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2019 GMC Sierra Denali 1500

The GMC Sierra Denali 1500 is all-new for the 2019 model year, delivering a completely overhauled (redesigned and re-engineered) truck, with bold design and segment-leading technologies, while advancing Denali’s legacy as the pinnacle of GMC design, capability and refinement.

GMC says that the 2019 Sierra Denali is distinguished by bold design and segment-leading technologies, once again redefining the premium pickup, while advancing Denali’s legacy as the pinnacle of GMC design, capability and refinement.

“GMC ignited the premium truck segment 17 years ago with the original launch of the Sierra Denali,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Global GMC. “The next generation 2019 Sierra Denali establishes a new benchmark in capability and refinement. It exemplifies precision in every detail.”

2019 GMC Sierra Denali 1500 Quick Facts
Assembly Location GM Fort Wayne Assembly in Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA and GM Silao Plant in Mexico
Body Style(s) Light-Duty Pickup Trucks
Layout Front-Engined, Longitudinal
Engine(s) 5.3L L84 V8, 6.2L L87 V8, 3.0L LM2 I6 Duramax (Diesel)
Transmission(s) 8-Speed Auto, 10-Speed Auto
Drive Wheels Rear-Wheel-Drive, Four-Wheel-Drive
Availability U.S.A., Canada, Mexico
Predecessor 2018 GMC Sierra 1500
Successor 2020 GMC Sierra 1500

Exterior

The 2019 Sierra Denali 1500 introduces a new design language for GMC trucks.

The all-new truck stands taller and more confident. Powerful proportions are complemented by hallmark details such as a chrome grille with a sharp, precise dimensional pattern that epitomizes the truck’s attention to detail, making the exterior unmistakably Sierra Denali.

2019 GMC Sierra Denali 1500 exterior - 2018 New York Auto Show Live 002 - front three quarters passenger side

2019 GMC Sierra Denali 1500 exterior - 2018 New York Auto Show Live 004 - rear three quarters passenger side

“The next generation Sierra Denali has a deliberate, commanding presence,” said Matt Noone, director of design, GMC Exteriors. “Its unmistakable design embodies the essence of GMC, while advancing the brand’s core styling elements — rooted in inherent capability — with a new expression of its signature cues.”

The all-new 2019 Sierra Denali shows refinement and strength through a larger, more-dominant upright grille, a taller hood, and a bolder, more defined take on GMC’s C-shaped lighting signature.

2019 GMC Sierra Denali 1500 exterior - 2018 New York Auto Show Live 003 - side profile passenger side

2019 GMC Sierra Denali 1500 exterior - 2018 New York Auto Show Live 013 - bed from passenger side

2019 GMC Sierra Denali 1500 exterior - 2018 New York Auto Show Live 012 - front end from passenger side

Advanced lighting technology sets the Sierra Denali apart from other trucks on the road thanks to a new revised front lighting signature that features a prominent “light blade”. Besides providing a bold and unmistakable appearance, the front lighting signatures deliver uniform LED illumination for the daytime running lamps. LEDs are also used for the headlamps, taillamps, fog lamps and other illuminative elements, with lenses constructed from durable material with an almost crystalline quality.

2019 GMC Sierra Denali 1500 exterior - 2018 New York Auto Show Live 001 - front end

2019 GMC Sierra Denali 1500 exterior - 2018 New York Auto Show Live 014 - bed three quarters from passenger side

The 2019 GMC Sierra half-ton is larger than its predecessor in virtually every dimension. Its presence is accentuated by the larger grille and dramatic lighting. The wheels are pushed out to the corners and wear larger diameter tires, with the Denali wearing available 22-inch Ultra Bright aluminum wheels

New, more prominent badging includes a bold DENALI nameplate on the tailgate, below the GMC badge, is expressed in a new block-style typeface that echoes the truck’s strong proportions.

2019 GMC Sierra Denali 1500 exterior - 2018 New York Auto Show Live 007 - headlight

The 2019 Sierra Denali makes strategic use of materials, including:

  • Aluminum for the doors, hood and tailgate, and
  • Steel for the fenders, roof and standard cargo box

The end result is a weight savings of 360 pounds (163 kg) compared to the previous model. What’s more, the 2019 Sierra Denali offers a carbon fiber bed that offers more durability and even further weight savings.

Interior

The 2019 GMC Sierra Denali 1500 features a driver-focused interior that strengthens GMC’s reputation for refinement and sophistication with premium materials, improved interior space and innovative storage solutions.

2019 GMC Sierra Denali 1500 interior - 2018 New York Auto Show Live 003

The cabin tops the segment with best-in-class front head- and legroom (in their maximum settings), delivering a more spacious and driver-centric environment finished with premium materials.

