GM Took A Classic Machine And Turned The 2025 Sierra EV Denali Max Range Into A Super Nice State-Of-The-Art Truck

When GMC rolled out the Sierra EV Denali Max Range, they weren’t just electrifying a truck - they were redefining what a full-size pickup can be in the electric age. After spending over a week behind the wheel of this electric beast, I can tell you: this isn't just a truck with a battery slapped underneath. It's a bold, luxurious evolution of a classic nameplate—one that now wears its Denali badge with more meaning than ever before.

This is GMC's second swing at the EV truck segment, following the thunderous debut of the Hummer EV pickup. But where the Hummer went all out with brute force and flash, the Sierra EV is more refined, more calculated, and surprisingly more practical—especially in this new Max Range version. It shares its Ultium platform and much of its engineering DNA with the Chevrolet Silverado EV, but GMC has done enough here—particularly in the top Denali trim—to give it a distinct personality that leans heavily into upscale comfort and cutting-edge tech.

Let’s be clear though: this isn’t your old-school Sierra with an electric motor tucked inside. The 2025 Sierra EV is an entirely different machine. It may carry a familiar name, but everything else—from the frame to the software to the power delivery—is bespoke to its EV mission. And while we’re still waiting on some of the more affordable trims to show up later in the year, this Max Range model gives us a strong sense of where GMC is heading: a future where capability, luxury, and all-electric power meet in a very stylish package.

With up to 760 horsepower, 460 miles of range, and 10,000 pounds of towing on paper, the numbers alone are enough to grab attention. But numbers don’t tell the whole story. What matters more is how this truck feels to drive, how it fits into your life, and whether it lives up to its premium price tag. After over seven days of real-world testing, including commutes, errands, highway stints, and even some light towing, I’ve got a lot to share—not just about what this truck is, but what it means for the future of pickups.

What’s New for 2025 in the GMC Sierra EV Denali Max Range

GMC isn’t wasting any time evolving its electric pickup strategy. After introducing the Sierra EV last year in a single, ultra-premium Denali Edition 1 configuration, the lineup is beginning to open up just a bit in 2025—with some key additions that signal broader plans for the brand.

For 2025, the headline update is the arrival of the Denali Max Range, essentially a carryover from the Edition 1 but now part of a slightly expanded lineup. Alongside it, GMC has added a new Denali Extended Range trim—slightly less expensive, still luxurious, and designed to make the Sierra EV a bit more approachable without compromising too much on the premium feel that defines the Denali name.

But that’s just the beginning of what’s coming. GMC has confirmed that an off-road-oriented AT4 trim and a more affordable Elevation variant are on the horizon, though both are now officially pushed to the 2026 model year. That means for now, Denali remains the only flavor available—but it’s a flavor worth savoring if you want max range, max comfort, and max tech.

Speaking of tech, GMC gave the 2025 Sierra EV Denali a couple of modern creature comfort upgrades that align with its luxury ambitions. One of the standout additions is remote automatic parking, a feature that might not matter much out in the country, but in tighter city garages, it’s a welcome upgrade that takes full advantage of the Sierra’s EV platform’s spatial awareness. 5G connectivity is now standard too, improving the truck’s infotainment responsiveness and enhancing things like real-time mapping, vehicle updates, and streaming.

Cosmetically, GMC has added a handful of new paint color options that help the Denali stand out a bit more on the road—or off it, if that’s your thing. You’ve now got Dark Ember Tintcoat, Deep Ocean Metallic, Summit White, Onyx Black, and the stunningly subtle Moonlight Matte—a finish that’s quickly become one of my favorites, especially when paired with the truck’s bold LED signature lighting and Denali-specific design accents.

In short, the 2025 Sierra EV is growing up, even if it’s still technically in its early stages. The roadmap is clear: GMC wants this truck to appeal not just to EV adopters, but to traditional truck buyers who expect capability, luxury, and confidence in what they tow and haul. The Max Range Denali I drove for a week feels like a solid foundation—and an intriguing sign of what’s to come.

