2011 GMC Sierra 2500HD SLT Package $27,990

Notably improved with added capability, the 2011 GMC Sierra 2500HD is an excellent choice for a heavy-duty truck. Aside from the few crossover SUVs in its current lineup, GMC is synonymous with trucks. And not compact city trucks, either. We're talking heavy-duty trucks for the working people. And when it comes to heavy-duty pickups, the 2011 GMC Sierra 2500HD is a standout performer among some very tough competitors. This year the Sierra line of heavy-duty trucks receives a host of improvements to help it keep up with -- and in some instances, prevail over -- said competition. Starting with a completely new fully boxed frame for added rigidity and strength, GMC then bolted on new suspension components for a more comfortable ride. On top of this, the Sierra's towing and hauling capacities have increased. With these new heavier loads to pull, a new 6.6-liter "Duramax" turbodiesel option enters service with some fairly impressive stats. Output is rated at 397 horsepower and an eye-bulging 765 pound-feet of torque. That's a jump of 105 lb-ft over last year's diesel. That increase doesn't come at the expense of the environment or pocketbook, either. According to GMC, this new diesel, along with the new Allison 1000 transmission, delivers 11 percent better fuel economy and lower emissions than the previous model. On the outside, only a few changes will be apparent to the savvy shopper. A new powertrain-badged louvered hood, revised grille and chrome front bumper with an opening for added cooling round out the cosmetic changes. Behind the wheel, these same savvy shoppers may also notice a smoother ride courtesy of a revised independent front suspension and hydraulic body mounts. The new Denali model should be noticed by all, though, as it brings GMC's upscale nameplate and telltale styling elements to the heavy-duty truck line for the first time. The 2011 GMC Sierra 2500HD is offered in regular cab, extended cab or crew cab body styles. The regular cab is only available with a long bed (8 feet), while the extended and crew cabs can also be had in standard bed lengths (6.5 feet). Trim levels start at the base Work Truck and climb to the SLE, SLT and new range-topping Denali. The Work Truck trim level includes 17-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, a trip computer, vinyl floor coverings, a 40/20/40-split front bench with fold-down center armrest, vinyl upholstery, a tilt steering wheel and a four-speaker AM/FM stereo. Stepping up to the SLE adds alloy wheels, tinted rear windows, keyless entry, full power accessories, carpeted floor coverings, cloth seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, driver-side lumbar adjustments, cruise control, OnStar, satellite radio and a CD/MP3 player. Many of the SLE features are available on the Work Truck as options. The SLT trim level is only offered on extended and crew cab body styles and augments the SLE's features list by adding 18-inch alloy wheels, foglights, an automatic locking rear differential, a heavy-duty trailering package (with integrated trailer brake controller), heated exterior mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, steering-wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls, remote starting, heated leather front bucket seats with power adjustments, a floor-mounted front center console, Bluetooth, and an upgraded Bose stereo system with a USB port. Some of these features are available as options for the SLE.