2025 GMC Sierra EV Denali

Weighing in at over four tons, the GMC Sierra EV Denali is a brute amongst brutes in the EV world. But with all that weight comes a lot of capability and mileage. Which is a good thing. Napleton News likes heading out further than a couple hundred miles so that’s why we were charged up (get it?) when we saw that this one is a high-mileage runner. Jump in while we tell you all about it.

What is the GMC Sierra EV Denali?

We’ll start by saying the GMC Sierra EV Denali is a full-size pickup powered by batteries and a pair of electric motor generators. Using a platform that it shares with the Chevrolet Silverado EV, it has a peak range of up to 460 miles per charge when selecting the GMC Max Range Denali. The Extended Range Denali sports a still-impressive 390 miles per charge, which is still within range of all its competitors. All-wheel drive is standard on this platform. And yes, like its Hummer cousin, it knows how to do the “Crab Walk.”

It’s a fast charger too! With an 800-volt fast charger, you can top off 100 miles in around 10 minutes. That’s about as long as it takes to fill up your car at a gas station.

The Sierra EV Denali can tow up to 10,500 pounds, but strangely, that’s not as much as the 12,500-pound capability of its Chevrolet Silverado EV cousin. For reference’s sake, if you need to tow upwards of 13,000 pounds, the gas-powered Sierra might be a better choice.

How does the Sierra EV look?

From first look, the lineage is clear. This is a Sierra-based truck. But it displays a look at what’s next in GMC truck design. The most obvious elephant in the room is the lack of a grille. Being electric, there really is no need, but the implication is still there that if this were a trad-truck, the grille would know its place.

Another interesting fact is there is no separation of the body panels between the cabin and the bed. It’s just one piece. That’s not to say it’s a unibody construction or body on frame because it’s neither. And for those asking, the Sierra EV is only available as a Crew Cab with a six-foot bed.

But don’t be put off by that six-foot bed. The Sierra EV is equipped with a GMC MultiPro Midgate which, thanks to clever design, can carry items up to 11-feet long. By folding the Midgate and second row seats, there is plenty of room for what is called long cargo. Think surfboard or kayak!

Inside the big rig.

Large and with a limo-like interior, the GMC Sierra EV skirts the line between utility and luxury. Comfortable seats kept us cool during the unbearably hot Florida summer. They would only be better if they massaged us, too. To the business at hand, the driver’s configurable instrument cluster shows nicely but is dwarfed by the larger-than – large center display screen. Measuring almost 17 inches, it controls and displays everything from the premium GMC/Bose infotainment system with Google Built-in to the climate control, navigation, vehicle systems and more. Sadly, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are missing from the setup.

Within the center console is a wireless phone charger. There are also a couple of USB-C charging ports. Once you are on Bluetooth, you can talk wired, wireless or what have you.

The second row includes a three-passenger bench seat that includes a ton of legroom. There’s underseat storage, too, adding to the Sierra EVs capability. We did expect to find a real leather interior instead of what we have been told is “leather alternative.”

Behind the wheel of the Sierra EV Denali.

In the new era of GMC vehicles, one need not turn on the key or push a button to get underway. All that’s needed is the keyfob in your pocket and your foot on the brake. At that point, the motor – or engine – will start as soon as you close the door. Flick the gear selector stalk into drive and we are on our way.

Our preference is for one-pedal driving, which is a combination of engagement and fun at the same time. The way it works is to push the gas pedal to go and as soon as you need to slow, you lift off the accelerator and coast-while braking-all while the brakes regenerate energy to the battery. It requires skill and some concentration to do it efficiently. There are several levels but the highest one has a bit of an abrupt pattern about it. Think of this as more herky-jerky than like buttah.

The acceleration is crazy fast for a vehicle this heavy. Passing maneuvers were accomplished with ease, which surprised both us and other drivers around us. Almost as if we were driving a flying brick, it got past the lolly-gaggers in short order.

If there was one thing that really surprised us about the Sierra EV, it would have to be the ride. The air suspension smoothes the ride but also allows it to raise and lower as necessary. Overall, it makes the Jimmy feel more like a luxury vehicle rather than a truck.

2025 GMC Sierra EV Denali Specifications