It’s not clear if we’ve managed to discover the highest part of the premium pickup market for trucks. With prices and levels of equipment increasing, buyers buy them in increasing quantities, and automakers add additional features into their vehicles such as additional leather trim, fancy stitching, and more nutty technology, and push prices to new levels each year. The tough 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 Denali Ultimate is the latest model and is one step better than the standard Denali if you’re keeping an eye on such things.
In 2023 it was the Ultimate part was an optional option to add on that top Denali trim. In the new 2024 version, which has been refreshed Sierra HD lineup, the Denali Ultimate becomes a range-topping standalone trim, as seen on the 2500 crew-cab version of the 4×4. Alongside the new trim and features, it is also the case that Sierra HD trucks get some cosmetic changes inside and out and some minor tweaks to their equipment, and a new trailer-towing technology as well as the gritty components are left to themselves. With the new Ford Super Duty on the market, can the modifications in this version of the Sierra HD go far enough to ensure it remains on the same level in the current competition between Detroit truck manufacturers? We tested one for one week to determine.
2024 GMC Sierra 2500 Denali Ultimate Redesign
The most recent versions of Chevrolet’s HD trucks, which came from both GMC and Chevrolet and Chevrolet, are … striking for a reason, and I’m not saying it lightly. Large, bold as well as intimidating featured an asymmetrical front end with a chiseled design. The 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 Denali Ultimate has the same look but it’s more appealing than the previous model, sporting a more relaxed appearance as well as more “coming to eat your children.” The change makes the massive HD trucks in line with the design of the half-ton Sierra that’s just approximately 10% larger than the 1500 model.
The difference is between Denali as well as Denali Ultimate trims, however, the style differences aren’t significant; only a few black metallics, distinct grilles, and a subtle badge make the Ultimate’s exterior stand out from other models. The regular Denali trim stands out more and has more chrome instead of darker “Vader” painted trim, however, it’s the interior that the Ultimate package gets its name.
The interior is the place where GM actually spent a lot of money and got bored of hearing that their luxurious vehicles didn’t have the most luxurious feel. The brand new Denali Ultimate interior is ultimate in numerous ways, from genuine wood and metal on the dashboard to genuine leather doors and seats. The colors are rich and there’s top-quality stitching and everything is overall more luxurious design and feel than previous Denali models. It’s no longer necessary to step inside the cabin and wonder what makes the truck costly: It now isn’t as expensive inside, as the price tag implies that it will be. But it’s still not as luxurious as the best interiors of Ram.
Comfort is the king of the hill in the all-new 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 Denali Ultimate, which is not a surprise considering the size of the beast. It’s far too large -parking it on every parking space will be difficult and you’ll need to take an in-depth review of a garage’s maximum height restriction before you sign the ticket and walk through the gate. This isn’t the most easy truck to look for due to its large hood and squat windshield.
Construction cones and other obstacles are likely to disappear in the truck and you’ll need to use the surround-view cameras to make any tricky maneuvers. In the vehicle, this dimension is an advantage There’s plenty of space from front to back, in every possible dimension. Headroom? Legroom? Three people in the back seat? It’s not a problem You can fit everyone. The quality of the materials in this truck isn’t compromised starting from the front row to the rear.
Technology System
One of the main features of the 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 Denali Ultimate update is the introduction of GM’s multimedia system that runs the Google operating system. The vehicle still comes with connectivity via wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto as well as Amazon Alexa integration and other apps. However, all voice-controlled features and other features are now accessible via the cloud-linked data connection whether for good or bad. The model we tested worked well, however previous tests of the new multimedia system have been a problem when the vehicle isn’t connected to an internet connection. Voice controls like the radio are faulty when the vehicle isn’t able to talk directly to the cloud.
Alongside the brand-new operating system, you will also get a brand-new dashboard that features some huge digital displays. To the left of the driver of the Denali Ultimate trim is a fully-color 15-inch head-up screen that is projected onto the windshield as well as a 12.3-inch adjustable electronic instrument cluster. To the left of the central console is a 13.4-inch touchscreen.
The two elements come together to create the most modern, high-tech HD pickup interior that we’ve seen. The screens are bright and clear and simple to set up and use, allowing a driver to view the amount of information they want. Do you want to keep it simple and minimalist to limit distractions? It’s possible. Do you want to include every piece of information regarding the activities of the truck on your screens? That’s available, too. It’s fast and doesn’t have issues or delays. That is also a nice thing to see.
