In Search of the Perfect Pickup

Though its base price is $42,120, a series of options including an upgraded audio system, 20-inch chromed wheels, a rear-seat entertainment system, a power sunroof and a cargo management system added over $6,500 to the price, for a total nearing $50,000.


If you can accept the notion of spending 50 Large on a pickup, there’s a lot to like about the Sierra Denali. Next to the bad-boy 6.6-liter diesel available on other models, the 6.2-liter Vortec is the strongest truck engine GM offers. At 378 cubic inches, it produces a copious 403 hp and 417 lbs-ft. torque. Which means the Denali accelerates like a sports car and can tow or haul with aplomb.


Among its greatest assets are outstanding roominess and versatility of the crew-cab cabin, supremely comfortable seats, and a supremely quiet cabin environment on the road. Other niceties include excellent stereo imaging and tonal accuracy, a DVD player with eight-inch screen for the rear passengers, power-adjustable brake and throttle pedals, and the backup warning indicator diodes located on the inside right C-pillar.


Unfortunately we found the graphite-colored instrument faces difficult to read during daytime, the ride choppy when the vehicle is empty (thanks in part to its optional 20-inch wheels and low-profile tires), and cheap-looking wood-grain finish on the instrument panel, center console and doors. Maybe the worst offender is the 13.2 mpg average fuel economy we observed on the onboard trip computer.


Our synopsis is that the Sierra Denali is a supremely comfortable and elegant pickup with a lot to recommend it but a few significant vices. It loves to go—just make sure you’ve got the dough.

About the Author
As an internationally known automotive journalist, John L. Stein has written about cars and motorcycles for over 20 years. He most recently served as Editor of the award-winning “Corvette Quarterly,” GM’s official journal for Corvette.