Given the popularity, profitability, and general mind share power of GMC’s highly-successful Denali sub-brand, The General would be foolish not to add a Denali trim level to its all-new Canyon mid-size pickup truck. And that’s precisely what our automotive manipulators have dreamed up here, to give you an idea of how the truck will look like.
Present and accounted for in our iteration of the Canyon Denali is the usual Denali equipment, which builds on the SLT trim level: in the front, LED accent lighting joins the mesh-style chrome grille and chromed mirror caps. The Denali appearance elements extend to the side of the truck, with shiny chromed (or polished aluminum) wheels and running boards. Inside (and not pictured), we imagine supple leather chairs for both rows, a Bose surround-sound audio system hooked up to IntelliLink infotainment, and a power moonroof.
But unlike other Denali-branded GMC vehicles that some would say don’t go far enough in representing the Denali brand (we’re looking at you, Terrain and Acadia), we really hope that the Canyon Denali will be more than just an appearance package whenever it comes to market. To that end, here’s to hoping for the inclusion of GM’s new eight-speed transmission, Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) shocks, and maybe, just maybe a different engine than what’s already in store today (or will be in store next year) for the Canyon SLT or SLE. What kind of a powerplant are we talking about? A tuned variant of the 2.8-liter “Baby Duramax” I4 would do, although another option would be the 4.3-liter V6 LV3 from the Sierra/Silverado.
What do you think of the Canyon Denali rendering, and what would you like to see on the truck? Talk to us in the comments.
Comments
Gee that took a lot of thought. LOL!
I would like to see more hardware but because of cost I do not see it. We will only get added chrome and some stitched interior parts.
Magnetic ride and AWD it too expensive. A different engine is not even in the cards here as of yet.
It will be much like the Terrain where they added some stitching and Chrome bits and jack the price up about 2K over the SLT2 package. You can still get the Bose and other bit with out the Denali.
I just hope they do not do the satin chrome like on the Terrain. It looks dirty all the time. If you are going to do chrome make it shine.
I am all for the Denali packages as they are profit centers but when it comes to buying many of them are just not worth the added cost over the SLT2 package to me. I am not in love with the grill so that really hurts it and they do not generally offer options that mean much over what the SLT2 offers. But that is just me and if GM can make more money more power to em.
“Gee that took a lot of imagination”.
You mean like the rest of the rather unimaginative Denali lineup?
I say, chromed bits can only take these vehicles so far. Now, put in different equipment like engines, trannys, suspensions, etc. and it becomes valuable.
That was part of my imply. I too wish they would add features like AWD and other hardware that would make these truck truly more than just a chrome and trim package.
I’m feeling dual climate control (even though it’s a smaller cabin), push-button start, and that larger digital gage like in the HD Denali trucks. As for a big stretch, LED tail lights anyone?
I just got a look at the new GMC Canyon. In two words, it’s big. I parked my 04 Canyon next to it and and the 2015 model looked somewhat wider and a bit taller. A really beautiful truck but I wonder if GM made a boo-boo making it so large and heavy. I would be very surprised if it doesn’t take full size sales because it is really large for a mid sized offering.
Andy that was not a mistake but just what I believe GM is working to do as well as what Ford will do.
The half ton trucks have t change and Aluminum alone will not save them. CAFE is a issue for this class but less for the other segments like 3/4 ton and up.
If you note all the attention GM is also placing on the 3/4 ton it is to remove more people from the half ton segment. By 2025 things will be much different in the truck segment.
Andy, what you’re seeing is called automotive escalation… it’s where, little by little, cars get bigger and bigger with each successive generation.
But in this case this is really where the half ton is being slowly replaced with a smaller truck. In the future less mass and size is going to be the rule of the half ton. Just like a gallon of Ice Cream is no longer a Gallon and the 2 x 4 is not really 2X4 anymore.
This all circles back to the story they posted here last week about GM focused on higher profits per truck and smaller market share. Gee that is happening just as they introduce a smaller truck that will get better MPG as they add Aluminum to it before 2025.
I am telling you this is a big play that is in action and while they may not speak publically about it the change is coming to the market.
GMC has stated that these new Denali’s won’t just be extra chrome, wood trim, and stitching. I expect:
-Dual Climate Control
-HUD
-UltraView
-Front / Rear Park Assist
-Digital Gauge Cluster
-Rear Entertainment System
-Front Heated/Cooled Seats
-Rear Heated Seats
I really like the idea of a new 2.8t V6 (VVT, SIDI, and IVVL) with 330HP and 345LB-FT. There is no justification for the 285HP and 305LB-FT 4.3L V6 which is even heavier and has nearly the same performance as the current 305HP and 269LB-FT 3.6L V6. Stop/Start should become standard on the Automatic 2.5L I4 models.
The LV3 is not heavier than the LFX and it returns substantially better fuele economy.
Substantially better fuel economy? Yeah that just isn’t true, not even better period…
Care to share the basis for your outlandish claim?
