GMC Canyon Denali Is The Luxury Midsize Pickup

While not every competitor has developed as clearly a defined luxury sub-brand as GMC’s Denali, every full-size truck manufacturer has a luxury truck. So, while the full-size luxury truck is established in their respective markets, what about a midsize luxury truck? Does a mid-size luxury truck make sense? Valley GMC looks at the GMC Canyon Denali for an answer.

Anyone familiar with GMC of late will know that a Canyon Denali will be the model line’s most luxurious truck. However, the Canyon model line is something of an anomaly in that the Denali is not its most expensive model. That honor goes to the Canyon AT4X, which is about $4,500 more than the Denali’s starting MSRP of $51,000. That price puts the Canyon Denali square between the Sierra 1500 Pro and the next step up, the Sierra 1500 SLE, with a starting MSRP of $55,295. If the luxurious Canyon costs between those two nice but less equipped models, the real question is if you really need the extra size of the Sierra 1500. 

Upper Canyon vs Lower Sierra

Adding more relevance to the question is that the Canyon Denali, and all Canyon models, are powered by the same 310 horsepower 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine that is standard in the Sierra 1500 Pro, SLE, and Elevation trims. However, optional engines for the Sierra models are available. If you don’t need every last cubic foot in the cargo bed or don’t plan on schlepping adults in the back seat across the country and wouldn’t mind some room around the vehicle in the garage, the Canyon Denali should be worth your consideration.

Nicely Detailed No-nonsense Looks

The exterior of the Canyon Denali benefits from the great lines of the entire Canyon line. Everything about it communicates “Strong, capable truck” without overdoing it. The front end doesn’t pose a mean snarl grimace, nor is it smiley, but rather a straightforward upright rectangle with different detailing depending on trim. The Denali features an elegant but straightforward chrome-trimmed horizontal theme. The chrome is echoed in the mirror caps, door angles, and a bright finish on the entry step. The standard 20-inch wheels have an attractive six-split spoke design. The look is appealing and well-designed without unduly calling attention to itself.

First Class Cabin

As should be the case, it is the interior where the Denali makes clear this is no typical pickup truck. The 11.3 center touchscreen is easy to read and reach while looking proportional to the interior and not overwhelming it. Nor is it just stuck on top of the dash but well integrated into the design. Below is a complete set of physical controls for the climate control system with knobs where knobs work best and other controls that can all be operated easily with gloved hands. 

Behind a handsome 4-spoke steering wheel is an 11-inch digital driver information center with rich, useful graphics. Above that is a 6.3-inch color head-up display displaying your choice of information that can be seen without taking your eyes off the road. All this is set before a visually pleasing dash surface that combines a soft leather finish with a diamond-quilted accent and laser-etched, open-pore wood trim. 

The front seats feature perforated leather and are both heated and ventilated with 6-way power adjustability. Find your perfect position, and then enjoy the standard 7-speaker Bose audio system. It is a first-class experience you will appreciate every time you get in the truck.

Even the Bed Has Extras

The tailgate swings down in a smooth, damped manner. Smaller items you want to carry with you but don’t want unsecured in the bed can be kept in the storage area within the standard Multi-Stow tailgate. The bed itself will look good for years with the standard spray-on bedliner. Hopefully, you will never have to use it, but should the time come, you will appreciate the full-size spare on its own 20” alloy wheel.

In short, if you don’t really need a full-size truck, the Canyon Denali will look great, feel great, and likely do everything you ask of it with ease. Pay a visit to Valley GMC and take a look at the Canyon Denali yourself.