2020 GMC Sierra: Denali Trim Deep Dive

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We love high trim pickups and the 2020 GMC Sierra Denali certainly counts. We dive deep into all the details on this chromed out behemoth.

Luxury truck and other contrasts

It might sound counterintuitive, but the automotive backbone of America, the good pickup truck, is becoming more beautiful, more refined, and more comfortable with each successive generation. As its popularity increased, so did the expectations of the average truck buyer. Even the basic versions of today’s trucks are inconceivably comfortable compared to yesterday’s trucks. Premium editions such as the F-150 King Ranch, RAM 1500 Laramie Longhorn and GMC Sierra Denali combine premium capabilities with modern luxury and a touch of elegance.

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Today we’ll dive into the details of Denali to answer a simple question. Why on earth would you have to chop extra dough for a Sierra top? (Spoiler, because it’s cool.)

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The first thing you notice about the GMC Sierra Denali is chrome, because there’s just so much of it. Even more important is the massive Denali chrome grille. This is where we find the expression, in a world of gigantic grid, the chrome grid is queen (I guess that’s how it goes, right?). The Denali also receives chrome accents on the side mirrors, front fenders and dual exhaust tips.

The image doesn’t end there either. Denali also gets huge 22-inch wheels, along with wood accents in the cabin to complement the leather seats.

CarbonPro version

If chrome isn’t enough for your Denali, there’s the CarbonPro version. It is not just a collection of appearances. The CarbonPro version comes with a carbon fiber bed that’s designed to be lighter (and weighs 60 lbs) and more durable than a traditional bed and liner. The carbon fiber material also allowed GMC to extend the bed capacity slightly.

In addition to the new bed, CarbonPro Edition also automatically adds a six-function MultiPro tailgate, a 15-inch display, a mirror for the rear camera, and some nice black wheels. You also get more paint options, including Onyx Black, Carbon Black Metallic, Satin Steel Metallic, and Frosted White Tricoat. The CarbonPro version is available with a 6.2L V8 engine or a 3.0L Duramax Turbo Diesel engine.

Practical specification

Speaking of engines, in addition to diesel and 6.2L, you can also get a Denali with a 5.3L V8. Denali also has a maximum towing capacity of 9,600 lbs. And a payload capacity of 2,260 lbs. There are LED headlights and taillamps, adaptive suspension shocks for a smooth ride, and options for a short or standard bed.

Plugins stack

The reason you spend the extra money on the top of any car is to maximize all the fancy doodads, gadgets, and gimcracks you can. There is a bunch of them in Denali.

Starting with this bed, carbon or not, you get a 12-volt plug-in, numerous utility hooks, a flap handle, and a cool MultiPro tailgate (no exaggeration). Another standout feature is the hitch width and steering system, which is only part of Denali’s wide range of cameras. Towing is one of the most stressful things to do with your truck, so any additional technical assistance would be greatly appreciated.

You will also find many other great features behind the wheel. First there are the seats, which are heated and ventilated, with electric adjustment in 10 directions. Oh, and the rear seats heat up too, for extra points. The steering wheel is also hot.

Some cool tricks at Denali include electric starter panels, an electric rear window, a rearview camera, and a digital rearview mirror. The latter is a single piece with all the other means of view like the aforementioned obstacle camera, front and rear cameras, and a 360-degree view mode. The rear view camera rearview mirror is activated by simply clicking a switch on the rearview mirror. Then you will get a clear view of the rear of the car which virtually eliminates the blind spots.

But what about technology?

Additional Denali bells and whistles include a Bose 8-speaker stereo system, adaptive cruise control, navigation and keyless entry. The 12-inch head-up display is complemented by an optional 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, which may be suitable for other smaller vehicles, but in the context of a large truck like a Sierra, it looks so small (the more RAM the 12-inch screen is supposed to match With 2021 F -150). Although it is not the largest screen, GM infotainment software makes up for it with an interactive and intuitive interface.

Worth it ?

Denali “starts” at $ 54,700, but the CarbonPro version, or any really tricked Denali as you might expect, will go north to $ 70,000 depending on options. This aligns with the best Ford and RAM versions. While Denali has a lot of cool features, like a rearview mirror camera and a MultiPro tailgate, it lacks some of the extra features and flair you’d find with a King Ranch or Laramie Longhorn. But, if you like your (somewhat) stylish truck, the Denali is a great choice.