GMC Sierra EV Denali: Elevating the Electric Truck Experience

General Motors has been making trucks for a long time, and I’ve had the chance to drive almost all of their latest iterations. From the Chevrolet Silverado EV WT to the Silverado EV RST, and now the 2025 GMC Sierra EV Denali, it’s clear they are committed to the electric truck market. The Sierra EV Denali stands out as the most recent, most luxurious, and arguably the most capable of the trio. It takes the Gmc Electric Truck concept to a new level of refinement, even though it shares some underlying similarities with its Chevy counterparts. While it represents the pinnacle of GM’s electric truck engineering, it still encounters some of the familiar challenges seen in the Silverado EVs.

Interestingly, the GMC Sierra EV Denali doesn’t feel like a simple rebadging exercise. Its visual identity is distinctly different from the Silverado EV, and the cabin environment is a significant leap forward. However, it’s built on the same foundation, sharing the chassis, battery packs, electric motors, and suspension system. Think of them as siblings who share the same genetic makeup but express it in very different ways aesthetically.

Side view of the GMC Sierra EV Denali showcasing its unique silhouette and illuminated GMC badge

The Silverado EV RST impressed with its innovative engineering, features, and impressive range. Yet, its target audience remains somewhat unclear. Who is in the market for a premium-priced electric pickup that lags behind competitors in both speed and comfort? The Sierra EV Denali navigates a similar space, but it emerges as the most compelling option within GM’s electric truck lineup. Let’s explore why this GMC electric truck might just be the most appealing of the bunch.

GMC Sierra EV Denali: The Basics

In line with GMC’s brand positioning within the GM family, this electric pickup truck offers a more luxurious and slightly enhanced capability compared to its Chevrolet sibling. While the Silverado might soon catch up in features like Crab Walk, the Sierra EV Denali currently holds the edge in premium offerings. Notably, there won’t be a Cadillac version of this electric truck, making the Denali the flagship luxury variant from GM, at least for now. While other Sierra EV trims are anticipated, none are expected to surpass the Denali in terms of premium features and comfort.

Front three-quarter view of the GMC Sierra EV Denali highlighting its distinctive front fascia and lightingRear three-quarter view of the GMC Sierra EV Denali emphasizing its bed design and taillightsFrontal view of the GMC Sierra EV Denali showcasing its illuminated grille and GMC emblem

Visually, the Sierra EV Denali distinguishes itself significantly. It genuinely appears as a distinct model, not merely a higher-priced trim. This extends beyond just the front fascia; the entire vehicle shape and profile are redesigned. The front “shield,” as GMC terms it, is substantial, featuring illuminated trim and a light-up GMC badge. The angular headlights present a more sophisticated aesthetic compared to the Chevy’s, and the frunk button integration is notably improved. Unlike the Silverado EV where the button is somewhat hidden, it’s prominently placed on the Sierra EV.

Close-up of the GMC Sierra EV Denali headlight and frunk button integrationDetailed view of the GMC Sierra EV Denali illuminated GMC badge and grille

The Sierra EV also departs from the Silverado EV’s Avalanche-inspired bed sails. This results in a cleaner bed appearance and enhanced practicality, allowing for easier side loading. Observing Silverado EVs alongside the Sierra during the drive event, the GMC’s more conventional and appealing design became evident. For traditional pickup truck buyers, the GMC electric truck is likely to hold greater appeal due to its familiar yet modern styling.

The interior is where the most significant differences become apparent. The Silverado EV RST’s interior, especially considering its price tag, feels underwhelming. It lacks visual appeal, incorporates many inexpensive materials, and in some instances, suffers from noticeable squeaks and rattles. The Sierra EV Denali offers a stark contrast. While some lower door panel plastics are still hard, the primary touchpoints convey a sense of quality and robustness.

Interior view of the GMC Sierra EV Denali cabin highlighting the large infotainment screen and premium materials

The dashboard design exudes luxury, featuring supple leather and metallic accents. A major upgrade is GMC’s expansive portrait-oriented infotainment screen, which dwarfs the Silverado EV’s smaller, landscape-oriented screen. The Sierra’s screen boasts superior size, resolution, clarity, and responsiveness, along with well-designed menus.

GMC has also thoughtfully included substantial physical buttons for climate controls beneath the screen. These tactile switches are user-friendly, even with gloves, and add to the overall user experience. These small but crucial details elevate the Sierra EV over the Silverado EV, making it a more desirable daily driver.

Close-up of the GMC Sierra EV Denali's physical climate control buttonsDriver's side interior view of the GMC Sierra EV Denali showcasing the steering wheel and digital instrument clusterCenter console detail of the GMC Sierra EV Denali highlighting material quality and design

Mechanically, the Sierra EV mirrors the Silverado EV RST. It utilizes the same dual-motor powertrain, delivering 760 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with a massive 200+ kWh battery pack, it boasts a claimed range of 460 miles, which seems plausible. However, during testing, efficiency averaged slightly over two miles per kWh in mixed driving conditions, suggesting real-world range might be closer to 400 miles for most drivers. This efficiency is somewhat diminished by the Sierra’s hefty 9,000-pound weight, which impacts the perceived performance despite the impressive power output. GMC estimates a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds, but subjectively, it feels slightly slower.

