Luxury might not be something you would expect to find in a pickup truck known for its work- and off-road-oriented designs. Many automakers still do not design their pickups with luxury in mind. General Motors, however, goes above and beyond to make the GMC Sierra 1500 look and feel luxurious inside and out. This truck has so many good things going for it in terms of creature comforts.
When looking for a GMC Sierra 1500 for sale, know that you can find all the high-end comforts you want in this truck. With the introduction of the Denali Ultimate and AT4X trim levels for the 2022 model year, GM upped the ante for their competition.
The Denali trim is already known for being one of the most high-end non-luxury-segment trim levels there is, but GM takes it a step further with the Denali Ultimate. And the AT4X, though made for off-roading, is also packed with quite a few creature comforts that make traveling off of the beaten path feel luxurious indeed.
Choosing the right Sierra 1500 trim level is important if you want to get the most luxury for your money. That being said, let’s go over what kinds of luxury features you can find on the GMC Sierra and how GM is taking luxury to new heights—literally and figuratively!
The Denali and Denali Ultimate: Luxury En Masse
Anyone who’s heard of the Denali trim level knows to expect luxury in abundance. The Denali trim level is truly top-of-the-line with its long list of included creature comforts. First of all, the Denali trim lets you choose from all but the base 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. That means you can select from the 3.0L turbo inline-six diesel engine (good for 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque), the 5.3L V8 (which makes 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque), and the 6.2L V8 (delivering an impressive 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque).
It has most of the safety features included on the AT4X trim; the only one that’s not standard is Adaptive Cruise Control. The Denali takes the SLT’s foundations and adds a slew of more high-end features. If you get a 4WD model, it will come with a two-speed transfer case, and all variants have an adaptive suspension that will automatically adjust to enhance ride quality and comfort. The ten-speed automatic transmission comes with an Electronic Precision shift and equips bucket seats up front.
Vertical recovery hooks are done in chrome for an extra touch of class. The Denali’s aluminized stainless-steel muffler and tailpipes are seamlessly integrated into the rear bumper, giving the dual exhaust a refined look. The Denali rides around on 20-inch multi-dimensional polished aluminum wheels fitted with all-terrain tires that make this vehicle capable of off-roading. More chrome can be found on the six-inch rectangular full-length assist steps, door handles, and mirror caps.
Inside the Denali are even more luxurious features. The driver’s seat is ten-way power-adjustable with power lumbar support, and the front passenger seat is also ten-way power-adjustable. A large 12.3-inch color Driver Information Center shows you important vehicle data, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system keeps the cabin at desired temperatures. The front center console offers a wireless charging dock and is reconfigurable with a removable storage tray and power cord management. You can opt for Denali Illuminated door sills, perforated leather seats, and premium floor liners.
The Denali Ultimate takes luxury to a whole new level. This trim gains 22-inch midnight-painted aluminum wheels with machining and bright chrome inserts. Inside is a chic leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an option for Forge perforated leather seat trim in an “Alpine Umber” hue opens up the glamour even further.
The AT4X: Off-Roading Luxury
The most expensive option in the GMC Sierra 1500 lineup is the AT4X trim. Mechanically, it is somewhat different from the other trim levels since it is strongly oriented toward off-roading.
An electronically locking differential is standard for both the front and rear. The Off-Road Suspension features a two-inch lift with Multimatic DSSV dampers that delivers precision control and powerful performance while traveling off the road. This vehicle’s 18-inch gloss black wheels are fitted with Mud-Terrain tires that help it get over all types of rugged terrain.
Inside, the AT4X gains some extra premium features that are also practical to have in an off-roader. The floor liners that are optional on the Denali models are standard on the AT4X, plus there’s full-grain leather front seat trim. If you wish, it can be ordered in the stunning “Obsidian Rush” tone. Otherwise, you get a lot of the same standard features that come in the Denali Ultimate trim level.
High-End Entertainment
Want some high-class entertainment features? The Denali and Denali Ultimate deliver them in droves. There is now a standard 13.4-inch GMC Premium Infotainment System equipped on the Denali and Denali Ultimate, although units from previous model years are just as user-friendly.
This 13.4-inch system comes with Google Built-In, which is new for 2023. You can use SiriusXM as well as the AM/FM radio. Bluetooth audio and hands-free phone call streaming are also standard, as are wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Voice activation is included for use with your phone, so you can give your vehicle commands without having to take your hands off the wheel.
These trim levels are Wi-Fi hotspot capable, so if you need to connect via Wi-Fi on the go, you will be able to do so. There is also a three-channel programmable Universal Home Remote, which can activate an array of compatible in-home devices, from your garage door to your home security system.
The Denali Ultimate adds multiple features on top of that. It comes with Adaptive Cruise Control, a head-up display, and a rear mirror camera. What’s more, this trim level features an upgraded 12-speaker Bose premium sound system that includes a Richbass subwoofer. This sound system produces crisp audio quality that surrounds the entire cabin so that everyone can hear it, even while driving along a busy highway.
The GMC Sierra 1500 Takes Luxury to New Heights
The GMC Sierra 1500 is riddled with luxury features, inside and out. There are multiple great trim levels to choose from, but the three highest represent the height of luxury in non-luxury-class vehicles. Other automakers have their work cut out for them if they want to make their pickups as upscale as the Sierra 1500.
The Sierra 1500 is a capable off-roader, especially if you get the AT4X. However, it is just as vigorous in providing high-brow comfort. This truck just keeps getting better with each passing model year; from its beefy powertrain options to its gorgeous leather seating surfaces, there are many things to love about the Sierra 1500 lineup.
When you take the Sierra 1500 for a test drive, think about taking one of the higher trim levels. Give it a whirl and see just how high-end these vehicles feel to you. There are many fancy features that you can play around with, but they are all still user-oriented. You can take this vehicle to all new heights just like it takes luxury to new heights—it is just that impressive.
