Review: 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Crew Cab 4x4

When you talk about history of the automobile industry and specifically trucks, the GMC truck line in my opinion seems to be one manufacturer that gets left out of many conversations. Why that is, I'm not really sure. General Motors Corporation (GMC) is a division of multinational automobile manufacturer General Motors (GM) whose primary manufacturing focus is on trucks and utility vehicles. When the company was first started back in 1902 in Pontiac, Michigan, it was known as the Rapid Motor Vehicle Company. In 1909, it was made a subsidiary of the General Motors Company; then in 1912, it officially became GMC. For many years, the GMC line of trucks was advertised and marketed to commercial buyers and businesses, while the similar looking Chevrolet trucks were directed towards private owners. Today, as we look at the line of GMC trucks and utility vehicles, it is easy to see they are no longer only marketed to commercial buyers. They are now also sold to private buyers looking for a premium luxury vehicle like the fifth generation Sierra Denali. There have been many firsts when you have been around as long as the GMC brand has, so the 2021 line of trucks offers many new firsts as well.

Step Up Like a Pro

In today's rapidly changing technology world, you would expect one of the new game changers for the GMC Sierra to be a technology item; but instead, one that is still seeing positive feedback is the world's first six-function MultiPro tailgate. It has been so popular that it will be also offered on the SLE and Elevation trims. This new tailgate is so revolutionary, it makes you wonder why it took so long to invent. The tailgate will contort into six functions and positions for just about every different situation you could need it to become, from enhanced second-tier loading, load-stop solutions and easier access to the cargo box.

'Step Up Like A Pro' is an empowering call to action that resonates with truck owners, encouraging them to reach higher in their lives and not accept the ordinary. 'Anthem' continues to define our GMC 'We Are Professional Grade' standards and signals landmark change to the industry.

Rich Latek, Director of GMC Marketing

Here are a few of the ways the tailgate can be used:

Primary Gate

Opens with key fob from inside the truck or button on the gate.

Primary Gate Load Stop

Keeps items from sliding out of the box.

Easy Access

Inner gate folds down allowing a deeper reach into the box.

Full-Width Step

Inner gate folds into a large step for easy access which holds up to 375 pounds.

Inner Gate Load Stop

Helps prevent second-tier items from sliding out of the box.

Inner Gate With Work Surface

When tailgate is opened it provides work surface as well as second-tier loading.

Innovative Towing Technology

Today, as more new people are getting out on the weekends seeking adventure, they are also towing things like campers, off-road vehicles, and watercraft items like boats and jet skis to help them find that adventure. Many first timers may not necessarily have experience towing, so a truck needs to not only keep pace with this new adventurous buyer but also provide relevant technology for a safe and fun trip.

Trailering is essential for pickup truck customers. More than half of our Sierra customers use their trucks to primarily tow equipment for outdoor adventures. We continually listen to customer feedback, which tells us they want class-leading safety, technology and comfort to tow what they need, whether it's a boat, an RV or a trailer hauling off-road toys.

Rich Latek, Director of GMC Marketing

Because GMC as a company strives to be a leader in towing technology, the new or enhanced towing technology offered for 2021 builds on the trucks' strong suite of customer-focused trailering technologies.

Trailer Length Indicator

Driving forward with the turn signal activated, the center console screen displays a red overlay twice the length of the compatible trailer and shows when other vehicles are present and may interfere with a lane-change maneuver.

Jack-Knife Alert

Jack-Knife Alert tracks the position of the trailer in relation to the vehicle. If the front of the trailer approaches the rear of the vehicle, an alert is displayed when there may be a potential jack-knife situation.

Rear Trailer View

This feature now features guidelines and a Trailer-Angle Indicator. Rear Trailer View has been enhanced to include guidelines that assist when backing a trailer into place and a Trailer-Angle Indicator to show the relationship between the truck and compatible trailer.

Rear Side View

This feature has been enhanced, when driving forward Rear Side View provides a split view of the left and right sides of the truck and compatible trailer that is automatically biased based on the trailer's angle. New for 2021 drivers will have access to this view while driving in reverse, making it easier to see surrounding vehicles and objects while positioning a trailer.

Cargo Bed View

This enhanced option offers both New Cargo Bed Zoom View and Bed Hitch Guidance which can be helpful for aligning and hooking up a gooseneck/fifth-wheel trailer.

Power Upgrade

You can't add an additional 2,300 lbs of tow capability to a truck without adding considerable amount of horsepower too. The Powertrain package I had, was the 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine, that produces 420 hp 460 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. I didn't have a chance to tow anything with the Sierra the week I had it, but it did not lack for power to launch me down any of the on-ramps I encountered during the week.

Denali Experience

The test model I had for the week was decked out in Denali style. It is a testament to the interior engineers at GMC considering this truck line was once considered only for commercial or contractor buyers and not private owners. Below is a list of a few add-ons that make it pretty swanky. The interior featured a jet black theme with authentic open-pore dark ash wood trim, black premium leather headrests with Denali embroidered logo, black premium Forge perforated leather seating surfaces, 10-way power-adjustable front seats that are heated and ventilated, and a power sun-roof. The exterior featured Denali premium suspension with adaptive ride control, Carbonpro composite bed and badaging, and 22" high-gloss wheels.

At a time when towing is on the rise, this new 2021 GMC Sierra Denali offers even more new trailering technology with amazing style and comfort. This truck makes towing equipment to your next great remote adventure seem like a breeze with all the new innovative technology and interior comfort; so when you get there, you are still refreshed enough to enjoy your adventures.

The 2021 GMC Sierra Denali starts at an MSRP of $61,295 ($71,916 as pictured).

Learn More

For more information or to test drive this vehicle for yourself, stop by a local dealer or visit online at:
GMC | Sierra

About GMC

With a strong foundation of manufacturing trucks since 1902 and now selling in a dozen countries across the world, GMC offers purpose-built vehicles designed and engineered to the highest standard. From the all-new compact SUV Terrain to the Sierra HD, our trucks and crossovers deliver GMC's signature combination of intuitive technologies and premium execution, with the popular Denali representing the pinnacle of GMC design, performance and amenities. Details on all GMC models are available at www.gmc.com, on Twitter at @GMC or at www.facebook.com/gmc.