The new truck puts the driver at the center of the experience thanks to a higher seating position that offers a confident view behind the wheel. The optimized ergonomics emphasize easy, intuitive interaction with the vehicle’s technologies, such as the all-new Trailering App and segment-first Head-Up Display.

2019 GMC Sierra Denali 1500 interior - 2018 New York Auto Show Live 004

2019 GMC Sierra Denali 1500 interior - 2018 New York Auto Show Live 007 - steering wheel

Denali-exclusive materials include premium leather-appointed seating, authentic open-pore wood trim and dark-finish aluminum decor, all of which raise the refinement of the interior to a new level. The exclusive leather appointments have a distinctive, large-pebbled grain with a contrasting stitch pattern that is both premium in appearance and touch without sacrificing durability. What’s more, the wood trim features an open-pore texture evocative of hand-planed furniture.

2019 GMC Sierra Denali 1500 interior - 2018 New York Auto Show Live 013 - front seats

2019 GMC Sierra Denali 1500 interior - 2018 New York Auto Show Live 016 - door insert

The 2019 Sierra Denali has nearly three inches of additional rear-seat legroom compared to the outgoing model. The outboard rear seat backs open to reveal rectangular storage spaces large enough for storing tablets or laptops, tie-down cords, umbrellas or other important accessories.

2019 GMC Sierra Denali 1500 interior - 2018 New York Auto Show Live 018 - rear seats

2019 GMC Sierra Denali 1500 interior - 2018 New York Auto Show Live 019 - rear seats

2019 GMC Sierra Denali 1500 interior - 2018 New York Auto Show Live 020 - rear seats

2019 GMC Sierra Denali 1500 interior - 2018 New York Auto Show Live 021 - rear AC vents and seat heat controls and USB ports

Also new on the 2019 model are rear-seat HVAC vents for cooling and heating, as well as heated outboard rear seats. Two USB ports are found on the rear of the center console, including a Type C and Type A connector.

Technologies

The 2019 GMC Sierra Denali 1500 features a new and dynamic infotainment system that that offers a smartphone-like experience with an intuitive interface, faster response and improved voice recognition. In the Sierra Denali, the system is accessed via a standard 8-inch diagonal system includes navigation.

2019 GMC Sierra Denali 1500 interior - 2018 New York Auto Show Live 008 - infotainment screen

Additionally, the 2019 Sierra Denali delivers purposeful segment-leading technologies and exclusive features, including:

  • New multi-functional tailgate: officially called MultiPro Tailgate, it’s the most innovative pickup tailgate ever with six unique functions and positions offering enhanced second-tier loading and load-stop solutions, a standing workstation and easier access to items in the box. The MultiPro Tailgate is a GMC exclusive as well as an industry-first.
  • Carbon Fiber Pickup Box: officially called CarbonPro, developed to increase durability, efficiency and functionality while offering best-in-class dent, scratch and corrosion resistance. The CarbonPro is a GMC exclusive as well as an industry first.
  • All-new ProGrade Trailering System with Trailering App: offers a comprehensive, connected suite of trailering technology that brings more confidence to the towing experience than ever before.
  • Multi-Color Head-Up Display: projects key vehicle data on the windshield in a 3×7-inch display to help drivers keep their eyes on the road. The display is customizable. The Head-Up Display is a segment-first.
  • Rear Camera Mirror: offers an optimized view via an available dual-function interior mirror that expands vision to overcome common visual obstructions like occupants or cargo. The first iteration of the system was first introduced in the 2016 Cadillac CT6, and the second generation features a higher resolution camera and display, as well as the ability to tilt or zoom the view. Flipping the mirror back switches the camera mirror to a conventional mirror. The Rear Camera mirror is a segment-first.
  • Surround Vision: offers a bird’s-eye view of the truck by displaying an overhead image on the infotainment screen, thereby helping the driver detect potential obstacles when backing up, including when trailering
  • Adaptive Ride Control: designed to provide premium driving refinement with exceptional responsiveness, Adaptive Ride Control employs sophisticated sensors to monitor road conditions and chassis responses in real time, enabling adjustments to active dampers every 2 milliseconds.

2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Interior 004 - Gauges and Head Up Display

MultiPro Tailgate

The new 2019 Sierra Denali debuts the new GMC-exclusive and industry-first MultiPro Tailgate – the segment’s most innovative tailgate ever. Standard on the 2019 Sierra Denali (and the Sierra SLT), the MultiPro Tailgate features six unique functions and positions, offering enhanced second-tier loading and load-stop solutions, a standing workstation mode and easier access to items in the box.

The MultiPro Tailgate also incorporates a step entry and egress mode that, when paired with the assist handle, offers both step and seated functionality, with a maximum weight capacity of 375 pounds (170 kg). Ease of use is enhanced with two buttons on the tailgate handle that allow convenient inner gate release.

