​​What Sets the GMC Sierra 2500 HD Denali and Denali Ultimate Above the Rest​

When it comes to luxury HD trucks, any manufacturer can add leather, a big screen, and some technological wizardry, and they do. The Sierra HD Denali is a prime example of how to make an HD truck feel like a luxury ride, even if you sit in it with your eyes closed (not recommended for drivers). The same applies, of course, to the Denali Ultimate, which is the Denali with most of the option boxes checked. Valley GMC explains what makes this capable truck so special. 

Towing often prompts people to upgrade from a half-ton to an HD pickup truck, and the Denali trim recognizes this by making its top towing engine, the 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel V8, standard. It delivers 470 horsepower and an impressive 975 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed transmission, the Denali has a maximum towing capacity of 19,900 pounds and a Gross Combined Weight Rating of 24,500 pounds.   

The combination amounts to what Motor Trend described in a review as “one of the smoothest heavy-duty powertrains on the road.” They describe the Ram Inline-6 Cummins diesel and 6—speed automatic as a “farm tractor in comparison.” Even Ford’s more powerful turbodiesel, also paired with a 10-speed automatic, which still doesn’t match the silky shifts of the Sierra HD. The Sierra HD is described simply as “a huge leap forward for the drivability of a diesel engine.” At the same time, they praised the steering, “with precise and confident steering inputs to the road, and we felt the same confidence translate to towing at highway speeds.” Enthusiast site Car Pro said this of their experience: “The truck rides great, the cabin is super quiet, and there is very little discernible noise coming from the big diesel engine.” 

So sure, you can add fancy items to an HD truck, but GMC’s expertise shows how to make the refinement and sophistication a holistic experience. 

GMC also knows how to handle the exterior. The front-end styling is quite simple, with the large rectangular grille taking center stage, flanked by LED headlights and DRLs. Unlike the face of the F250, it doesn’t overcomplicate things with multiple layers of lights, grill trim, and more lights. Also, neither Ford, Ram, nor Toyota has been able to match the versatility of the Multi-Pro tailgate, which features a built-in tailgate-wide step and various cargo-carrying options. Just for fun, none of them can match the available kicker tailgate stereo system, which keeps you entertained while loading or unloading and helps you relax after work.  

All this is before we even step inside the cabin, where the luxury should be most evident. The full-grain leather front seats feature heating, ventilation, 16-way power adjustments, and even a massage function. Surrounding you is contrast stitching and piping, with stunning open-pore Paldro wood embellishing the dash. 

Regarding the dash, it looks like GMC designed a look specifically for the Denali and then shared that design with the lower models. It genuinely resembles a luxury vehicle’s dashboard. It’s consistent horizontal theme seems more cohesive than the Ram HD dash, while Ford appears to have taken the opposite approach, designing a dash for the base truck and trying to dress it up as much as possible.  

And the dash is more than just pretty. The 12.3-inch digital dash can be configured to your preference, and the color graphics make for an instant read. As Car Pro points out, it “will give you a plethora of information including your range, engine temperature, your battery amperage, oil pressure, a tachometer, and which 4-wheel drive mode you are currently using.” 

The 13.4-inch center infotainment screen is powered by the Google Built-in operating system, which works beautifully. The popular Google Maps app is integrated into the system, so you can still access your favorite navigation app even if your smartphone battery has died. The Google Assistant voice command system understands normal language and responds quickly. If you prefer your Apple or Android phone’s vehicle interface, they are accessible wirelessly. Any of these interfaces will activate the impressive 12-speaker Bose Audio system. And for long trips, SuperCruise is simply the best system of its kind in the industry, with automatic lane changes and effective use while towing. 

Of course, the cabin is spacious with plenty of room for all passengers. The rear seats can fold up to create cargo space or serve as a comfortable spot for your dog to lie down or stand, which they often switch between. 

GMC describes its products as professional grade, and you can truly feel that on its flagship HD truck. See for yourself at Valley GMC by taking a test drive of the Sierra HD 2500 Denali or Denali Ultimate.