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GMC Sierra Denali

The GMC Sierra Denali represents the range-topping trim level and is therefore the best-equipped model in the GMC Sierra range. This trim level is available for Sierra 1500 and Sierra HD models.

Quick Facts

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First Generation (2001 – 2006)

While the Denali trim was first introduced for the 1999 model year as part of the GMC Yukon range, it was only introduced for the Sierra range beginning with the 2001 model year, although it had a different name at the time of its introduction. An upscale version of the GMC Sierra 1500, then known as the Sierra C3, was introduced for the 2001 model year. This model featured the 6.0L V8 Vortec engine, capable of 325 horsepower, and offered upgrades and options that the “regular” Sierra did not, such as GM Quadrasteer (four-wheel steering) and all-wheel-drive (AWD).

For the 2002 model year, the Sierra C3 was renamed the Sierra Denali 1500, which would henceforth become a staple of the Sierra line.

Second Generation (2007 – 2013)

2011 GMC Sierra Denali HD

When the Sierra range was overhauled for the 2007 model year, the Denali trim was also revamped. The range-topping Sierra Denali was offered with the 6.2L V8 engine under the hood, rated at 380 horsepower and 417 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Other premium features included in the Sierra 1500 Denali line included power folding second row seats and a rear backup camera.

For the 2008 model year, the Sierra Denali received very minor changes concerning its gauge cluster. For the 2009 model year, the Sierra Denali received a boost in horsepower, coaxing 403 horsepower from its 6.2L V8 engine. It was also treated to new creature comforts such as cooled and perforated leather seats, Bluetooth hands-free calling features as standard, and a power tilt steering wheel.

2011 GMC Denali HD

The Sierra Denali HD was first offered for the 2011 model year, giving the heavy duty pickup the range-topping Denali treatment for the first time alongside the Sierra 1500 Denali. The Sierra Denali HD harnessed the turbodiesel 6.6L Duramax V8 engine, doling out 765 pound-feet of torque and 395 horsepower, mated to the Allison 1000 transmission. Inside, this model boasted wood trim, heated/cooled seating surfaces, and brushed aluminum Denali door sill panels, a premium Bose sound system and adjustable pedals.

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Third Generation (2014 – 2019)

2017 GMC Sierra Denali HD

Overhauled for 2014, the GMC Sierra Denali 1500 gained quite a few new features and updates. Now riding on the GM K2XX platform, the 2014 Sierra Denali 1500 featured the signature chrome Denali grille, 20-inch chrome wheels, interior decorative trim, a polished stainless steel exhaust outlet, and body-color front and rear bumpers. Interior highlights included an eight-inch Customizable Driver Display that handled settings, audio and navigation information in the instrument panel as well as an eight-inch Color Touch navigation radio with the IntelliLink infotainment system.

Under the hood, the Sierra Denali 1500 cradled the 6.2L L86 V8 engine, good for a healthy 420 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque, mated to the eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine block was made of aluminum to reduce the pickup’s weight and increase its fuel efficiency.

The Sierra range received a refresh for the 2016 model year, including the Sierra Denali. The Sierra Denali Ultimate also joined the lineup, elevating the Sierra Denali range with even more luxurious and premium features. The 2016 Sierra Denali Ultimate was exclusively offered in four-wheel-drive, and sourced power from either the aforementioned L86 engine, or the 5.3L V8 engine. Regardless, both engines bolted to the 8L90 eight-speed automatic transmission.

2017 GMC Sierra Denali HD interior

It featured massive 22-inch wheels, body-color bumpers, a chrome exhaust tip, a polished stainless steel exhaust outlet and a factory-installed spray-on bed liner with a three-dimensional Denali logo. Inside, this model included high-tech features, such as an eight-inch-diagonal Customizable Driver Display paired with a standard eight-inch-diagonal Color Touch navigation radio with IntelliLink and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.

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Fourth Generation (2019 – Present)

2024 GMC Sierra Denali HD Ultimate

The GMC Sierra Denali 1500 was completely redesigned for the 2019 model year, delivering a completely overhauled truck, with bold design and segment-leading technologies.

