GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate: because the Escalade EXT is no more

Despite their high utility, full-size trucks are not losing popularity. On the contrary, the percentage of sales compared to the entire automotive industry is increasing, also because manufacturers are benefiting from it. It is in this sense that the luxury car was born, the manufacturers realized that the work tool can also create an everyday car.

Thus the King Ranch, Denali, High Country and Laramie Longhorn versions were born, which were followed by other more luxurious models. Today, both the 1500 series trucks and the HD models offer great luxury, without a doubt the bills continue to mount. So it’s no surprise that GM’s latest pickup truck, the Sierra Denali Ultimate, arrived in 2022, with a price tag of $95,793 (including shipping and handling). A year later, due to high demand and the weakness of our dollar, it sold without options for $ 103,629, thus exceeding the psychological threshold of six figures and thus causing the increase of the luxury tax.

Photo: Antoine Joubert

The end

As if the Denali version wasn’t luxurious enough, GMC pushed the limits of luxury by releasing a more unique pickup truck, distinguished by a black chrome grille, 22-inch rims and small cosmetic touches. On board, umber colored leather (the name of the color is oddly translated) is the pièce de résistance of this interior, enhanced by elegant stitching and authentic woodwork. We also show through the woodwork different elevation and data maps of Mount Denali (also known as Mount McKinley) in Alaska.

Naturally, several optional features on the Denali (non-Final) are standard, including a carbon composite body, running boards and a Technology package including a rear camera and a semi-independent steering system. A device that, within the framework of our tests, unfortunately did not prove its effectiveness. And for good reason, a car equipped with a lane keeping system, maintaining a distance from the vehicle in front and an automatic lane changer when the indicators are on, had a greater tendency to swerve rather than ‘maintain a straight line’. In this context, a police officer crossing my path would therefore have every reason in the world to stop me, confident of my impaired ability!

Fortunately, that’s where the disappointment about this car’s handling ends, if we ignore the fact that it lacks the equipment and mechanisms that allow it to stand out more. Indeed, the 6.2-liter V8 engine installed in the test model is also installed in several other versions, such as the 3.0-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder, whose power and torque increase this year to 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft, respectively. In the case of the V8, 420 horsepower is very satisfying, along with a very pleasant sound. On the other hand, it is not very pleasant in terms of consumption, which changes around 14 liters per 100 kilometers in the combined average, in the context where the car travels without a load or a trailer. After traveling more than 3,000 km, including more than 2,000 km on the highway, the average consumption reached 13.3 liters per 100 km. The estimated average is 40% more than the turbodiesel engine, providing exceptional efficiency.

This car has only a few bumps on the road due to the 22-inch rims. A feature appreciated by buyers, but which clearly affects the quality of road handling and, of course, comfort. Now, if the Denali Ultimate comes standard with 22-inch rims, be aware that the Denali (non-Ultimate) version receives 20-inch rims better suited for Quebec roads.

The 6.2-liter V8’s generous torque belongs to the towing capacity, which can reach 13,000 lbs on certain versions. However, Denali Ultimate is limited to a capacity of 9,000 lbs, or 8,900 lbs in the case of a turbodiesel engine, also very effective in such situations. It should be noted that for a trailer of this weight, consumption increases to about 15 liters per 100 kilometers with turbodiesel, and more than 25 liters per 100 kilometers with V8 …

Big update

It was in 2022 that General Motors completely updated the interior of its Silverado/Sierra pickup truck, because the presentation and finish left something to be desired. To say that this is the new standard today would be an exaggeration, as Ford and Ram continue to hold their own. However, the omission of the column shift lever and the addition of a very user-friendly center console make a world of difference. The same thing with the 100% digital, fully customizable instruments, which are accompanied by a beautiful head-up display system. That said, it is impossible to ignore the new central screen of 13.4 inches, behind which hides the operating system provided by Google. A system to be appreciated especially from an ergonomic point of view and which includes both Apple CarPlay and Android systems.

The good news is, GM saw fit to retain most of the physical buttons related to heat and climate, as well as several basic functions related to driving and towing. Add to that a large amount of storage space including even compartments behind the rear seat, and you have a cabin that couldn’t be more versatile. Unfortunately, GMC continues to offer a rear flap called MultiFlex, which folds into three parts to facilitate access to the body. A very heavy door, which is difficult to operate, and which has a bad tendency to accumulate mud in its joints, thus increasing the risk of rust. Also remember that by reducing the second part of this leaf, the risk of damaging it on the trailer hitch is very high.

Number six

Cadillac and Lincoln no longer offer pickup trucks. American manufacturers quickly understood that luxury in the world of car trucks was best achieved through popular brands, which project an image of durability that luxury brands cannot reflect. That’s why GMC is adding a luxury line to its Sierra lineup, responding to the success of the Ford F-150 Limited and Ram 1500 Laramie Limited. Naturally, this comes with a hefty bill, although wear and tear on this highly-coveted version is minimal. Overall, it’s a classy, well-built pickup truck that can be ordered with a diesel engine, something Ford and Ram no longer offer.