GMC has completely redesigned 2019 Sierra Denali and SLT. The star feature of the new truck arguably is the what lies in the truck bed.
The 2019 Sierra Denali features:
- MultiPro Tailgate—Six unique functions and positions offering enhanced second-tier loading and load-stop solutions, a standing workstation and easier access to items in the box.
- Carbon Fiber Pickup Box—The CarbonPro truck bed was developed to increase durability, efficiency and functionality while offering dent, scratch and corrosion resistance
- ProGrade Trailering System with Trailering App—This connected, comprehensive suite of trailering technology brings more confidence to the towing experience
- Multi-Color Head-Up Display—Projects key, customizable vehicle data on the windshield in a 3×7-inch display to help drivers keep their eyes on the road
- Rear Camera Mirror—Offers an optimized view via an available dual-function interior mirror that expands vision to overcome common visual obstructions like occupants or cargo. This next-generation system features a higher resolution camera and display and the ability to tilt or zoom the view.
The 2019 GMC Sierra Denali and SLT go on sale this fall.
Truck Bed capability and materials
The 2019 Sierra debuts a GMC exclusive, industry-first MultiPro Tailgate. Standard on SLT and Denali, the MultiPro Tailgate features six unique functions and positions, offering enhanced second-tier loading and load-stop solutions, a standing workstation mode and easier access to items in the box.
The MultiPro Tailgate also incorporates a step entry and egress mode that, when paired with the assist handle, offers both step and seated functionality, with a maximum weight capacity of 375 pounds. Ease of use is enhanced with two buttons on the tailgate handle that allow convenient inner gate release.
The cargo boxes also offer best-in-class cargo volume—63 cubic feet on the short box, as well as additional tie-downs and a new, available 110-volt power outlet. The bed continues to be made of roll-formed, high-strength steel, yet a revised alloy offers 50 percent more strength than the current model.
The 2019 Sierra Denali will offer, later in the model year, a carbon fiber box—the CarbonPro— developed to increase durability, efficiency and functionality of the truck. It replaces the standard steel inner panels and floor with a lightweight, purpose-designed carbon fiber composite.
The new CarbonPro box is 62 pounds lighter than the steel version, and is one example of GMC’s strategic use of materials in engineering the Sierra. The strategy also incorporates aluminum for the doors, hood and tailgate, while relying on steel for the fenders, roof and standard cargo box to shave up to 360 pounds from Sierra compared today’s model.
ProGrade Trailering System with Trailering App
The 2019 Sierra offers a more confident towing experience thanks to GMC’s new ProGrade Trailering System, standard on Denali and SLT, according to GMC. The trailering system includes a bew Trailering App featuring a Pre-Departure checklist, Maintenance Reminders, Trailer Light Test, Trailer Electrical Diagnostics and Trailer Tire Pressure and Temperature Monitoring, according to GMC.
Many of the Trailering App’s functions, including the lighting test and pre-departure checklist, are also available with the MyGMC app on compatible Android and iOS smartphones, a feature that offers great convenience when outside the truck or trailer.
The next generation Sierra also offers Hitch Guidance with Hitch View and Auto Electric Park Brake to help with perfect positioning when hitching. The available side view cameras and a trailer-mounted HD camera provide additional assistance when driving down the road or in reverse. With exclusive Trailer Theft Detection, owners can receive text and mobile alerts from OnStar when the trailer has been detached from the truck without permission.
Sierra Performance
New versions of the 6.2- and 5.3-liter V-8 engines will be joined by an all-new 3-liter inline-six turbo-diesel engine, expanding the powertrain lineup for the 2019 Sierra.
The 5.3L and 6.2L engines feature stop/start technology and new Dynamic Fuel Management that enables the engine to operate on one to eight cylinders, depending on demand, to optimize power and efficiency. The new diesel builds on GMC’s expertise with Duramax turbo-diesels offered in Sierra HD and Canyon models. The available 6.2L and 3.0L engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Sierra Denali features an exclusive Adaptive Ride Control suspension system designed to provide premium driving refinement with exceptional responsiveness. It employs sophisticated sensors to monitor road conditions and chassis responses in real time, enabling adjustments to active dampers every 2 milliseconds, according to GMC
Commanding Presence
The 2019 Sierra Denali debuts a new GMC design. A taller stance gives Sierra Denali powerful proportions complemented by hallmark details such as a chrome grille with a sharp, precise dimensional pattern that epitomizes the truck’s attention to detail, according to GMC.
Sierra shows refinement and strength through a larger, more-dominant upright grille, a taller hood, and a bolder, more pronounced take on GMC’s C-shaped lighting signature.
Advanced lighting technology distinguishes the Sierra Denali with a front lighting signature conveyed through a prominent light blade that delivers uniform LED illumination for the daytime running lamps. LEDs are also used for the headlamps, taillamps, fog lamps and other illuminative elements, with lenses constructed from durable material with an almost crystalline quality.
The truck is larger than the previous truck in virtually every dimension, and the larger grille and dramatic lighting accentuate its broad-shouldered stance. The wheels are pushed closer to the corners and wear larger diameter tires. Denali features available 22-inch Ultra Bright aluminum wheels; the SLT model offers its own unique 22-inch dark aluminum wheels finished with chrome accents.
New, more prominent badging includes a bold DENALI nameplate on the tailgate —expressed in a new block-style typeface that echoes the truck’s strong proportions — below the signature GMC identification.
Refinded Interior
Putting the driver at the center of experience starts with a higher seating position that offers a confident view behind the wheel. The optimized ergonomics emphasize easy, intuitive interaction with the vehicle’s technologies, such as the all-new Trailering App and segment-first Head-Up Display, according to GMC.
Denali-exclusive materials—including premium leather-appointed seating, authentic open-pore wood trim and dark-finish aluminum decor—help raise the interior to a new level of refinement, according to GMC. The exclusive leather appointments have a distinctive, large-pebbled grain with a contrasting stitch pattern that is both premium in appearance and touch without sacrificing durability, and the wood trim features an open-pore texture evocative of hand-planed furniture.
The 2019 Sierra’s crew cab has nearly 3 inches of additional rear-seat legroom compared to the current model. The outboard rear seat backs open to reveal rectangular storage spaces large enough for storing tablets or laptops, tie-down cords, umbrellas or other important accessories.
Purposeful Technologies
Other next-generation technology highlights on the new Sierra include:
- Advanced infotainment—This new, dynamic platform offers a smartphone-like experience with an intuitive interface, faster response and improved voice recognition. Sierra Denali’s standard 8-inch diagonal system includes navigation
- Surround Vision—Offering a bird’s-eye view of the truck, this available feature displays an overhead image on the infotainment screen, helping the driver detect potential obstacles when backing up, including when trailering
- Full suite of advanced safety features—The 2019 Sierra Denali offers a full range of available advanced safety features, including Side Blind Zone Alert, Pedestrian Detection and Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking