General Motors and GMC are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the range-topping GMC Denali sub-brand. Granted, the first GMC Denali model launched in 1998, 26 years ago, but either way, Denali is now officially more than a quarter century old at this point. As such, we’re taking a moment to recap what GMC Denali is all about and where it came from.
The Denali name refers the the highest mountain peak in North America, also known as Mount McKinley, situated in Alaska and standing tall at 20,310 feet. Which makes it a fitting name for a range-topping trim level, especially one that mixes luxury and a rugged attitude in equal doses.
The Denali nameplate was first applied to the range-topping GMC Yukon in 1998 for the 1999 model year, sharing some exterior features with the Cadillac Escalade. The first Yukon Denali also presented unique 16-inch polished wheels, a special exhaust, and a few unique interior features, such as a Nuance leather interior, six-way power seats with heating function, a seven-speaker Bose stereo, and more. The naturally aspirated 5.7L V8 L31 gasoline engine was standard.
Over time, the GMC Denali nameplate would be applied elsewhere in the lineup, including:
- Yukon XL Denali (2001)
- GMC Sierra Denali (2002)
- GMC Envoy Denali (2005)
- GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid (2009)
- GMC Acadia Denali (2011)
- GMC Sierra Denali HD (2011)
- GMC Terrain Denali (2013)
- GMC Canyon Denali (2017)
Fast forward to 2021, and the refreshed 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 introduced yet another level to the Denali sub-brand – the Denali Ultimate. Previously offered as a package upgrade, the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 offered Denali Ultimate as its own standalone trim level. Billed as the most-luxurious GMC Sierra 1500 ever produced, the Sierra Denali Ultimate stands out thanks to an exclusive Vader chrome styling treatment, which extends to the grille, the badging, and the fender trim. Further details include exclusive 22-inch wheels, full-grain leather upholstery, open-pore Paldao wood trim, and all the standard tech one could think of putting on a pickup truck (and then some).
The Denali Ultimate trim treatment has also been applied to the Yukon and Sierra HD.
We’re excited to see where GMC Denali heads next.
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Comments
I thought it was idiotic at inception and I still do. All those brain dead buyers disagree.
How about 25% off to loyal customers!!!!
I have a 2018 Sierra 1500 Denali with 43k miles. Really enjoy the truck. I have it tuned, so no AFM crap, it’s rides amazing with the MagnaRide and 22 inch rims, and the 6.2L gets 20 mpgs or better going down with interstate at 80mph. Mt next possible purchase could be the new Acadia Denali. Depending on how well I like the new turbo 4.
I wish the 1500 would come in 2 inch lift like the at4 and I would buy one. Don’t like plowing snow with the front bumper without that lift I have on the at4
If they would lift the Denali 2 inches it would not have the same smooth ride. I have the1500 Denali and it rides better than the HD 2500 Denali that I used to have.
“Sub-brand” … as opposed to a “Trim-level” .
Mary’s sophomoric marketing “Newspeak”.
TNTSilvdado…don’t mind Beachy29579 he’s so miserable to be alive to that it’s funny not one positive comment on any GM authority post…I for for one think the Denali sub brand is a great idea it offers buyers more choice and luxury in their vehicle. Here’s 🍻 to another 25 years Denali by GMC!
2020 GMC 1500 Denali with optional Ultimate pkg installed. Ride is great, looks awesome and the tech inside is what every trucker wishes other trucks had. The 6.2 V8 is a beast down the highway. Sure, no Diesel power towing but enough for my needs. Luxury Truck with Speed. Had to replace muffler because stock was quieter than my V6 suv lol
Couldn’t have said it any better than that.
The Denali line prints money for GM. GMC as a whole makes nearly as much money per vehicle as Cadillac but more volume wise.
The secret is you still can get deals on a Denali. I found one that was marked down to SLT price. I got it and all the extras. Made a good value and more resale later.
I wouldn’t mind that the ride isn’t as smooth with a 2 inch lift just to have the extra options and be able to drive in my field without grabbing all the grass underneath.
Wish I could afford a denial but out of my price range, I love the gmc’s and have a 1500 sierra 2010. Anymore want to buy me one I would love it,