Buying a heavy-duty truck usually feels like a math problem involving torque, payload, and bank account balances. But let's be real. When you’re looking at a 2016 GMC Sierra 2500 HD, you aren’t just looking at a spec sheet. You’re looking at one of the last "old school" looking trucks before every grill started looking like a literal chrome skyscraper. It’s got that squared-off, muscular stance that makes modern trucks look a bit over-designed, honestly.
People still hunt these things down. Why? Because 2016 was a sweet spot. You got the updated interior and the Digital Steering Assist, but you didn't have to deal with the massive price hikes that hit the 2020-and-later generations. It’s a workhorse. It’s a highway cruiser. It's also a bit of a fuel hog if you aren't careful, but you probably knew that already.
What’s under the hood of the 2016 GMC Sierra 2500 HD?
Most guys go straight for the Duramax. I get it. The 6.6L LML Duramax turbodiesel in this year is a legend for a reason. It pushes out 397 horsepower and a massive 765 lb-ft of torque. That sounds like a lot because it is. Paired with the Allison 1000 six-speed transmission, it’s basically the gold standard for towing a fifth wheel through the Rockies without breaking a sweat.
But don’t sleep on the gasser.
The 6.0L Vortec V8 is the underdog here. It’s "only" got 360 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. Compared to the diesel, it feels a little lazy off the line. However, if you aren't towing 13,000 pounds every single day, the Vortec is arguably the smarter buy for your wallet. It’s simpler. It’s cheaper to maintain. No DEF fluid to worry about. No complex emissions systems that might throw a code and put you in limp mode three states away from home.
The Allison transmission is the real hero of the drivetrain, though. It’s smart. On a steep downhill grade, it knows exactly when to downshift to keep your brakes from smoking. It feels solid. Not like those hunting, watery transmissions you find in lighter pickups.
The interior isn't just for construction sites
GMC likes to pretend they are "Professional Grade," which is mostly marketing speak for "we put nicer leather in here than Chevy did." In the 2016 model, they actually did a great job. The cabin is quiet. Like, eerily quiet for a truck that can pull a house. They used triple-sealed doors and aerodynamic mirrors to kill the wind whistle.
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If you find a Denali trim, you’re basically sitting in a luxury SUV with a bed attached. It has the 8-inch IntelliLink system. Back in 2016, this was a big deal because it brought Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to the heavy-duty lineup. It’s a game changer. Being able to pull up Google Maps on the dash of a truck this size makes navigating tight job sites or weird boat ramps way less stressful.
Storage is everywhere. The center console is big enough to hide a laptop or a small dog. There are USB ports scattered around like confetti. It’s built for people who live in their trucks.
Real world towing and the Digital Steering Assist
Let's talk about the steering. This was the year GMC introduced Digital Steering Assist on the higher trims. Basically, it’s an electronic system that helps the hydraulic steering. At low speeds, it makes the truck feel light—kinda like a half-ton. When you’re at highway speeds, it firms up so you don't feel like you're piloting a boat in a storm.
It’s one of those things you don't notice until you drive a 2014 or 2015 model back-to-back with the 2016. The older ones feel like a workout in a parking lot. The 2016 just feels... manageable.
Towing capacity? It varies based on your setup. A 2WD regular cab can theoretically lug around 14,800 lbs with a conventional hitch. If you go with a fifth-wheel or gooseneck, you’re looking at up to 18,000 lbs. That’s enough to haul a massive horse trailer or a heavy-duty flatbed with a skid steer. The truck doesn't just pull the weight; it controls it. The integrated trailer brake controller is right there by your left knee, easy to reach if things start to wiggle.
Common headaches and things to watch out for
No truck is perfect. Not even this one.
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The CP4 fuel pump on the Duramax is the elephant in the room. It’s a high-pressure pump that can, in rare cases, fail catastrophically. If it goes, it sends metal shards through the entire fuel system. It’s a $10,000 nightmare. Most owners who plan on keeping the truck forever install a "lift pump" like an AirDog or FASS system to keep the CP4 lubricated and happy.
Then there’s the DEF tank. It hangs down a bit low on the passenger side frame rail. If you’re actually taking this thing off-road or into deep snow, it’s vulnerable.
- Check the service records for Allison transmission fluid changes.
- Look for rust on the cab corners and rockers; even though GMC improved the coatings, salt always wins eventually.
- Test the heated seats. They are known to burn out, and fixing the heating element is a pain in the neck.
Why it beats the newer trucks
Price is the obvious answer, but it's deeper than that. The 2016 GMC Sierra 2500 HD still feels mechanical. You have physical buttons for the climate control. You have a real shifter on the column, not a dial on the dash. It feels like a tool.
Modern trucks have gone a bit overboard with the screens and the "tech for the sake of tech." In a 2016, you get exactly what you need to get the job done without the truck trying to drive for you. Plus, the 2016 doesn't have the "multi-pro" tailgate that everyone breaks by hitting their hitch ball. It’s just a solid, dampened tailgate that won't fail on you.
What to check before you buy
If you’re looking at a used 2016 Sierra 2500 HD right now, don't just kick the tires. You need to get under it.
First, check the hours on the engine, not just the mileage. A truck with 100k miles but 5,000 idle hours has seen a lot more wear than one with 150k miles and low idle time. Construction trucks spend a lot of time sitting and vibrating, which isn't great for the internals.
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Second, look at the hitch. Is the paint worn off and the metal slightly ovaled? That truck has lived its life at max capacity. If the hitch looks brand new, you might have found a "mall crawler" that’s never seen a trailer. Those are the unicorns you want.
Third, the vibrations. Take it on the highway and get it up to 70 mph. If you feel a "Chevy Shake," it could be anything from out-of-balance tires to a faulty driveshaft. Some owners fought this for years. Most of the time it's just cheap tires, but it's worth noting.
The Bottom Line on the 2016 GMC Sierra 2500 HD
Is it the best heavy-duty truck ever made? Maybe not. But it’s arguably the best value in the used HD market today. You get the modern creature comforts of a quiet cabin and smartphone integration, paired with a drivetrain that is proven to go 300,000 miles if you treat it right.
If you want the diesel, be prepared to pay the "Duramax Tax." They hold their value incredibly well. If you’re a weekend warrior who just needs to haul some mulch or a small camper, find a clean 6.0L gas model and save yourself the $8,000 premium.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Verify the Fuel System: If buying a Duramax, ask the seller if the CP4 pump has been replaced or if a lift pump has been added. If not, budget about $1,000 to $2,000 for a lift pump installation immediately to protect the engine.
- Scan for "Soft Codes": Use an OBD-II scanner even if the Check Engine light is off. These trucks can have "pending" codes for the DEF system or EGR that haven't triggered a light yet but will cost you later.
- Inspect the Frame: 2016 was a transition year for frame coatings. Ensure the wax coating isn't peeling off in large chunks, which leads to rapid surface rust. If it is, look into a fluid film or woolwax treatment to stop the decay.
- Check Steering Recall status: Some 2014-2016 models had recalls related to the power steering software and hardware. Run the VIN through the NHTSA database to ensure all safety updates were performed.