2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali

Since we consider the Denali variant as a separate top-draw version of the GMC Sierra 1500 lineup, we will only be discussing its features in detail. It is a truly well-loaded truck with the choicest features on offer from the GMC stable. Have a look at the table below to discover all the standard features of the pick-up.

Which Trim should you buy?

If you have made your mind about buying a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali, you may as well complete the package by adding the CarbonPro Edition. This package is worth every penny, adding a carbon fiber composite bed, a heads-up display, a tailgate-integrated audio system, a rear camera mirror, 22-inch high gloss black or bright chrome wheels, and GMC MultiPro power steps for better cabin access. 

With the base 5.3-liter V-8, the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab Denali can trot around the city for an MPG of 17. The highway MPG is a bit better, rated at 23. Thus, the Sierra can shell out an average MPG of 19 as per EPA estimates. This equates to a range of 343 miles in the city and 475 miles on the highway.

The bigger 6.2-liter variant sacrifices fuel efficiency for more power, as evident by its city/highway EPA estimates of 15/19 respectively. The 1500’s subpar fuel economy can be overlooked for a heavy pickup. With the turbodiesel engine equipped, the pickup sees a massive improvement in fuel economy figures, equivalent to a city MPG of 23, a highway MPG of 30, and a stellar combined MPG of 26. The 4WD-equipped variants lose further digits from the EPA estimated figures.

The GMC Sierra 1500 offers similar MPG figures as the Ford F-150 and the Chevy Silverado. The F-150’s humongous fuel tank grants it the best range in its segment, with a range of 442 miles in the city and 598 miles on the highway. Although the GMC and Chevrolet have lower range, it is still decent.

The Denali trim brings out the most lavish interior bits for its lofty price tag. The interior boasts of premium quality with delicate touches like authentic open-pore real ash wood trimmings combined with jet black and exclusive Denali dark walnut/dark ash grey interiors. The Crew Cab configuration opens up a spacious cabin for 5 passengers. The seats are in a league of their own thanks to the premium perforated leather seating surfaces. 

The front seats feature a 10-way power adjustment and also include heating and ventilation functionalities for maximum ambiance. The Denali’s opulent interiors might simply change your perception of a pickup truck. Passengers can rest their heads gently upon premium leather headrests that mark their presence with an embroidered Denali logo. In a nutshell, the cabin is indeed a luxurious place to be in but the Denali’s overall interior finish still feels amiss compared to its Ford or RAM rivals.

The GMC Sierra 1500 is a commodious pickup truck thanks to its generous interior dimensions. The pickup also leads the way with the largest cargo bed in its segment, offering 62.9 cubic feet of space with the short box variant. The standard box variant offers 71.7 cubic feet of space. GMC’s exclusive carbon fiber composite bed offers extreme durability and strength as well. The best interior features of the Denali trim are-

• Jet Black and exclusive Denali Dark Walnut/Dark Ash Grey interiors
• Unique premium carpet floor mats with available premium front/rear floor liners with removable carpet inserts
• 10-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation
• Premium Forge perforated leather seat upholstery
• Authentic open-pore real ash wood trim
• Premium leather headrests with Denali embroidered logo

What’s there to keep you entertained?

For infotainment purposes, GMC only reserves the best technological bits for its esteemed Denali pickup. The driver’s cockpit is spearheaded by an 8-inch touchscreen. This high-resolution touchscreen relays a lot of information in an organized manner but isn’t as crisp as the displays you would find on a Ford or RAM. GMC saves some of its drawbacks by offering a set of standard everyday features like USB charge ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot as part of its tech suite.

The Denali also features probably one of the best heads-up displays you will ever encounter in a truck. This 15-inch diagonal multicolor HUD projects all the key vehicle information on your windshield. The Denali also offers class-leading 15 camera views from different angles, making parking your truck a piece of cake. GMC’s exclusive ProGrade Trailering technology keeps track and optimizes the pickup’s trailering experience. The cutting-edge gizmos offered by the Denali variant are-

• 8-inch touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• Wi-Fi hotspot
• 15-inch diagonal multi-color heads-up display
• ProGrade Trailering
• MultiPro Audio system by Kicker

The big boy Denali variant of the GMC Sierra 1500 lineup knows how to make a bold statement with its distinctive styling. The Denali variant sports a massive signature grille finished in black chrome with signature high-intensity C-shaped LED headlights flanking them. The pickup features several chrome accents like chrome vertical recovery hooks, chrome handles, and chrome mirror caps for a more upmarket look. The rear bumper accentuates the Denali’s premium look with its sleek rear bumper design and bright, polished dual exhaust outlets.

