What is it: The GMC Sierra Denali pickup is the slightly hoity-toitier version of the Chevy Silverado and for 2019 it’s new. The Denali gets adaptive ride control and the most powerful V8 in the class (a 420-hp 6.2-liter V8). It also has 3 extra inches of legroom over the previous model.
Key Competitors: Ford F-150, Ram 1500, Chevrolet Silverado
Base Price: $59,495 As-Tested Price: $67,735
Full review: 2019 GMC Sierra first drive
Highlights: The Denali is the top trim of the GMC Sierra with extra chrome on the grille and bumper. The coolest thing about this pickup is the new tailgate that flips, folds and pivots to become a shelf, a seat or a load stop. GMC also offers a carbon fiber bed, though this particular truck doesn’t have that option. In addition to the two V8s currently available, a 3.0-liter turbodiesel is coming later.
Our Opinion: I just drove the Silverado High Country a week ago and this Sierra Denali is about equal to that truck in price and equipment. They both have the big, honkin’ 6.2-liter V8 making 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Our Sierra tester had the 10-speed automatic and as with the Chevy, it’s unremarkable, which is the best thing you can say about it.
The Sierra Denali is fast anywhere in the rev range and makes a nice roar when getting up to speed. Chevy seems to have sorted out this ten-speed automatic too, which was a little glitchy when it first launched.
Like the Silverado, the Sierra is pretty bouncy unloaded. I didn’t have any truck-specific work to do over the weekend so it stayed that way. On the expressway it sort of jiggles you around, in a bad way. On the other hand, over big bumps, potholes, curbs, it’s unfazed. The steering too, is better than I expected, both in effort and in accuracy. That setup combined with the big V8 make for a surprisingly sporty drive.
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