Is the 2024 GMC Sierra 3500 HD Denali Ultimate Really Worth Nearly $100K?
The GMC Sierra HD is one of the country’s most popular heavy-duty pickup trucks. While there is nothing inexpensive about the entry-level Sierra 3500 HD, upgrading to the Denali trim package increases the price dramatically. For premium truck buyers with deep pockets, adding UItimate behind the Denali name nearly pushes the price into six-figure territory. So, do the 2024 GMC Sierra 3500 HD Denali Ultimate’s features justify its cost? Let’s review it and the base-trimmed Sierra 3500 HD and some of its competition from Chevy, Ford, and Ram to find out.
2024 GMC Sierra 3500 HD trim levels features, specs, and pricing
The entry-level 2024 GMC Sierra 3500 HD PRO carries GMC‘s starting MSRP of $48,595 for the regular cab configuration with the long truck bed. The PRO trim includes a $50,695 double cab long bed option or crew cab with a standard or long bed starting at $52,295 and $52,495, respectively. The Sierra 3500 HD PRO also comes as a single rear wheel version or with dual rear wheels for an additional $1,400.
The PRO trim includes the following feature highlights:
- LED projector headlamps
- Trailering package with hitch guidance
- Automatic locking rear differential
- Color touchscreen infotainment system
- Power-adjustable vertical trailering mirrors
- HD rear vision camera
- CornerStep rear bumper
- Remote keyless entry
- USB ports
Powertrain options include:
- The base 6.6-liter gas-powered V8 with 401 horsepower, 464 lb-ft of torque, and a 10-speed Allison automatic transmission
- A 470-hp 6.6-liter Duramax turbo-diesel V8 with 975 lb-ft of torque backed by an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission for about $10,000 extra
- Add integrated power take-off (PTO) to the diesel engine option for an additional $1,200
- Standard two-wheel drive or choose four-wheel drive for an additional $2,800
2024 GMC Sierra 3500 HD SLE features and pricing
The SLE trim features the same cab, bed, and powertrain configuration options with MSRP ranging from $53,395 to $67,980. It also includes the same features and adds to or upgrades them with the following:
- GMC’s MultiPro Tailgate
- A 13.4-inch premium infotainment system with Google built-in
- A 40/20/40 split front bench seat with under-seat storage
- A 12.3-inch diagonal color driver information screen
- Keyless open and start
- Wrapped steering wheel with heat available
- Optional heated driver and front outboard passenger seats
2024 GMC Sierra 3500 HD SLT features and pricing
The SLT trim offers all the same features as the SLE except for the absence of regular and double cab configurations and the optional PTO and carries a starting MSRP of $64,695. Additional upgraded features include:
- Digital variable steering assist
- Standard heated driver and front outboard passenger seats
- Optional ventilated front seats and heated rear outboard seats
- 10-way power-adjustable driver and front passenger seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Power folding/extending auto-dimming vertical trailering mirrors
- 18-inch machined aluminum wheels with dark gray metallic accents
- In-vehicle trailering app
2024 GMC Sierra 3500 HD AT4 features and pricing
The 2024 Sierra 3500 HD AT4 starts at $73,295 and, except for its four-wheel-drive-only drivetrain, provides the same powertrain, cab, and bed options as the SLT trim with the following upgraded features:
- Off-road tuned suspension
- Hill descent control
- Skid plates
- ProGrade trailering system
- Premium front and rear floor liners with removable carpet inserts
- Spray-on Bedliner
- 20-inch gloss black eight-spoke aluminum wheels
- All-terrain blackwall tires
2024 GMC Sierra 3500 HD Denali features and pricing
The four-wheel-drive-only 2024 GMC Sierra 3500 HD Denali starts at $77,395 and offers the following upgrades to the SLT trim:
- Ventilated front seats
- Bose premium sound system
- Chrome recovery hooks
- Spray-on Bedliner
- Automatic high-beam headlight control
- Denali-exclusive open-pore wood and patterned aluminum interior trim
- Perforated leather seating surfaces
2024 GMC Sierra 3500 HD Denali Ultimate features and pricing
The 2024 GMC Sierra 3500 HD Denali Ultimate costs $98,295 and only comes with the 6.6-liter Duramax turbo-diesel V8 and four-wheel drive. The Denali Ultimate provides the following upgrades to the standard Denali trim:
- Power-retractable assist steps with LED lighting
- Head-up display
- Diesel exhaust brake
- Rear camera mirror
- Trailer tire pressure and temperature monitor sensors
- Bed view camera
- Adaptive cruise control
- MultiPro audio system by Kicker
- Signature Denali Ultimate Vader chrome grille
- Alpine Umber interior with full-grain leather seating
- Authentic open-pore Paldao wood interior trim
- 18-way power-adjustable front seats with massage
What do critics think of the GMC Sierra 3500 HD Denali Ultimate?
While MotorTrend feels the Denali Ultimate’s upgraded interior finally meets the expectation of a premium pickup truck, Car and Driver recommends buying the SLT trimmed Sierra HD instead to get the most value. Both critics agree that opting for the 6.6-liter Duramax is a wise choice for those expecting to tow substantial loads regularly.
Other heavy-duty truck competition
Ram‘s most expensive 3500 HD Limited Mega Cab with a standard bed, Limited leather seating, four-wheel drive, and 6.7-liter inline-six cylinder Cummins turbo diesel engine starts at $91,900. Comparatively, Ford‘s top-trimmed F350 Super Duty Limited starts at $97,270 and features leather seating, a power moonroof, power-retractable side steps, and a 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbo-diesel engine, Finally, the highest trimmed Chevrolet Silverado 3500 High Country only costs $75,690. However, it comes with a gas-powered 6.6-liter V8 instead of the more powerful diesel option.
Is the 2024 GMC Sierra 3500 HD Denali Ultimate right for you? If you need a rugged work truck that offers luxury touches, then the Denali Ultimate is a good option. Although there are less expensive options for a work truck, sometimes it’s nice to be pampered a little after a long day.
