2014 GMC Sierra Denali 1500 Pinnacle in GMC Truckmanship

2014 GMC Sierra Denali 1500/Images courtesy GMC

2014 GMC Sierra Denali 1500/Images courtesy GMC

When Chevrolet introduced its new Silverado pickup model for 2014, GMC was also celebrating a new truck along with 111 years in the truck business. Sierra is GMC’s pickup line, and Denali is the range-topping package that recently arrived for us to test. The 2014 GMC Sierra Denali is their most powerful, most advanced and most refined truck yet.

For 2014, GMC has given Sierra an all-new design inside and out along with new engine offerings featuring enhanced fuel economy. GMC has also given Sierra a new rear door hinge design for double cab models that moves the hinge forward allowing easier rear seat entry and exit along with a quieter and safer occupant space.

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Our recent 2014 GMC Sierra Denali tester arrived in the 1500 4WD Crew Cab configuration featuring the new Ecotec3 6.2-liter V-8 engine that produces 420hp and 460 lb. ft. of torque and boosts towing capacity to 12,000 pounds in this luxury pickup. Fuel economy is rated at 14 mpg city and 20 mpg highway thanks to Active Fuel Management technology that places the engine in four-cylinder mode under light load conditions.

A couple of other new features in 2014 model Sierras include larger 9.5- and 9.76-inch rear axles, cruise grade braking downshifts in the six-speed automatic gearbox and new Duralife brake rotors that should double brake rotor life while providing quieter and smoother braking.

And just like the new Silverado, GMC gives the 2014 Sierra electric power assist steering for less engine drag and smoother driving experience as well as making the truck much easier to maneuver overall.

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2014 GMC Sierra Denali  exterior design is a bit more rugged looking with proportions more even and the new rear bumpers feature the built-in corner step for easier access to the cargo box. The Denali rides on stylish 20-inch chrome wheels and features polished stainless steel exhaust outlet and body-color front and rear bumpers, not to mention that signature Denali chrome grille.

Other standout Denali features include eight-inch customizable driver display that includes audio and navigation information, eight-inch Color Touch navigation radio with Intellilink in the center dash, Bose audio system, heated and cooled front leather bucket seats, heated steering wheel, front and rear park assist and power sliding rear window with defrost.

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Our Sierra Denali tester also arrived with the Driver Alert package including safety alert seat and forward collision alert along with lane departure warning. GMC also threw in a power sunroof and trailer brake controller.

Pricing for the Sierra 4WD Crew Cab in Denali dressing is $49,965 with this test model arriving at $54,730.

Driving the 2014 GMC Sierra Denali 1500 4WD is a breeze and is actually easier to operate than most passengers cars of the last few decades. It’s smooth, it’s powerful and it’s quiet. It carries five adults in total comfort while offering the latest safety and infotainment technology available today. After spending a week in the 2014 Sierra Denali 1500 it is easy to see why GMC is celebrating 111 years in the truck business.

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About the Author

David Goodspeed
David was editor of AutoworldToday at Today Newspapers in the Dallas suburbs until its closing in 2009. He was also webmaster and photographer/videographer. He got started doing photography for the newspaper while working as a firefighter/paramedic in one of his towns, and began working for the newspaper group full-time in 1992. David entered automotive journalism in 1998 and became AutoworldToday editor in 2002. On the average, he drives some 100 new vehicles each year. He enjoys the great outdoors and as an avid fly fisherman, as is his spouse Tish. He especially enjoys nature photography and is inspired by the works of Ansel Adams.