GMC Electric Truck: A Deep Dive into the Sierra EV Denali

General Motors has thrown its hat into the electric truck ring, and I’ve had the chance to experience nearly every iteration they offer. From the Chevrolet Silverado EV WT to the RST, and now the 2025 GMC Sierra EV Denali, it’s clear GM is serious about electric pickups. The Sierra EV Denali stands out as the pinnacle of luxury and capability within GM’s electric truck lineup, and unsurprisingly, it’s the most impressive of the lot. However, despite its advantages, this Gmc Electric Truck still grapples with some of the challenges present in its Chevrolet counterparts.

What’s immediately striking about the GMC Sierra EV Denali is that it doesn’t feel like a mere re-badged Silverado EV. The exterior design is distinctly different, and the cabin elevates the experience to a new level of sophistication. Yet, beneath the surface, the shared DNA is undeniable. It rides on the same foundational elements – chassis, battery packs, electric motors, and suspension system. Think of them as fraternal twins, sharing core components but boasting unique personalities.

While the Silverado EV RST showcased innovative engineering and impressive range, its target audience remained somewhat elusive. The Sierra EV Denali, while facing similar positioning questions, emerges as the most compelling version of GM’s electric truck endeavor to date. Let’s delve into the details of why this GMC electric truck is making waves.

GMC Sierra EV Denali: The Premium Electric Truck Basics

In line with GM’s truck and SUV strategy, the GMC variant of this electric pickup truck prioritizes luxury and enhanced capability compared to its Chevy sibling. Although the Silverado EV may soon catch up in terms of features, the Sierra EV Denali currently holds the crown for premium offerings. With no Cadillac version on the horizon, the Denali trim represents the most opulent electric truck variant GM will offer. While other Sierra EV trims are anticipated, none are expected to surpass the Denali in terms of comfort and premium features.

The Sierra EV Denali truly distinguishes itself visually, appearing as a completely different truck rather than a simple upscale trim. The transformation extends beyond just the front fascia; the entire truck boasts a fresh shape and profile. The front end features a prominent “shield” logo, illuminated trim, and a light-up GMC badge. The angular headlights project a more sophisticated aesthetic than the Silverado’s, and the frunk button integration is significantly improved, offering easy access compared to the Chevy’s hidden placement.

Furthermore, the Sierra EV ditches the Silverado EV’s Avalanche-esque bed sails, resulting in a cleaner and more practical bed design. This GMC electric truck prioritizes functionality by allowing for easier loading of gear over the bed sides. Observing both Silverado EVs and the Sierra EV side-by-side, the GMC emerges as the more visually appealing choice, leaning towards a more traditional pickup truck aesthetic that resonates with typical truck buyers.

The interior represents the most significant leap forward. The Silverado EV RST’s cabin, especially considering its price tag, feels underwhelming. Its design is bland, material quality feels budget-oriented, and instances of squeaks and rattles were noted. The Sierra EV Denali, however, presents a dramatically different interior experience. While some lower door panel plastics remain hard, all crucial touchpoints exude quality and robustness.

The dashboard design in this GMC electric truck is undeniably upscale, featuring rich, soft-touch leather and metallic accents. A standout feature is GMC’s massive portrait-oriented infotainment screen, a vast improvement over the Silverado EV’s smaller, landscape-oriented display. The Sierra’s screen boasts superior size, ultra-high resolution, sharp graphics, intuitive menus, and rapid responsiveness.

GMC has also thoughtfully incorporated large, physical switches for climate controls, a welcome feature for ease of use, especially with gloves. These tactile controls exemplify the attention to detail that elevates the Sierra EV over the Silverado EV, enhancing daily usability. For these practical and luxurious touches alone, the GMC Sierra EV Denali outshines the Silverado EV.

Mechanically, the Sierra EV mirrors the Silverado EV RST. It utilizes the same dual-motor powertrain, delivering a potent 760 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of torque. Its substantial 200+ kWh battery pack targets a claimed range of 460 miles, a figure that seems realistically achievable. However, efficiency observations during testing revealed an average of just over two miles per kWh, suggesting a more practical real-world range closer to 400 miles. This efficiency dip can be attributed to the Sierra’s considerable curb weight of nearly 9,000 pounds, which somewhat diminishes the impact of its impressive power output. While GMC advertises a 0-60 mph acceleration of 4.5 seconds, it feels subjectively slower due to its heft.

