GMC Sierra 1500 4WD Crew Cab Denali (2021)
In a crowded market space for full-sized pickup trucks, the GMC 1500 tries to stand out from the rest and that’s a tough thing to do. It’s impossible to look around and not notice the number of Ford F150’s, GMC 1500’s and for that matter, Toyota Tacoma’s, when driving to any destination. This is a coveted and highly profitable market segment that has perennially been dominated by the ubiquitous Ford F150 family of trucks and GM wants a piece of the action. Since refreshing the design for model year 2019, GMC has done a great job making the 1500 a better-looking truck, offering nice touches and amenities that the others may not offer.
There is a noticeably large front grill, that denotes toughness and presence, the side profile is stylized and modern looking and at the rear, our favorite feature of the truck. A cool tailgate system that GMC calls Multipro, offering plenty of versatility, for example, a gate-within-a-gate as well as the multiple cameras that help when towing or simply parking in a tight space. This test Sierra 1500 truck, brought with it the optional ($1,070.00) Carbonpro Edition, this is a carbon inner bed that creates a larger, lighter and ultra-strong bed. Something unique to the Denali 1500.
Inside the cabin, there is generous space all around for both the front and rear seat passengers. For those sitting in the rear, there is a 60/40 folding bench seat with storage under it. Floor is flat and easy to load/unload items you would rather keep inside instead of in the bed. Front seats are 10-way power and offer ventilation. 
The 8” infotainment system is easy to learn and use, thanks in part, to the large knobs and buttons throughout the center dash. The interior fit and finish is pretty good but considering the premium price for this model, we thought GMC could do better. Sure, there are some nice touches with the interior trim pieces, but the overall interior just didn’t feel premium enough for me.
The engines offered range from the 2.7 liter four cylinder, 4.3 liter V6, 5.3 liter V8 and the big-dog of the group, the 6.2 liter V8 which is what our test Denali 1500 had. Steering is smooth and direct, not a lot of feedback though. 
Brakes are powerful and reassuring, we even tried the brakes aggressively a few times and came away impressed. One of the things we liked the most in addition to the Multipro tailgate, is the whisper quiet cabin, thanks in part to the large amounts of sound deadening material used, this together with what GMC calls Denali Premium Suspension with Adaptive Ride Control, made for a serene and comfortable ride, regardless of the speed.
So, what’s the verdict? In a competitive and some say, crowded market space, the Denali 1500 holds its own. Thumbs up GMC.
Comparables: Ford F150, Dodge Ram, Toyota Tacoma
The Essentials:
MSRP: $58,700.00 MSRP (As Tested): $72,360.00
Fuel Economy (Observed): 17.4 MPG
Engine: 6.2 Liter Ecotec V8, 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet together with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Popular Options: 22” High Gloss Black Wheels (2,995.00), White Frost Tricoat: ($1,095.00) and the 6.2 liter V8 engine: ($2,495.00)
Please Visit: www.gmc.com
*Photos furnished by GMC
