GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate test drive.
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This is basically a follow-up to a test drive I did a few months ago, driving the Diesel version of the GMC Sierra Ultimate.
The equipment seems to be the same as it was and it’s even the same color…
The GMC Sierra is quite a huge truck, especially when driving around town. At least on the Denali Ultimate, the grille is darker (not black) and not as obnoxious as the full chrome finish in other versions.
This is for people who basically hate driving a car or an SUV. As I cannot imagine this as a true work truck, since it is almost $90,000 as tested.
The GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate does have a great interior. As It should I guess for the asking price. It really blends an expensive-looking interior with a classic truck feel. Fit and finish are excellent and everything is very solid. Again as expected.
However, at this price, I think the sunroof cover should be powered…
The rear seat has plenty of room and more. There is also plenty of storage under the seat, and that seat can even be folded up forever more cargo.
I discovered this on the last day. The Sierra hides a stereo system in its rear gate. While I didn’t get time to try them, they seem like a great way to host Tailgate parties in your driveway and instantly become the worst neighbor you can be.
The GMC Sierra Denali V8 drives like a good old truck. Yes, they keep redesigning these every few years, with better and better interiors and technology. And yet, they still drive the way they were driving over 20 years ago. With a suspension that is both soft and has real trouble absorbing anything. The steering is almost OK, but mostly very lazy and pretty vague. And of course, gas mileage sucks with 13 to 14MPG around town. And barely 20 on the freeway. The Duramax Diesel does a bit better around town with 16 to 17MPG (observed) and a bit over 23MPG on the freeway.
Compared to the diesel, the 6.2 Liter V8 is a bit smoother. But you feel more vibrations. Even at idle.
I am not really sure who buys these, since it seems so expensive as a work truck. And no matter what, it doesn’t offer a true luxury experience if you have driven a luxury car or SUV in the past 20 years.
However, if you’ve only been driving pickup trucks, this might seem luxurious.
Around town, it has to be the worst daily driver ever. At least where I live, making parking a chore everywhere you go.
This is basically a big expensive truck for the rich truck crowd. I guess this is a big crowd since GM is selling plenty of them around the country…