Let’s face it; electric-powered vehicles are here to stay. Probably. If you’re old school like me, it took a while acknowledging the impending demise of petrol fuel rides. As they say, it’s best to adjust and survive rather than stubbornly hold onto dying technology. Every auto manufacturer has done so with varying degrees of success and acclaim.
GMC’s newest entry is the formidable 2026 Sierra EV Denali Extended Range pickup truck. If you’re preparing for the Apocalypse, this is the bad boy that’ll handle most doomsday warnings – well besides needing good ‘ol electricity to power it.
The Sierra EV Denali is a must-drive for those desiring plug-in powered technology with a bold appearance, incredible horsepower, nifty off-road capabilities and yes, a smooth ride on the streets when desired.
Skin
GMC designers did themselves proud as the Sierra EV stages a most high-profile presence. The head turning looks attracted immediate attention in any parking lot or my driveway. A definite “whoa” in bright Summit White paint. The long wheelbase with big, beautiful 22” tires and Ultrabright machined laser etched rims look perfect. Contrasting gloss black trim around the wheel wells meshes nicely with the white exterior. The illuminated GMC logo and lights perform an eye-catching display when approaching the vehicle. Seriously, this is quite the looker.
The Sierra’s sheer size is big and bold measuring 19.5-feet long, 7-feet wide, up to 6.6-feet tall and weighs 4.5 tons. It can pull 12,500 pounds and carry 2,250 pounds of cargo. The genius optional step-up folding MultiPro tailgate allows for lengthy cargo – up to 9-feet.
Thankfully, the step-up rails come in handy when entering or exiting the 10-inch-tall cab. The Extended Range battery has a quoted reach of 470-miles. Of course, that depends how you’re driving, what cargo is loaded and surface temps (cold and heat reduce the mileage range). The plug-in power eliminates any dual exhausts in the rear. Located on the driver-side rear quarter panel could be challenging if you can’t back near the charging station.
Performance
Let’s talk power as truck owners want burly clout when tooling around. First, the 2026 Sierra Denali version is nearly supercar quick. The two motors can whisk this nearly five-ton beauty 0-60 in 4.5 seconds. Horsepower is abundant at 645hp/775 lb-feet torque delivering plenty of oomph.
The one-pedal mode stops the Sierra in quick fashion while regenerating the batteries. I tested the capabilities of the one-pedal and honestly didn’t need to touch the brake in city driving – although the normal setting is plenty for most drivers.
The rear-wheel steering system allows for tight turns. CrabWalk Mode directs all the tires in the same 45-degree direction when needing diagonal clearance from an obstacle. It’s a cool pet trick to show passengers.
Battery charging takes roughly 40-minutes to reach 80%. It’s best to use a DC charger or Tesla Supercharger for the quickest electric refills. Note: It will take longer during the hot summer as sizzling batteries take longer to recharge. The charging port on the driver-side rear quarter panel could be challenging if you can’t back near the charging station.
The driving experience is nearly library silent. The Denali houses two E4WD motors (front and rear) and the rear-wheel steering enables this beast to turn on a dime. These capabilities allow any four-wheeler novice to feel completely in control. An efficient suspension smooths out even the harshest roads.
Super Cruise works well on highway roads for stress-free hands-free driving. You’ll immediately be smitten.
17 cameras give helpful views around, below or behind the Sierra allowing for easier access navigating tight spaces.
Cabin
The After Dark cabin materials are comfy for such a burly ride. It has a clean, upscale appearance with CorTech perforated synthetic leather. Front seats are heated and ventilated while the rears are heated as well. The 8-way power front seats are comfy, heated/ventilated with four lumbar settings. The rear floor is flat, so a 5th passenger isn’t encumbered by the typical annoying rise from the drive train underneath.
A meaty heated steering wheel feels wonderful in your mitts. The floating center console present handy storage underneath. The wide body will easily house five adults. Storage is 35.9 cu. ft. and 81.8 cu. ft. with the rear seats folded down. Plus, there’s more storage in the handy 11 cubic feet front trunk (“frunk”) or use as an ice chest option. Included are two sets of LATCH connectors for child car seats.
Visibility is incredible mostly due to the oversized side mirrors and handy unencumbered three-lane-wide camera view in the rearview mirror. Wireless phone charging is included as are several ambient lighting color schemes.
You can remove the MidGate rear window (stowed inside the cabin’s designated storage pocket the cabin) for longer cargo (up to 10’10” with the MultiPro tailgate in load-stop positioning). .
Tech check
GMC didn’t forget those who demand modern technology. A huge 16.8-inch diagonal infotainment touchscreen and 11-inch digital instrument panel offer plenty of information and function choices. The touchscreen is responsive and thankfully you can pin your favorite choices on the home screen for easier access.
Google Assistant is standard. Curiously, AppleCar Play and Android Auto aren’t available? A workaround is the terrific voice-controlled Google Assistant for handsfree functions. A superb Bose Premium Surround 12-speaker audio system is studio-quality impressive.
The 14” Head-Up Display is easy to read including Speed Limit signage and turn-to turn Navigation. Active Noise Cancellation included in the audio system makes the cocoon soothingly quiet by eliminating higher-pitched sounds or highway tire noise.
Abundant safety feathers are ready to protect you in potential harm’s way. Helpful alerts include Forward Collision, Rear Cross-Traffic, Blind Spot Warnings and Enhanced Automatic Parking Assist. You also receive three-years of OnStar use.
The 2026 Sierra EV Denali Extended Range is quite the looker and performer on all types of roads. It drives smaller than it looks, can turn on a dime, handles nature’s obstacles and delivers smooth sailing on the highway. It isn’t cheap but if you want electric power, it will deliver miles of smiles.
SCORECARD
Golf Bags: Maybe six or more
Curb Appeal: A uniquely attractive formidable head turner
0-60: 4.5 seconds! Feels much quicker
Gas Mileage: 470-mile range
Must-Haves: Optional step-assist rails ($550)
Warranty & Free Maintenance: 5-years/60,000 powertrain, Electrical is 8 or 100,000 miles.
Base Price: $77,900
Price as Tested: $79,995
Who Buys It? Those embracing the latest in electric power and capable storage
Finish Line: Patriotic package of style, performance, luxury and technology
Call Matthew Pilkington, General Sales Manager at Ewing Buick GMC 214-547-2961 to test drive the 2026 Sierra EV Denali Extended Range.