By Frank S. Washington
NNPA Columnist

DETROIT (NNPA) –GMC’s 2015 Sierra 2500HD is a serious truck. We had the Denali Crew Cab 4X4 trim model and found that the hulking full-size pickup had enough oomph to handle most jobs that an individual or small crew might come upon.

Our test vehicle was powered by a 6.6-liter V8 turbodiesel engine capable of operating on biodiesel fuel. It generated 397 horsepower and 765 pound-feet of torque. It was mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

This truck was manageable on the surface streets and expressways here. It was a little sluggish on acceleration but once moving it had no problem getting to 75 mph swiftly. It was quiet and responsive and it handled well. In other words, the 2015 GMC Sierra 2500HD wasn’t clumsy.

It could tote 2,793 pounds and tow 13,000 pounds. Add a fifth wheel to the bed and the tonnage it could tow was upped to 17,100 pounds. This was a lot of pickup truck. In addition to the 4X4 crew cab version, we had that Denali trim line. That meant a lot of creature comforts.

Our test vehicle had a rear seat entertainment system. You never know when the second row passengers want a diversion. That second row bench seat could carry three full size adults with no problem. That is just what you need for work crews or for kids.

We found the lane departure warning system very helpful. Even when concentrating, the Sierra 2500HD can drift out the lane if you’re not paying attention. Thus, lane departure helps you to not offend or endanger the drivers of other vehicles.

The Sierra 2500HD was equipped with heated and cooled front seats as well as a heated steering wheel. It had adjustable pedals, tilt and telescoping steering wheel and a sunroof. What’s more, it had an off road suspension package, hill descent control and twin turbo rancho shocks. Although it was nice and shiny when they delivered it, this truck was meant to perform hard work, on road or off road, and pick up muck and mud while doing it.

Still, the Denali 2500HD had all the comforts of a midsize sedan: forward collision alert, dual zone air conditioning, remote vehicle start, front and rear park assist, a rearview camera, configurable driver information screen and Bluetooth. But it also had all that it needed to perform heavy duty tasks.

There were two 120 volt outlets, three USB jacks, plenty of space for iPads in the center console, a power sliding rear window, spray-in bedliner, power adjustable pedals, of course a navigation system and heated power outside camper mirrors with turn signals.

The 2015 GMC Denali 2500HD was a lot of truck. We really wish we had a couple of tons sitting around to put in the bed or a camper or trailer or something else to tow. But we didn’t.

However, the 2015 GMC Denali 2500HD was like beauty and the beast. It was full of creature comforts including new exterior skin to make it even more appealing. But under the hood was a Duramax turbodiesel with enough grit and grunt to perform most beastly tasks.

The base price for the 2015 GMC Denali 2500HD was $53,740. Add options and a $1,095 freight charge and the sticker for our test truck came to $65,570.

Frank S. Washington is editor of AboutThatCar.com.

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