Just like its predecessor, the Sierra Denali sits at the top of the GMC Sierra lineup, itself a more upscale version of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The fourth-generation pickup truck broke cover in March 2018, a few months after Chevrolet debuted the new-generation Silverado it is based on.

At the forefront of the premium pickup market since 1999, the GMC Sierra Denali steps into a new generation with redesigned everything. Larger and bolder, the truck benefits from new state-of-the-art technology, and a new transmission. It also boasts many industry-first features, including a carbon-fiber box, a multi-function tailgate, and a rear-view camera. Power continues to come from the familiar 5.3- and 6.2-liter V-8s, despite the fact that GMC just introduced a diesel V-6 option for the regular Sierra.

2019 GMC Sierra Denali

Specifications
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  • Model: 2019 GMC Sierra Denali
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Pros
Cons

2019 GMC Sierra Denali Exterior

- Bigger and bolder look - Larger chrome grille - C-shaped headlamps - Body-colored bumpers - 22-inch wheels - MultiPro tailgate - Carbon-fiber box

We've already seen the regular Sierra, so the Denali version doesn't take us by surprise one bit. The C-shaped headlamps were carried over from the previous generation, but the units are taller and feature squared elements under the lens. The outer edge is highlighted by a thin LED strip. Down below, the bumper is finished in the same color as the body, a Denali-exclusive feature, just like the bright-chrome appearance of the grille. The LED headlamps and fog lamps are standard on this model.

Onto the sides, the Denali stands out compared to the regular Sierra by just a handful of features. There's "Denali" lettering on the lower doors, extra chrome on the mirror cars, and 20-inch aluminum wheels. GMC offers larger, 22-inch rollers if you want an extra dose of bling. Around back, the premium look is further enhanced by a body-colored bumper and integrated, rectangular exhaust pipes in a bright, polished finish.

Beyond these Denali-specific features, the truck is also fitted with GMC's MultiPro Tailgate. An industry-first feature, it's the most complex tailgate design ever with six different functions and positions, including second-tier and load-stop solutions. It can also become a standing workstation and provides easier access to the items carried in the box.

This option replaces the standard steel inner panels with carbon-fiber, also shaving off around 62 pounds off the truck. Skip the carbon box, and you'll get a traditional bed made from high-strength steel, which according to GMC is 50-percent stronger than usual.

2019 GMC Sierra Denali Interior

- Three inches of extra legroom - Premium leather - Open-pore wood trim - Dark-finish aluminum - Eight-inch infotainment - ProGrade Trailering System - Rear Camera Mirror

Much like any new-generation vehicle, the latest GMC Sierra benefits from a wide range of upgrades and novelties, starting with a roomier rear passenger section.

There's also a ton of new tech to talk about. Fortunately, GMC includes many of the optional features as standard with the Denali trim, on top of the Denali-exclusive materials and items. For starters, the seats come wrapped in premium Forge leather, while the dash and door panels feature authentic open-pore wood trim and dark-finish aluminum inserts. All of them are exclusive to the "Denali" badge, and you can't order them on another Sierra model.

The truck also includes GMC's latest infotainment system with eight-inch touchscreen, embedded navigation, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility.

It has customizable profiles that can be stored in the cloud, voice recognition, and downloadable apps like Spotify, USA Today, and FOX Sports. The seven-speaker Bose premium system with Richbass Woofer is also standard.

It includes an in-vehicle Trailering App which uses sensors and camera to help ease all stages of the towing process. Features include customized trailer profiles, pre-departure checklists, assistance while checking external lights, and a trailer tire pressure monitoring system. An industry-first smartphone app allows you to operate and monitor the entire process from your phone.

Finally, GMC added a Rear Camera Mirror that gives you the option of using a traditional inside rearview mirror or a rearview camera mirror display. This system features the ability for zoom and vertical tilt adjustment and comes in handy when carrying rear-seat passengers or large items in the cargo box. Rear Camera Mirror is a segment-first feature.

2019 GMC Sierra Denali Drivetrain

- Standard 5.3-liter V-8 - Optional 6.2-liter V-8 - Up to 420 horsepower - No diesel option - 10-speed automatic transmission - Adaptive suspension - Two-speed transfer case - Improved brakes

Of course, the new-generation truck benefits from a number of upgrades.

Opt for the standard drivetrain and your Sierra Denali carries a 5.3-liter V-8 under the hood. Shared with the Chevy's and GMC's large SUVs, the mill cranks out 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque and features the brand's latest start/stop and cylinder deactivation technologies. An eight-speed automatic transfers all that oomph to the wheels.

Optionally, you can replace the 5.3-liter with a 6.2-liter V-8. GMC takes great pride in this engine, as it's the largest and most powerful in this segment, despite having no extra power compared to its predecessor. It generates 420 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. These figures are identical in other vehicles from GM, including the GMC Yukon Denali and Cadillac Escalade.

So is the 6.2-liter the largest and most powerful in its class? Not really. While it is indeed the largest, neither Ford nor Ram offer a unit bigger than 5.7 liters; it's less powerful than the range-topping version of Ford's 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6, which delivers 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Sure, this engine is found in the F-150 Raptor, a higher-performance version of Ford's truck, but it competes in the same segment theoretically. If we remove high-performance vehicles from the equation, then yes, GMC's 6.2-liter V-8 is indeed the most powerful in its class.

