Finished in a deep, stormy blue hue that seemed to change personality depending on the light, the Sierra looked equally at home parked in front of a jobsite in Provo or sitting curbside at dinner in downtown Salt Lake City. The Downpour Metallic color carried a richness that highlighted the sculpted hood, massive chrome Denali grille and distinctive Vader chrome accents that separated the Ultimate from the rest of the Sierra lineup.

Our opportunity to spend a full week with the Sierra Denali Ultimate was fantastic, using it as so many Utah Valley families would — commuting to work, running errands, hauling grandkids and gear — and even putting it to use during a Saturday afternoon model rocket launch at Springville Community Park.

Power to match the presence

Under the hood of our test truck was GMC’s proven 6.2-liter V-8, paired with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission. With 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque on tap, the Sierra never felt anything less than confident.

Photo supplied

Merging onto I-15 from Springville, the big truck moved with authority. The V-8 delivered power in a linear, satisfying way — no drama, just a deep exhaust note and a steady surge forward. Around town in Utah Valley, whether navigating traffic through Orem or heading up State Street in American Fork, the Sierra felt refined and composed.

The Denali Ultimate trim came standard with four-wheel drive, and although our week brought sunshine and unusually warm February weather, it was reassuring to know the system was ready should winter decide to return. GMC’s adaptive ride control and refined suspension tuning made this full-size truck surprisingly comfortable. Even over expansion joints and rougher sections of road, the Sierra smoothed things out beautifully.

Steering was precise for a truck of this size, and the braking felt strong and predictable. Parking at the Costco in Spanish Fork was made easy thanks to the array of cameras, including GMC’s High Definition Surround Vision system. The multiple camera views — especially the front and rear perspectives — proved invaluable in tighter lots.

An interior That redefines ‘Truck’

If the exterior made a bold statement, the interior of the Denali Ultimate made a lasting impression.

Photo supplied

Opening the door, we were greeted by full-grain leather seats with intricate stitching and topographical map detailing inspired by the contours of Mount Denali itself. The Alpine Umber interior theme in our tester gave the cabin a rich, warm tone that felt more luxury SUV than pickup.

The 16-way power-adjustable front seats with massage function quickly became one of our favorite features during our daily drives. After a long day at work, a soothing massage setting while heading home through traffic on University Parkway felt like a small indulgence.

The 13.4-inch infotainment touchscreen was crisp, responsive and intuitive. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connected seamlessly, and the Bose Premium Series audio system delivered clear, concert-like sound whether we were listening to talk radio or our favorite road trip playlists.

GMC’s 12.3-inch digital driver information center provided customizable views, allowing us to monitor everything from navigation to fuel economy. And of course, Super Cruise — GMC’s hands-free driver assistance system — remains one of the most impressive technologies on the road today. On mapped highways, the Sierra handled steering, acceleration and braking with confidence, even executing lane changes when prompted. It’s a feature that adds a new level of ease to longer freeway drives.

Everyday utility

Photo supplied

While the Denali Ultimate exudes luxury, it never forgets it’s a truck.

During our week, the Sierra handled multiple errands with ease. A run to the home improvement store for supplies? No problem. A stop at the warehouse club for bulk groceries? The spacious bed swallowed it all without complaint.

GMC’s MultiPro tailgate continues to be one of the most versatile features in the segment. Whether using it as a step, a workstation or simply lowering it the traditional way, it adds real functionality. The carbon-fiber reinforced bed is both durable and lightweight, and the integrated tie-downs made securing cargo simple.

Fuel economy for the week hovered in the mid-teens, which is expected for a full-size truck with a naturally aspirated V-8. While it’s not a hybrid, the power and smoothness of the 6.2-liter make the tradeoff worthwhile for those who appreciate traditional V-8 performance.

Rockets and sunshine in Springville

Photo supplied

The highlight of our week with the Sierra, however, came on a bright Saturday afternoon at Springville Community Park.

February in Utah can be unpredictable, but this year we’ve been treated to unusually warm, sunny days — perfect for gathering outdoors. We loaded the Sierra with folding chairs, coolers, launch pads and a collection of model rockets in various sizes. The grandkids were buzzing with excitement before we even left the driveway.

At the park, neighbors and their kids joined us, turning the afternoon into a full-blown community event. The Sierra’s bed served as our staging area, with rockets lined up and ready for launch. The MultiPro tailgate, configured as a step and work surface, made it easy to prep engines and attach parachutes.

We launched everything from small beginner rockets that zipped skyward with a quick pop, to larger models that soared high above the park before gently drifting back down under colorful parachutes. Each launch drew cheers from kids and adults alike.

Between flights, we leaned against the Sierra, soaking in the sunshine and appreciating the kind of February day that reminds you why you love living in Utah Valley. The truck became more than transportation — it was part of the gathering space, a hub for neighbors and grandkids alike.

When it came time to pack up, the spacious bed easily accommodated the launch equipment and the inevitable collection of grass-stained jackets and half-finished snacks.

Safety and confidence

GMC equips the Denali Ultimate with a comprehensive suite of safety features. Forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind zone steering assist and rear cross-traffic braking all come standard. The truck’s size alone offers a sense of security, but these technologies added an extra layer of confidence, especially when sharing the road with smaller vehicles.

Trailering tech was another strong point. While we didn’t tow during our week, the Sierra offered an available ProGrade Trailering System with multiple camera angles, trailer light testing and integrated brake controller — ideal for Utah families who tow boats, campers or trailers into the mountains.

At the end of the week

The 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate represents the pinnacle of GMC’s half-ton lineup. It blends traditional V-8 power with cutting-edge technology and wraps it all in a cabin that rivals luxury SUVs costing far more.

Yes, it carries a premium price tag, but it delivered a premium experience in return. For families who need the capability of a truck but refuse to compromise on comfort and refinement, the Denali Ultimate makes a compelling case.

Base price: $84,200

Destination charge: $2,595

Price as driven: $87,405