2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate Off Pavement

The Denali Ultimate is very luxurious inside, but how does it fair when the pavement ends?
Engine Adventures strives to explore and test the AWD and 4WD systems of all crossovers, SUVs, and pickup trucks. To do this we test vehicles in real world environments in a way that allows viewers to cross shop and explore any vehicle they may be interested in learning about.
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[@dantimber]

It's a beautiful truck but 22" wheels with such low profile tires off-road is nuts. Realistically this is a luxury pavement cruiser and will be bought for that. Great information on the transfer case. Thanks.

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching! It does have the hardware for decent off-road capability, but certainly many of the appearance items detract from that.

[@dantimber]

@@EngineAdventures I agree. Besides the side steps the only thing that detracts from off-road capability are the 22” wheels and low profile tires. Otherwise it does have the basics with 4wd and a rear locker. It wouldn’t be my first choice but it would make a great touring or light camping truck. It’s a handsome vehicle. Regarding the transfer case clutch does that only engage in 4wd ‘Auto’ or does it respond in other modes or applications?

[@EngineAdventures]

@@dantimber In 4wd auto it is actively adjusting the pressure on the clutches. In 2wd it's disengaged. In 4wd high and 4wd low maximum pressure is applied to the clutches, which works for most cases. Check out this story for one way it can fail: www.caranddriver.com/features/a39850302/chevy-silverado-zr2-4wd-off-mystery/

[@dantimber]

@@EngineAdventures This is a disappointment. I'm not an engineer so I may have the terminology wrong. I think most people (myself included) are aware of a center clutch differential in the transfer case for "auto" mode but have no idea there isn't a true mechanical/gear lockup for 4wd high and 4wd low. I've owned 4 different 4wd vehicles and all of them would "hop" during a turn if 4wd was mistakenly left engaged on a hard surface signifying a true mechanical lock. It's clearly stated this can severely damage driveline components. Maybe GM chose this clutch design to limit or prevent this kind of damage? It's sounds a lot more complicated when not only are there clutch plates but motors and electrical switches to engage them. I'm hoping Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators are all mechanical except for those optioned with the "auto" position transfer case? But now I'm wondering if similar clutch designs are used in Ford and Ram trucks?

[@EngineAdventures]

@@dantimber I have overheated the clutches on a Ram 1500. I don't know about all Ford F-150's, but the Raptor only uses clutches for 4wd Auto, the other 4wd modes are a direct connection. I believe that the Jeep Wrangler is the same way. The clutches will still probably lock up tight enough to cause the driveline binding, or hop that you mentioned when placed into 4hi or 4lo. However there may be enough slip in there to release that pressure. Great point, and I've never actually tried it. Clutches are nice for saving fuel while having the system constantly engaged. They can add power to the front axle only when needed instead of all the time. However I'm of the opinion that having a Torsen style limited slip center diff with an e locker feature is the way to go. You can be in 4lo with no driveline binding, makes backing a trailer uphill on pavement much easier. You can also put it in 4hi for bad weather, to save fuel leave it in 2wd, and if you're getting into rough terrain, lock the center diff. It does require a little more user knowledge and effort, but by far it's my favorite system.

[@based4599]

The fact is a luxury truck and does off-roading still truck my opinion pretty good truck

[@EngineAdventures]

Yup, same bones as nearly all the others, so it retains it's off-pavement capability.

[@Coloradohiker658]

Great information and great review.

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks again Mark!

[@flatsixer105]

Does the AT4 also have the clutch-based transfer case?? And the the AT4X?

[@EngineAdventures]

As far as I know, Yes. It's really only an issue for slow speed crawling for extended periods. Otherwise if you use it as designed you won't have any problems

[@flatsixer105]

@@EngineAdventures Thanks loved the video and analysis Just subscribed!

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for the support!

[@wannaflyme]

This place looks like a place from GTA V.

[@EngineAdventures]

Just Utah, not Los Santos.

[@drmerryman]

Luxury? That screen is tiny!

[@EngineAdventures]

Haha by today's standard that may actually be true!

[@sking2173]

This truck is an example of GM using their expertise to market a pretender. I like GM trucks, but I’d pass on this one …

[@EngineAdventures]

It still has the G80 locker and they market it as a luxury truck, which I believe it is. I'd pass on this because of the price, but I think it's in line with the top trims from the competition.