The engine also features Dynamic Fuel Management, a cylinder deactivation system that enables it to operate in 17 different patterns between two and eight cylinders to optimize power delivery and efficiency.

GMC also offers a 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel in the regular Sierra, but this unit can't be ordered with the Denali trim.

The system uses real-time monitoring of the road and driver inputs to adjust the dampers every two milliseconds.

Next up is the all-new Traction Select System, which allows drivers to choose from an array of drive modes that have been conceived for different terrain or weather conditions. Each mode adjusts the truck's transmission shift points, throttle mapping, and StabiliTrak to optimize performance for each situation. It also reacts with the Adaptive Ride Control to further refine the ride.

It's designed to deliver the right blend of refinement and efficiency for everyday use, so it's more than suitable for city driving in slow or moderate traffic. Next up is Sport, in which the transmission downshifts quicker in order to keep the engine in its peak powerband, while the steering becomes more direct and sporty.

The third mode, Snow, optimizes the drivetrain for wintry weather. This mode is only available on two-wheel-drive models. The fourth mode is called Off-Road and speaks for itself. Designed for use for higher-speed driving on non-paved surfaces, it has the same accelerator calibration as Snow Mode but allows a bit more wheel slip than on dry surfaces thanks to specific traction controls settings.

Finally, there's Tow/Haul, which modifies the transmission calibration, so that shift points are higher, allowing the engine to deliver peak power. Downshifts also come earlier in order to reduce wear on brake components. This mode also engages Grade Braking functionality for more efficient braking on long, downhill stretches.

Other upgrades include the Autotrac two-Speed Transfer Case for improved torque at low speeds, a new electro-hydraulic power brake boost system for smoother brake pedal feel when the bed is loaded or when trailering, and a four-wheel disc brake system with larger diameter rotors and calipers.

2019 GMC Sierra Denali Prices

Pricing for the Sierra Denali starts from $54,395, a $25,395 premium over the base truck. For this amount you get the short box model with two-wheel drive and the 5.3-liter V-8 engine. Opt for the standard box, four-wheel drive, and the 6.2-liter V-8 and the sticker jumps to $60,290. For the 2018 model year, GMC offers a $3,000 cash allowance, so you can order a Sierra Denali for as low as $51,395.

2019 GMC Sierra Denali Competition

Ford F-150

While it doesn't have a specific luxury model line, Ford offers a couple of trim with more premium features on the F-150 truck. For example, the Platinum version adds quite a few luxury items over the less expensive models. Highlights include auto start/stop technology, a 10-speed transmission with four modes, and polished 20-inch aluminum wheels. It also boasts leather-wrapped bucket front seats, dual-zone climate control, and an eight-inch infotainment display. Just like the Denali, it has body-colored bumpers, a satin chrome grille, LED lights all around, heated side mirrors and numerous safety features. Go with the range-topping Limited trim, and you also get 22-inch wheels, heated rear seats, voice-activated navigation, 360-degree camera, rain-sensing wipers, and the Technology Package. Engine options are numerous and range from the 290-horsepower and 265-pound-foot 3.3-liter V-6 to the 395-horsepower and 400-pound-foot 5.0-liter V-8. In between, you can find a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 rated at 325 horsepower and 400 pound-feet and the 3.5-liter EcoBoost rated at 375 horses and 470 pound-feet. Transmission choices include six-speed and ten-speed automatics. The F-150 Platinum starts from $54,485, while the F-150 Limited retails from $61,360.

Read our full review of the 2018 Ford F-150.

Ram 1500

Redesigned for the 2019 model year, the Ram 1500 boasts a more aerodynamic and aggressive exterior design with wraparound headlamps and a new grille with "Ram" lettering instead of the traditional "cross-hair" grille. The cabin was redesigned from the ground up and includes a 12-inch touchscreen, a first for the pickup truck market. The full center console, optional on lower and mid-grade trims and standard on upper trims, adds movable cup holders, a wireless phone charger, storage for a 15-inch laptop, and five USB ports. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard as in any modern vehicle. Power comes from either a 3.6-liter V-6 with 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet and a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 with 395 horses and 410 pound-feet. Models that can compete with the Sierra Denali include the Laramie Longhorn and the Limited. The former includes features like 20-inch wheels, premium leather seats, chrome side steps, genuine wood, and metal trim. The massive 12-inch display is optional. The range-topping Limited model adds the 12-inch touchscreen, Blind Spot Monitoring with Trailer Detection, Active-Level air suspension, and the wireless charging pad, among other features. Prices start from $52,935 for the Laramie Longhorn and from $55,535 for the Limited version.

Read our full story on the 2019 Ram 1500.

Conclusion

While both Ford and Ram offer premium versions of their trucks, it's GMC that started the trend almost two decades ago. For this reason alone GMC needs to up the ante with every redesign and facelift. Thankfully, the new-generation Sierra Denali lives up to expectations with many industry-first features, state-of-the-art tech, a carbon-fiber box, and a number of convenience items you can't get from the competition. Sure, Ford and Ram made big improvements to their range-topping models in recent years, but GMC remains the go-to brand when it comes to luxury pickup trucks. The only downside here is that the Sierra Denali becomes expensive with the fancy options and that GMC doesn't offer the diesel engine with the Denali trim.

Further Reading

Read our full review on the 2019 GMC Sierra.

Read more GMC news.