By Bob Sorokanich, senior editor, GM News
By Bob Sorokanich, senior editor, GM News
It’s hard to believe, but the original GMC Sierra Denali was introduced nearly a quarter-century ago. The Denali nameplate was first unveiled on the GMC Yukon SUV in 1999, but it wasn’t until model-year 2002 that GMC added a top-shelf, ultra-luxury Denali model to the Sierra pickup truck line.
The result was a revelation – a hardworking, highly-capable pickup truck that offered unparalleled luxury features. The original Sierra Denali changed expectations for pickup trucks, proving that a tough truck could also offer the best in comfort, technology, and performance. And that paved the way for today’s 2026 GMC Sierra EV Denali, which combines ultimate luxury with the undeniable capability of GMC’s all-electric pickup.
A lot has changed in the 24 years that separate the 2002 Sierra Denali from the 2026 Sierra EV Denali. But the Denali ideals of luxury, capability, and technology remain the same. My colleague Shad Balch had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to drive a 2026 Sierra EV Denali back-to-back with a pristine 2002 example to show how the ultimate luxury pickup has evolved.
The original 2002 Sierra Denali that Shad drove comes from the GM Heritage Center, and it’s as close to brand-new as you can get. At the turn of the 21st century, Denali luxury meant an opulent leather-trimmed interior with woodgrain accents, a powerful 6.0-liter Vortec V8 engine, and Quadrasteer four-wheel steering. That last item was a revelation, giving this bold full-size pickup truck nimble handling that Shad demonstrates on a tight slalom course.
Naturally, the 2026 GMC Sierra EV Denali takes those same luxury concepts and elevates them to a whole new level. With an available 760 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of torque in Max Power mode1, and GM-estimated battery range of up to 478 miles2, this all-electric pickup is ready for work or play.
As Shad points out, the influence of the original Denali pickup is immediately visible in the ’26 model. Where the vintage truck has Quadrasteer, the new Sierra EV Denali has available 4-Wheel Steer featuring CrabWalk3, which turns all four wheels in the same direction for improved maneuverability in tight quarters. And today’s Sierra EV Denali offers Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance technology4, which was only a daydream when the original Sierra Denali hit the streets.
Shad had a ton of fun comparing the original Denali pickup with its 2026 descendent in the latest video review on the General Motors YouTube channel. Check out the full video below, and be sure to subscribe so you can enjoy every one of our in-depth vehicle video reviews.
VIDEO LINK: https://youtu.be/17BwNboYXkA
Bob Sorokanich is a former automotive journalist whose work has appeared in Road & Track, Car and Driver, Wired, Robb Report, and many other publications. He is senior editor at GM News. Reach him at news@gm.com
1GM-estimated with Max Power mode for Sierra EV Denali with Max Range Battery.
2Requires Sierra EV Denali equipped with the available Max Range battery pack. On a full charge. GM-estimated range based on development testing and/or analytical projection consistent with SAE J1634 revision 2017 – MCT and subject to change. Actual range may vary based on several factors, including ambient temperature, terrain, battery age and condition, loading, and how you use and maintain your vehicle.
3Limited to low speeds. Always be aware of your surroundings. Read the vehicle’s owner’s manual for more important limitations and information.
4Always pay attention while driving and when using Super Cruise. Do not use a handheld device. Requires active Super Cruise plan or trial. Terms apply. Visit gmc.com/connectivity-technology/super-cruise for compatible roads and full details.
It’s hard to believe, but the original GMC Sierra Denali was introduced nearly a quarter-century ago. The Denali nameplate was first unveiled on the GMC Yukon SUV in 1999, but it wasn’t until model-year 2002 that GMC added a top-shelf, ultra-luxury Denali model to the Sierra pickup truck line.
The result was a revelation – a hardworking, highly-capable pickup truck that offered unparalleled luxury features. The original Sierra Denali changed expectations for pickup trucks, proving that a tough truck could also offer the best in comfort, technology, and performance. And that paved the way for today’s 2026 GMC Sierra EV Denali, which combines ultimate luxury with the undeniable capability of GMC’s all-electric pickup.
A lot has changed in the 24 years that separate the 2002 Sierra Denali from the 2026 Sierra EV Denali. But the Denali ideals of luxury, capability, and technology remain the same. My colleague Shad Balch had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to drive a 2026 Sierra EV Denali back-to-back with a pristine 2002 example to show how the ultimate luxury pickup has evolved.
The original 2002 Sierra Denali that Shad drove comes from the GM Heritage Center, and it’s as close to brand-new as you can get. At the turn of the 21st century, Denali luxury meant an opulent leather-trimmed interior with woodgrain accents, a powerful 6.0-liter Vortec V8 engine, and Quadrasteer four-wheel steering. That last item was a revelation, giving this bold full-size pickup truck nimble handling that Shad demonstrates on a tight slalom course.
Naturally, the 2026 GMC Sierra EV Denali takes those same luxury concepts and elevates them to a whole new level. With an available 760 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of torque in Max Power mode1, and GM-estimated battery range of up to 478 miles2, this all-electric pickup is ready for work or play.
As Shad points out, the influence of the original Denali pickup is immediately visible in the ’26 model. Where the vintage truck has Quadrasteer, the new Sierra EV Denali has available 4-Wheel Steer featuring CrabWalk3, which turns all four wheels in the same direction for improved maneuverability in tight quarters. And today’s Sierra EV Denali offers Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance technology4, which was only a daydream when the original Sierra Denali hit the streets.
Shad had a ton of fun comparing the original Denali pickup with its 2026 descendent in the latest video review on the General Motors YouTube channel. Check out the full video below, and be sure to subscribe so you can enjoy every one of our in-depth vehicle video reviews.
Bob Sorokanich is a former automotive journalist whose work has appeared in Road & Track, Car and Driver, Wired, Robb Report, and many other publications. He is senior editor at GM News. Reach him at news@gm.com
1GM-estimated with Max Power mode for Sierra EV Denali with Max Range Battery.
2Requires Sierra EV Denali equipped with the available Max Range battery pack. On a full charge. GM-estimated range based on development testing and/or analytical projection consistent with SAE J1634 revision 2017 – MCT and subject to change. Actual range may vary based on several factors, including ambient temperature, terrain, battery age and condition, loading, and how you use and maintain your vehicle.
3Limited to low speeds. Always be aware of your surroundings. Read the vehicle’s owner’s manual for more important limitations and information.
4Always pay attention while driving and when using Super Cruise. Do not use a handheld device. Requires active Super Cruise plan or trial. Terms apply. Visit gmc.com/connectivity-technology/super-cruise for compatible roads and full details.