2018 GMC Sierra Denali 1500 first drive review

2018 GMC Sierra Denali 1500 first drive

MSRP $56,550.00

“GMC’s top-of-the-line Denali is a great choice for the sophisticated truck buyer.”

Average

  • top notch luxury

  • Towing possibility

  • The big V8 engine is a welcome option

  • The eight-speed transmission works well.

  • Easy 4 wheel drive management

Against

  • Expensive

  • No diesel option on half-ton models

The 2018 GMC Sierra Denali 1500 is an evolutionary truck. This year’s small changes reflect GMC’s satisfied customer base and wisdom in keeping things good. Many car manufacturers could take a lesson here.

The current generation GMC Sierra 1500 (and its cousin, the Chevrolet Silverado) were introduced for the 2014 model year as an all-new platform. Other than the introduction of an eight-speed automatic transmission in 2015 and a largely cosmetic mid-cycle update in 2016, the Sierra has remained relatively unchanged since 2014.

Denali trim is now available across GMC’s entire product line, with GMC considering Denali more of a luxury sub-brand than a trim level. GMC has always been a premium truck brand, and about half of all GMC sales are Denali-level vehicles.

The market has responded well to the Sierra Denali 1500 this year. Sierra sales for October were up 25 percent compared to the same month last year, and the Sierra is firmly positioned as the fourth most popular full-size pickup in America. The typical Sierra Denali buyer is looking for bold exterior styling, the ultimate in interior luxury, and world-class mechanical capabilities, all in a top-of-the-line truck.

What’s happening

Not much has changed for the 2018 model year. Two new colors have been added to the Sierra palate: Quicksilver Metallic and Red Quartz Tintcoat. The tire pressure monitoring system has been updated to add a message display function that informs the driver when the tire needs to be filled.

Trim levels and features

The Denali Edition is the top version of any GMC vehicle, and when you choose Denali, you already get most of the desirable features and accessories of the base GMC vehicle, plus some features exclusive to Denali. When you start with the Denali 1500, you bypass the base 4.3-liter V6 engine and go straight to the 5.3-liter V8. You can choose between a short 69.33-inch bed or a longer 78.87-inch bed. You also get a four-door full crew cab and a choice of 2WD or 4WD.

What you can do is upgrade your Denali kit with a choice of three additional packages. First, what you really want is in the Denali Ultimate package, available only on 4WD models. This package includes a 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 N-ft of torque, integrated trailer brake control, power moonroof, active noise cancellation, automatic side boards, chrome tow bars, and headlights. 22 inches. chrome wheels. The Denali Ultimate package will add $6,700 to the price of the truck.

Other optional packages are the $410 Cargo Convenience Package, which gives you floor mats and under-seat storage, or the $250 Interior Protection Package with floor mats and a bed mat. Honestly, no one buys a truckload without bedding spray anymore, so these packets are best left on the shelf.

Technology Overview

When you buy a Sierra Denali, you get the best technology package from GM. The Denali starts with an 8-inch touchscreen with GPS navigation, AM/FM/satellite radio, Bluetooth, and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The touchscreen system responds to all the standard tablet gestures, so you can pinch and swipe and do all sorts of other things. You can also use voice control if you want.

GMC considers the Denali to be more of a luxury sub-brand than an trim level.

Like all GM products, you can get a 4G data plan for Sierra. AT&T offers the data service and you get three months free when you buy a truck. You can use that data service to create a Wi-Fi hotspot in the truck. The Denali version includes a standard Bose audio system that sounds great. The Denali kit also allows you to charge your phone wirelessly with Qi, if your phone is compatible with the technology. All iPhone 8, 8 Plus and X support Qi charging.

As an optional extra, there’s a rear-seat DVD system with two 7-inch monitors in the front seatbacks. The system comes with wireless headphones, cables for separate playback devices, and a remote control. Peace and friendship can be a part of your family’s life for just $1,995.

Additional optional technology is available through GMC Accessories, including traction cameras that mount to the rear view mirrors and display the overall traction settings on the center display when you activate the turn signals. These trailer cameras are great if you have a large trailer.

Interior decoration and finishing

When it comes to interior quality, GMC really leads the way. The Denali offers elegance rather than glitz, so you won’t find much glitz. You will find the highest quality tactile surfaces such as real wood and fine leather. All that needs to be heated is warm and you can adjust the ventilated seats for hot days.

2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali ReviewJeff Zurschmeide/Digital Trends

Jeff Zurschmeide/Digital Trends

The Denali offers some interior trim that you can’t get on the base Sierra, like Denali lettering on the door sills and embossed in the leather of the seats. Denali metal trim is made entirely of brushed aluminum.

Active noise cancellation available with the Denali Ultimate Package keeps the Sierra quiet on the road, even when being towed. Finally, Denali includes a power sliding rear window for convenient bed access.

Driving Performance and MPG

With a 6.2-liter engine, the Sierra Denali offers excellent performance and comfort. We used the truck to tow a 6,000 pound double axle trailer with a couple UTVs. Even climbing hills over 5,000 feet above sea level, the big V8 had plenty of power to pull and pass. The eight-speed transmission offers many gear options for cruising and acceleration.

The big V8 had plenty of power for starting and passing.

The Denali trim includes GM’s Magnetic Ride Control system. This allows the truck to dynamically increase its handling characteristics for traction and performance or relax them for a comfortable ride. The integrated trailer brake controller makes towing the largest trailers a piece of cake.

Underneath the Denali, you get an automatic electronic locking rear differential, set up for quick traction on wet or slippery surfaces. The 4WD system can be set to 2WD or Auto mode, which will default to 2WD but engage the front wheels when needed, similar to an SUV. Or turn the dial further for conventional high-range four-wheel drive with the diff-lock engaged. Follow normal procedures and the 4WD system will give you low speeds for tough jobs.

All in all, the Sierra Denali will provide a truly enjoyable trucking experience. It’s powerful, comfortable, quiet and responsive like a big truck can be.

Security

The NHTSA gives the 2018 GMC Sierra a five-star safety rating. The Denali lineup offers all of the safety features available as standard equipment. Denali trucks come with StabiliTrak stability control, as well as trailer sway control and hill start assist. All Denali trucks include a basic reversing camera.

Above all, the Denali includes a Driver Alert Package, with forward collision warning, a driver seat touch safety alert, automatic high beams, lane keep assist and lane departure warning, assist front and rear parking, and low-speed automatic braking.

Conclusion

With the 2018 GMC Sierra Denali 1500, you’re buying the best full-size half-ton pickup from GMC. The Denali starts at $53,100, which is remarkably affordable by full-size truck standards.

If you get the full towing setup, you can tow up to 9,300 pounds. Its payload is 1,760 pounds on all Denali 1500 models. Fully loaded, the truck we tested cost $64,345. It’s a lot, but you get a lot.

If you want a truck that reflects your stylish lifestyle without drawing too much of the wrong attention, the Denali is the one to buy. It has the features and strength to handle anything you throw at it, and it will hold its value over time. If you’re shopping for a luxury truck this year, give your full attention to the Sierra Denali.

editor’s recommendations

Categories: GAMING
Source: tiengtrunghaato.edu.vn

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