A big truck means big power but low fuel economy numbers. You’re not challenging any hybrids for fuel numbers in the 2022 GMC Sierra 3500 HD, but it could be efficient enough for our needs. This impressive one-ton truck brings you an impressive level of power for the amount of fuel you’ll use. If you think of efficiency as being towing power, payload capacity, and fuel mileage together, you might find this GMC heavy-duty truck to be the right one to drive.

What configurations are offered for the GMC Sierra 3500 HD?

The one-ton Sierra shows up in several configurations to give you plenty of options. There are three cabs: Regular, Double, and Crew, different bed lengths, and the choice of either a regular or dually setup. Two engines offer the power needed for this GMC truck which also brings an option of two different trailering setups: conventional or fifth-wheel.

What are the powertrains of this GMC heavy-duty truck?

GMC offers the standard powertrain for the GMC Sierra 3500 HD as a 6.6-liter V8 gasoline engine. This engine produces 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque. The upgraded engine is a 6.6-liter Duramax turbocharged diesel V8 engine that cranks out 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque. Both engines mate to a stout ten-speed Allison automatic transmission.

How much can a GMC Sierra 3500 HD Tow?

GM Authority reports the numbers for each configuration. Breaking them down to the top and bottom of the ranges we find:

Conventional Ball Hitch

• Gasoline engine – towing range: 14,500 to 16,800 pounds
• Diesel engine – towing range: 14,500 to 20,000 pounds

Fifth-Wheel Hitch

• Gasoline engine – towing range: 15,890 to 17,200 pounds
• Diesel engine – towing range: 21,216 to 36,000 pounds

To achieve the highest tow rating, this GMC truck must have the fifth-wheel hitch, dually rear setup, and the Max Trailering Package.

What is the payload capacity of the GMC Sierra 3500 HD?

Strangely, the payload numbers for the gasoline-powered versions are better than those of the diesel models. The max payload numbers are:

Gasoline Engine

• 4WD Standard Box – 4,365 pounds
• 4WD Long Box – 4,398 pounds
• 4WD Long Box Dually – 6,374 pounds

Diesel Engine

• 4WD Standard box – 4,185 pounds
• 4WD Long Box – 4,078 pounds
• 4WD Long Box Dually – 5,662 pounds

How efficient are the engines of this big truck?

The GMC Sierra 3500 HD is a one-ton heavy-duty truck, which means it doesn’t require an EPA fuel mileage rating. However, this truck should return fuel numbers in the low to mid-teens without a trailer. These numbers fall when this truck pulls a trailer, much the same as any other truck.

How much does the 2022 GMC Sierra 3500 HD cost?

The starting MSRP of the Pro trim with the gas engine is $41,400 while the Denali begins at $70,800. If you want the Duramax diesel engine, you’ll need to add $10,000 to the price. A dually layout with a fifth-wheel tow hookup also costs more than a standard setup that uses a conventional hitch.

Should you buy this GMC truck?

If you feel the 2022 GMC Sierra 3500 HD is efficient enough for you, then, yes, you should buy this truck. Does this truck have enough power in the right places for you to make it the truck you drive for work? Are you looking for a big truck to handle your travel trailer? Does this GMC pickup have the right power for your RV? The combined efficiency between towing, payload and fuel mileage is pretty strong in this GMC truck.

Next, find out how trucks could replenish the electric power grid in the future, or watch the full review of a 2022 GMC Sierra 3500 HD Dually in the video below:

This article was updated on 7/23/2022.