When it comes to luxury pickup trucks, the GMC Denali badge represents the pinnacle of style, comfort, and capability. But with three distinct sizes available—the heavy-duty 2500, the versatile 1500, and the mid-size Canyon—choosing the right one can be a challenge.
Today, we are breaking down the 2024 GMC Denali lineup to help you decide which truck fits your lifestyle. We’re looking at the specs, the towing capabilities, and the luxury features of the "Big, Medium, and Small" options.
1. The Heavyweight: 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 Denali HD
Best For: Heavy towing, campers, and maximum capability.
If you need a truck that can handle anything you throw at it, the Sierra 2500 Denali is the "Big Boy" of the group. Powered by the legendary Duramax Diesel engine paired with an Allison transmission, this truck is built for work.
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Towing Capacity: You’re looking at pushing 20,000 lbs (fifth wheel/gooseneck) or roughly 16,000–17,000 lbs on the hitch.
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Ride Quality: Thanks to GM’s independent front suspension, it offers a surprisingly smooth ride for a heavy-duty truck.
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Key Features: Power-fold and extend tow mirrors, the Multi-Pro tailgate, and a diesel exhaust brake that helps slow heavy loads without burning up your brakes.
Inside, you get the signature Denali luxury: heated and cooled seats, a heads-up display, and a camera system that offers views of the bed, hitch, and sides—essential for maneuvering a rig of this size.
Price Point: Around $72,000 (Pre-owned/Market average).
2. The Daily Driver: 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali
Best For: Families, daily commuting, and road trips.
Sitting in the middle of the lineup is the Sierra 1500 Denali. Under the hood, it features GM’s tried-and-true 5.3L V8 engine, offering that classic V8 feel and reliability. While it gives up some towing capacity compared to the 2500, it gains significantly in ride comfort.
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Magnetic Ride Control: This is the game-changer. The 1500 features magnetic particles in the shock fluid that adjust instantly to road conditions, making it the smoothest driving truck of the three—similar to a Cadillac Escalade or Yukon.
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Interior & Tech: It features a center console shifter (unlike the column shifter in the 2500), a sunroof, and the full suite of safety tech.
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Towing: Maxes out around 11,000–11,500 lbs. It can tow, but you will feel the trailer more than you would in the 2500.
Price Point: Around $61,000.
3. The Surprise Contender: 2024 GMC Canyon Denali
Best For: Value, off-road style, and urban maneuverability.
The "Small" entry on our list might actually be the most impressive. The redesigned 2024 Canyon Denali has shed its basic roots to become a true luxury vehicle. While it swaps the V6 for a high-output 4-cylinder TurboMax engine, it delivers a punchy 430 lb-ft of torque.
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Design: It has a rugged, lifted look right from the factory with 20-inch wheels and a more aggressive stance than its bigger brothers.
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First-in-Class Luxury: This truck features heated and cooled seats—a rarity in the mid-size truck market. It also includes quilted leather accents, a heated steering wheel, and a clever storage compartment built into the tailgate.
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Practicality: While the back seat is tighter than the full-size options, it is still comfortable for adults on shorter trips.
Price Point: Around $48,000.
The Verdict: Which Denali Should You Buy?
There is roughly a $10,000 price jump between each model.
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If you can get the Canyon Denali for the upper $40s, you are getting an incredible amount of luxury and style. It is our "bang for your buck" winner.
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Need more space for the family but don't tow heavy machinery? The Sierra 1500 offers the best ride quality.
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Hauling a massive fifth wheel? There is no substitute for the Sierra 2500 Duramax.
Which Denali would you choose? Check out the full review and walkaround in the video below!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5kPzKETyu4