Trims and Pricing: Luxury Comes at a Premium

Let’s talk numbers—because if you’re considering the 2025 GMC Sierra EV, you’re already in a space where performance, capability, and style matter just as much as the price tag. But there’s no sugarcoating it: this truck is expensive. It’s one of the priciest electric pickups on the market right now, even before you start tacking on options. But is it worth it? That depends on what you’re looking for—and how you plan to use it.

The 2025 Sierra EV is currently available in two Denali trims: the Extended Range and the Max Range. More trims are coming in 2026, including the more affordable Elevation and rugged AT4, but for now, it’s a Denali-only affair—which means you’re buying into the luxury segment from the jump.

Here’s how the pricing breaks down:

• Denali Extended Range – $92,290 (MSRP)
  This is the “entry-level” Sierra EV Denali, and yes, we’re using that term loosely. While it’s the more affordable of the two, this trim still brings serious firepower in terms of features, tech, and comfort. You get a rich interior packed with premium materials, a huge infotainment display, GMC’s signature Super Cruise hands-free driving tech (more on that later), and solid range and power. For most buyers who want the EV truck experience without towing max loads, this trim will more than satisfy.
• Denali Max Range – $98,400 (MSRP) and $101,285 Total Vehicle Price
  This is the one you spring for if you’re planning to put this truck to work—or if you simply want the best of what GMC currently offers in its electric truck lineup. The Max Range model unlocks the Sierra EV’s full potential: up to 460 miles of range (depending on conditions), 760 horsepower, and 10,000 pounds of towing capacity. That extra capability comes at a price—it pushes the Sierra EV over the six-figure line—but it also delivers everything a modern electric truck should: muscle, long-distance range, and top-tier tech.

So, which one should you buy?

If you’re asking from a real-world usability standpoint—especially if you plan to tow or regularly drive long distances—the Denali Max Range is the one to get. Yes, it’s a significant bump in cost, but it brings you closer to what an EV truck should be without sacrificing the Denali luxury experience. You’ll thank yourself later when you're hauling gear or making that long weekend road trip without needing to panic-search for a charging station.

But if your truck life is mostly about commuting, errands, and enjoying that upscale Denali cabin, the Extended Range Denali hits the sweet spot. It's still dripping with luxury, fully capable for everyday truck duties, and easier on the wallet—relatively speaking, of course.

Either way, the pricing reinforces something important about GMC’s approach: the Sierra EV is aimed squarely at buyers who expect their truck to be both a workhorse and a tech-laden luxury lounge. It’s not trying to be the cheapest electric truck on the block—it’s trying to be the most well-rounded, feature-rich, and premium. Whether it succeeds comes down to what you expect from your $90K+ pickup.

Coming up, I’ll break down what it’s like to drive this all-electric Denali and how it stacks up in real-world range, power, and overall comfort. Spoiler: it might just surprise you.

EV Motor, Power, and Performance: A Shockingly Fast Giant with a Tech Edge

If you thought electric trucks were only about saving gas money or checking a green box, the 2025 GMC Sierra EV Denali Max Range is here to throw down the gauntlet. This truck doesn’t just whisper “eco-friendly”—it shouts muscle and innovation in equal measure. After spending a week behind the wheel, I can confidently say this Denali EV isn’t just good for an EV truck—it’s a beast in its own right, and it’s almost deceptively fast for something this big.

Let’s get right into the numbers, because they tell a powerful story:

Underneath the elegant exterior of the Sierra EV Denali sits a dual-motor all-wheel drive setup, producing a staggering 754 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of torque when you activate Max Power mode. That’s not just impressive—it’s nearly supertruck territory, and you feel every bit of that torque when you mash the accelerator.

In fact, here’s a warning I’ll issue right now: treat that throttle with respect.

