20 Years of Denali | 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Full Tour & Review

TestDrive is taking a look at the all-new 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali, both in comparison to the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado High Country we just featured, and the 2018 Sierra Denali we drove last year.
Our full episode of TestDrive Snapshot on the 2019 GMC Sierra Denali goes over what's new and changed for this 4th generation GMC light duty full-size pickup truck. We talk in-depth about the big mechanical change from GM's Magnetic Ride Control system to a less sophisticated and ultimately more cost-effective Adaptive Ride Control system for the vehicle's suspension. We also talk about the exterior changes with the GMC Sierra such as the new chrome front grille, LED headlights, keyless entry with push button start, and the new MultiPro tailgate system.
Inside we go over the changes from the 2018 model year, along with how the Denali sub-brand of GMC has grown over the last 20 years to get to this point. We get some heritage photos of the original 1999 GMC Yukon Denali along with one of the most technologically ground-breaking Sierras, the 2002 GMC Sierra Denali with Quadrasteer. We discuss some of the important additions like the 15" colour HUD, dual 8" computer screens, navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM Radio, 4G LTE data connection, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, heated rear outboard seats, USB-C charging, and Qi wireless charging.
We take the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali on a performance-oriented road test to show how the 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine performs from a standstill in sport mode, doing two 0-100km or 0-60mph runs. We also give our thoughts about the Adaptive Ride Control and how it differs from the MangeRide found in the 2018 model, and also how it handles in comparison to the Chevrolet Silverado we just drove, and our top pick in the segment, the 2019 RAM 1500 Limited.
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[@rondail5675]

The GMC is so much better looking in my opinion. Love it in black.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Same here, the GMC has always been a handsome truck, might not have all the bells and whistles but it stands out for it's own reasons.

[@paulm6481]

The exterior is so blingy but damn I like it, it works 🤔

[@PRNTestDrive]

I know, right! It works on this trim. People definitely notice when you drive by.

[@TheKeenMechanic]

Great video Nile. Thanks a lot😉

[@PRNTestDrive]

Glad you think so! We're lucky we made it through filming.

[@biggiefitz6275]

Beautiful truck!

[@PRNTestDrive]

We think so too, GMC always has a commanding presence with their pickups.

[@sonyhk3824]

💯

[@PRNTestDrive]

I certainly didn't feel 100%, but the truck definitely was!

[@sonyhk3824]

@@PRNTestDrive I feel it. It's really good video

[@christiankonig6499]

GOSH! Just fell in love with a car Thats ' s what the doctor ordered! Looks like a command post! Miss the machinegun! Talking about health, eat raw onions NOW!😁 Very informative video as always, wouldn' t have it any other way!

[@PRNTestDrive]

It does feel like a command post! Despite not having all the features, we really loved this truck.

[@AlaskaErik]

No adaptive cruise control = no buy. What was GM thinking? Ford and Ram both have it on their half ton models. I'm not paying $60k to $70k for a vehicle that doesn't even have this basic luxury feature. Which is a shame, as GM was my preferred brand.

[@PRNTestDrive]

I think that’s what disappointed us the most about this truck. The first Denali models used to really push the tech and luxury features forward, but recently GM’s been behind the other domestic brands.

[@michaels7984]

Supposedly it was left out the first year because they are working on a new system that isnt ready yet. They told motortrend they would have had to redo the grill just for one year, so I guess that means they are planning on adding it for 2020. I've only seen that on motortrend though, no one else has mentioned that.

[@hunkydude322]

cars back in the 50;s and 60s also didn't have crusie control this generation of folks just spoiled brats.

[@luisignaciohernandezgonzal5572]

Interior is do dated next year they need to updated

[@PRNTestDrive]

It really feels like the previous generation, which is why we joked about it on our 2018 Sierra Denali episode.

[@sensonootoko9550]

stfu

[@timetraveler1281]

I own a Denali , Don't waste your money , I have had mine a few years ( basically the same Truck with a few minor changes) , 36,000 miles on it now . Truck hasn't done any kinda of work , treated like a luxury vehicle . Front AWD Trans Axle blew out at just over 32,000 , Have 36,000 on it now and Dash Board also has now cracked , Stability Traction control has developed a problem , and even the Expensive Specialty Chromes Wheels are peeling off chunks of Chrome like cheap paint on a old house. GM calls this normal wear and tear and that its just COSMETIC , not sure how stability Traction control is cosmetic , but .... The Idiots offered me a voucher of a grand to buy another GM product ! I guess my 36,000 mile Industrialist grade vehicle is wore out and needs replaced already ? My repairs will run me between 4 and 5 grand , on a vehicle that has only 36,000 miles on it and that is not counting the front AWD front Axles previous cost . Let me show you what you can expect from GM Customer Service , This is GM own Site , so facts are the facts ! @t Go to this link see for your self . They have 1100 complaints , with only " 3 " resolved , this is GM own site and they have given themselves a 1 STAR RATING . GM is offering 20 % off their vehicles why ? Because even thou they look nice and have allot of amenities , they are a waste of your money ! DRIVE WAY Ornament

[@PRNTestDrive]

Those are certainly a lot of troubling issues with your Sierra, if anyone else is having problems like this please let us know.

