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2017 GMC Sierra Denali 1500 Gets New Colors, More Standard Features, Android Auto, Teen Driver And More

Like the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500, the Sierra Denali 1500 is getting a few changes and updates for the 2017 model year.

First and foremost, the 2017 Sierra Denali 1500 continues to be available in the same three models as the 2016 model:

2017 GMC Sierra Denali 1500 Models
Drive Wheels Box Type Cab Type Model Number
2WD Short Box Crew Cab TC15543
4WD Standard Box Crew Cab TK15743
4WD Short Box Crew Cab TK15543

On the outside, the 2017 GMC Sierra Denali 1500 replaces two existing colors with new ones:

Deleted Colors

  • Light Steel Gray Metallic
  • Iridium Metallic

New Colors

  • Dark Slate Metallic
  • Mineral Metallic

What’s more, the NZT 20×9-inch polished aluminum wheels are deleted, while a new set of 22-inch aluminum wheels with premium paint and chrome inserts are added. The changes to the exterior are rounded out with the addition of a capless fuel fill system.

On the inside, the 2016 Sierra Denali 1500 gets four new features:

  • A new Cocoa/Maple Sugar color combination
  • Teen Drive mode in the IntelliLink system
  • Low Speed Mitigation Braking (added to the Enhanced Driver Alert Package)
  • Android Auto as part of the IO8 8-inch IntelliLink Diagonal Color Touch Screen Navigation system

From there, four new features become standard on the Denali, including:

  • Enhanced Driver Alert Package
  • IntelliBeam headlights
  • Power adjustable pedals
  • Heated leather-wrapped steering wheel

And finally, the updates are rounded out by two changes to RPO codes:

  • Heated and vented seats has a new RPO code of KQV
  • High-performance LED headlamps with GMC signature LED lighting has new RPO code of T4L

Following are GM’s official RPO-level changes to the 2017 Sierra Denali 1500:

Deletions

  • (G1C) Light Steel Gray Metallic
  • (GXG) Iridium Metallic
  • (NZT) 4 – 20″ x 9″ (50.8 cm x 22.9 cm) polished aluminum wheels

New Features

  • (GPA) Dark Slate Metallic
  • (GJB) Mineral Metallic
  • (HDQ) Cocoa / Maple Sugar
  • (UHY) Low Speed Mitigation Braking is added to the (Y86) Enhanced Driver Alert Package
  • Capless fuel fill
  • (TDM) Teen Driver mode
  • (Q7M) 22″ aluminum wheels with premium paint and chrome inserts

Changes

  • (Y86) Enhanced Driver Alert Package now standard on Denali
  • (TQ5) IntelliBeam headlights now standard on Denali
  • (JF4) power adjustable pedals now standard on Denali
  • (UVD) heated leather-wrapped steering wheel now standard on Denali
  • (IO6) IntelliLink 8″ Diagonal Color Touch Screen Navigation now includes Android Auto
  • (KB6) heated and vented seats has a new RPO code of (KQV)
  • High-performance LED headlamps with GMC signature LED lighting has new RPO code of (T4L)

Download the 2017 Sierra Denali 1500 order guide (PDF format).

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Comments

  1. When will the GMC Denali come equipped with the “push button start” feature?

    Reply
    1. Good question. Apparently, not for the 2017 model year, that’s for sure

      Reply
      1. Just cannot understand the delay going to that technology. My bare bones 2012 Dodge Journey has it!

        Reply
    2. I don’t understand why that is such a desired feature… There is nothing wrong with turning a key for me. I might be a bit crazy, but for me personally, it provides me with a sense of connection with my truck. I love cranking my key and seeing the machine come to life.

      I’d rather see other technological upgrades that actually add utility to the truck rather than further complicate the ignition system for a little unnecessary glamour. If any of you have had issues with your Passlock system like I had, I think you’d understand why I’m a bit skeptical too.

      Reply
      1. The push start feature is important for me because walking up to the vehicle with arms full of stuff and being able to open the door, drop the load, and sit down and start up without having to dig around in my pocket is great.

        Another important thing to remember is that every competitor is doing it and people like it- sure you don’t and maybe all your friends don’t, but most people like it. And it’s a simple technology nothing complicated about it.

        Reply
      2. This is a huge factor for me and may even be the deciding factor when I purchase. My current vehicle has this option and I’ve grown accustomed to not worrying about getting my keys out of my pocket to enter or start the vehicle. This is especially so in the winter when I have gloves on or when I have my hands full. I also have a hard time going down in level of accessories. My next vehicle WILL have heated steering wheel, heated/cooled seats, blue tooth connectivity for hands free everything with my phone, front and rear sensors/cameras and push button start. When you pay $60k plus for a vehicle, it better damn well have these things. I do enjoy my current vehicle and will wait until the GMC Denali 3500 SRW has all of these features before I buy. I’m really hoping it’s 2017 though. I check weekly to see any updates on the new model.

