The GMC Sierra 1500 full-size pickup is available in a mind-bending variety of configurations including cab styles, bed lengths, engines, trim levels, and two-wheel or four-wheel drive.
After a major redesign last year, for 2023 the Sierra 1500 adds a new AT4X AEV Edition package that bolsters pavement-free capability for the AT4X trim. The diesel engine gets a 10-percent horsepower boost and 7.6 percent more torque, for a new output of 305 hp and 495 lb-ft. The base Pro model now offers a Graphite Edition, and the Denali Ultimate trim gets new 22-inch seven-spoke bright wheels. Three new exterior colors join the paint palette: Sterling Metallic, Volcanic Red Tintcoat, and Deep Bronze Metallic.
The new AT4X AEV costs $90,400, making it the most expensive Sierra 1500 trim and bumping the Denali Ultimate into second place. You could call it the Denali Penultimate.
Extra equipment required for tackling rugged terrain contributes to the AT4X AEV’s hefty price. From design and luxury perspectives exclusively, the Denali Ultimate has not been outclassed by the upstart. Exclusive styling inside and out, a preponderance of desirable standard features, and liberal use of premium materials such as open-pore wood are among the Denali Ultimate’s attractions. Embossed and laser-etched artwork depicting topographical maps of Mount Denali are an interior highlight.
Large buttons and knobs for the infotainment and climate control systems make operation easy even with gloved hands. (GMC)
The 13.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system is straightforward. It, and the climate control system, have large buttons and knobs for easy manual operation even with gloved hands. A 12-speaker Bose Premium audio system provides celestial sound.
GMC’s wonderful six-way MultiPro tailgate is standard, as are adaptive ride control, power-operated assist steps, and trailering-capable Super Cruise hands-free driver-assistance technology.
The Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate’s standard engine is a 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8. It’s linked to a 10-speed automatic transmission, and four-wheel drive is standard. The torque rating is 460 pound-feet.
Fuel economy is of course where the numbers run small not large. The 6.2-liter V8 is rated 15 mpg city and 19 mpg highway. The optional diesel engine fares much better: 22 mpg city, 27 mpg highway.
For all its enormity and brawn, the Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate isn’t hard to handle, and the ride is civilized, not harsh.
Seven-spoke 22-inch bright wheels are newly standard on the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate model. (GMC)
2023 GMC SIERRA 1500 DENALI ULTIMATE
Base price: $82,200
Price as driven: $82,200
Mary Lowry is a member of the Motor Press Guild and a member and past president of the Northwest Automotive Press Association. She lives in Snohomish County. Vehicles are provided by automotive manufacturers as a one-week loan for evaluation purposes only. Manufacturers do not control content of the reviews.
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