If you have been driving around Lancaster County lately, you have probably seen the new 2024 and 2025 GMC Super Dutys hitting the road. The Denali Ultimate is the king of the mountain for GMC, but is it actually the perfect truck?
Being located right here in Ephrata, we see a lot of these heavy-duty rigs come through the shop. Whether you are hauling a horse trailer to Harrisburg or just want the baddest truck in the parking lot at the Green Dragon, there is a lot to consider before dropping six figures on one of these.
I am breaking down exactly what makes this truck a beast and where GMC might have missed the mark.
What Makes the 3500 Denali Ultimate a Powerhouse
There is no denying that when this truck pulls up, it has presence. But beyond the flashy badges, there are some serious functional upgrades that actually make a difference for truck owners in PA.
A Factory Lift That Actually Matters
One of the coolest things about the 2024 and newer 3500 Denali Ultimate is that it comes with a 1.5 inch lift right from the factory. If you compare it to a 2500, it sits noticeably taller because GMC packed it with heavy-duty front shocks and an extra leaf and helper spring in the rear.
The best part? You can fit 35 inch tires under this thing without touching a leveling kit or an aftermarket lift. It gives you that aggressive stance while keeping your factory ride geometry intact.
Standard Power Running Boards
GMC finally made power running boards standard on this trim. Unlike the 1500 versions that feel a bit clunky, these have a slim, low-profile design. They tuck in tight to the body when you are driving, but they drop down low enough that you aren't doing a high-jump just to get into the cab.
Options for Every Job
The Denali Ultimate is one of the few top-tier trims that doesn't box you into one bed size. While the off-road focused trims like the AT4X or ZR2 usually limit you to a short bed, the Ultimate lets you pick:
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6.8 foot standard bed
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8 foot long bed
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8 foot dually setup
Heavy Duty Performance Without the Restrictions
A common frustration with luxury trucks is that sometimes the fancy suspension limits how much you can actually tow. That is not the case here.
Unmatched Towing and Payload
If you are moving heavy equipment around Ephrata or heading out of state with a massive camper, the 3500 Ultimate handles it. We are talking about a conventional towing capacity of 20,000 lbs and a fifth-wheel rating of 21,100 lbs for the single rear wheel version.
If you step up to the dually, that fifth-wheel number jumps to a staggering 30,700 lbs. It is rare to find a truck this luxurious that doesn't make you sacrifice a single pound of work capability.
That Vader Chrome Aesthetic
GMC nailed the "Sleek, not Senior" look with this one. Instead of the bright, blinding chrome of the past, you get the Vader Chrome finish. With paint-matched bumpers and those 22 inch factory wheels, it looks custom right off the lot. It is a sharp, modern look that doesn't feel like an "old man" truck.
Where the Denali Ultimate Falls Short
Nothing is perfect, and for the price tag on a Denali Ultimate, there are a few things that might make you tilt your head.
The Rancho Shock Disappointment
In a truck this expensive, you would expect the best suspension components available. Instead, GMC sticks with basic Rancho shocks. Meanwhile, the AT4X gets the incredible Multimatic DSSV shocks. It feels like a letdown that the "Ultimate" luxury trim doesn't offer the plushest ride possible in the lineup.
The "Vader Chrome" Peeling Issue
The Vader Chrome looks amazing, but the durability is a bit of a question mark. We have seen trucks with only 20,000 miles where the finish starts peeling as soon as a stone hits it. Once it chips, the bright chrome underneath shows through. It is a common enough issue that many owners end up paint-matching the grills just to avoid the headache.
Those Bright Orange Marker Lights
For a truck that is so blacked-out and sleek, the bright orange fender marker lights stick out like a sore thumb. Most guys end up swapping them for tinted or smoked versions immediately. It is a small detail, but at this price point, GMC should have streamlined that from the factory.
The Engine and Transmission Debate
This is where things get controversial among diesel enthusiasts.
Falling Behind in the Torque Wars
The Duramax is a great engine, putting out 475 horsepower and 975 lb-ft of torque. However, when you look at what Ford is doing with the High Output Power Stroke hitting 1,200 lb-ft of torque, GMC is starting to feel the pressure. It still drives great, but if you are looking for the absolute king of the hill in numbers, the current Duramax has some catching up to do.
The Allison Transmission "Myth"
This is the one that surprises people the most. While your truck has "Allison Transmission" branding all over it, it isn't actually an Allison-built unit. Since 2020, these are GM-designed transmissions.
GM basically pays for the branding and has Allison "approve" the blueprint. It is a solid 10-speed, but it isn't the legendary, bulletproof Allison hardware from the pre-2019 era. To some, it feels a bit like false advertising.
Is the 3500 Denali Ultimate Right for You?
At the end of the day, the 2024 GMC 3500 Denali Ultimate is an incredible machine that looks better than almost anything else on the road. It tows like a freight train and has a presence that is hard to beat. Just be prepared to maybe swap the shocks and keep an eye on that front grill.
If you are in the Ephrata area or anywhere in Lancaster County and want to see how these trucks handle our local roads, come chat with us.
Check out the full breakdown in the video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzkZjV9BKGw