The DVD-based entertainment system's overhead display monitor is correctly positioned both for the rear passengers who want to enjoy a movie and the driver who needs good visibility when backing up with the Sierra. However, the Crew Cab's centre B-pillars make it tougher to exit the cabin; your foot might get stuck and you could tumble out of the truck. On the other hand, the rear, power-drop glass comes in quite handy, just like the optional power sunroof.
A short box
The 5'8''-long pickup box comes standard with all Crew Cab models. The ground clearance for cargo is 32.4 inches (861 cm). Although it folds down easily, the tailgate is heavy and doesn't feature any damping mechanism. On the flipside, it allows you to load most ATVs as well as 4'x8' plywood sheets, which is the standard for a full-size pickup truck.
A driver's point of view
The GMC Sierra Denali is a handsome-looking truck with its full chrome grille.
Thanks to the Driver Information Centre, you can find out exactly what's going on with the vehicle: tire pressure, transmission overheat, oil change notification, mileage, etc. The sad part is that you have to read the owner's manual and spend a fair amount of time getting used to the various controls. That being said, I liked the layout of the gauges and the easy access to the most common controls.
Under the hood, you have to fully extend your arm to check the oil level, but since the Driver Information Centre does the job for you, that's one more task you can basically forget about.
Power and smoothness
True, the mighty 6.2-litre V8 engine delivers rapid acceleration, but at the end of the day, I enjoyed its overall smoothness more. The new 6-speed automatic transmission has a lot to do with it. It also features a manual mode on the shifter, which is an odd yet user-friendly position.
My tester was also equipped with a 3.42 axle ratio that made towing easier. I had planned to perform a comprehensive tow test, but since the truck was actually a pre-production model, GM's plant hadn't had the time to complete the installation of the trailer hitch and wiring harness.
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| The Sierra is available in Regular Cab, Extended Cab and CrewCab body styles. |
A short box
The 5'8''-long pickup box comes standard with all Crew Cab models. The ground clearance for cargo is 32.4 inches (861 cm). Although it folds down easily, the tailgate is heavy and doesn't feature any damping mechanism. On the flipside, it allows you to load most ATVs as well as 4'x8' plywood sheets, which is the standard for a full-size pickup truck.
A driver's point of view
The GMC Sierra Denali is a handsome-looking truck with its full chrome grille.
Thanks to the Driver Information Centre, you can find out exactly what's going on with the vehicle: tire pressure, transmission overheat, oil change notification, mileage, etc. The sad part is that you have to read the owner's manual and spend a fair amount of time getting used to the various controls. That being said, I liked the layout of the gauges and the easy access to the most common controls.
Under the hood, you have to fully extend your arm to check the oil level, but since the Driver Information Centre does the job for you, that's one more task you can basically forget about.
 |
| The various controls are nicely laid out. |
Power and smoothness
True, the mighty 6.2-litre V8 engine delivers rapid acceleration, but at the end of the day, I enjoyed its overall smoothness more. The new 6-speed automatic transmission has a lot to do with it. It also features a manual mode on the shifter, which is an odd yet user-friendly position.
My tester was also equipped with a 3.42 axle ratio that made towing easier. I had planned to perform a comprehensive tow test, but since the truck was actually a pre-production model, GM's plant hadn't had the time to complete the installation of the trailer hitch and wiring harness.