GMC’s Sierra Denali hauls it all with style
LUXURY ... UTILITY » what else do you need in a flagship?
We’ve reviewed just about every heavy-duty pickup on the market today, including the RAM, Silverado and F-250 — so how could we leave out the Sierra?
Let’s take a look at the luxurious 2020 GMC Sierra Denali HD 2500 4WD.
On a smooth trip through the Worcester hills and the mountainous terrain of eastern Connecticut, the Sierra Denali HD verifies this truck is meant to be driven, conquering any terrain and topping the charts in doing so. The 2500 Denali HD balances luxury and strength at the same time.
Sharing a Chevrolet Silverado frame, GMC developed some additional swagger and features in the Denali. With serious chrome accents, a crisper interior and fine-stitched embroidered leather seating for five, the Sierra Denali is sleek. In our tester, the $545 Gooseneck/5th-wheel package is ready to haul your trailer or camper easily and as often as possible.
Motoring our Carbon Black Metallic Sierra is a $9,750 option, a 6.6L V8 Duramax turbo diesel engine matched with a smooth Allison transmission. Shifts are seamless. Capable of towing 14,500 lbs., the 445 horsepower is noticeable and does the job perfectly, quietly and with no limits. Torque comes in at just over 900 footpounds and has no problem with the everyday get up and go. A 36-gallon fuel tank was great for long hauls as well, limiting the need for stops. We averaged just over 600 miles on a full tank.
Notably on the GMC Sierra Denali HD is a couple of really cool options for everyday hauling or towing. The newly designed automatic Multipro tailgate makes tailgating fun as the tailgate splits into a seat for comfort, or as a step to access the bed without climbing. An exhaust brake, utilizing the motor, assists with slowing the vehicle down when towing or hauling cargo; it worked great. And finally, the Flagship Denali Ultimate package, for only $2,870 more, is well worth the expense. The package adds a trove of safety goodies and other niceties such as a wheel and tire upgrades.
With family members who have always liked GMC trucks for their everyday driving, hauling and casual towing to the campground or racetrack, the Sierra Denali HD stands out. It all makes sense now why my father has recently purchased his new 2020 GMC Sierra Elevation in Pacific Blue, because clearly he knows what’s best. And yes, he had to have the X31 package, I mean, you have to have dual-exhaust on a pickup, right?
GMC Sierra Denali HD
MSRP: $63,700 As Tested: $78,455 MPG: 17.9 as tested