First-Ever GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate Trim Leads Updates Across Lineup

The GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado are full-size pickup trucks manufactured by General Motors. They were introduced in 1999 as successors to the long-running Chevrolet C/K models that were produced by GM from 1960 until 2002. In 1988, GMC made the decision to break from the traditional truck-naming nomenclature used for decades and revise the Sierra's branding to a singular GMC Sierra nameplate that we know it by today. Another big change came in 2001 when GMC decided to create and sell an upscale version of the Sierra, calling it the Sierra C. Because of the great success the Sierra C had, GMC decided to rename the new upscale version of the Sierra to include it with the other upscale Denali vehicles in the GMC feet; so in 2002, it was renamed the Sierra Denali package.

The all-new Sierra Denali package included a 325 hp 6.0L V8 with all-wheel-drive and Quadrasteer, the 4-wheel steering system developed by General Motors. Then in 2005, the engineers went away from the classic body lines of previous Denalis to a crew cab with a 5'8" bed. Up to this point, both foundations of the GMC Sierra and the Chevy Silverado had been updated or refreshed at the same time; but in 2018 at the Detroit Auto Show, the fifth-generation GMC Sierra was unveiled without its Silverado counterpart. The engineers at GMC were able to differentiate the Sierra from Silverado by offering features that buyers were actively looking for in their new truck.

To streamline their engine package and improve the Sierra's over-the-road efficiency, the Sierra will no longer offer the 4.3L V6 or the 5.3L V8 with active fuel management as well as the 6-speed MYC automatic transmission which was paired with both of the discontinued engines. My Sierra Limited Denali Reserve press loan came with the second generation 6.2L V8 EcoTecEC3 L87 engine that is SAE-certified for 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. It is not only a Wards 10 Best Engines award winner, but the largest and most powerful gas V-8 in the segment. All this horsepower and torque will be paired with a Hydra-Matic 10-speed automatic transmission. There will also be available a Duramax 3.0L turbo diesel for those people who are looking to tow a mountain.

Sierra's momentum continues to accelerate, as the fastest growing model in the segment. With the 2022 Sierra, GMC is offering customers more advanced technologies, upscale appointments and increased capability across the Sierra lineup including the all-new Sierra Denali Ultimate and AT4X.

Duncan Aldred, Global Vice President of GMC and Buick

In the News

Source: GMC | The first-ever Sierra Denali Ultimate trim is the most advanced and most luxurious pickup in its class, taking the popular Denali sub-brand to an even higher threshold of capable luxury. Unique exterior styling cues, along with exclusive interior trim and features, are complemented with more standard equipment including first-in-class available trailering-capable Super Cruise1 and the segment-exclusive CarbonPro composite cargo box, offering best-in-class short-bed cargo volume to set a new standard for premium truck buyers who want to reward themselves. The Denali Ultimate is distinguished by an exterior featuring a unique grille in exclusive Vader chrome, along with exclusive 22-inch wheels, finished in Low Gloss Black with machined accents, Vader chrome GMC logo and unique front fender trim featuring Mount Denali. Additionally, GMC's six-way MultiPro tailgate, the Denali Premium Suspension with segment-exclusive Adaptive Ride Control, and power assist steps are standard. The Denali Ultimate's Alpine Umber interior builds on the already luxurious Denali cabin, with full-grain leather appointments and open-pore Paldao wood trim. The wood's darkened finish creates a distinctive color blend, while the unique graining adds bespoke attention to detail.

Learn More

For more information or to test drive this vehicle for yourself, stop by a local dealer or visit online at:
GMC | Sierra 1500 Denali

About GMC

With a strong foundation of manufacturing trucks since 1902 and now selling in a dozen countries across the world, GMC offers purpose-built vehicles designed and engineered to the highest standard. From the all-new compact SUV Terrain to the Sierra HD, our trucks and crossovers deliver GMC's signature combination of intuitive technologies and premium execution, with the popular Denali representing the pinnacle of GMC design, performance and amenities. Details on all GMC models are available at www.gmc.com, on Twitter at @GMC or at www.facebook.com/gmc.