GMC Sierra 2500HD

The HD Sierra is designed for heavy towing and hauling, and rides stiffer than the Silverado 1500. The standard engine is a 6.0-liter V8. Our tested 397-hp, 6.6-liter turbodiesel produced a whopping 765 foot-pounds of torque and could haul close to a 2,500-pound payload. The diesel is punchy but noisy, and the Allison-made six-speed automatic is smooth. Braking and handling capabilities come close to matching the half-ton Sierra. Handling is not agile but has a modicum of responsiveness that other three-quarter-ton trucks don't provide. Reliability of the turbodiesel version is below average.