2019 GMC Sierra Denali: The Professional Grade Experience
Two other tech features are worth noting, and the first is the rear view camera mirror. Instead of just being a mirror, the truck has a second-generation camera system that displays a high-resolution image of what’s behind the truck on the internal rear view mirror. It provides an unobstructed view out of the back of the truck and can be disabled at the flick of a switch if you want a traditional mirror experience.
Second, is the the massive heads-up display on the AT4 and Denali. While it’s not completely exclusive to Sierra (the High Country Silverado has it as an option) the readout is clear and large. Useful information, such as speed limit and navigation, is shown there. There’s even an off-road display that shows you how much the truck is leaning.
Finally, the new Sierra has the same towing software as the new Silverado. Meaning that the towing checklist and phone app make their way over to the GMC brand. Additional high-resolution cameras can show you multiple angles when you’re backing up a trailer to help you from hitting something, and assists lining up perfectly. The helpful towing sticker, which first debuted on the new Silverado, is also on the new Sierra.
The overall interior is significantly improved in the new truck, with real woods and metals used throughout. The interior folks are fond of saying, “If it looks real, it is real.” That includes some aluminum on the steering wheel that feels really nice to the touch.
The interior design is well thought out, all the way down to the wireless charging pad location for your cell phone. Keeping the gear shifter on the column frees up more interior space and seems to be a location where truck buyers prefer it to be. Storage is clever, and there are plenty of USB ports for charging all the mobile devices you might have with you. Additionally, there’s a traditional plug to charge up a laptop or power tools.
So where does the new Sierra rank in the segment amongst everything out there? As I’ve alluded to, I’d opt for the Sierra over the Silverado for the additional features and better looking grille.
Many will compare the interior of the Denali to the interior of the new Ram 1500 Limited. While I’m not sold on the Ram’s 12-inch infotainment system screen, the rest of the interior is on point and is the best in the business. While the Sierra’s materials feel nice, it’s just not as nice as the Ram’s. The ride quality of the Ram with air suspension is also ace, potentially giving it the edge here.
But where you won’t see a lot of comparisons is to the Ford F-150 Platinum. I believe both interiors have a lot to offer, with the Ford having massaging seats and a bigger sunroof. I think the Denali is better laid out with the switchgear and I find both infotainment systems easy to use. The Head Up Display (HUD) in the Denali makes the truck feel more expensive and is something the Ford doesn’t offer. Ford’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist is a useful tool that goes beyond GMC’s towing software.
The only feature severely lacking on a pickup truck that’s in the $65,000 range is adaptive cruise control. Ford, Ram, and Toyota offer it. It should be offered on GMC considering it’s a new generation truck.
But if you want a V8, the 6.2L V8 in the Denali wipes the floor with Ford’s 5.0L unit. The 10-speed automatic in both trucks are smooth and responsive, and considering they were co-developed together, that’s not surprising. But the Denali’s ride quality, especially unloaded, bests the Ford’s traditional setup every day of the week.
Drive both and see what you prefer, but would be difficult to ignore the Denali if I had to make the choice.
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