Auto Review: GMC Sierra Denali 1500 just raised the bar, or tailgate - Waynesboro Record Herald

By Will ChamberlainFor The Times

Saturday

Sep 7, 2019 at 4:00 AM

It’s something you don’t typically think about unless you are in the market for a pickup truck, the tailgate. Sure, engineers for different manufacturers likely brainstorm ways to reinvent parts of the truck to gain that edge. In the case of the Sierra 1500, the new Multipro Tailgate is that edge.

Under the hood of the Sierra Denali I drove is a 6.2L V8 making 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque that propels this monster down the road with no issues. Power is routed through a 10-speed automatic and down to the pavement via four-wheel drive. The 10-speed is smooth but there’s always shifting, especially when you are cruising at lower speeds. There isn’t a thud but you know it’s moving around the gearbox. I can’t tell you enough how well this V8 feels jumping on the highway or hitting your favorite hill. Smooth power no matter the situation.

Exterior looks for the 2019 are all-new with newly designed front and rear fascias and the obvious Multipro tailgate system. Up front are LED headlamps and daytime lights that make for an impressive light show day or night. The newly designed front grill is also impressive and really makes its presence known. Around back is very blocked off with new tail lamps and dual exhaust that is flush mounted to the bumper. Overall the exterior is super blocky and I find it well executed.

Now for the good stuff, the tailgate. Yes, it flips down like normal. But you can do a couple more things than that. If you need a work bench or somewhere to use your laptop you can open just the middle section to allow for a small work space. While that table is engaged if you open the main section it will serve as a step to assist you entering the box. Open the main gate and then flip the step section up for a load stop to keep things in the bed that are slightly oversized like wood or furniture. Lastly, if you open the middle and then the main you can access the bed a lot easier than normal because you can step in an extra couple feet to reach things farther in the box. There is also a handle that extends to serve as a railing to enter the box via the step. It’s all pretty neat to work through and I’m sure contractors and construction folk will find it very useful.

Interior of the Denali is trimmed out with leather and wood as you would expect. It’s a wonderful place to spend time and I really enjoy all the areas to store things, it’s very useful. Centering the dash is a large touch screen with all of the controls for climate, stereo and system settings. Below are dedicated buttons for climate and some additional switches for bed lighting, traction and other settings. The shifter is still on the column and I’d like to see what GMC can come up with next gen for something different. The drivers instrument cluster is another area of good design. The traditional gauges have a digital display in the center that displays settings, trip numbers, mileage and other important info at a glance.

Overall the 2019 Sierra is a truck that GMC fans will flock to and appreciate how well it’s executed. It has the rugged yet refined look of GMC with a great engine and now a really cool tailgate. GMC claims 17 mpg and I was able to maintain 18 mpg during my road test. The MSRP for the Denali trim and 6.2L V8 is $69,985.

Will Chamberlain is a local freelance automotive journalist and full-time Realtor with eXp Realty in Beaver and can be reached at wchamberlain@pghcarguys.com.

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