General Motors owns GMC and Chevrolet, so the two automakers have similar lineups. For instance, the 2023 GMC Sierra 3500 isn’t much different from the Chevy Silverado 3500. Here’s a look at the two heavy-duty trucks and whether the range-topping 2023 Sierra 3500 Denali is worth the extra spend over its cheaper Chevy cousin.

Here’s what comes with the 2023 GMC Sierra 3500 Denali

The 2023 Sierra 3500 is more luxurious than the Chevy Silverado 3500. So the GMC truck is more expensive, starting at nearly $50,000. And the range-topping Denali trim is even pricier at $76,000. 

As with any top trim, the Denali includes or improves upon all the lower trims’ features. It includes an 8.0-inch touchscreen, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated rear outboard seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and more. 

The Denali also boasts upgrades exclusive to the trim. It adds premium leather upholstery, wireless phone charging, a premium sound system, and access to exclusive packages.

On top of that, this trim comes with some smart safety features that are options on the other trims. They include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera system.

How does the 2023 GMC Sierra 3500 Denali differ from the Chevy Silverado 3500?

Although the standard 2023 Sierra 3500 costs about $1,000 more than the Silverado 3500, GMC uses some cheaper cabin pieces from Chevrolet. That hurts the case for buying the Sierra because truck shoppers would pay more for only minor improvements.

However, there’s a more significant gap when comparing the Sierra 3500 Denali with the standard Silverado 3500. The Denali’s $76,000 price is significantly higher than the Silverado 3500’s $49,000 Work Truck base model. Of course, that $27,000 difference pays for many cabin upgrades, but there isn’t a huge difference in some crucial areas.

For example, the Silverado 3500 starts with a 7.0-inch touchscreen, only an inch smaller than the Sierra 3500 Denali’s 8.0-inch display. The Silverado 3500 also has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, but it starts with the wired version rather than the GMC’s wireless version. Chevy’s heavy-duty truck also has vinyl upholstery and vinyl flooring — less luxurious than the Denali’s leather upholstery and carpeting. 

Is the Denali worth its $76,000 sticker price?

Despite their interior differences, these GMC and Chevy heavy-duty trucks are identical under the hood. Both start with a 6.6-liter V8 making 401 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque. And both offer an optional 6.6-liter V8 turbodiesel harnessing 445 hp and 910 lb-ft of torque. As a result, their max towing capacities are similar when properly equipped.

Ultimately, shoppers buy heavy-duty trucks for their power and utility. Because the 2023 Sierra 3500 and Silverado 3500 have the same capabilities, the cheaper Chevy option is more attractive to most consumers. But buyers should be happy if they can afford the Sierra 3500 Denali because it’s the truck’s most popular trim.