2024 Sierra 1500 4WD Crew Cab: GMC Denali Review

Reviewing the GMC Denali is akin to describing the sun – widely known and generally admired. It remains one of America’s top-selling trucks, a fact not lost on truck enthusiasts. Owning and driving a vehicle like this, whether around town, to work, or anywhere else, is undeniably one of life’s pleasures. But let’s delve deeper anyway.

The 2024 model is largely unchanged from 2023, but GMC wants to highlight a few updates for this year: A 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel is now standard on AT4X. Active exhaust is available for Denali, Denali Ultimate, AT4, AT4X, and SLT trims. Two additional premium aluminum wheel options. Optional exterior colors now include Downpour Metallic and Thunderstorm Gray.

Expect a hefty price tag for all these features – our test vehicle started at $82,500, reaching $87,190 with added options and delivery charges. The Sierra offers a total of eight trims, with choices between single-cab, double-cab, or four-door crew cab (as tested), and bed lengths ranging from 5.8 to 8.2 feet.

Sporting an imposing galvanized grille, two robust recovery hooks upfront, power running boards, and steel bumpers that seem capable of moving a skyscraper, the Sierra exudes strength. Additional features like a winch, extra skid plates, and robust tires further enhance its rugged appeal. Exclusive to the Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate this year are 22″ 7-spoke ultra-bright tires machined with bright chrome accents and dark paint, adding to its allure.

The interior is luxurious, albeit in a rugged, truck-like manner rather than an SUV’s plushness. Full-grain leather seats, a premium microsuede headliner, 16-way power front massage seats, a power sunroof, and more await inside. The array of controls may require a manual to fully grasp, and you might not explore every feature, but the process is enjoyable. If you have children, they’ll likely find the interior fascinating. For those who work from home, the idea of taking your laptop into this plush, steel sanctuary may be tempting.

The tech features are up-to-date, a standout feature compared to some other truckmakers. The sound system, like the 12-Speaker Bose® Premium Series with Centerpoint® Surround Sound in our test vehicle, delivers impressive audio quality. Multiple camera views, including a 360-degree overview camera, make parking and maneuvering easier, especially when alone.

Getting in and out of the Sierra is akin to climbing a tree, but once inside, its tall ride height provides a commanding view and a sense of power. Power adjustable pedals (optional) cater to shorter drivers, as do the seat adjustments. Even for larger individuals, there is ample room. Additionally, unlike some vehicles where only the front occupants enjoy premium features, the Sierra is generous with amenities, offering 120-volt outlets, USB ports, and cigarette lighter outlets for charging electronic devices both in the front and back seats.

Our test vehicle was equipped with the 6.2-liter Ecotech3 V8 engine, providing a satisfying rumble both audibly and in performance.

The Denali’s power is immediately apparent when you press the accelerator – it can go from zero to 60 MPH in approximately 5.4 seconds. The transmission shifts smoothly, and the brakes are well-balanced at speed. At lower speeds, it may take some time to get used to the brake’s “grab” point, but with practice, it becomes second nature.

Cornering on twisty roads was satisfactory for a vehicle of this size, prioritizing power over agility, which is fitting. While we did not take the Denali off-road, it is undoubtedly prepared for such adventures. For example, in rock crawling mode, the truck can handle challenging terrain without needing input from the driver.

The 10-speed automatic transmission operates smoothly and unobtrusively. Fuel efficiency is a modest 16 MPG in city driving and around 21 MPG on highways.

According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, the Denali has a decent safety rating. For more information on safety features, click here.

Critiques? There are few, apart from the significant price tag. But given its popularity, it’s understandable.

Conclusion: There are trucks of varying quality and cost, but there’s only one Denali, and its enduring popularity is easy to understand.