The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali puts an upscale finish on your rugged ride. This light-duty truck not only comes standard with a powerful V8 engine, but it also levels up your ride with leather upholstery and shiny, 20-inch wheels. Let’s take a look at everything this truck has to offer.
Towing & Hauling Capabilities
Towing and hauling capabilities vary depending on body style and which powertrain you select. With its standard V8 engine, the Sierra 1500 Denali can tow up to 9,300 pounds. And this upscale truck can haul payloads weighing up to 2,298 pounds.
With the optional diesel engine, the max tow rating remains at 9,300 pounds. But the diesel-powered Denali can haul slightly bigger payloads depending on body style, with ratings of up to 2,398 pounds.
If you add the bigger, 6.2-liter V8 engine for more power and a speedier ride, payload ratings will drop slightly. Sierra 1500 Denali trucks with this engine can tow up to 9,000 pounds and haul up to 2,285 pounds.
Exterior Features
As the top-of-the-line Sierra 1500 trim model, the Denali is a very flashy truck. It comes standard with polished, 20-inch wheels, LED headlamps and cargo bed lighting, along with lots of chrome trim.
But the Denali also gives you options. To suit your own personal sense of style, you can choose from a wide range of wheel designs. You can also add extra utility, with optional wheel locks and a tonneau cover.
Standard:
- 20-inch multi-dimensional polished aluminum wheels
- 255/60R20 all-season, blackwall tires
- 17-inch full-size spare steel wheel with Black finish
- GMC MultiPro Tailgate
- ProGrade Trailering System
- Capless fuel fill
- Cargo tie-downs
- Chrome vertical recovery hooks
- Fully boxed frame
- 6-inch chrome rectangular full-length assist steps
- Body-color front and rear bumpers
- Cab-mounted cargo area lamps
- Cargo bed LED lighting
- Chrome door handles
- Chrome mirror caps
- CornerStep rear bumper
- Deep-tinted glass
- Full chrome surround window moldings
- Grille
- Heated, power, driver-side auto-dimming, power-folding outside mirrors
- LED daytime running lamps
- LED fog lamps
- LED headlamps
- LED tail lamps
- Power sliding rear window with rear defogger
- Rear wheelhouse liners
- Spare tire carrier lock
- Spray-on bedliner
- Tailgate and bed rail protection caps
- Tailgate with EZ Lift assist, power lock & release
Optional:
- 275/60R20SL all-terrain, blackwall tires
- 22-inch five-spoke Dark Silver aluminum wheels with machined accents
- 22-inch six-split-spoke Chrome wheels
- 22-inch six-split-spoke Polished wheels
- 22-inch six-spoke Low Gloss Black wheels with machined accents
- 22-inch Black Gloss wheel with chrome accents
- 22-inch Carbon Flash Metallic wheels
- 22-inch High Gloss Black wheels
- 22-inch Multi-spoke Chrome wheels
- 22-inch Multi-spoke Polished wheels
- 22-inch multi-dimensional polished aluminum wheels
- 275/50R22SL all-season, blackwall tires
- Cargo tie-downs (set of four)
- Bedside storage boxes
- Body-color wheel arch moldings
- Front and rear Black molded splash guards
- Front license plate bracket
- GMC illuminated puddle lamp emblem
- GMC MultiPro Power Steps
- GMC MultiPro tailgate Step Lights
- Illuminated front Red GMC emblem
- IntelliBeam
- Outside power-adjustable vertical trailering mirrors with heated driver and passenger upper glass
- Power sunroof
- Tri-fold soft tonneau cover
- Wheel locks
Technology
In addition to its powerful ride and luxurious cabin, the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali also comes standard with a very impressive infotainment lineup. The infotainment system includes the latest versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with wireless connectivity. It also includes built-in navigation, so you’ll always know exactly where you’re headed. Other premium features include the Bose audio system and digital Driver Information Center.
Standard:
- 8-inch Premium GMC Infotainment System with Navigation
- 8-inch digital Driver Information Center
- 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capable
- Bluetooth
- Seven-speaker Bose Premium Sound System with Richbass woofer
- Compass in instrument panel
- Outside temperature display
- HD Radio
- Steering-wheel mounted controls
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wireless charging
- 12-volt auxiliary front power outlet
- 12-volt auxiliary rear power outlet
- 120-volt power outlet
- USB ports (two front, two center console, two rear)
Optional:
- MultiPro Audio System by Kicker
- Head-Up Display
- Rear Camera Mirror
- SiriusXM with 360L
- SiriusXM with three-month All Access Trial Subscription
What Comes Next for the GMC Sierra 1500 Denali?
Although we originally expected a refreshed version of the Sierra 1500 for 2022, now we’re hearing reports that it’s been delayed. Instead, the next GMC Sierra 1500 will be a continuation model. The refreshed model may be ready by the end of next year, or we may have to wait until 2023. We’ll let you know as soon as we hear more!