        Reply
      3. I “owned” a push start meaning it uses a key FOB but this was a Ford F150. One thing you should know is that if the truck is running meaning not command start as you drive it home, get out to run inside the house to grab something with the FOB in your pocket – the truck will continue to run until it is turned off or idle times out. Ask me how I know……. most fu&&ing stupidest thing

        Reply
  2. When will the Denali pickup get the “push button start” feature?

    Reply
  3. I agree with Jason, it is simple technology, most auto mfg are moving to this technology. It is a great comfort to know that all you have to do is get in your truck and push a button.

    Reply
  4. If I were to guess, the lack of push-button start might have to do with the fact that trucks are sometimes used by more than two people in a business and the keys are cheaper than key fobs.

    That being said, I could see standard (w/t) trim Sierras & even SLE models with a traditional key & remote key fob and save the push-button start for SLT & Denali trucks.

    Reply
  5. when will Sierra / Silverado have 2nd row climate control and connectivity features like Ford, Ram, Toyota, Nissan and now Honda

    Reply
  6. The answer is simple, because for the same price point, the competition offers push button start and the climate control in the rear, as well as many other items. Ford beats GM in every single category including now, safety. Performance, luxury utility, etc. many of us are scratching our heads as to why GM continues to trail Ford.

    Reply
  7. What color is cocoa/maple on that interior?

    Reply
  8. I’m just not certain what GM’s line of thinking is. 2017…still no push button start! No adaptive cruis control on a 50k SLT or 64k Denali! No panoramic moon roof? No a/c through the console or Power ports to the rear seats as you would expect in a 60k vehicle? Ford has it! No console shifter option? Ford has it!

    I know, I know, some don’t care about these options, but if I’m gonna trade in my Denali and spend 64k on a 1500 truck, I want to be assured the product is comparable to what I would get with another manufacture.
    All of these discrepancies give rise to the fact that despite a considerable refresh, GM is still not out selling the competition. Go figure. The 2017 Denali should have all this and more including an HP increase, but it doesn’t. GM appears to be about 3 years behind the competition in technology upgrades. And I’m not all that concerned with fuel economy as long as it’s in the ballpark of the market. GM, stop being stubborn and put the real luxury in your luxury trucks like Ford does or you’ll continue to trail them in like product sales. Thanks!

    Reply
    1. I agree 100%. But about the lack of HP increase, GM has not released the final figures yet. All there is are rumors and conjecture. Most of the rumors do hint at an increase to HP and TQ ratings. While those are great, I really, really want the push button start. I just test drove a Ram 3500 that had it. It can’t be that difficult or expensive to engineer.

      Reply
  9. I wish the Denali would come out with calfskin color seats like the high country. I keep hearing that there coming out with some cocoa/sugar maple color, but I don’t know if that’s for the exterior or interior?

    Reply
  10. Robert took the words out of my mouth. Buying this fall and was waiting and really hoping for push button, adaptive CC, and panoramic roof. In addition to the looks, the engine, and the Bose system those three simple features would have put me in the GM dealership as those are non negotiable features on a premium truck for me. 17′ Platinum with 2nd gen ecoboost and 10 speed it is. Bummer.

    Reply
  11. Frankly, after 30 years with GM I switched to FORD to get the adaptive cruise, push button start as well as numerous other features that are not available on GM trucks. I was dumbfounded that GM did not keep pace with Ford or Ram. I get it but when I am paying $60k for a truck a lot of the options mentioned in this article should be there. GM does not even respond to email regarding the subject including a fuel less gap cap.

    Reply
    1. It appears GM thinks they can build it and we will buy it regardless. They do somehow continue to sell a lot of trucks. It’s amazing how short the Silverado comes up when compared to the Ford. GM literally giving market share to Dodge, Toyota and Ford. I think GM is just satisfied being mediocre in the middle of things. It’s also very clear Ford wants the # 1 spot very badly! Nice job Ford!

      Reply
  12. done shopping GMC trucks…

    going over to the ’17 F150 – Blind Spot, 360 Camera, Adaptive Cruise, Active Park, Pro Trailer back up, 36 gal fuel tank, heated rear seats, rear AC vents, push button start, massaging seats, panoramic roof, etc

    bye GM…..

    Reply
    1. Dave:
      I switched to the F150 for the same reasons. Plus I got a better deal!
      Bob

      Reply
  13. Let me say that I love GM trucks, but I’m convinced GM thinks I’m an idiot and don’t do my own research before I buy a truck. Ford beats GM in every single category from luxury to utility to safety to performance and the incentives are a little better. It’s time to consider buying a Ford if GM can’t get their act together. 2017 Raptor!

