2024 GMC SIERRA 1500 VS. 2500 HD TRUCK COMPARISON

Exterior truck comparison of the new 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 light duty truck on the left next to the new 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 HD truck on the right

2024 GMC Sierra 1500 vs. 2500 HD Truck Comparison

Deciding between the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 or the 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 HD might seem like comparing apples to oranges. Yet, they share more in common than you may think.

Light-duty and heavy-duty trucks are like siblings. The GMC Sierra 2500 HD is the bigger and stronger truck, but that doesn't mean the GMC Sierra 1500 doesn't offer valuable capabilities. It all depends on what you prioritize or need in your next pickup.

Whether you want the most powerful engine for heavy duty work or only need a standard powertrain for daily driving that still packs a punch, our 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 vs. 2500 HD comparison guide explains everything you need to know to make your new pickup purchase easier.

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2024 GMC Sierra 1500

2024 GMC Sierra 1500 Truck Comparison

2024 GMC Sierra 2500 HD

2024 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Truck Comparison

Price & Trim Levels Comparison

The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 has eight trim levels with the following starting prices, depending on package options, configurations, and upgrades:

  • Pro: $46,700 MSRP
  • SLE: $54,800 MSRP
  • Elevation: $55,200 MSRP
  • SLT: $57,900 MSRP
  • AT4: $66,100 MSRP
  • Denali: $69,900 MSRP
  • AT4X: $79,200 MSRP
  • Denali Ultimate: $82,500 MSRP

The 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 HD has seven trim levels with the following starting prices:

  • Pro: $45,400 MSRP
  • SLE: $50,200 MSRP
  • SLT:  $59,700 MSRP
  • AT4: $70,100 MSRP
  • Denali: $74,200 MSRP
  • AT4X: $82,800 MSRP
  • Denali Ultimate: $92,900 MSRP

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Comparing Engine Options, Horsepower & Torque Ratings

The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 comes with four engine options to suit your preferred powertrain performance:

  • 2.7L Turbomax: 310 hp, 420 lb.-ft. of torque, and 8-speed automatic transmission
  • 5.3L Gas: 355 hp, 383 lb.-ft. of torque, and 10-speed automatic transmission
  • Duramax® 3.0L Turbodiesel: 277 hp, 460 lb.-ft. of torque, and 10-speed automatic transmission
  • 6.2L EcoTec®3 V8: 420 hp, 460 lb.-ft. of torque, and 10-speed automatic transmission

The 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 HD offers two heavy-duty engine options:

  • 6.6L V8: 401 hp, 464 lb.-ft. of torque, and 10-speed automatic transmission
  • 6.6L Turbodiesel V8: 470 hp, 975 lb.-ft. of torque, and 10-speed automatic transmission

The 2024 Sierra 1500 and 2500 HD both offer 2WD and 4WD models in their lineups.

Towing Capacity & Payload Rating Comparison

The 2024 Sierra 1500 has impressive trailering strength, towing up to 13,200 lbs. with a maximum payload rating of 2,240 lbs.

The 2024 Sierra 2500 HD lives up to its heavy-duty name, towing up to 36,000 lbs. with a maximum payload rating of 4,178 lbs.

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Interior Design & Features Comparison

The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 and 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 HD share the same interior features, bringing you consistent offerings no matter which model you choose.

They both come with a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 13.4-inch infotainment on their base-level SLE trims. These support wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Google's family apps. A 15-inch head-up display and two additional infotainment screens are also available in upper-level trims on both models.

Their cabins have superior comfort with high-end materials, including full-grain leather upholstery, open-pore wood trim, and leather-trimmed pieces for the door panels, instrument panels, and console lid.

Additional convenient interior amenities the Sierra 1500 and 2500 HD share include:

  • Leather-wrapped heated steering wheel
  • Heated and ventilated front leather-appointed seats
  • Dual-zone climate control
  • Rear-seat outlets and a wireless charging pad
  • Bose 12-speaker premium audio system

Comparing Exterior Colors & Dimensions


*2024 GMC Sierra 1500 Color Options Shown.

The exterior dimensions of the 2024 Sierra 1500 are 211-242" L x 81" W x 75-79" H, with 5.8-ft. to 8.2-ft. truck bed lengths-making it the perfectly sized road trip pickup.

This model year offers 11 exterior paint colors with some changes from last year's offerings and select availability per trim:

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

Sand Dune Metallic and Pacific Blue Metallic were discontinued in 2024 Sierra 1500 models.


*2024 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Color Options Shown.

The exterior dimensions of the 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 HD are 236-267″ L x 82″ W x 80-83″ H, with a 6.9-ft. or 8-ft. truck bed-making it the ideal heavy hauler for work vehicles or long-distance outdoor family trips for boats and trailers.

