The full-size pickup truck market is no stranger to innovation, but the 2025 GMC Sierra EV Denali electrifies the segment with a bold blend of luxury, technology, and rugged capability. Priced starting at $100,495 for the Max Range model, this all-electric beast aims to convert traditional truck buyers with its impressive specs: 760 horsepower, up to 460 miles of range, and a towing capacity of 10,500 pounds. After a week of testing across highways, city streets, and light off-road trails, the Sierra EV Denali proves it’s more than just an electrified version of its gas-powered sibling—it’s a premium powerhouse redefining what a pickup can be.
Exterior: Bold Presence with Functional Flair
The 2025 Sierra EV Denali cuts an imposing figure, stretching 233.4 inches long with an 83.8-inch width (without mirrors) and a 146-inch wheelbase. Its design merges futuristic aesthetics with traditional truck cues. The grille-less front fascia, dominated by a light-up GMC logo and vertical LED headlights, exudes modern confidence. The truck’s 24-inch wheels, wrapped in 35-inch all-terrain tires, enhance its muscular stance while providing 9.5 inches of ground clearance. Red tow hooks and blacked-out Denali badging signal its premium off-road intent. The MultiPro tailgate, a GMC hallmark, offers six configurations, including a step for bed access, while the innovative MultiPro Midgate extends the 5-foot-11-inch bed to nearly 11 feet by folding into the cabin. A powered frunk (front trunk) with 11 cubic feet of waterproof storage, complete with drains and tie-downs, adds practicality. Available in hues like Moonlight Matte or Onyx Black, the Sierra EV Denali balances showpiece swagger with work-ready functionality.
Powertrain and Performance: Electrifying Capability
At the heart of the Sierra EV Denali lies GM’s Ultium platform, powering dual electric motors that deliver 760 horsepower and 785 pound-feet of torque in Max Power mode. Acceleration is startling for a 9,000-pound truck, hitting 60 mph in roughly 4.3 seconds. The Max Range battery, estimated at 205 kWh, offers an EPA-rated 460 miles, while the Extended Range (170 kWh) yields 390 miles. Real-world testing in mixed conditions averaged 1.9 miles per kWh, suggesting a practical range of about 400 miles for the Max Range model. The 800-volt architecture supports 350-kW DC fast charging, adding 100 miles in about 10 minutes, though home charging on a 19.2-kW Level 2 charger takes over 10 hours for a full charge.
On the road, the Sierra EV Denali feels refined yet commanding. The air suspension smooths out rough pavement, and four-wheel steering shrinks the turning radius, making parking surprisingly manageable. Max Power mode unleashes ferocious acceleration, though torque steer can be noticeable with the massive tires. Normal and Tour modes offer balanced throttle response for daily driving, while Tow/Haul mode optimizes performance for heavy loads. Towing a 5,500-pound trailer felt effortless, with the truck maintaining stability thanks to the integrated trailer brake controller and Super Cruise, GM’s hands-free driving system, which works while towing. Off-road, the CrabWalk feature—allowing diagonal movement via four-wheel steering—proves more than a gimmick, aiding tight maneuvers on trails. However, the truck’s weight limits its off-road agility compared to lighter gas-powered models.
Interior: Denali Luxury Redefined
Step inside, and the Sierra EV Denali’s cabin rivals luxury SUVs. The crew cab offers generous space, with 44.8 inches of front legroom and 44.3 inches in the rear. Quilted leather seats with red stitching, heated and ventilated up front and heated in the rear, provide all-day comfort. Open-pore wood trim, laser-etched with Mount Denali’s coordinates, adorns the dashboard, paired with chrome and glossy black accents. The 16.8-inch portrait-style touchscreen, running Google built-in software, is crisp and responsive, handling navigation, media, and vehicle settings. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are absent, but the Google system integrates seamlessly for most users. A 14-inch head-up display and 11-inch digital gauge cluster keep critical info in view. Storage is plentiful, with a sliding center console tray hiding a wireless charger and USB-C ports (five total, including two for rear passengers). The panoramic glass roof, treated to block UV rays, adds airiness but lacks a shade, which can make sunny days warm. Acoustic glass and active noise cancellation create a serene cabin, even at 70 mph.
