Once considered a bastion of stripped-down practicality, the pickup truck segment is becoming increasingly luxurious and feature-packed. Buyers are no longer using pickups just for work or hauling heavy loads from point A to point B—rather, these vehicles are becoming multipurpose tools that sometimes have so much in-cab comfort and technology that they rival even pure luxury models. This is the case with the GMC Denali truck lineup, particularly the relatively new Denali Ultimate sub-brand.

GMC introduced the Denali name for the 1999 model year to identify the brand’s top-of-the-line models. The name is derived from Mount Denali (also known as Mount McKinley) in Alaska, the highest mountain in North America with a staggering elevation of 20,310 feet above sea level.

Following the success of the Denali truck line, General Motors introduced the GMC Denali Ultimate trim for the 2022 model year along with the refreshed 2022 GMC Sierra 1500, adding an even more luxurious option for those buyers looking for the ease of use of a truck as well as all the convenience features GM could muster. Now buyers have a total of six different GMC Denali trucks to choose from, and with that in mind, we’ll dive into a quick overview of each one, from the Canyon to the Sierra to the new EV Denali, highlighting the features and specs offered.

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6 GMC Canyon Denali

General Motors introduced the GMC Canyon Denali for the 2017 model year, adding a new top-of-the-line model to the midsize pickup with a range of new exterior, interior and technology features. The new 2024 GMC Canyon continues that trend with the latest third-generation pickup introduced for the 2023 model year. Highlights include a Denali-exclusive Jet Black interior with teak accents, as well as perforated leather-trimmed seats and laser-engraved open-pore wood trim.

In terms of infotainment, the cabin boasts an 11.3-inch center touchscreen and an 11.0-inch digital display for driver information, while the exterior features a set of exclusive 20-inch diamond-cut style aluminum wheels. There are also up to 10 camera views available to help with maneuvering in tight spaces, towing, or even off-roading.

GMC Canyon Denali Specifications

5 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali

Following the introduction of the GMC Yukon Denali in 1999, the GMC Sierra 1500 was GMC’s first pickup truck to offer the Denali trim level. Launched for the 2002 model year, the GMC Sierra 1500 Denali was essentially the first full-size, light-duty pickup truck in luxury trim, and established a segment that has grown significantly over the years. Today, the Sierra 1500 Denali continues to lead the way in its blend of high-end features and comfort, along with all the usual pickup utility.

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The exterior is characterized by a signature Denali grille, chrome header and 20-inch multi-dimensional polished aluminum wheels, while the cabin features authentic open-pore wood and patterned aluminum trim. The seats are upholstered in perforated leather, while Adaptive Ride Control with Continuous Damping ensures a smooth ride. Customers can also choose Super Cruise, General Motors’ semi-autonomous driver assistance system, which can take control of the vehicle on certain stretches of road, allowing the driver to take their hands off the wheel.

GMC Sierra 1500 Denali – Technical data

4 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate

Following the success of the GMC Denali truck line, General Motors wanted to up the ante with the Denali Ultimate. The Denali Ultimate complements the “standard” Denali features and takes things a step further. It offers a number of premium features as standard. These include heated and ventilated 16-way power front seats with massage function, a power sunroof, a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system, adaptive cruise control and a heated steering wheel.

Super Cruise and GMC’s CarbonPro composite beds are optional. The interior also features Alpine Umber perforated leather, while a Mount Denali topographical inlay is engraved into various surfaces. The exterior also features Denali’s signature Vader Chrome for the grille and various accents, an exclusive feature of the Denali Ultimate trim level. The naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 L87 gasoline engine is standard on the Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate, but optional on the non-Ultimate Sierra 1500 Denali.

GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate – Technical Data

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3 Sierra HD 2013

Due to the continued success of the Denali sub-brand for GMC’s light-duty pickups in the 2000s, GMC extended the Denali treatment to its heavy-duty Sierra lineup in 2011, offering the Sierra Denali 2500HD and Sierra Denali 3500HD. Just like the light-duty models, the heavy-duty Sierra Denali pickups offer the luxury and features associated with the Denali name, but retain all the features you’d expect from a heavy-duty pickup.

The latest GMC Sierra Denali HD was recently redesigned for the 2024 model year and features standouts such as a Denali chrome trim, 20-inch Ultra Bright Machined wheels with Bright Chrome inserts on models with single rear wheels, LED exterior lighting and power retractable side steps with LED perimeter lighting. Inside, you’ll find aluminum trim and chrome accents, as well as authentic open-pore walnut wood details. Infotainment specs include a 13.4-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch driver information center. Both a 6.6-liter V8 gasoline engine and a 6.6-liter V8 diesel engine are available, with the former fitted as standard.

GMC Sierra HD Denali – Technical data

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2 Sierra HD Denali Ultimate

Not to be left behind, the Sierra HD has been given the Denali Ultimate treatment for the 2024 model year, taking the nameplate to new heights in terms of luxury—and price. Like the light-duty Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate, the Sierra HD Denali Ultimate is loaded with all sorts of features and luxuries, starting with a signature Denali Ultimate Vader Chrome exterior and the standard MultiPro Kicker audio system in the tailgate. The cabin also features full-grain Alpine Umber leather and authentic open-pore Paldao wood trim, as well as a set of 16-way power-adjustable front seats with massage function. The cabin trim also includes topographical inlays. The 6.6-liter turbodiesel engine is fitted as standard.

GMC Sierra HD Denali Ultimate – Technical data

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1 Sierra EV Denali Edition

In line with GM’s EV goals, GMC is also electrifying its pickup line, starting with the GMC Sierra EV Denali Edition. Introduced for the 2024 model year, the new Sierra EV Denali sits alongside the Chevy Silverado EV and comes with a number of sophisticated features.

Built on GM’s new EV-centric BT1 platform and equipped with GM’s Ultium battery technology and GM Ultium Drive motor technology, the Sierra EV offers an estimated range of 440 miles per charge, plus 100 miles of additional range in about 10 minutes when plugged into an 800-volt DC fast-charging source. There are also cool features like four-wheel steering and CrabWalk mode, similar to the GMC Hummer EV, while the cabin is dominated by a 16.8-inch tablet-style touchscreen and a massive panoramic fixed glass roof.

GMC Sierra EV Denali – Technical data