Engine & Specs
One area where GMC has always performed well is the core of the pickup, the parts, and pieces that matter, like suspension parts, powertrains, and other technology that make the truck to be a vehicle. This is in which GM has invested money during the last major Sierra HD overhaul, which means that not much was required to be changed in this field to stay up to date and up to date. Two engines are included within the HD pickups: a basic 6.6-liter gasoline V-8 with 464 lbs-feet of torque.
The other engine that most customers prefer, is a turbo diesel 6.6-liter V-8 which produces an even more powerful 975 pounds-feet of torque by 2024. It’s only a small increase over the diesel’s previous 445 hp and 910 lb-feet of torque. However, these numbers hide the fact that GM has significantly redesigned the diesel engine even down to turbochargers. The engine is now tuned to provide 25 percent more torque at the lower rpm range to provide greater towing efficiency. Both engines are connected to the 10-speed standard Allison heavy-duty transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, while four-wheel drive is an option on the majority of models.
A heavy-duty pickup should be able to perform well when hauling or carrying a huge payload normally this is the moment when trucks are required to be considerate and easy to get along with. However, the process of making the HD pickup feel like that when it’s not in use is a greater challenge and the people at GMC have done a great job with making it feel that way.
Its Denali Ultimate trim, at most, can isolate the cabin well and there isn’t much noise from the engine, the road, or wind affecting the occupants. The acceleration of the hugely powerful diesel V-8 is a blast however, the Allison transmission carries it off effortlessly, offering smooth shifts between the gears under all situations. The steering feels a lot more powerful, but not unnatural and it does not have the unusually fast ratio that many rival HD trucks boast. It’s an expensive vehicle, in its interior and operation, and it displays a remarkable level of comfort, refinement, and a smooth ride for a workhorse pickup.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t capable of towing during my time using the truck it was disappointing since that is truly the truck’s job. Of course, with a brand new highest for towing of 21900 pounds for a 2500 crew cab and 22,500 pounds for other specially equipped 2500s, I’m not privy to anything that will test the limits of this truck in any way; a 6,000-pound travel trailer camper will go by without notice.
If you do have larger items to pull, GMC provides a ton of electronic equipment to allow you to do it effortlessly, such as the Transparent Trailer function that utilizes additional cameras to allow the trailer to “disappear” in the central screen’s rear view. The feature will be available in 2024 and is compatible with fifth-wheel and gooseneck-style trailers, too. The Sierra will not automatically back up to a trailer’s hitch ball, like the brand new 2023 Ford Super Duty can, but it will provide amazing assistance with towing once that trailer is connected and in the right direction.
2024 GMC Sierra 2500 Denali Ultimate Release Date & Price
If you need a powerful pickup truck, then you’re probably familiar with the pitfalls associated with their use. The size of the truck isn’t the most impressive one, but the thirsty engines are also a factor too. There are no estimates of fuel efficiency available for this vehicle, as its weight is a factor in the EPA doesn’t need GMC to release such estimates. However, suffice it to say that it’s terrible my experience with it was a long one and included a large amount of driving it returned 16 mpg without load. The number will only begin to decrease when you pull something or load the bed but that’s what’s anticipated within the HD truck class. There aren’t any hybrid HD trucks available yet, and only one model, the Rivian R1T has an entirely electric high-end model truck; there isn’t any demand from buyers.
This leaves us with the final figure that’s $94,835 for a Denali Ultimate I drove, with a destination charge. Yep, it’s another hundred-thousand-dollar pickup the kind people seem perfectly content to spend their money on in exchange for what’s essentially become today’s quintessential American luxury vehicle. America does not have super-priced high-end cars similar to the Germans or extravagant high-powered roadsters like the Italians however, we do produce some distinctive pickups that can be found better in a variety of American locations.
Of obviously, you don’t have to shell out that much for the 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 to get this type of performance. It starts at about $46,000 for a basic RWD one-cab, long-bed model that comes with a gasoline-powered V-8. Of course, it’s possible to exceed $100,000 for a fully full 3500 model, with a diesel engine, dual rear wheels, and all the luxurious trimmings. There’s a range of options and prices so that your requirements as a truck purchaser will be met by a version of Sierra at a certain cost. Based on the upgrades GMC implemented for their 2024 model, it’s the best investment you can make.