The CarbonPro Edition package has to be Denali’s major selling point, as this adds a military-proof carbon fiber-composite bed in the rear. This intricate and tough material is more durable and convenient than your regular steel beds. The MultiPro tailgate is another game-changing asset, offering a wide number of smart folding configurations for your tailgate. This tailgate can be integrated with its own accessory audio system, a MultiPro audio system by Kicker that breathes life in your outdoor parties.

The GMC Sierra is one of the shortest and widest light-duty pickups in its segment, only next to the Ford F-150 in terms of size. The Sierra also has the advantage in terms of weight, granting it a more composed ride quality than most pickups. The RAM 1500 is the heaviest of the lot. The distinctive exterior features of the Sierra 1500 Denali are-

• 20-inch multi-dimensional polished aluminum wheels
• Corner step rear bumper
• Spray-on truck bed liner
• High-intensity LED headlamps
• LED taillamps and foglamps
• GMC MultiPro tailgate

The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab Denali includes a multitude of standard safety features that secure your overall trailering experience. Your towing errands are always under the keen eye of the HD Surround vision camera, Rear camera mirror, and bed view camera, ensuring nothing goes wrong with your belongings. Sadly, another driver-assistance tech has to be purchased separately, which is a similar case with other pickups in its segment. GMC offers a range of advanced safety tech as optional in its safety suite, including the likes of 

• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Front and Rear Park Assist
• Following Distance Indicator
• Automatic Emergency Braking with Forward-Collision Alert
• IntelliBeam headlamps
• GM Exclusive Teen Driver and Safety Alert Seat

2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Crew Cab vs 2020 Ford F-150 Platinum SuperCrew

The Ford F-150 Platinum is an American favorite, thanks to the ever-lasting quality and trust it has built over the years. The Ford has a more powerful engine lineup under its belt. The Denali hits back with its high-tech infotainment tech, although its interiors seem archaic compared to Ford’s modern interior setup. The Ford also has the edge with its bold exterior looks, although GMC’s unique carbon fiber bed and multifunction tailgate are standout aspects in its segment. The Ford F-150 Limited is the more luxurious bet in our opinion, although the Denali isn’t far behind either.

2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Crew Cab vs 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country Crew Cab

Mechanically, both the GM siblings are agonizingly similar in the powertrain and fuel economy sectors. In the towing wars, the Chevrolet Silverado just edges out the Sierra. Moving on to the interiors, the Denali has an overall better-assembled layout, although both the GM siblings are outdated compared to the offerings from other Detroit rivals. Both the pickups look similar in the visual department as well. The only difference among these two comes down to the base price, with the Silverado High Country emerging as the cheaper option.

2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Crew Cab vs 2020 RAM 1500 Limited Crew Cab

The GMC Sierra dominates the RAM 1500 with its massive size and wheelbase, boasting more interior space and a larger cargo bed than the RAM. However, in terms of power and luxury, the RAM 1500 Limited proves it is not a stranger to the ideals of a perfect luxury pickup. The RAM’s opulent interiors scream opulence all the way around. RAM’s infotainment suite is also the best in its business, with a host of cutting-edge tech to entice tech enthusiasts. Comparatively, the GMC does charge less for its top-draw luxury pickup, although we would be more than happy to walk home with a RAM 1500 Limited.

The GMC Sierra 1500 has been the bread-and-butter truck of one of Detroit’s biggest automakers for decades now. The GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab Denali just takes the humble pickup into a whole new luxurious territory. The choice of powertrains remains the same, with GM’s robust engines carrying out all the heavy workload as usual. 

The Denali however hits the ball out of the park with its finely-appointed interiors and a high-tech infotainment suite. The biggest perk of the Denali has to be the CarbonPro Edition package, which takes hauling to the next level with its smart tailgate, exceptional carbon fiber composite bed, and a range of other accessories. The Denali also prioritizes comfort with its butter-smooth handling quality, thus establishing it as a luxurious family cruiser as well.