WASHINGTON — The full-size truck class is a lucrative market, which means the stakes are so high that manufacturers can no longer afford to not update these models frequently. GMC is already updating the Sierra; Chevrolet is doing the same with the Silverado after just two years.
GMC’s Denali is the top trim level on their product line, and they’ve sold more than 800,000 Denali models across the entire line since 1999.
For the 2016 model year, the Sierra Denali has new front-end styling and a new grill design just for the Denali to help set it apart from other Sierra models. The Denali has a more commanding appearance than before, with the large grill and modern-looking LED headlights, both of which help move the styling forward. The large 20-inch polished aluminum wheels give the big pickup a bit more pizzazz on the side view, and help fill those bulging fender flares.
One thing you notice right off: no running boards. But look closely and you’ll see power assist steps that retract out of the way once the door closes. Some cutouts in the rear bumper serve as helpful steps up into the bed — a must for a full-size truck.
The Denali trim level also has an upscale interior, with near-luxury car levels of refinement — fitting for a $60,000 truck. That’s serious money, and the interior doesn’t disappoint, with big, comfortable front bucket seats that are covered in high quality leather, heated and ventilated. The rear seat has plenty of space for three adults and the seat bottoms fold up to reveal extra cargo space.
Other nice touches include a heated steering wheel and wireless charging for some phones; with Apple Carplay, some of your phone can show up on the dash. Some other features — many USB ports and power outlets, a WI-FI hot spot to run seven devices at a time — help make this a good office on wheels.
The NAV seemed to work pretty well — much better than in my old Silverado. The Bluetooth is easy to connect and the Bose audio system sounds good. I did wonder why I had to use a key in a $60,000 truck: Where is the push button start? There is no unlock/lock without the remote. It turns out it’s a bit of an oversight on this luxury truck.
Two V8 engines are available, and my tester came with the optional 6.2L V8 with 420 hp, which helps move this big boy with authority. It also sounds pretty good when pushed. An 8-speed automatic does its best to help with fuel economy. I managed 16.4 mpg, a little under the combined 17 mpg the sticker says, but I put this ride to work hauling heavy things and on multiple runs to the dump, so it took a hit.
The ride for a truck is pretty good, and it’s quieter than most trucks. You really only notice it’s a truck on large bumps or craters, but the bed doesn’t shake and the rear end doesn’t have that strange shudder or bounce others can get when they’re empty. This is a large vehicle, so you need to be careful when parking and maneuvering in tight spaces, but it doesn’t drive as big as it is.
The 2016 Sierra Denali is a high-end truck that can tow more than 11,000 pounds and do it with the comfort of a luxury car. With different looks and some new technology, the new Sierra Denali helps set itself apart from other trucks in its class.
