Fit for a King: The 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Denali

Certain terms are instantly recognizable among drivers, especially among the truck-buying public and enthusiasts; one term known to most drivers is “Denali.” As the name of the decadent trim that first graced the GMC Yukon, the term “Denali” has gone on to become synonymous with substance and sophistication in a host of GMC vehicles. 

Here at Jim Ellis Buick GMC Mall of Georgia, we’re always excited about discussing this particular trim that has stood apart from the competition and offered drivers more than the rest. Today, we’re looking at the 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Denali, exploring the features that relate to its performance and power and how they can benefit you like never before. 

Choosing the Right Powertrain 

The first step in unlocking the Sierra 2500 HD Denali’s potential is choosing a powertrain that can deliver on your expectations. Two engines are available for this model, both of which are paired with GM’s highly capable ten-speed Allison automatic transmission. 

As the standard offering on the Sierra 2500 HD, the gasoline-powered 6.6L V8 offers plenty in the area of performance that both tradespeople and average drivers can take full advantage of. With 401 hp and the ability to produce 464 lb-ft of torque, this gas-powered V8 can handle the tasks of the working world with relative ease. 

GM has been pivotal in reestablishing the diesel engine as a viable means of performance. The 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8 is key to this endeavor. With the choice of diesel power, you’ll have 470 hp at your disposal in addition to 975 lb-ft of torque. Both of these figures, while impressive, are produced at lower RPMs (2,800 and 1,600, respectively) to reduce stress on the engine and enable more extraordinary performance at lower speeds. 

Cab and Bed Configurations 

Besides the powertrain that will unlock the Sierra 2500 HD Denali’s full potential, choosing the correct cab and bed configuration is crucial. These will play a key role in determining your payload and towing capacities. The decision process regarding the Sierra 2500 HD Denali is relatively easy, as this trim exclusively comes with 4WD and the Crew Cab, but it does offer two different bed configurations. 

If you get the Crew Cab with the Standard Bed, you get an 82.2-inch truck bed that matches its seating for five well; this bed is standard for the Denali. If you get the Crew Cab with the Long Bed, you can get more room for larger cargo in a bed box that measures 98.27 inches in length. 

Towing and Payload Capacity 

The amount that you can tow and carry in your Sierra 2500 HD Denali will vary based on the powertrain and configuration. We’ve broken down the limitations of each combination to assist you in making the right choice. 

Payload capacity is essential for many tradespeople who work in the service industry, particularly in transportation and construction. Drivers who choose the Denali with a gas engine and the standard bed can hold up to 3,407 lbs, or you can carry 3,565 lbs with the long bed. Opting for the diesel V8 will marginally increase these numbers, with a capacity of 3,411 lbs with the standard bed or 3,576 lbs with the long bed. 

Conventional trailering is just as essential to tradespeople and is also a highly sought-after attribute among adventurers. Remarkably, both engines match one another’s capability in conventional towing. Either bed configuration can pull up to 16,000 lbs with the gasoline V8, and that increases to 20,000 lbs with the diesel engine equipped. This also applies to fifth wheel and gooseneck towing, as the gas V8 easily pulls 18,500 lbs, and the Duramax pulls 21,600 lbs. 

Excellent Trailering Tech

There’s no denying that modern drivers expect more from their trucks. This is certainly the case when it comes to towing and trailering. A beefy powertrain and the right configuration can all play an integral role in pulling the heavy loads that you have to move. The 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Denali implements technology that makes any task easier to accomplish correctly and on time, as well as a means to provide additional oversight when and where it matters most. 

GMC has completely broken the mold and shifted the paradigm regarding trailering and towing. In addition to the ProGrade Trailering System’s in-vehicle towing apps, a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features provides more oversight than any other brand and allows drivers to tow with more confidence than ever before. 

One such tool is Transparent Trailer View. The tech behind it is nothing new, as it has been a hallmark of many of the major brands for the past few years; it works by utilizing camera and radar data to generate a rearward view for the driver that a large trailer would normally obstruct. GMC has developed a way for this technology to be applied to fifth wheel and gooseneck towing, allowing drivers to have better oversight. 

No matter what your experience in towing and trailering might be, having oversight regarding areas that are not always available is critical. Visibility is particularly crucial in what’s known as the blind zone area. Monitoring these positions by way of cameras and issuing alerts to the driver allows for safer transportation, and that’s why GMC includes Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert in the Sierra 2500 HD Denali. 

An all-new feature for the 2024 model year, GCW Alert monitors your truck’s Gross Combined Weight rating—the total weight of your truck and its cargo. By understanding how much weight is present, you can ensure that you don’t overload and overwork your vehicle. 

Adaptive Cruise Control w/ Trailering is one of the biggest breakthroughs in driver assistance tech. By monitoring traffic patterns, your vehicle travels at a safe distance to preserve reaction time. Carrying any substantial amount of weight increases momentum when pressure is applied to your brakes. This feature considers the excess weight, ensuring you follow the other vehicles at a safe distance to preserve reaction time.

Besides the multiple tools in place to assist with safe travel when towing, there are up to 14 different camera views to provide additional oversight of your cargo and surroundings. With so many innovations, the 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Denali is the ideal combination of performance, power, and oversight that so many truck drivers look to have. 

Experience the 2024 Sierra 2500 HD Denali for Yourself

In the world of pickup trucks, which tend to be competitive in terms of design and performance, the Denali trim stands apart in its sophistication and substance. At Jim Ellis Buick GMC Mall of Georgia, we carry the Sierra 2500 HD Denali and several other new and used models from both Buick and GMC. 

Choosing the right vehicle has never been easier, especially with the help of our friendly and courteous sales team. Our people make a difference, and we’ve helped numerous customers get behind the wheel of the truck that makes a notable improvement in their lives, whether it’s for job tasks, off-roading, or simply a stylish means of getting around town. 

We can assist you with financing if needed, and thanks to our parts and service centers, we can keep your GMC truck on the road and performing at its very best for several years to come.