Stomp it hard off the line, and the Sierra will surge ahead with a brutal intensity that might just startle you, especially if you’re used to the smoother, gradual climb of a gas-powered V8. On more than one occasion during my test drive, I had to back off to keep the wheels planted and the truck from trying to get a little too playful on dry pavement. It’s got that much instant power on tap.

That performance is supported by an adaptive air suspension system that’s not just there for comfort—it adds real functionality. You can raise or lower the ride height depending on terrain or highway needs. Drop it for easier bed access or a sportier ride; lift it for snow, trails, or rough job site terrain. It’s the kind of everyday flexibility that makes EVs like this start to feel more useful than their traditional gas counterparts.

GMC also ported over some of the wildest off-road tech from the Hummer EV, most notably CrabWalk—yes, the Sierra EV can move diagonally. Rear-wheel steering lets the back wheels turn in the same direction as the front, and while it might sound like a gimmick at first, I found it genuinely helpful in tight parking lots and when maneuvering this 19-foot long machine through narrow side streets. It’s like piloting a city bus with the handling of a midsize SUV.

A range of drive modes allows you to tailor the experience—from tame daily driving to aggressive sport-like responsiveness—and the regenerative braking system includes one-pedal driving. Once you get used to it, it’s surprisingly intuitive. Just lift your foot off the accelerator, and the Sierra starts to slow itself dramatically, feeding energy back into the battery while giving your brake foot a break. It’s especially handy in stop-and-go traffic or while descending steep grades, where it adds a layer of control without even touching the brake pedal.

So how does it compare to the Silverado EV? Pretty closely, which makes sense given they share much of the same Ultium platform. But there are subtle differences. The Denali trim feels more refined, more dialed in. It’s quieter, more composed over rough pavement, and there’s a distinct luxury edge to how it transitions between drive modes and how the suspension adapts. It’s like the Silverado is your reliable workhorse, and the Sierra Denali is that workhorse in a tailored suit with a smartwatch and high-end boots.

Here’s what really stood out during my week of testing: this truck doesn’t just deliver performance for an EV—it delivers performance, period. It doesn’t matter what powertrain you’re comparing it to. With that kind of horsepower, torque, and precision, the Sierra EV Denali Max Range is legitimately fun to drive, whether you’re cruising down the interstate or taking tight turns with far more grace than you’d ever expect from a vehicle this size.

The takeaway? GMC engineered this truck to do more than haul and tow—it’s designed to make a statement, and that statement is: electric can be serious, capable, and exhilarating. There’s no range anxiety when you’re enjoying the ride this much.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo: Where Luxury Meets EV Utility in a Big Way

Step inside the 2025 GMC Sierra EV Denali Max Range, and you instantly get the feeling that GMC didn’t just build a truck—they built an electric flagship. Forget everything you thought you knew about “Denali luxury” because this EV truck takes it to another level. It’s a rolling living room meets mobile command center, and for a week, it genuinely felt like the most comfortable mobile office I’ve ever had.

There is no on/off button. As you enter the truck and push the brake pedal, the car starts itself.

Now let’s start with the basics: this is a crew cab-only configuration, meaning you’re getting full-size seating front and back. There’s no "small rear seat with tight knees" situation here. Adults - yes, even tall ones - can stretch out in the back, which is part of what makes this truck feel like such a well-balanced daily driver. If you have family, friends, or even a crew hopping in and out, there’s space for everyone. It’s not just roomy - it’s first-class roomy.

And then there’s the bed, which clocks in at just under six feet. At first glance, that sounds pretty typical, until you remember the game-changing feature that sets the Sierra EV apart: the Midgate. Yes, GMC brought back the beloved Avalanche-style pass-through, letting you fold down the back seats and open the cabin wall to stretch the cargo bed into the interior. You’ve now got room for items up to 10 feet long—lumber, ladders, surfboards, whatever. It's a clever use of the EV architecture and makes this truck genuinely more versatile than most traditional pickups.

