The GMC Sierra Denali receives minor updates to the 2021 Sierra 1500 light duty model as well as the 2021 Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD (Heavy Duty) models.
Assembly Location | GM Flint Assembly in Flint, Michigan, USA, GM Fort Wayne Assembly in Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA, GM Silao Plant in Mexico | |
Body Style(s) | Light-Duty and Heavy-Duty Pickup Trucks | |
Layout | Front-Engined, Longitudinal | |
Engine(s) | 6.2L L87 V8, 6.6L L8T V8, 6.6 L5P V8 Duramax (Diesel), 3.0L LM2 I6 Duramax (Diesel) | |
Transmission(s) | Allison 6-Speed Auto,6-Speed Auto, 8-Speed Auto, 10-Speed Auto | |
Drive Wheels | Rear-Wheel-Drive, Four-Wheel-Drive | |
Availability | U.S.A., Canada, Mexico | |
Predecessor | 2020 GMC Sierra Denali | |
Successor | 2022 GMC Sierra Denali |
Changes, Updates, New Features
2021 GMC Sierra Denali 1500
An all-new, fourth-generation Sierra Denali Light Duty was released for the 2019 model year. After receiving some revisions for the 2020 model year, the Sierra Denali 1500 is again receiving a few minor changes and updates for the 2021 model year:
Exterior
- Deletion of four exterior colors
- Addition of four exterior colors
Interior
- Addition of Wireless Phone Projection
- for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto audio systems
- Addition of premium front and rear floor liners with removable carpet inserts
Packaging
- Bed View Camera is no longer available as a free flow item
- Included and only available with the Technology Package
- Deletion of Denali Premium Package
See detailed 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 changes, updates and new features here: 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 change log.
The updates and changes described here are specific to the U.S. market and may differ for other markets.
See complete 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 details and features, including powertrain options and availability, here: 2021 GMC Sierra 1500.
2021 GMC Sierra Denali 2500HD & 3500HD
The Sierra Heavy Duty underwent a complete overhaul (redesign and re-engineering) for the 2020 model year. Â As such, the pickup trucks have received some minor changes and updates for 2021 model year, which are as follows:
Exterior
- Deletion of two exterior color options
- Addition of three exterior color options
- Addition of power-retractable Assist steps with stainless steel accents
- Addition of 20-inch (50.8 cm) high gloss Black painted aluminum wheels (RTJ)
- Addition of Bedside Storage, right hand and left hand side
- Addition of Tie-Downs option – includes 4
- Addition of 20-inch Transit wheels for 20-inch LPO-level wheels
- Addition of 20-inch wheels with new finish, machined aluminum with high gloss Black accents (SKX)
- LPO-level item
- Addition of 20-inch (50.8 cm) multi-dimensional Chrome aluminum wheels (SKW)
- LPO-level item
- Exclusive to Denali models
Interior
- Addition of Premium floor liners with removable carpet inserts
Mechanical
- Gasoline engine options are now E85 FlexFuel capable
- Standard tailgate is now available on SLE models, remains standard on base models, and is no longer available for SLT, AT4, or Denali models.
- Gooseneck / 5th Wheel Package is not available on Denali models
See detailed 2021 GMC Sierra HD changes, updates and new features here: 2021 GMC Sierra HD change log.
The updates and changes described here are specific to the U.S. market and may differ for other markets.
See complete 2021 GMC Sierra HD details and features, including powertrain options and availability, here: 2021 GMC Sierra HD.
See detailed 2021 GMC Sierra Denali changes, updates and new features here: 2021 GMC Sierra Denali change log.
Body Styles
The 2021 GMC Sierra Denali is available as a light-duty, full-size 1500 model, and is also available as the 2500HD and 3500HD heavy-duty full-size pickup trucks. Notably, Denali models are available exclusively as Crew Cab models.
Sierra Denali 1500 Configurations
- Crew Cab, Short Box
- Crew Cab, Standard Box
Sierra Denali 2500HD Configurations
(all with single rear wheel)
- Crew Cab, Standard Box
- Crew Cab, Long Box
Sierra Denali 3500HD Configurations
- Crew Cab, Standard Box, Single Rear Wheel
- Crew Cab, Long Box, Single Rear Wheel
- Crew Cab, Long Box, Dual Rear Wheel
Powertrain
The 2021 GMC Sierra Denali is offered with the following engine and transmission choices:
Engine | Fuel | Aspiration | Transmission | Horsepower @ RPM | Torque @ RPM | Axle Ratio |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
6.6L L8T V8 | Gasoline | Naturally Aspirated | 6-Speed Automatic (MYD) | 401 @ 5200 | 464 @ 4000 | 3.73 |
6.6L Duramax L5P V8 | Diesel | Turbocharged | 10-Speed Automatic (MGM, MGU) | 445 @ 2800 | 910 @ 1600 | 3.42 |
Platform
- The 2021 Sierra Denali 1500 rides on the GM T1 platform shared most directly with the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The same basic architecture is also used on the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe/2021 Chevrolet Suburban, 2021 GMC Yukon, and 2021 Cadillac Escalade.
- The 2021 Sierra Denali Heavy Duty rides on a more capable version of the same GM T1 platform
Production
The 2021 Sierra Denali was assembled at the following factories:
- GM Flint Assembly in Flint, Michigan, USA (HD)
- GM Fort Wayne Assembly in Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA (LD)
- GM Silao Assembly in Silao, Mexico (LD)
Availability
We expect 2021 Sierra Denali models to become available during the final quarter of 2020.
Beyond 2021
We expect the following future for the Sierra models beyond the 2021 model year:
- The light-duty Sierra 1500, now in its fourth generation as of the 2019 model year, should remain in production thru the 2025 model year
- The heavy-duty Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD, in their fourth generation as of the 2020 model year, should remain in production thru the 2026 model year
An all-new, next GMC Sierra will launch after the aforementioned models reach the end of their respective lifecycles.
Discussion
Discuss the 2021 GMC Sierra Denali in our GMC forum.
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