Safety and Technology: Cutting-Edge Confidence
The Sierra EV Denali comes loaded with safety tech, earning a five-star NHTSA rating. Standard features include automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Super Cruise, included for three years, offers hands-free driving on over 750,000 miles of mapped roads, with smooth lane changes and trailer compatibility. Adaptive cruise control maintains safe distances, though occasional disengagements occurred on poorly marked roads. The surround-view camera system aids parking and off-road navigation, but its resolution could improve in dim conditions. Over-the-air updates ensure the truck’s software stays current, a boon for long-term ownership.
Utility: A Truck That Works
The Sierra EV Denali doesn’t skimp on truck duties. Its 10,500-pound towing capacity (10,000 for Max Range) and 1,350-pound payload make it a workhorse. The Midgate transforms the bed for long items like kayaks or lumber, while the frunk handles tools or groceries. Power Station Pro delivers 10.2 kW of vehicle-to-load power, ideal for job sites or camping. During testing, the truck powered a small generator and lights without issue. The MultiPro tailgate’s versatility shone when loading bulky gear, and the bed’s spray-on liner added durability. However, the massive battery and weight reduce efficiency compared to smaller EVs, and winter range drops by about 30%, to around 280 miles, based on owner feedback in cold climates.
Ride and Handling: Smooth but Heavy
The Sierra EV Denali’s air suspension and four-wheel steering make it surprisingly nimble for its size. On highways, it glides over expansion joints, though sharp bumps can feel crashy due to the 24-inch wheels. City driving is smooth, with regenerative braking (adjustable via a steering wheel paddle) enabling one-pedal driving. Off-road, the suspension soaks up moderate terrain, but the truck’s mass limits its agility on technical trails. The steering is precise, though heavy in Max Power mode, and the CrabWalk feature adds fun and function in tight spots. Fuel economy, expressed as 64 MPGe combined, translates to significant savings over diesel trucks—about 12 cents per mile in summer conditions.
Comparison and Value
Against rivals like the Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T, and Tesla Cybertruck, the Sierra EV Denali stands out for its range and luxury. The F-150 Lightning offers a lower starting price ($49,780) but less range (320 miles max). The R1T is sportier but pricier in top trims, with a 410-mile range. The Cybertruck’s 340-mile range and polarizing design lag behind the Sierra’s polish. The Chevrolet Silverado EV RST, starting at $97,895, shares the same platform but lacks the Denali’s upscale interior. At $105,585 as-tested (with options like Moonlight Matte paint), the Sierra EV Denali is a premium buy, but its standard features—like Super Cruise, air suspension, and the Midgate—justify the cost for buyers seeking a do-it-all electric truck.
Drawbacks and Considerations
The Sierra EV Denali isn’t flawless. Its near-9,000-pound curb weight impacts efficiency and handling on rough roads. The lack of Apple CarPlay may frustrate some, and home charging is slow without a high-output charger. The 24-inch wheels, while stylish, increase tire replacement costs. Rear visibility suffers due to mirror distortion, making blind-spot monitoring essential. Lower trims like the Elevation and AT4, arriving in 2026, may offer better value for budget-conscious buyers.
Verdict: A Game-Changer for Electric Trucks
The 2025 GMC Sierra EV Denali redefines full-size pickups with its blend of luxury, technology, and utility. Its 460-mile range eliminates range anxiety, while 760 horsepower and versatile features like the Midgate make it a true workhorse. The premium cabin and advanced tech cater to buyers who want it all: a truck that hauls, tows, and pampers. Despite its high price and weight, it delivers a compelling package for those ready to embrace electric trucking. For traditionalists and tech enthusiasts alike, the Sierra EV Denali is a bold step into the future.