Driving Dynamics of the GMC Electric Truck

Having experienced all Chevrolet versions of this electric truck, I approached the Sierra EV Denali with the question of refinement. GMC representatives confirmed enhancements in Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) levels compared to the Silverado EV, citing the use of improved acoustic glass and higher-quality sound-deadening materials.

These measures appear to be effective. The Sierra EV Denali achieves a noticeably quieter cabin than the Silverado EV, particularly at higher speeds, contributing to a more refined driving experience. Unfortunately, the ride quality mirrors the Silverado EV, exhibiting a similar degree of roughness and body motion. While acknowledging that pickups aren’t typically associated with plush rides or silent cabins, the Sierra EV’s non-traditional body-on-frame construction and premium price point raise expectations for greater refinement.

The Sierra EV driving experience has its merits. The steering is well-weighted and sufficiently direct, the seats offer good comfort, and outward visibility surpasses the Silverado EV due to the absence of bed sails. However, the suspension is a limiting factor. It struggles to effectively manage the vehicle’s immense weight, resulting in a ride that is simultaneously floaty and harsh. The standard air suspension seems overwhelmed by the nearly 9,000-pound mass.

While acknowledging the engineering challenges of balancing comfort, off-road capability, and handling with such significant weight, the suspension’s performance falls short. Excessive vertical motion over bumps creates an unsettled feeling, and larger impacts or potholes induce jarring crashes against bump stops.

Off-road, however, this GMC electric truck demonstrates its capabilities. During an off-road course at a horse farm, the Sierra EV exhibited composure on rough, undulating dirt roads, even at higher speeds. Its on-road handling compromises become more understandable in this context.

The Sierra EV Denali also features Crab Walk, a unique four-wheel steering mode allowing diagonal movement. Experiencing Crab Walk firsthand is unusual, as the truck sidesteps diagonally, akin to strafing in a video game. Initially unnatural, it becomes surprisingly enjoyable, particularly on loose surfaces. While practical applications may be limited, Crab Walk adds a fun and distinctive element, especially for off-road scenarios.

Features, Options, and Competition in the GMC Electric Truck Market

As the initial and currently sole Sierra EV model, the Denali 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 assist. Super Cruise, a leading semi-autonomous system, proves particularly valuable, even when towing. The Sierra EV boasts a robust 10,500-pound towing capacity without requiring an additional towing package.

Being the top-tier Denali trim, customization options primarily focus on utilitarian enhancements. Available accessories include roof racks, frunk coolers, and bed storage solutions.

The electric pickup market is increasingly competitive, with the Sierra EV Denali facing rivals like the Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T, and Tesla Cybertruck. While the Sierra EV offers superior range, it necessitates a larger battery capacity to achieve it. Its weight also impacts performance, making it slower than many competitors in various configurations.

The Silverado EV RST, equipped with the same Max Range battery, starts at approximately $5,000 less than the Sierra EV. Both 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 presents a compelling value proposition over the Chevy primarily due to its significantly improved interior, enhanced infotainment system, and quieter cabin. The GMC badge also carries a certain prestige that resonates with many buyers.

Initial Verdict on the GMC Sierra EV Denali

The 2025 GMC Sierra EV Denali presents a compelling package. Its striking aesthetics, luxurious interior, and practical features like the mid-gate and Crab Walk contribute to its appeal as a capable pickup truck. However, with a starting price of $102,590, it represents a substantial investment for a pickup, particularly as it lacks the overtly futuristic or lifestyle-oriented vibe of the Rivian R1T or Cybertruck.

GM has once again engineered a highly capable electric pickup that is still defining its market niche. Positioned slightly above the Silverado EV RST with comparable specifications but enhanced luxury, the Sierra EV Denali stands as GM’s most accomplished electric truck offering to date. The lingering question, however, remains: who is the ideal customer for this premium GMC electric truck?