This model year offers 10 exterior paint colors with six new options introduced and select availability per trim:

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

Cab & Truck Bed Configurations Comparison

The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 offers multiple box sizes (truck beds) and five cab configurations, with varying prices.

Regular Cab, Standard Bed:

  • 79.44" box length
  • Three passenger capacity

Regular Cab, Long Bed:

  • 98.20" box length
  • Three passenger capacity

Double Cab, Standard Bed:

  • 79.44" box length
  • Six passenger capacity

Crew Cab, Short Bed:

  • 69.92" truck bed length
  • Six passenger capacity

Crew Cab, Standard Bed:

  • 79.44" box length
  • Six passenger capacity

The 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 HD offers larger truck bed sizes and the same five cab configurations, with varying prices.

Regular Cab, Long Bed:

  • 98.27" box length
  • Three passenger capacity

Double Cab, Standard Bed:

  • 82.25" box length
  • Six passenger capacity

Double Cab, Long Bed:

  • 98.27" box length
  • Six passenger capacity

Crew Cab, Standard Bed:

  • 82.20" box length
  • Five passenger capacity

Crew Cab, Long Bed:

  • 98.27" box length
  • Six passenger capacity

Comparing Off-Road Capability

The 2024 Sierra 1500 is recognized as one of the best off-roading pickup trucks on the market. Specifically, its AT4X off-road designed model is loaded with features to tackle any terrain easily. From advanced multi-matic spool-valve dampers to electronic locking front/rear differentials and extra underbody protection, this pickup navigates off-road adventures smoothly and safely.

Additional off-roading features for 2024 Sierra 1500s include:

  • Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac mud-terrain tires
  • Factory-installed two-inch suspension list for extra ground clearance

The 2024 Sierra 2500 HD combines heavy-duty performance with enhanced off-roading capabilities. Its AT4 trim exterior design has an adventurous appearance, with premium Black Chrome accents, trailering mirrors, and signature C-shaped lighting.

Additional off-roading features for 2024 Sierra 2500 HD models include:

  • BFGoodrich off-road tires
  • Factory-installed 1.5-inch suspension list for extra ground clearance

The Sierra 1500 and 2500 HD both share some off-road technologies, such as the world's first six-function GMC Multipro Tailgate to improve loading/unloading and accessing the cargo box and Traction Select System with 11 drive modes for various road conditions.

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Fuel Economy Comparison

The 2024 Sierra 1500 fuel economy ratings depend on the powertrain and configuration. The Duramax® 3.0L Turbo-Diesel engine is the most fuel-efficient option, with an EPA-estimated 23 mpg city/29 mpg highway. Most 4WD models have the standard 6.2L V8 engine, earning up to 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway.

The 2024 Sierra 2500 HD doesn't have EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings since it's a large pickup with a GVWR of over 8,500 lbs.

Safety Features & Equipment Comparison

The 2024 Sierra 1500 and 2500 HD both make safety a premium with cutting-edge trailering innovations, seamless smartphone integrations, and driver-centric alerts that make you feel at ease on and off the road.

Their infotainment systems offer an intuitive interface with quick response times and upgraded voice recognition.

Additionally, their suite of advanced driver assistance features enhances your road awareness of surrounding vehicles, including:

  • Front/rear park assist with alerts for nearby detected objects
  • Lane Departure Warning with alerts if you're unintentionally drifting out of detected lanes
  • Safety Alert Seat with vibration pulses to identify the direction of potential crashes
  • Intellibeam with automatic high beam headlamps when it's dark enough and no other traffic is present and turns off for approaching vehicles

How to Know If You Should Buy the GMC Sierra 1500 or Sierra 2500 HD

After comparing the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 vs. Sierra 2500 HD, ask yourself these two questions:

  1. What is your budget?
  2. What are the must-have features versus nice-to-have features you're looking for?

If affordability, comfort, technology, and off-road capability are what you desire most, the 2024 Sierra 1500 is the ideal fit. If towing capacity, power, and a workhorse that gets the job done are more of what you need, choose the 2024 Sierra 2500 HD.

At Octane GMC in Santa Fe, we fuel what you love! And, when you're ready to buy your new Sierra truck, 1500 or 2500, we'll give you the best price possible to get you back on the road. Don't just take our word for it. Our Octane Advantage gives you peace of mind when pickup truck shopping with our 48-hour love-it-or-leave-it guarantee.

Browse our new GMC truck inventory below, including plenty of 2024 GMC Sierra 1500s and 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 HDs, or schedule a test drive with us today!

New GMC Sierra 1500 & 2500 HD Trucks for Sale in Santa Fe, NM

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

1Dealer Discount applied to everyone
  1. Octane GMC of Santa Fe

    2721 Cerrillos Rd
    Santa Fe, NM 87507

    • Sales: (505) 303-1960
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