The Sierra’s MultiPro Tailgate has undergone more testing and validation than any tailgate in GM’s history. Sierra is the first and only truck to offer the MultiPro Tailgate, providing premium truck customers the ultimate flexibility.

Safety

The 2019 Sierra Denali offers the full suite of advanced safety features, including:

Cargo & Towing

Cargo Box

The boxes of the 2019 Sierra offer best-in-class cargo volume – 63 cubic feet (1,784 liters) on the short box, as well as additional tie-downs and a new, available 110-volt power outlet. As with the previous model, the bed is made of roll-formed, high-strength steel. However, the new model features a revised alloy that offers 50 percent more strength than the current model.

Later on in the model year, the 2019 Sierra Denali will offer an optional carbon fiber box – the CarbonPro. The box is a GMC exclusive and industry-first. Its purpose is to increase durability, efficiency and functionality of the truck.

2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Exterior - CarbonPro Carbon Fiber Pickup Box 002

The Sierra’s CarbonPro box replaces the standard steel inner panels and floor with a lightweight, purpose-designed carbon fiber composite that offers best-in-class dent, scratch and corrosion resistance.

“In 116 years of making GMC pickup trucks, our industry-first carbon fiber box is the toughest pickup box we have ever made,” said GMC chief Duncan Aldred.

The new CarbonPro box is 62 pounds (28 kg) lighter than the steel version, and is one example of GMC’s strategic use of materials in engineering the Sierra.

2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Exterior - CarbonPro Carbon Fiber Pickup Box 001

Trailering System

The 2019 Sierra offers a more confident towing experience thanks to GMC’s new ProGrade Trailering System, which is standard on the 2019 GMC Sierra Denali (as well as the Sierra SLT).

The trailering system includes an all-new Trailering App featuring:

  • A Pre-Departure checklist
  • Maintenance Reminders
  • Trailer Light Test
  • Trailer Electrical Diagnostics
  • Trailer Tire Pressure and Temperature Monitoring

Many of the Trailering App’s functions, including the lighting test and pre-departure checklist, are also available with the MyGMC app on compatible Android and iOS smartphones, a feature that offers great convenience when outside the truck or trailer.

The all-new Sierra also offers Hitch Guidance with Hitch View and Auto Electric Park Brake to help with perfect positioning when hitching. The available side view cameras and a trailer-mounted HD camera provide additional assistance when driving down the road or in reverse.

Additionally, the exclusive Trailer Theft Detection sends owners text and mobile alerts from OnStar when the trailer has been detached from the truck without permission.

Powertrain

The 2019 GMC Sierra Denali is offered with the following three powertrain choices:

Engine Fuel Aspiration Transmission Horsepower @ RPM Torque @ RPM Axle Ratio
5.3L L84 EcoTec3 V8 Gasoline Atmospheric 2WD 8-Speed Automatic (MQE) / 4WD 10-Speed Automatic (MQB) 355 @ 5600 383 @ 4100 3.42
6.2L L87 EcoTec3 V8 Gasoline Atmospheric 10-Speed Automatic (MQB) 420 @ 5600 460 @ 4100 3.23
3.0L LM2 Duramax I6 Diesel Turbocharged 10-Speed Automatic (MQB) 277 @ 3750 460 @ 1500 3.23

The gasoline engines are improved with stop/start technology, new Dynamic Fuel Management that enables the engine to operate on one to eight cylinders, depending on demand, to optimize power and efficiency.

The new 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel, meanwhile, builds on GMC’s expertise with Duramax turbo-diesels offered in Sierra HD and Canyon models.

Chassis & Suspension

The 2019 Sierra Denali 1500 features an exclusive Adaptive Ride Control suspension system designed to provide premium driving refinement with exceptional responsiveness. It employs sophisticated sensors to monitor road conditions and chassis responses in real time, enabling adjustments to active dampers every 2 milliseconds.

The system is an improvement over the highly-praised GM Magnetic Ride Control technology.

Platform

The 2019 GMC Sierra Denali rides on the all-new GM T1 platform shared with:

Availability

The 2019 GMC Sierra Denali went on sale in North American markets in the fall of 2018.

Production

The 2019 GMC Sierra and 2019 Sierra Denali were assembled at the GM Silao Assembly Plant in Silao, Mexico as well as the GM Fort Wayne Assembly Plant in Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA.

Beyond 2019

We expect the light-duty Sierra 1500, now in its fourth generation as of the 2019 model year, to remain in production thru the 2025 model year

An all-new, next GMC Sierra will launch after the aforementioned models reach the end of their respective lifecycles.

Discussion

Discuss the 2019 GMC Sierra Denali in our GMC forum.

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