Newsweek Finds the Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate as Luxurious as a Pickup Can Be

Newsweek is not the usual source car buyers often go to for pickup truck reviews. However, occasionally, they take a look at what is still one of our biggest industries and one of the most significant expenses for most of their readers. Their recent article begins by discussing how pickup trucks “have long been the bouncy, loud, inefficient workhorse vehicles of the 20th century.” To see how much things have changed, they set out for the most luxurious pickup truck they could find, and that brought them to the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate. Valley GMC recounts some of their findings.

The Denali Ultimate Exterior Stands Out

Newsweek starts by pointing out that the Denali Ultimate exterior stands out from the rest of the model line with its available 22-inch wheels, dark chrome for the GMC badge and other dark exterior trim, and the texture of the fender cladding that displays parts of the topographical map of Mount Denali. They point out that all Denali Ultimate models feature the Crew Cab/short box configuration, and standard features include the impressively versatile Multi-Pro tailgate, adaptive suspension, and power assist steps, which they deem a must if small children are going to be passengers.

Gas vs Diesel

They discuss the standard 3.0-liter turbodiesel Inline-6 engine choices with its 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque. Unlike several journalists from automotive publications, Newsweek seemed to prefer the 6.2-liter EcoTec V8 with its 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, preferring its sound and not liking the smell of diesel fuel, presumably when refueling.

Blizzard Offers Off-Pavement Testing

Testing the Denali Ultimate during a Michigan blizzard, they had the chance to put the four-wheel drive system through its paces. Keeping it in Automatic or 4WD High most of the time, the truck made its way through unplowed roads with ease.

The Denali Ultimate’s many cameras were praised for the assistance rendered while parking. After describing SuperCruise, they pointed out that the blizzard they were experiencing kept the system from activating due to snow on the roads and snow caked on its camera and sensors, reducing visibility.

A Coddling Cabin

Of course, the true test of luxury is in the cabin, which their review states: “As with all GMC Denalis, the interior is excellent, this one with beautiful-looking dark brown leather, which matched its brown wood trim elements. Topographical maps of Mount Denali were featured on the dashboard and seats, matching the topographical elements on the exterior.” Attention was given to the one-touch seat massage function, which they said became a habit to activate whenever they climbed aboard.

And Then, There’s the Price

The Denali Ultimate’s $82,500 starting price, which they point out, is a long way from the Sierra 1500 model line’s $43,000 starting price. Still, they indicate that the pricing is not unusual among other luxury pickup trucks and conclude, “If new truck buyers want luxury, the GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate is the perfect place to start shopping.” We agree and add that the perfect place to do that shopping is Valley GMC.