If you’re the sort of driver who enjoys the little luxuries, you’re not interested in just any old pickup truck. You’re used to a refined interior, a smooth ride, and plenty of power to get you where you’re going in style. Many might say that it isn’t possible for a pickup to be luxurious, but the 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali begs to disagree.
There are several things that make this model stand out above the rest, but we’re going to concentrate on the parts you’re most interested in—the luxuries that make this pickup a dream to show off and drive. You and your passengers can sit back and enjoy the ride, knowing that heads are turning your way, wishing they too could have an incredibly luxe experience.
Forget utilitarian pickup trucks that offer nothing but power—in exchange for cramped leg space, uncomfortable seating, or few creature comforts. The 2022 Sierra 2500HD Denali provides plenty of Best in Class as well as First HD in Its Class options that ensure your experience is top-of-the-line.
Chrome-Covered Accoutrements
First, the outside. While most luxuries are focused on the interior of a vehicle—since that’s where you’re spending most of your time, there are some luxuries that benefit the exterior of the pickup, especially if you want to stand out from the crowd.
The 2500HD Denali model of the GMC Sierra comes with an array of chrome-covered parts, from the assist steps to the vertical front recovery hooks. These seemingly small parts are now made unique, sharp, and bound to catch the eye of anyone in the near vicinity. These ultra-shiny standouts pique the interest of passersby as well as make the 2500HD Denali modern, sleek, and sophisticated, definitely playing up the appearance of a luxurious pickup truck.
Other shiny upgrades include chrome caps and chrome handles, rounding out the overall exterior design. A Denali truck is sure to look tough, bold, and bright. With the 2500HD Denali, you’re not only getting a powerhouse, you’re getting premium luxury covered in glorious chrome.
Interior Luxury Adds Class and Comfort
There are plenty of standard inclusions that used to be deemed unnecessary, such as electric-powered windows, heat and air, and a stereo, but the 2500HD Denali is quite removed from such antiquated accessories. Instead, the Denali provides this and more—offering a personable, pleasant experience for every driver.
When I was growing up, our pickup had two cloth bench seats, little to no lumbar support, and incredibly narrow space for our legs. It was the most uncomfortable vehicle we had, and I had almost sworn off pickups forever until I saw the new and vastly improved models now available.
There are a few options for seating inside the Denali—including my personal favorite, the forge perforated leather seating in dark walnut/dark ash grey. Supple leather is comfortable while also continuing the sleek, luxurious look from the exterior. There is also an option for a jet black leather interior, as well as jet black with Kalahari accent leather, and the dark walnut/slate combination. I prefer the darker coloring for the most luxurious look.
The interior of the Denali can also be personalized in a few different ways. Instead of a bench seat for the front, you can choose to install bucket seats. The legroom for backseat passengers has become much bigger, allowing for stretching and sleeping. There are multiple storage areas for everyone’s electronics and other personal items.
It’s The Little Things
The Denali is a big truck, with plenty of features to ensure that it can both work and play—whether in rugged conditions or at upscale gatherings. However, without unique little touches, the Denali would be merely another show pony: serviceable, but not special.
Luckily, the pickup does have plenty of small touches that make a world of difference, such as the heated and ventilated seating for days when sunlight permeates the vehicle, and a heated steering wheel option for cold winter mornings.These things are especially helpful if you have a passenger or driver sensitive to temperature changes, or have mobility issues that a close source of heat would help.
This might not be a huge difference for some, but for those of us who live in climates where snow is possible six to nine months out of the year, this is a game-changer. We can stay warm while driving the kids to school or while we commute to work, and are therefore less likely to start our day grumpy because of the cold. Also, we can stay cool while driving home during rush hour traffic or while taking the family out for dinner in the summer heat.
Luxe Technology Features
While pickups don’t get a lot of press regarding hi-tech luxury, the 2500HD Denali is available with a wide array of up-to-date technology—for those who require more than a few modern conveniences or basic tech that doesn’t provide an upscale experience.
With a standard infotainment touchscreen, charging ports, and optional upgraded stereo system with SiriusXM, the technology that stands out the most is the mobile hotspot and wireless charging pad. Not only can you boost your phone’s battery, but you’ll also have WiFi everywhere you go. You can charge everyone’s phone or tablet at once, or even have the optional backseat entertainment system installed.
I’ve gone to so many places where internet access seems spotty in patches, which can be a huge inconvenience—especially when I’m looking for directions. With the mobile hotspot, no one will have to complain about losing signal. That feature alone would guarantee that I’d be out exploring more.
The other nice thing about the mobile hotspot is that you can use it in conjunction with a GMC app to control your trailer remotely—perfect for when inclement weather invades and you need to cover up precious cargo but have taken shelter from the wind, rain, sleet, or hail. While you’re sitting in your truck waiting for the weather to pass through, you can also begin reviewing information about your trailer on the infotainment system, which monitors trailer maintenance needs.
A Transparent Multi-View
I’ve watched my father countless times as he attempted to park his trailer in a small space next to the garage. We had a smaller trailer, mostly used for hauling wood to chop and then put to good use in the fireplace. The trailer has heard some choice words for being so difficult to manage. If my dad had been able to, he would have stuck a mirror on every possible surface to make things easier on himself.
Luckily, you don’t have to DIY a wall of mirrors or set up a row of cameras on the 2500HD Denali; this pickup comes prepared. No matter how big or wide the trailer, with fifteen camera views piping into the infotainment center, you’ll be able to see everything around you as you navigate.
One of the most unique safety features I’ve seen yet is the “transparent” mode you can choose for the camera system. This allows you to see what’s behind the trailer virtually, as if the trailer had suddenly been rendered invisible. With the “transparent” mode on Denali’s cameras, you’ll feel like a superhero with X-ray vision every time you park.
