Newsweek Finds the Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate as Luxurious as a Pickup Can Be

Newsweek does not usually focus on automotive matters, but they recently looked at the current state of pickup trucks in the country and found the Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate to be the “Luxury King of Trucks.”  Their Feb. 5, 2024 article begins by discussing how pickup trucks “have long been the bouncy, loud, inefficient workhorse vehicles of the 20th century.” They found the Denali Ultimate to contrast significantly from their initial pickup description, and Ewing Buick GMC of Plano recounts some of their discoveries.

The Denali Ultimate Exterior Stands Out

Newsweek notes that the Denali Ultimate exterior distinguishes itself from the rest of the model line with its available 22-inch wheels, dark chrome exterior trim, and the texture of the fender cladding that displays parts of the topographical map of Mount Denali. They point out standard features such as the very versatile Multi-Pro Tailgate, the adaptive suspension system, and power assist steps, which they deem a must when small children are passengers.   

Gas vs Diesel

They discuss the Denali’s engine choices, starting with the standard 3.0-liter turbodiesel Inline-6 engine choices with its 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque. Newsweek seemed to prefer the 6.2-liter EcoTec V8 with its 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, citing its preferable sound and dislike of diesel fuel’s smell, presumably experienced when refueling.

Blizzard Offers a Test of 4WD, but not SuperCruise

As luck would have it, they tested the Denali Ultimate during a Michigan blizzard, giving them the chance to put the four-wheel drive system through its paces. Keeping it in Automatic or 4WD High most of the time, the truck made its way through unplowed roads with ease.

The Denali Ultimate’s multi-camera system was praised for the assistance rendered while parking. After describing the wonders of the SuperCruise hands-free highway driving system, Newsweek pointed out that the blizzard they were experiencing kept the system from activating due to snow on the roads and snow caked on its camera and sensors, reducing visibility.  It is just as well as these are conditions where you should be driving the truck yourself.

A Cabin for the Discerning Luxury Truck Lover

Of course, the true test of luxury is in the cabin, which their review states: “As with all GMC Denalis, the interior is excellent, this one with beautiful-looking dark brown leather, which matched its brown wood trim elements. Topographical maps of Mount Denali were featured on the dashboard and seats, matching the topographical elements on the exterior.” They made particular note of the one-touch seat massage function, which they said became a habit to activate whenever they climbed aboard.

About the Price

The Denali Ultimate has a starting price of $82,500. Newsweek was quick to point out that this is a long way from the Sierra 1500 model line’s $43,000 starting price. However, they note that the pricing is not unusual among other luxury pickup trucks and conclude, “If new truck buyers want luxury, the GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate is the perfect place to start shopping.” We agree and add that the perfect place to do that shopping around the Plano area is Ewing Buick GMC.