When GMC unveiled the 2020 Sierra HD at a shipyard in San Diego earlier this month, a fully-loaded Sierra 3500HD Denali was the star of the show. As before, the new Sierra HD lineup will be offered in Sierra HD base, SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali trims.
The range-topping 2020 Sierra HD Denali is the embodiment of beastly elegance, refinement and sophistication. Let’s take a look at what sets the flagship model apart from lesser trims.
Exterior
The top-dog 2020 Sierra Denali HD will be offered in two body styles: Crew Cab with a Standard Bed or Crew Cab with a Long Bed.
Up front, the 2020 Sierra Denali HD features a wealth of chrome, including a trim-exclusive chrome grille, chrome bumper, chrome fog light surrounds and a chrome fender appliqué. A chrome window trim and chrome mirror caps are found on both sides to complete the chrome theme.
The Sierra Denali HD comes standard with 20-inch wheels, and a number of optional wheels will be made available, many of which feature a chrome finish and go up to 22 inches in size (except for the DRW models, which stay with specific steel wheels). The range-topper also comes standard with the six-function MultiPro tailgate, which features six different positions that aid in a variety of tasks – from securing various sized loads to acting as a convenient step.
The 2020 Sierra HD Denali also features new signature lighting elements, including prominent “light blades” that deliver LED illumination for the daytime running lights. The headlamps, taillamps, fog lamps, and other light elements all use LEDs for optimal lighting performance. This also includes the available roof marker lights that come standard on all dual-rear-wheel HDs and all 2020 Sierra HD Denali models, except where prohibited by law.
Interior
Inside, the 2020 Sierra HD Denali is treated to Denali-exclusive materials to distinguish it from other trims. Premium leather-appointed seating, authentic, open-pore wood trim and dark-finish aluminum decor contribute to a luxurious and refined appearance.
The leather details also feature distinctive, large-pebbled grain with a contrasting stitch pattern. The material has a premium look and feel without compromising durability. The open-pore texture of the wood trim is reminiscent of hand-planed furniture.
The steering wheel features a prominent Denali brand to remind the driver that they’re driving the ultimate version of the 2020 GMC Sierra HD.
Powertrain
The 2020 Sierra HD Denali will be offered with two powertrain choices.
The base engine is the all-new, 6.6L V8 L8T gasoline engine mated to a GM 6L90 six-speed automatic transmission. The duo is good for an SAE-certified 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque.
The up-level engine is the 6.6L V8 L5P Duramax turbo-diesel mated to a 10-speed (kind of) Allison transmission. The pair makes an SAE-rated 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque.
Pricing
Pricing for the all-new 2020 Sierra HD Denali will be announced closer to the luxurious beast’s launch later this summer.
To note, the starting price of the current/outgoing models is $56,195 for rear-wheel-drive and, $60,295 for four-wheel-drive models.
We will update you with more 2020 Sierra HD Denali pricing details and specifications as they become available.
Stay tuned to GM Authority for more GMC news and Sierra news coverage.Â
Comments
Nice sum up. Most interesting thing I found though, roof markers lights aren’t legal everywhere?
Roof markers are federal requirement over 80″ wide ( less folding mirror). Supposedly some local jurisdictions do not allow roof markers when under 80″ width, although I have not identified one yet.
Long box or short box. Not standard or short box
Standard or long box, short box comes only on 1500
Surely, a few goofs in this report. That DRW version doesn’t look like 20″ wheels (and is probably the 17″ like the current version).
Looks good, I might have to upgrade from my 2015 version….
One question I’d like answered, is GMC going to include the TPMS system on the 2020 DRW version? or are owners left looking for aftermarket systems again? Seems silly when they spent a bomb on great camera systems so we can see all around, but no warning of a flat when that can be a catastrophic event when towing. Be nice to see a manufacturer add TPMS for trailers too… when you are pulling a $100K+ train (tow and trailer), seems a silly shortcut not to add it.
1. You may want to re-read the article and re-consider your comment surrounding the supposed goofs. It’s all in there.
2. Trailer TPMS is a thing on these trucks, as introduced by the 2019 model year half-tons:
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2018/07/2019-gmc-sierra-introduces-new-trailer-tire-pressure-monitor-system-feature-spotlight/
3. Will find out regarding TPMS on DRW models and reply here.
I can’t be the only one that thinks the carryover wheels on the dually are starting to look pretty small. HUUUUGE wheelwells are begging for maybe an inch bigger wheels and somewhat taller/wider rubber.
Having what effect on the all important payload and towing specs? To say nothing of fuel effiency, ride and handeling.
Payload and towing probably wouldn’t be affected at all. Fuel efficiency, ride and handling aren’t going to be hurt by a size wider and taller. You know the literature says that they went wider with the tires on the single wheel trucks right? And 285s aren’t going to made you ride rough or handle bad. If anything they’ll do the opposite.
17″ is the common wheel size for 350/3500 dually from all three PU manufacturers. There would be an issue with payload and axle weight ratings going up 1″ in wheel size in the available package area (wheelhouse width and sidewall spacing) unless something like an f or h load index at 120 psi plus is used. 19.5″ is the next size up as used in dually applications. 19.5″ is the wheel size on 450/550 Ford and ram, and most any commercial vehicle over 14k GVWR up to 26k GVWR. Requires a number of changes in the suspension to go from 17 to 19.5 on a pickup based vehicle. Tire load ratings and sizing a truck for a trailer and vice versa is something we deal with all the time inn the commercial trailer market.
Still the tacky, plastic/fake wood look… It’s 2020 for god sakes. I like the outside design but the interior once again falls short. Mostly carry over and I can’t see why I would trade up from my 16 LTZ right now.
That is exactly my dilemma. I hate the fake “brown” chrome or wanna be bronze. I love the Grille, but do I want to spend that much when I hate the look inside??
Please… Will someone aftermarket new rounded wheel well trim to get rid of the square look.