When it comes to pickup trucks, no other state in the union has an appetite for or utility of trucks like we do here in Texas. Whether its hauling materials to a job site or dressing up for a night on the town, trucks are King in the Lone Star State. For years, GMC trucks have been a staple throughout Texas’ various metroplexes, the rolling limestone of the hill country, the sandy coastlines and beaches, and our high desert mountains. The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali is the latest iteration in a series of pedigreed trucks in a state where trucks are just as important as a quality pair of boots.
GMC’s Sierra 1500 Denali has a striking, bold front end that’s also refined.
My test truck was the pinnacle of GMC’s 1500 series truck lineup: the Denali. Available in several powertrain options including a venerable 6.2L V8 and 3.0L Duramax Turbo diesel, each variant features a 10-speed automatic transmission that’s smooth and precise. I spent the week driving the 6.2L V8 variant and to say it’s loaded with power is an understatement. It’s a strong platform that’s throaty, packs a punch, and a workhorse whether you’re hauling lumber, working on that next DIY project, or fancying a drive around town. The 3.0L Duramax Turbo diesel is also exceptional and while I’ve not driven the Sierra Denali with that powertrain, I’ve driven several other GMC products with the “baby” diesel and it has become one of my favorite powertrains available in the U.S., providing gobs of torque, virtually no turbo lag, and is super quiet. You don’t realize you’re driving a diesel when driving with the 3.0L Duramax.
GMC’s 6.2L V8 in the Sierra Denali packs a punch in a relatively small package.
One of my favorite features of this model year’s Sierra 1500 Denali is its tailgate. Not only is it highlighted as the first six-function multipro tailgate, opening in a variety of positions depending on need, my test truck also had a Kicker-branded Bluetooth speaker integrated into the tailgate along with volume controls and a USB/Auxiliary input. It looks and functions fantastic and sets the truck apart from its competition, and can be opened using the key fob or from a button on the tailgate. Additionally, the tailgate is super lightweight and can be closed without strain.
The cargo area of the Sierra 1500 Denali features 12 available tie-down points and 500lb capacity in each corner of the bed. The sprayed-in bedliner is tough and durable, providing exceptional protection for the roll-formed steel bed floor. The corner step rear bumper helps aid in loading your gear and other goods into the bed, and the bed itself features a 110W outlet to power your tools whether at the job site or on your driveway.
GMC’s Sierra 1500 Denali has a ton of cargo capacity ranging from 62.9 cubic feet to the 89.1 cubic feet in my test truck.
Inside, the cabin is roomy, comfortable, and thoughtfully laid out with a center console large enough to hold a purse, a small cooler, or a couple powertools. It has a ton of volume and yet flows nicely with the layout of the truck. The materials are refined with premium leather seats and headrests, and real open-pore ash wood trim. There’s also adequate storage space under the rear seats to keep valuables out of sight while maximizing interior cargo needs.
The heads-up display shows important info that’s placed perfectly without hindering your line of sight, and the rear camera mirror provides a wide view of what’s behind you in a crystal clear viewing experience that’s easily switched from camera to traditional rearview mirror.
For those who use your truck to pull a trailer, the GMC Sierra 1500 Denali’s in-vehicle trailering app allows for five custom trailer profiles based on trailer type, brand, and hitch type. It’s super easy to dial in based on need and works in conjunction with the rear camera to provide jacknife alerts and additional functionality that’s second to none.
GMC’s infotainment system continues to be one of my favorite in the truck/SUV realm given its intuitive functionality in a size that’s not too small yet not too big, available in a 7” or 8” touchscreen option. Plus, it has Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and WiFi 4G LTE hotspot capability, making it easy to connect devices and use them whether on or off the grid. There are also a variety of safety features, including a safety alert seat that vibrates gently when you’re traveling too close to another vehicle or an obstacle has entered your perimeter. It’s super intelligent and offers piece of mind when behind the wheel.
A voluminous center console also houses the rear seat warmers, A/C vents, and USB/Auxiliary charging ports.
What’s there not to like about the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali? To be honest, there’s nothing I would change about this truck. The crew cab and cargo bed, along with the absolute best tailgate in the industry and technology that delivers so much functionality and safety features, makes this truck hard to beat. Other than Ford’s F-150 Hybrid featuring an on-board power generator, the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali may be one of my favorite full-sized trucks currently available. It looks tough yet refined and delivers every part of what you’d expect from a truck for work or play.
In short, the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali is a serious truck for those who are serious about their trucks. With a starting price of $55,800, it passes a litmus test of which the Lone Star state is known for setting a high bar for at a cost that won’t require a second mortgage.
