Except maybe for guys trying to prove something, people buy a pickup because it’s a necessity. When there’s hay to haul, dump runs to make, or a boat, trailer or RV to tow, a Prius just won’t do.
Today’s trucks can be as comfortable as cars and are equipped with many of the same convenience features. They are also available with the latest in connectivity technology and can be used as mobile offices. In that regard, the full-size half-ton 2016 GMC Sierra Denali 1500 is an executive suite.
GMC’s IntelliLink infotainment system with 8-inch screen includes Apple CarPlay, which serves as an adjunct to your compatible smartphone, providing nearly all of the same features, all hands-free. Text and phone messages can be sent, read and replied to via Siri, Apple’s intelligent assistant. Ditto for Apple Maps usage and music listening. A software upgrade enabling Android Auto phone capability will be available in March. GMC dealers will perform the upgrade.
There are multiple power and USB ports in the Sierra cab, and the OnStar system provides a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.
The covered bin in the truck’s center console is as deep as an adult’s arm is long. Its top is long and wide enough to accommodate a laptop or clipboard, and a wireless phone charging station is integrated into the lid.
All of the above features, plus a GPS navigation system, are standard equipment on the Sierra Denali.
Regular cab, double cab and crew cab models, all with rear-wheel drive and available with four-wheel drive, constitute the 2016 Sierra lineup. Trim levels include the base model, SLE, SLT and flagship Denali. Regular cab models are offered only in the base and SLE trims, and the Denali is exclusively a crew cab.
Regular cabs are offered with a box length of 6.6 feet or 8 feet. Double cabs come only with the former, and crew cab sizes are 5.8 feet or 6.6 feet.
Sierra maintains its popular rugged exterior styling for 2016 but with a few revisions, including a new grille and LED headlamps and taillamps. The interior sees more action, with a new driver-oriented layout and the addition of classier touches such as stitching and aluminum trim. Unwanted noises within the cab are nearly nonexistent and the comfort level is mighty high. The overall impression is near luxury without eradicating truck ambience.
Sierra Denali’s high stance gives the driver a panoramic view, but also presents a challenge for dogs or short people attempting to enter or exit the vehicle. A standard running board would help to alleviate the problem, but running boards get in the way of taller folks. Sierra Denali’s power running boards come to the rescue. They can be set to automatically appear and disappear at engine startup and shutdown, or left in on-demand mode for push button operation as needed. They are a $995 option.
Three different engines are offered: a 4.3-liter V6, 5.3-liter V8, and 6.2-liter V8, with horsepower ratings of 285, 355 and 420, respectively. Torque ratings in lb-ft, in the same order, are 305, 383 and 460.
Maximum towing capacity with the right cab/box layout along with the Max Trailering Package is 12,000 pounds.
The test truck’s vigorous 6.2-liter V8 and impressive eight-speed automatic transmission reacted forcefully but fluidly to all acceleration needs, with only a slight depression of the gas pedal required. All the while, the MagneRide adaptive suspension system ensured a smooth ride.
In confined situations such as parking lots, where driving a full-size pickup can be a nightmare, the Sierra proved surprisingly maneuverable.
Fuel economy ratings are the same for two-wheel and four-wheel configuration: 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway. Premium fuel is recommended but not required. I averaged 17.5 mpg according to the readout in the truck, and I have no reason to doubt its sincerity. I did reach an 18 mpg average briefly along Highway 2 at 60 mph.
The equipment list for the 2016 Sierra Denali 1500 4WD Crew Cab test truck is comprehensive. For 60 thousand bucks it’d better be, I hear you saying. A tiny sampling of some standard features possibly not occurring to most truck people includes power adjustable pedals, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, power rear window, remote locking tailgate, and hill descent control.
Total cost of optional features on the tester is $6,000, the most expensive single item being the big V8 for $2,495.
2016 GMC SIERRA DENALI 1500 4WD CREW CAB
Base price, including destination charge: $54,760
Price as driven: $60,765
Mary Lowry is an independent automotive writer who lives in Snohomish County. She is a member of the Motor Press Guild and a board member of the Northwest Automotive Press Association. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturers as a one-week loan for review purposes only. In no way do the manufacturers control the content of the reviews.
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