Highlights specific to the Sierra Denali 1500 model include:

  • MultiPro Tailgate – 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.
  • Carbon Fiber Pickup Box – the CarbonPro, was developed to increase durability, efficiency and functionality while offering best-in-class dent, scratch and corrosion resistance.
  • ProGrade Trailering System with Trailering App – offers a connected comprehensive suite of trailering technology that brings more confidence to the towing experience than ever before.
  • Multi-Color Head-Up Display – projects key, customizable vehicle data on the windshield in a 15” diagonal display to help drivers keep their eyes on the road.
  • 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. This next generation system features a higher resolution camera and display and the ability to tilt or zoom the view.

2024 GMC Sierra Denali HD

Under the hood, the fourth-gen GMC Denali 1500 is offered with a choice of three engine options:

Meanwhile, the third-generation Sierra Denali HD was revamped for the 2020 model year. Notably, max towing for this model increased by 52 percent to an available 35,500 pounds.

For power, the GMC Denali HD offers the following:

  • 6.6L V8 Duramax L5P diesel engine making 445 horsepower @ 2800 RPM and 910 horsepower @ 1600 RPM, mated to the 10-speed automatic transmission
  • 6.6L V8 L8T gasoline engine, good for 401 horsepower @ 5200 RPM and 4646 pound-feet of torque @ 4000 RPM

2022 GMC Sierra Denali 1500

The Sierra Denali 1500 and Sierra Denali HD were treated to a refresh for the 2022 model year. Said refresh included the Signature Denali chrome grille, which sits in the revised fascia design with broad, polished horizontal slats. Matching brightwork is located in the bumper, complete with twin tow hooks, while up top, we find the characteristic revised headlight treatment with revised lighting signatures.

Inside, the updated model boasts a 13.4-inch diagonal center touchscreen and 12.3-inch diagonal digital Driver Information Center. Although the new layout can be found on all 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 trim levels (with the exception of the base-model Pro), the Denali ups the ante with higher-quality materials and the latest tech features, such as authentic open-pore wood, brushed aluminum trim and Forge perforated leather seats, as well as tech features like the GM Super Cruise semi-autonomous drive system and a multicolor 15-inch diagonal Head-Up Display.

2024 GMC Denali Ultimate HD

Additionally, the GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate was first introduced for the 2022 model year in both Sierra 1500 and Sierra HD guise. The Denali Ultimate trim boasts a number of features not offered on the “regular” Denali, such as “Vader Chrome” brightwork outside. Inside, Denali Ultimate models feature Forge perforated leather seat trim and intricate topographical designs embedded in both the upholstery and wood trim, commemorating the Denali peak itself.

GMC Sierra EV Denali

2024 GMC Sierra Denali EV

The GMC Sierra EV debuted on October 20th, 2022, in Detroit, Michigan, where it was touted as the “Denali of EVs.” The first models are known as the GMC Denali EV Edition 1 (E1). Similar to the GMC Hummer EV Pickup and SUV, the Sierra EV id underpinned by the GM BT1 platform, cradling GM Ultium battery tech and GM Ultium drive motor tech for motivation. Production of the E1 model is handled GM Factory Zero plant in Michigan, while future GMC Sierra EVs will be produced at the GM Lake Orion plant in Michigan.

The EV pickup is capable of up to 754 horsepower and 785 pound-feet of torque when Max Power mode is activated. The all-electric propulsion system also supports quick-charge capabilities, regaining approximately 100 miles of range in about 10 minutes using a 350kW fast charger at applicable charging stations.

The all-electric pickup offers a GM-estimated range of 440 miles. Further updates were announced for towing and payload capacities. The GMC Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 towing capacity is rated at a maximum of 10,000 pounds, an increase of 500 pounds compared to initial estimates, while payload capacity is rated at 1,450 pounds, an increase of 150 pounds compared to initial estimates.

Deliveries of the Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 are expected to commence in Summer 2024. Dealers began taking orders in March 2024.

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Sales

See Sierra sales numbers for global markets.

Discussion

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