Test Drive with Kyle Ashby

2013 GMC Sierra Denali 1500 AWD Crew Cab

We live in a beautiful part of the West at the top of Utah that is often referred to as “Truck Country.” The rugged and mountainous terrain with the ever changing spring weather made for an interesting and adventurous test drive in this luxurious workhorse of a truck, the GMC Sierra Denali.

The 403 horsepower Vortec 6.2L V8 engine is the most powerful gas engine truck I have ever driven. GMC really focused on this truck’s towing capabilities which includes Stabilitrak stability control, trailer sway control, integrated trailer brake and hill start assist. One of the first tests I put the Denali through was backing it up to a trailer with ease using the reverse camera. This particular enclosed trailer weighed in at about 4,000 lbs. including the motorcycle cargo. The 417 lbs../ft. of torque is rated to tow 9,400 lbs. but I wanted to put it through a test I knew I could compare experience with other gas engine trucks I have driven. The performance was comparable to some diesel engine trucks I have driven when pulling this particular trailer and load. I was very impressed with the power disbursement, stopping power and overall towing experience.

Driving a truck in Northern Utah affords many different off road options to choose from. The 2013 Sierra Denali is an All Wheel Drive (AWD) truck with automatic locking rear differential and traction control. Although, I missed a four low gearing option the AWD, rear differential locking and traction control off road combination provided ample traction in muddy and slippery terrain while experiencing a spring time drive up a fresh snow melted Utah canyon road. The stylish 20” wheels provided some additional clearance as well as a few looks from some passing gawkers.

The overall comfort and luxury the Denali 1500 offers is very impressive with heated and cooled adjustable soft leather front bucket seats, 60/40 split fold up leather rear seats, auto dual zone climate control, heated leather wrapped steering wheel and power adjustable pedals. The electronics are complete with SiriusXM radio, 6-disc CD changer, Bluetooth integration, steering wheel radio controls, driver information center display and OnStar. The navigation system touch screen made for an upgraded convenient mapping experience as well. The black onyx exterior with cocoa/light cashmere interior on the truck I drove looked very sharp with the 6” tubular chromed assist steps upgrade.

One of the tests I put this truck through was a trip to the local wholesale discount warehouse for an all too frequent bulk shopping experience. Some of the purchased and more sizable goods rode securely in the deep protective lined bed behind the cab. All other grocery items fit comfortable on the floor in the rear of the cab due to the ease of lifting the rear seats for more storage space. It was convenient to start the truck remotely on the way out to the parking lot with the remote start function so the vehicle and it’s seats could be warming up on this particularly cold spring day.

All in all, I was very impressed with the overall ride while driving on paved highways with the automatic sunroof open at times and maneuvering on unpaved roadways as well. It didn’t feel like I was driving a large half-ton truck that was built for heavy duty towing and engine performance.

You can find the 2013 GMC Sierra Denali 1500 AWD Crew Cab at Crump Motor Company in Tremonton located at 655 West Main. (866) 625-6957. See Crump’s complete inventory on Cars435.com

Standard Vehicle Pricing: $48,635
Price as Driven: $53,694