I would gladly pat to see all those options in the canyon, I’m thinking of pulling the trigger on one now. I’d
be pissed if I missed the opportunity to completely load mine up. You last post was in October, any news of when the Canyon Denali could be available and what that might be loaded with ? I must admit for me, I had hoped GM was gonna pull into this segment with at least some of those options
I like that rendition. Including the wheels – if they are clear-coated. No longer find joy in polishing wheels. :~))
I agree with the others that want content over signage. My thoughts are, if the price of that Denali grill (and all the other bill-board decals) denies me useful options being offered – skip them. Would rather GM build me a Denali – Covert Edition. The version where your buddy’s are looking at your (plush) leather interior before realizing you sprung for the Denali!
Make it truly special from a comfort and performance point of view. Tasteful wheel/tire upgrade. Magnetic shocks. Interior upgrade. Power moon roof… We all have our wish list.
If a customer is inclined (some will say crazy) to spend nearly 40 grand on a really nice mid size pickup, a few of those customers might be willing to spend several more dollars to have the absolute nicest, best looking, most comfortable mid size truck GM can build.
The one issue to be fair about this too is if they did up the content would anyone pay the price. Lets face it the Terrain Denali is over $40K and I refuse to pay that when I can get the same thing less some chrome and stitching for $38K.
If they added real hardware it would boost it up closer to $45K and would anyone pay that? Things like Magnetic ride etc. all cost money.
This is a tight rope of cost vs. profits and right now they are making a killing so in a way I understand what they are doing. I just wish they would do some cost effective changes that would help make them more different than mostly a grill.
As for the wheels they are clear coated as are most wheels. Many of the chrome wheels are plastic cladded now and even the chrome holds up well. my 19″ terrain wheels are like new yet.
I like it . I may be old school but I like the chrome packaging on the Denali’s . My Terrain is an SLT2 withe the 19″ chrome clad wheels and chrome package wearing Carbon Black sheet metal , and I get lots of compliments . Its a nice looking ride . And in 1.5 more years it will all mine !
they have a Denali option for every other vehicle in their line up I don’t see why they wouldn’t offer one here. Parking sensors, heated and cooled seats, badging and accenting would certainly add to the attraction without totally busting the price barrier. The all terrain is already $40k so hard to say you wouldn’t see a denali go for less than $45k.
Ultimately i’d like to see the best technologies of the big 3 combined to offer a super efficient mid size with excellent capability. All aluminum with the turbo diesel or gas with stop start and cylinder deactivation, I think you could potentially see 25mpg avg. Of course i’m still waiting for the day when money grows on tree’s so I can afford all this, curious why the 3.6 doesn’t offer cylinder deactivation.
I Would LOVE to see a GMC Denali Canyon. I think it will be an AWSOME Truck plus a GREAT selling truck….and maybe with a Deramax diesel engine!!….Count me in!!….I would definitely be having one in my garage. And a BLACK one at that! :-))
I hope you add a sunroof/moonroof option on the Canyon Denali …and you follow through with the plan you have outline… I will purchase one then.
The GMC CAYNON DENALI should be completely tricked out! If the time is taken to go through the “Build it yourself” senario, the Canyon Denali should already have all of those items: including the folding Tonneau cover; Auto-open/close Sunroof; Powerslide rear window; Equipment trnsport/storage and for the 6′ bed; and, the DENALI bed liner with til gate-cover. The Duramax Dielsel 280 4-cylinder is a nice touch that I would add. Reported to be the mid-size truck of my dreams.
BUDMAN
Ok I am in line now for my Denali Canyon Diesel. I am hopeful of a tuned version offering more Ponies than the rest of the 2.8’s in the fleet! The 8 speed Trans would mate nicley! Denali needs to mean something again. Softer Leather? Rear Entertainment? How about different gearing like 3.73 over the 3.42 that would increase acceleration and torque feel without too much sacrifice of MPG if any! Dual Exhaust (even just a Stainless polished tip) 2- 3″ or 3.5″ pipes would look mean. I think the spray on bed liner would be a great add as well but needs to have DENALI on the inside of the tailgate so when you drop it you read it or at the front of the bed. (contrasting color of bed liner?) Heated Steering wheel. Black or Brown Leather seats with Denali Logo embossed or stiched into the seats. Overhead console, sun glasses storage. Better back of seat storage for gear Pockets with velcro flaps? (even to store toys for lil ones?) Led or HID Fog Lamps. Lets go GM!!!
Denali, like the rendering… I’ll take one with a diesel that isn’t a POS anemic, sunroof and all the other goodies. Beautiful truck! it’s far past time for such a great ride as this. GM – build it, now!!
disabled old man As a partially paralyzed guy I look for accessories that help me operate a vehicle with only my right arm two option would make great sense for me and add some nice classy touch features for this professional line series;
1. memory settings for power seats, mirrors, and steering wheel.
2. cruise control buttons on the steering wheel my Nissan Maxima has this and I see the new dodge 1500 big horn has it. I realize the average guy does not need these as much as I do but lots of other vehicles have these because they are liked by so many
I’ll delay making a purchase to see what the Denali offers. But I won’t drop a bundle on an appearance package only. I’d like to see an upgraded tuned drive-train and a more plush interior vs. the rock-hard seating otherwise offered. And the appearance should clearly say “Denali”, although I’m not a fan of the honeycombed grille. If GM markets this line as “luxury”, then it should be luxurious.
Let’s put a small V-8 in it