Flash Drive

2016 GMC Sierra

June 21, 2016 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2016 GMC Sierra Denali 1500 4WD Crew Cab

The 2016 GMC Sierra Denali is big and bold with a powerful 6.2L V-8.
The 2016 GMC Sierra Denali is big and bold with a powerful 6.2L V-8.

Engine: 6.2-liter V-8 gas, 420 horsepower 460 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 8-speed automatic, four-wheel-drive

EPA Ratings: 15/City—21/Highway—17/Combined

Base Price: $53,565

As Tested: $60,765

Performance:

Smooth, car-like highway ride

Excellent 8-speed automatic transmission

Seamless transitions between 4- and 8-cylinder engine modes

Good fuel economy; our best was 21.1 mpg

The GMC Sierra Denali is smooth and quiet out on the open road, unlike trucks of yore.
The GMC Sierra Denali is smooth and quiet out on the open road, unlike trucks of yore.

Auto locking rear differential

Gobs of torque

Designed for heavy-duty towing

Tow load adjuster

Tow mode button on shifter

Dial for two-and four-wheel drive modes

Rear vision camera

Comfort:

Stretch-out front legroom

Heated and vented front seats

Nice leather heated steering wheel

OK auxiliary controls

Very good rear headroom

Excellent rear knee and shoe room

So-so rear armrest with annoying cup holder

Luxury and modern high-tech features are everywhere in the spacious cabin.
Luxury and modern high-tech features are everywhere in the spacious cabin.

Power adjustable pedals

Power driver lumbar support

Medium size sunroof

Utility:

Locking tailgate

LED lighting for cargo area

Large front tow hooks

Lots of cargo loops

Power sliding rear window, but opening is small

Light, easy to lift tailgate

Protective cladding on top of bed rails

Full-size rear doors

Almost flat rear floor

Split rear seats fold up for large cargo area

Huge grab handles on “B” pillars for back seat entry

A wide array of modern communication/entertainment devices can by synchronized to the Sierra.
A wide array of modern communication/entertainment devices can by synchronized to the Sierra.

Four regular overhead grab handles

Huge 3-part rear door bins

Two nice vinyl seatback pouches

Huge front door bins

Huge center console bin with power ports

Two-part glovebox

WOW Factors:

Neat rear bumper notches for climbing into bed

Big rig styling cues

Tons of interior storage options

Car-like interior luxury

Serious towing capabilities

Good fuel economy

Whines:

Power running boards both helpful and annoying

The compromise between bed length and having a full-size rear seat is excellent.
The compromise between bed length and having a full-size rear seat is excellent.

Sticker shock

Cup holder hogs rear armrest surface area

Bottom Line:

The 2016 GMC Sierra Denali 1500 Crew Cab is the best of two worlds: all the space and creature comforts of a luxury sedan coupled with the rugged cargo/towing capacity of a full-size four-wheel-drive truck. It’s quiet and easy to drive as long as shrunken city parking spaces aren’t part of your daily routine.