Driving Experience of the GMC Electric Truck

Having driven all versions of this GM electric truck platform, the question for the Sierra EV Denali was refinement. GMC representatives indicated improvements in noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) through enhanced acoustic glass and superior sound-deadening materials compared to the Chevrolet models. This appears to be effective. The Sierra EV Denali is noticeably quieter inside than the Silverado EV, particularly at higher speeds, contributing to a more refined driving experience. However, in terms of ride quality and body control, it remains similar to the Silverado EV – somewhat rough and unsettled. While pickup trucks aren’t typically expected to offer plush rides or silent cabins, the Sierra EV Denali’s non-traditional body-on-frame construction and premium price point raise expectations.

Front seat view of the GMC Sierra EV Denali interior emphasizing the spaciousness and comfortable seating

There are positive aspects to the Sierra EV’s driving experience. The steering is well-weighted and reasonably direct, the seats are comfortable, and visibility is excellent, improved over the Silverado EV due to the absence of bed sails. However, the suspension is a limiting factor. It exhibits both floatiness and harshness simultaneously. The standard air suspension struggles to manage the vehicle’s considerable weight.

Front three-quarter view of the GMC Sierra EV Denali navigating a paved road

While acknowledging the challenge of engineering a suspension for a 9,000-pound vehicle that balances comfort, off-road capability, and decent handling, the Sierra EV’s ride suffers from excessive vertical motion over bumps, creating an unsettled feeling. Larger impacts and potholes can result in harsh bottoming out.

Off-road, however, the GMC electric truck demonstrates its capabilities. During an off-road course at a horse farm, the Sierra EV handled rough, uneven terrain with composure, even at higher speeds. Its on-road handling characteristics become more understandable in this context.

GMC Sierra EV Denali driving on a dirt road showcasing its off-road capabilityGMC Sierra EV Denali driving through a shallow water crossing demonstrating its all-terrain readinessGMC Sierra EV Denali climbing over uneven terrain highlighting its suspension articulationGMC Sierra EV Denali driving on a grassy field during off-road testing

The Sierra EV Denali also features Crab Walk, borrowed from the Hummer EV. This allows diagonal movement by steering all four wheels in the same direction. Experiencing Crab Walk on a coned course was initially disorienting, feeling unnatural. However, after some practice, it became enjoyable, particularly on loose surfaces. While practical real-world applications might be limited, it adds a fun and unique dimension to the GMC electric truck, especially off-road.

Features, Options, and Competition for the GMC Sierra EV Denali

As the initial offering is the Denali trim, the Sierra EV comes generously equipped. Standard features include the versatile mid-gate from the Silverado EV, air suspension, heated and cooled leather seats, the large touchscreen, and GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving system. Super Cruise is a significant asset, considered among the best semi-autonomous driving systems available, and functional even while towing. The Sierra EV boasts a towing capacity of 10,500 pounds right from the base model, without needing an additional towing package.

Being the top-tier Denali, customization options are primarily utilitarian. These include roof racks, frunk coolers, and bed storage solutions.

Open frunk of the GMC Sierra EV Denali showing its storage capacityRear view of the GMC Sierra EV Denali with the mid-gate feature in use

The electric pickup market is increasingly competitive. The Sierra EV Denali faces rivals such as the Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T, and Tesla Cybertruck. While it offers a longer range than these competitors, it requires a considerably larger battery pack to achieve it. Its energy density is also less favorable, resulting in slower acceleration compared to some rivals in their respective trims.

The Silverado EV RST with the Max Range battery starts at around $5,000 less than the Sierra EV Denali. They share similar specifications, range, and standard equipment. The Silverado EV will also gain a version of Crab Walk, termed Sidewinder. However, the GMC Sierra EV Denali justifies its price premium through its superior interior, enhanced infotainment system, and quieter cabin. The GMC badge also carries a certain prestige that resonates with buyers.

Front three-quarter view of the GMC Sierra EV Denali parked in a scenic location

Early Verdict on the GMC Electric Truck

The 2025 GMC Sierra EV Denali presents a compelling package. Its attractive design, upscale interior, and functional features like the mid-gate and Crab Walk make it a surprisingly versatile pickup truck. However, with a starting price of $102,590, it remains a significant investment for a pickup, particularly when it lacks the cutting-edge tech or lifestyle appeal of the Rivian R1T or Tesla Cybertruck.

GM has once again created a capable electric pickup that seeks its niche in the market. Slightly more expensive than the Silverado EV RST but offering enhanced luxury and similar performance, the Sierra EV Denali is currently GM’s most refined electric truck offering. The question of its precise target audience, however, still lingers.