GMC may no longer be a brand you see on most construction sites, but they have positioned themselves as the truck of choice for anyone whose leisure activities demand the best in comfort while still also being one hard-working machine. And this luxurious 2021 Sierra 2500 HD Denali excels at both.

While GMC offers six gas and diesel engine options, and 6,8, or 10-speed transmissions for its light-duty pickups, HD models step up to exclusive 6.6 liter gas or diesel power.

A 6-speed automatic is standard with the gas engine, which outputs 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque. A beefy Allison 10-speed transfers the diesel’s 910 foot-pounds of torque to the pavement.

GMC says that more than half of Sierra customers use their trucks to tow equipment for outdoor adventures, and towables now make up about 90 percent of RV sales. So it’s smart that GMC has made enhancements to the Sierra HD lineup for 2021, focused on improved trailering.

Available camera technologies include jack-knife alert and rear side view with trailer length indicator, to aid when passing and merging in traffic while towing.

HD surround vision with two trailer view camera provisions and bed view with zoom and hitch guidance are now standard on Denali. 

Tow ratings are up across the board for Sierra in 2021. Our gas 2500 HD tester is capped at 10,650 pounds, just fine for a medium camper or car hauler. Max tow capacity in the 3500 HD Diesel is 36,000 pounds.

Sierra trim levels include the base, SLT and SLE with typical option packages. Above those, the AT4 offers an off-road-focused configuration. But top-line Denali makes up more than half of Sierra HD sales. It is pre-equipped for all-day comfort and offered only as a crew cab, with two bed lengths available. Denali exclusives include a signature grille with mesh and chrome inserts, chrome steps and tow hooks, and standard 20" polished aluminum wheels. Inside, Denali models get real ash wood, brushed aluminum trim and chrome accents.

Base 2021 Sierra HD pricing starts just under $38,000..the Denali at around $65,000. 

Don’t dismiss the GMC Sierra 2500 HD Denali pickup as just the chrome-clad urban cousin of Chevrolet's hard-working Silverado. It may be dressed up for a night on the town, but it’s not afraid to get it’s floor mats dirty when the sun rises.

And we’ll have more Quick Spins, soon.