GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate

2016 GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate

Pros: Expansive passenger and cargo room; well-designed technology features; broad range of models, body configurations, and powertrains to choose from

Cons: Prices rise quickly as options are added; ride comfort doesn’t quite match Ram 1500—it’s a bit jiggly over rough pavement

CG Says: Sierra’s updates for 2016 include new front-end styling with LED running lights, an available remote locking tailgate, upgraded IntelliLink infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay capability, and wireless device charging on models with front bucket seats. Base, SLE, and SLT models get HID projector headlights; LED headlights are standard on Sierra Denali and available on SLT. LED taillights are standard on SLT, All Terrain, and Sierra Denali. Power-articulating assist steps are newly available on the Sierra Denali Crew Cab. The Driver Alert Package on SLT and Sierra Denali adds automatic high-beam control and lane-keep assist. Base double-cab models get an Elevation Edition appearance package. Availability of the 8-speed automatic transmission, which was previously offered only with the 6.2-liter V8, is expanded to the 5.3-liter V8 models in SLT and Sierra Denali trim. The GMC Sierra stacks up well against class rivals, and—like its Chevrolet Silverado sibling—offers strong, refined engines, good on-road behavior, plenty of handy in-cabin storage, and an impressively quiet driving environment; top-line models such as the Denali add a healthy dose of luxury to the mix. Sierra lags the Ram 1500 in handling and ride quality (as do all other full-size pickups), but it’s still a Best Buy in this class.

The Facts
Class Large Pickup Truck
Body Style(s) pickup truck
Passenger Count 3 or 6
Drive Wheels rear-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive
Manufacturer GMC
Nation of Manufacture USA, Mexico
Base Prices (Only select models listed)
Base Regular Cab, 6.6-ft box: $27,515
Base 4×4 Reg. Cab, 8-ft box: $31,755
SLE 4×4 Double Cab, 6.6-ft box: $40,715
SLT Crew Cab, 5.75-ft box: $43,920
Denali 4×4 Crew Cab, 6.5-ft box: $54,340

Base Engine
4.3-liter V6
Horsepower
285
Std. Transmission
6-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
17-18
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
22-24

Optional Engine
5.3-liter V8
Horsepower
355
Std. Transmission
6-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
8-speed automatic
EPA City Range (mpg)
15-16
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
21-23

Optional Engine
6.2-liter V8
Horsepower
420
Std. Transmission
8-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
15
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
21

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2016 GMC Sierra All Terrain SLT
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