carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Truck |
| Base Price | $41,314–$47,530 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.1/10, the 2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD earns a Good rating among the trucks we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Value at 8.9/10, while Technology at 6.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional truck — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 7.8/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 7.1/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.1/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology scores 6.5/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $41,314–$47,530, 12 MPG, seating 5, the GMC Sierra 2500HD sits in the mid-market bracket of the truck segment. The 8.9/10 value score is the headline: relative to what it costs, this truck delivers more than most of the class. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD, but it needs the right buyer. Its technology scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD ranks #381 of 515 trucks in the Carivo database — better than 26% of the segment. Its 7.1/10 overall score is 0.3 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $41,314 starting price is about 18% above the segment's median of $35,138.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Truck ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD scores 6.9/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.1 — and starts roughly $4,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7.3/10 | $46,762 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.2/10 | $45,400 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.1/10 | $44,038 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.2/10 | $42,676 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 7.1/10 | $41,314 | |
| 2020 | 7.0/10 | $39,952 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.0/10 | $38,590 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 6.9/10 | $37,228 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 6.8/10 | $35,866 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 6.8/10 | $34,504 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 6.7/10 | $33,142 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of GMC models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.