When you hear about a heavy-duty full-size pickup, you might picture a vinyl seats and bare bones work truck. Not so with the GMC Sierra 2500 Denali.
Yes, it is very large and ready to do hard work. But its leather-covered powered seats show its soft side by providing comfort for a long haul.
There’s space to stretch out if you choose the crew cab — with ample head and legroom for passengers sitting upfront or in the back seat. Interior quality has improved with this redesign. It’s still not as nice as the competition, but it is closer than before.
The cabin lets in less noise than compared to a few years ago. And the technology is a step up for 2021, with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android auto means no more cords.
A heavy-duty truck should be able to work and the optional Duramax turbo diesel engine will happily oblige. With 445hp and over 900 lbs-ft of torque, it yawned at the tractor I hauled for 250 miles. I have driven other diesel pickups, but the Sierra 2500 seemed quicker.
The Allison transmission knows the proper gear to be in for the situation. If you’re moving up from a light duty truck, expect it to take a few minutes to get used to the added size of the larger vehicle. The ride has vastly improved with the redesign but you will feel the bumps more than in a Sierra 1500.
The GMC Sierra 2500 Denali make its presence known with a bold face. A massive grill is front and center and this big truck is loaded with chrome. The updated look is very appealing. It looks more upscale and stands out from the Chevy version.
The GMC has some clever cutouts at the front and back of the bed to help load and grab items from the bed without having to climb in. The GMC Multipro tailgate opens, closes and has six unique configurations that are very helpful.
Cost: $64,900; as tested $78,775
MPG: Vehicles in the class are not rated. I managed 16.2 mpg in 572 miles of mixed driving and hauling.
Options: $9,750 Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel; $2,270 Denali ultimate package; $545 gooseneck/5th wheel prep package; $195 Onyx black paint.
Safety: front & rear park assist; adaptive cruise control; multicolor head-up display; rear camera mirror; automatic emergency braking; lane change alert with side blind zone alert; forward collision alert; following distance indicator; IntelliBeam headlamp control; rear cross traffic alert; safety alert seat; HD surround vision with two trailer camera provisions.
Things to know: The GMC Sierra 2500 Denali is a sharp looking work machine that ups its luxury and technology game to compete in the HD truck market.
Pros:
- Turbo diesel engine improves the MPG and allows the truck to haul heavy trailers
- Nice driving, with a comfortable and quiet cabin
- Handsome and bold styling helps this big truck standout
Cons:
- Gets pricey with higher trim levels and optional diesel engine
- Improved interior but there are still cheaper trim pieces
- HD ride is improved but not as smooth as light duty trucks