    Reply
  14. I went to look at a new Ford F-150 today. Blew my socks off! The full moon roof, keyless start, luxury items throughout that you don’t see on GM trucks. Heated rear seats, AC vents to rear seats, power ports in the rear. Adaptive cruise control, center console shifter. Basically a Cadillac in a truck version. The Ford can out haul, out row, literally out run the GM trucks and that’s with a 6.2. I can’t imagine what ecoboost will do to the underpowered 5.3.
    If GM was selling for only 40 or 50k like Dodge, I could see them geting away with such lack of options, but for 60+ they should be eqivielent.

    I’ve always preferred a GM truck, but these days GM is just cheaping out on all the little things they put in the Cadillac’s and making out like bandits in profit on the trucks. On the other hand, Ford has introduced the Cadillac concept in trucks and taken it further with the Raptor. Amazing truck!

    I will not buy another 60,000 dollar truck that is not superior to other trucks in the market place. Putting you on notice, GM, Ford is looking pretty good these days. Change your ways or lose another truck customer to Ford.
    Thanks

    Reply
  15. Robert:
    Totally agree. I bought a Platinum F 150 and had a Denali ordered. Price was higher on the Denali than the F150 which had adaptive cruise, cameras, back up hitch loading as well as push button start. Ford gave me the better price with more options. GMC told me that me that my 2015 GMC SLT fully loaded was worth only 36K. Went to Ford and bought the Platinum F150. I don’t understand GM anymore- particularly when I questioned the features in their trucks. Confused to say the least.

    Reply
  16. Why did the 2017 models switch away from RED for the interior LED lighting?

    Reply
    1. Dunno, you never know why GM does or doesn’t do what they do. Refuse to follow the segment and thier sales reflect this as they are second to Ford and I see no change. After reviewing the 2017’s, I have no reason to visit GM dealerships this year. No push button start, adaptive cruise control or rear AC vents In a $64,000 truck! Not interested.

      Reply
      1. For the sake of perspective, there are many reasons why a huge multinational like GM does or doesn’t do something related to product.

        As it relates to switching away from red, that reason might be difficult to pinpoint. But as it relates to your claim of “refusing to follow a segment” based on not including features like push-button start, active safety systems and rear A/C vents, it could be that they’re simply no longer interested in upgrading the K2 trucks and are instead busy developing the all-new T1XX trucks instead.

        Reply
  17. the masses of GM consumers (or new Ford customers) aren’t concerned so much with the why as much as the what…We want the very best our money can buy. If GM wants me to spend 64K on a half ton truck, the “segment” dictates how the truck should be equipped. It’s called competition. GM trucks are way behind Ford. We can debate that if you like.

    Reply
  18. Very disappointed to hear no pushbutton or rear AC for the Denali HD. Wake up GM! I happened in to a Ford dealer last weekend. To say the new F250 is in a superior league to the Denali HD is an understatement. To say it kicks its ass hands down is spot on! Can’t believe I’m considering a Ford! Oh, and it is about a grand cheaper! So disappointed.

    Reply
  19. I think its about time GM catch’s up with the rest and get push button start, a councel shifter option and dual exhaust option!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  20. I’ll be buying my first pickup in November 2018, and without active cruise control, vents in the back, and power options for rear passengers, the Sierra won’t even be an option for me. Push button start (which even my wife’s 2008 Altima has) I can do without, but that would also be a difficult pill to swallow. It’s really between the F-150 Limited and Sierra Denali, but I’d prefer the 6.2L engine over the Ecoboost. Otherwise, the F-150 beat the GMC on so many levels. Especially in trailering technologies!

    Reply
  21. Looks like this is the against GM commenting section. This is my 2nd Denali and I love it. Don’t think I want the push button, as I think that makes it easier to steal. My opinion.

    Reply
    1. GM trucks do not have push button start and on the top of the list for auto theft. Push button start makes life easier, not theft. Have a Denali also with 4×4 and 6.2 engine and the Ford Platinum beats it in every catogory and in every way, including price. GM needs to get off their high horse and build a better truck!

      Reply
  22. Test drove a Denali with full intention of driving it home tonight, then realized that I took for granted some of the things that my 2010 4 runner had. I say that again, 2010, and my wife’s 2015 Subaru. Adaptive cruise, push button start, keyfob entry, etc. I loved the truck, but seriously for the price I was going to spend tonight I expect some tech that has been out for going on a decade. Time to continue the search for my truck and looks like F-150 will be it. Don’t care for the look, but they aren’t afraid of decade old tech.

    Reply

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