GMC Sierra 3500HD

The Sierra HD heavy-duty trucks are designed for heavy towing and hauling, not ride comfort and handling. 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 in the Silverado 2500. 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 versions. Handling is not agile but has a modicum of responsiveness that other HD trucks don't provide. Reliability of the turbodiesel version is below average. ESC is standard on some extended- and crew-cab models.