GMC describes the 2012 Sierra 2500HD Denali as part work truck and part corner office.
I call it a very capable and comfortable gentleman’s work truck well suited to deliver – at the work site, to and from the lake or other outdoor recreation plus deliver you in style to the high end restaurants and entertainment of the city.
With the available power and performance of the Sierra 2500HD, the Denali model adds premium materials and technology with Denali standard features like leather-appointed 12-way power front bucket seats, heated and cooled front seats, leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, rear vision camera, power adjustable pedals, power dome-style hood with louvered design, electronic shift transfer case with rotary dial controls and the signature Denali grille.
The Sierra 2500HD Denali comes in six trim models. Sierra Denali HD models are offered exclusively in the crew cab body style, in regular- and long-box configurations and in 2WD and 4WD. The Duramax diesel/Allison 1000 power train is available across the board.
The very well equipped and handsome Black Onyx Denali we drove this week was the crew cab with 4WD and the regular box configuration. The base price for the gas version of this 4WD is $48,580 (the 2WD is $45,430).
Performance was enhanced by replacing the Vortec 6.0L V8 (360 horsepower/380 lb.-ft of torque) gasoline engine with the workhorse 6.6L Duramax turbo diesel delivering 397 horsepower and 765 lb.-ft of torque ($7,195).
The Duramax turbo diesel is mated to the Allison 1000 6-speed transmission with tap up/tap down shifting ($1,200) to deliver towing capacity of 13,000 pounds with the 3.73 rear axle. The standard fuel tank capacity is 36 gallons and GMC says the range of the Denali with this power train is 680 miles.
The Ebony interior of our test truck features wood grain accents with a bold and unique center console, enhanced interior bright work and detailed, highly finished embossed Denali sill plates. The center console has a lid that conceals the cup holders, creating a more finished and refined appearance. The very large storage compartment in the center arm rest has a USB connector for linking your MP3 player or other similar device to the entertainment system.
Additional options included with this Sierra 2500HD Denali were navigation system with touch screen and CD player including SiriusXM satellite radio and Bluetooth™ for phone matched to the Bose™ premium speaker system ($2,250), power sunroof ($895), 6” tubular chromed assist steps ($689) and 20” forged polished aluminum wheels (replacing the 18”) and tires for $850.
Including delivery, the GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali totaled out at $62,654.
The 2012 Sierra 2500HD Denali is not a small with a curb weight of 6,456 pounds and, with the regular cargo box, is a bit longer than a standard parking slot at the mall or grocery store. Having said that, the Denali drives smaller and more crisply than its size would suggest. Acceleration is powerfully solid with the turbo charged Duramax. It easily comes to speed from a stop light or getting onto or passing cars on a freeway.
The seat, head and leg room is very generous in the cockpit as you would expect. The back seat is a bit tighter for leg room if front bucket seats are pushed back full. The bench seat is very plain appearing but is comfortable at least for short trips. There is a pull down console with cup holders, but no other convenience features are included standard. A rear seat entertainment system and power operated sliding rear window can be added.
Summing it up, it you need this kind of power and capacity in a pickup truck that meets all your needs for work, recreation and does it with style when you are on the town, the 2012 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali should on your very short list of trucks to consider.
Jim Nelson is a member of the Texas Auto Writers Association
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