2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Expert Review
Reviewed by Alex Leanse
Think of the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali as the polar opposite of a stripped-down work truck. Although all versions of the Sierra 1500 share the same fundamental hardware, the Denali—and especially the Denali Ultimate—is loaded with luxurious details and amenities.
While some configurations of the Sierra 1500 are built for basic functionality or off-road performance, the Denali is meant for roadgoing comfort.
What’s New
- Glacier White Tricoat and Coastal Dune paint colors are now offered
- White Frost Tricoat and Thunderstorm Gray paints have been canceled
- Exhaust system recalibration is available
What We Think
The Sierra 1500 is a nice-looking, nice-driving truck in any form—but the Denali trims load on the lavishness.
At this point Denali is part of the American automotive lexicon, signifying status, quality, and capability. On the Sierra 1500, Denali means an extensive list of upscale features and equipment—and the even higher-end Denali Ultimate trim packs in yet more premium kit. Despite all of that, the Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate isn’t our favorite luxury pickup truck, especially when sitting in the somewhat uncomfortable back seat. Still, the Sierra 1500 Denali drives well, with great body control, responsive steering, and strong engines that make driving a pleasure regardless of what’s in the bed or being towed behind, though the Denali Ultimate’s standard 22-inch wheels do roughen the ride somewhat. Subjecting a truck this nice to hard-wearing pickup work seems undignified, but the Sierra 1500 Denali is great for every other type of drive—though for any GMC, the question will always remain whether sticking with Chevrolet is the more sensible choice.
Top-Ranked Competitors:
MotorTrend Tested
Regardless of which engine is chosen, the Sierra 1500 Denali is equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD.
As standard, the Sierra 1500 Denali is equipped with a 5.3-liter V-8 engine that produces 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. In MotorTrend testing, this engine provided a 0–60-mph time of 6.4 seconds. Expect fuel economy to come in at about 15/19 mpg city/highway.
Available on the Denali and standard on the Denali Ultimate is a 6.2-liter V-8 making 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. With this engine, the Sierra 1500 gets to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. Fuel economy falls to approximately 14/18 mpg.
Both the Denali and Denali Ultimate can be optioned with a Duramax 3.0-liter turbodiesel I-6 making 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque, good for a 0–60 of 7.4 seconds and fuel economy of 22/26 mpg. With the Duramax, driving range is approximately 575 miles, over 100 miles more than gas-powered Denali trucks.
Safety Ratings and Features
All versions of the Sierra 1500 Denali have driver assist and active safety features including:
- Front and rear automatic emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage
- Lane keep assist
- Adaptive cruise control
Sierra 1500 Denali Super Cruise
Super Cruise hands-free driving technology is optional on the Sierra 1500 Denali and standard on the Denali Ultimate. With it, the Sierra 1500 can steer, accelerate, and brake autonomously on approximately 750,000 miles of premapped roads in the United States and Canada.
Super Cruise won MotorTrend’s Best Tech award for driver assistance.
Bed and Cab
Although other versions of the Sierra 1500 can be had with various bed and cab configurations, every Denali and Denali Ultimate is built with a spacious four-door Crew Cab and a 5.8-foot-long short bed. On the Denali Ultimate, a carbon-composite bedliner is standard equipment.
Technology
Infotainment
A 12.3-inch digital driver’s display and 13.4-inch infotainment touchscreen are standard. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in apps from Google are included. Views of the bed and trailer hitch are provided by built-in cameras. Six USB ports are distributed throughout the cab, and there’s a wireless charging pad up front.
Sound System
A seven-speaker Bose premium audio system is included on the Denali and Denali Ultimate. Additional Bluetooth speakers built into the tailgate are optional on Denali but standard on Denali Ultimate.
Available Upgrades
On the Sierra 1500 Denali, available tech upgrades include Super Cruise, power running boards, a digital rearview mirror, and a head-up display. These features are included on the Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate.
Value
Standard Features
The Sierra 1500 Denali starts at approximately $72,000. Among its standard features are heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, perforated leather upholstery, a seven-speaker Bose audio system, and a 12.3-inch digital gauge display and 13.4-inch infotainment touchscreen.
The Sierra 1500 Denali stands out with 20-inch wheels and plenty of chrome detailing around the exterior. Magnetic suspension dampers are also included.
Recommended Trim
You could have it all with the Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate, which starts at about $86,000. However, we might recommend getting a standard Denali and then selecting the specific packages or options you most desire—that’ll probably net a lower total price.
Denali vs. Denali Ultimate
As its name suggests, the Denali Ultimate trim is equipped as standard with essentially every feature optional on the standard Denali. Beyond the standard 6.2-liter V-8 engine, these include a head-up display, digital rearview mirror, power sunroof, power running boards, massaging front seats, and Super Cruise.
Additionally, the Denali Ultimate gets exclusive finishing touches such as a black chrome grille, trim-specific 22-inch wheels, brown full-grain leather seating upholstery, and laser-etched open-pore wood trim.
