The GMC Sierra is a popular pickup truck that comes in a variety of configurations. We’ve talked about the Sierra many times here at Drive Mode. But we haven’t gone in depth on the Sierra Denali Ultimate.
The Denali name has already earned a reputation as the pinnacle of luxury truck fitments. To the point that many people ignore the truck’s actual name and just refer to it as “Denali.” But as competitors began to get close to or even match the Denali’s luxury, GMC decided a new version was needed. And so, in 2022, a new top-tier model for the truck, the Sierra Denali Ultimate, arrived.
The standard Denali package for the Sierra 1500 includes an adaptive suspension for improved ride comfort, a spray-in bed liner, Bose audio, 20-inch alloy wheels, power-retractable side steps, auto-dimming mirrors, a power-sliding rear window, and a whole bunch of luxury fitments that include leather upholstery and added chrome highlights. Building on that, the Denali Ultimate adds 22-inch wheels, a carbon-fiber composite bed, a head-up display, and more speakers for the premium Bose audio. Plus General’s Motors’ new SuperCruise highway semi-self-driving system and 3 years of OnStar Premium Plan access.
Engine options for the Denali Ultimate package include the 6.2-liter V8 gasoline (420 horsepower) or the 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel (305 hp). We drove the gas option and found it to be very well done, but we’d prefer the diesel for its smoother power delivery. It’s a choice based on preference, though, as either engine is a great option for the Sierra. Neither of the low-end options, the 2.7-liter turbo-four or the 5.3L V8 are available in the Denali Ultimate. We’re not fans of either of those engines anyway.
The Denali Ultimate is not, of course, cheap. It’s the most luxurious truck you can buy and is priced accordingly. The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali starts at about $69,000 and the Denali Ultimate at $84,500.
On the road, the 2024 Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate drives like a luxury SUV, with a good road feel and easy throttle dynamics. Around town, the truck has bulk and that’s felt in the parking lot, but it’s pretty maneuverable for its size. We like the acceleration feel out of the stoplight and the solid braking the truck provides. Visibility is also very good thanks to the smart use of side mirrors and cameras. The smaller side mirrors thanks to this tech means less wind noise on the highway and easier parking lot spacing.
The GMC Sierra is already a good truck and the range-topping Denali Ultimate puts it at the top when it comes to luxury options.
This article originally appeared on DriveModeShow.com.