[@timetraveler1281]

@@PRNTestDrive What makes it even worse , Its still a beautiful Truck . People comment on it all the time . But I am not going to lie and say GET YOURSELF ONE ! Again look at GM own Customer Service Complaint www.complaintsboard.com/general-motors-corporation-b102043 I have bought GM products for over 40 Yrs , Traded in a Silverado Z71 LT Model had 134,000 on it and basically did just did common Maintenance repairs . My father in law worked there over 40 years , GM's Products today aren't made with the same quality and even worse they don't stand behind product or care if they fails. Offered me a Voucher for a grand toward buying another GM product , really ? I need 4 to 5 grand to fix my TRUCK now back into the condition it should be in . Like I said Great looking Truck Still , Always being asked about it , But as anyone would suspect GM doesn't get a favorable referral , I just tell how mine is falling apart and it only has 36,000 miles on it now . GM has no idea what Customer service is and when People hear how the TOP OF THE LINE DENALI falls apart , well Don't think those people will be buying one any time soon. After being a long time GM buyer and customer you'd think they try a little harder to fix the problems . ( I'd understand if my vehicle had some real miles on it ) Social Media can be total nightmare today . Having to offer 20 % off your top of the line Products , says allot about how GM has LOST THEIR BASE ! I planning on purchasing my Wife a New SUV , as you can guess it definitely won't be anything GM , probably head toward a Lexus RX 350 or 350 L . Better warranty , and reliability and Quality ! GM lost a customer for life and many friend of mine , Plus on Social media . GM can't do the math , you can pay a little now or allot down the road , again 20 % off your top of line Products is ALL TELLING ! Who's fault is that !

[@PRNTestDrive]

Those levels/prices for repairs on a new vehicle is unacceptable for any brand, especially when you're spending the kind of money a Denali costs. We haven't had any comments about this on the 2018 Sierra episode we filmed, but then again we don't get a tonne of traffic like a lot of other larger channels do, so there's a good chance others are experiencing similar issues. GM cut costs on this generation, as we mentioned in the video with the removal of the Magnetic Ride control, based on your experience it sounds like they've also cut a lot of costs in the quality department as well.

[@james2042]

Wait, did you switch from Canadian dollars to US dollars without saying anything? If I spec out a Denali or High Country and it comes out to about 65-70k USD. Wouldn't that be around 100-110k Canadian? Anyways the interior is way too cheap compared to the RAM. They would have to blow me away with seat comforts, driveability, infotainment responsiveness, and fuel economy. Honestly doubt it will.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Haven't switched to USD! We always get a full build sheet from GM for their vehicles, but we confirm prices through their Build & Price site. These ended up costing about $7k less than the RAM 1500 Limited we had earlier on.

[@james2042]

@@PRNTestDrive In the US with US pricing these trucks go for about 65-70k, for both Ram and the GM twins. Maybe I'll come to Canada to buy my next truck if they are truly that much cheaper up there. I live on the border lol. For reference it would be the equivalent of roughly 90k cad, I hit up a converter this time lol

[@PRNTestDrive]

Our MSRPs are always before delivery, tax & discounts, but maybe GM is able to sell them a bit less up here due to trade deals or some other incentives.

[@james2042]

@@PRNTestDrive like I said if they are truly just that much cheaper over the border I'll fly up, buy a truck, and drive it home. That's a good 20,000 price difference in conversation

[@PRNTestDrive]

As long as you don't mind the kph in the cluster! I think most of these modern cars can be switched over from metric digitally, it's just the analogue gauges you'd have to live with.

[@lucasioachimciuc6221]

The last years interior I personally think was more luxurious

[@PRNTestDrive]

We definitely liked the 2018 model when we featured it.

[@ngirardo86]

No way dude..I had a 17 before my 19 and the 19 is way nicer

[@sbtompkins]

You can fully load this Sierra Denali with every feature GM offers and it still won't have adaptive cruise control. Neither will it's Silverado High Country twin. So much for luxury and convenience on long trips. Missing key features that Ram and F-150 offer, lame and outdated "new" interior, no magnetic ride control. As I see it, the only exciting selling points of this truck are the 6.2 L, which is awesome, and the big bed with the neat tailgate. If it were me and I was going to drop ~ $60K I'd take a Ram Limited, Ram Laramie Longhorn, Ram Rebel 12, F-150 Limited, F-150 Platinum or a Sierra AT-4 over this underwhelming new Sierra Denali.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Underwhelming certainly is a good way to put it, it's why we wanted to show some of the Denalis from the past, as GM had always ensured those vehicles pushed the envelope of what a non-luxury brand vehicle could have. Auto headlights, Quadrasteer, ventilated front seats; all things added to the Denali back when BMW/Mercedes were only starting to offer them too. Fast-forward to today and the 2019 is still nice, but it doesn't push the boundaries like the old ones did.

[@unclejamesx9808]

2020 comes with adaptive cruise control

[@mhsvz6735]

My money... GMC Sierra Denali.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Money well spent!

[@davidhypes5228]

The interior looks cheap, especially when compared to the RAM 1500 Limited.

[@T3CHK1NG54]

David Hypes the rams engine is week when compared to the 6.2 and 3.5 TT

[@davidhypes5228]

Peetey not enough difference in hp to overcompensate for the cheap look. If paying that much, it needs to looks the part.

[@T3CHK1NG54]

David Hypes it doesn’t look cheap ..it may not be as nice as the ram but it doesn’t look cheap

[@davidhypes5228]

Peetey I guess that is a matter of personal opinion.

[@james2042]

@@T3CHK1NG54 the 6.2 requires premium, while the 5.7 suggest midgrade but will run fine on regular, and theres no replacement for displacement. Look at fords heavy duty lineup, as they just went and made a 7.3l gas truck for true power and durability. That 5.7 hemi also has the new etorque for off the line torque which is noticeable in a side by side launch

[@sbtompkins]

You'd go with the Denali because of the name prestige? Give me a break....

[@PRNTestDrive]

That's literally the reason the GMC Denali brand exists.