Volcanic Red Tintcoat
  • White Frost Tricoat

2025 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Available Trims

  • Pro — $48,495
  • SLE — $55,395
  • SLT — $66,895
  • AT4 — $73,195
  • Denali — $76,095
  • AT4X — $85,395
  • Denali Ultimate — $95,495

2026 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Find Your Sierra 2500 HD for Sale in Kokomo, IN

McGonigal Buick GMC in Kokomo, IN, is the place to find your ideal Sierra 2500 HD for sale. Browse our inventory for the model that matches your needs. If you have any questions for our team, contact us online or call us at (765) 459-0381.

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Disclaimer: The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price excludes tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Dealer sets final price.

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