But the clever packaging doesn’t stop at the back. Up front—where the V8 engine used to live—you now get a large, lockable frunk (front trunk). It’s weatherproof, secure, and surprisingly deep. During my week with the truck, I tossed groceries in there, camera gear, even a folded scooter. It’s the kind of extra storage that you don't realize how badly you wanted until you have it.

Now let’s talk about materials—because this isn’t just a utility vehicle. This is a luxury experience, and GMC leaned hard into that Denali ethos. The cabin is trimmed with real open-pore wood, brushed aluminum touches, and supple leather upholstery that feels much closer to what you’d expect in a premium SUV. The stitching is meticulous, the textures are upscale, and even the way the panels fit together exudes quality. Denali isn’t trying to fake luxury - it delivers it.

Infotainment and Connectivity: A High-Tech Cockpit - With One Big Caveat

The moment you slide into the driver's seat, your eyes are drawn to the giant 16.8-inch portrait-style touchscreen rising from the center console like a vertical digital monolith. It’s beautifully integrated, not an afterthought, and it's packed with built-in apps and features. Think Google Built-In for maps, assistant, and media—no need to fumble with your phone. And for 2025, the interface is even smoother and more responsive.

Next to it, you get an 11-inch digital gauge cluster that’s crystal-clear and highly customizable. I loved toggling between power usage, range, and drive mode readouts - especially useful during extended highway driving when you want to monitor your battery consumption in real time.

If you want to play Sierra EV's infotainment and learn how to change the date and time format look at this video I made for our Torque News Youtube channel.

You also get a wireless charging pad, which worked flawlessly during my week-long test, and multiple USB-C ports front and rear. GMC clearly understands that modern drivers live connected lives, and they’ve outfitted the Sierra EV accordingly.

But let’s talk about the elephant in the cabin: no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Not yet, at least. GM made a bold (and controversial) decision to ditch both in favor of its in-house Google ecosystem. While the built-in Google Maps and Assistant worked well for me, there’s no denying that some buyers will miss the familiar experience of mirroring their phone screens.

From my perspective, it’s a mixed bag. On one hand, the native system is clean and functional—and over-the-air updates mean it’s only going to get better. On the other hand, if you're deeply tied to Apple Music, Waze, or custom Android apps, you may feel a bit locked out. GM has hinted that CarPlay and Android Auto could return later, but there's no timeline yet. For now, it’s a bet on the future of native systems—one that may not pay off for every user.

Midgate Makes a Difference

Although I mentioned the Midgate above in this review, I want to come back to it and explain the difference it makes. The

GMC Sierra EV stands apart in the electric truck world with its game-changing MultiPro MidGate feature, which adds a level of versatility no rival currently offers. While every other EV pickup limits you to a short bed, the Sierra EV lets you extend your cargo space into the cab by folding the rear seats and lowering the midgate - transforming the truck bed into a nearly 11-foot-long loading zone. Whether you're hauling a kayak, lumber, or even a couch, this design makes big cargo feel easy. You can even remove the rear window for taller items or fold just one side of the midgate to keep a rear passenger onboard. It’s smart, flexible, and turns the Sierra EV into a real do-it-all electric hauler.

Driving the 2025 GMC Sierra EV Denali Max Range

When you get behind the wheel of the 2025 GMC Sierra EV Denali Max Range, you're not just driving an electric truck—you’re stepping into a well-engineered answer to the most common EV truck compromises. And having spent a week test-driving this full-size electric beast in and around the Charlotte area, I can tell you right now: this is the most well-rounded electric pickup truck I've driven. And I’ve been behind the wheel of just about every EV out there—from Tesla and Rivian to Hyundai and Ford—and plenty of gas and diesel-powered trucks too.

So what makes this Sierra Denali EV stand out in a growing crowd of electrified pickups?

Let’s start with road manners. The Sierra EV Denali Max Range rides like a flagship luxury SUV wearing a truck suit. The adaptive air suspension system works overtime to smooth out Charlotte’s pothole-pocked streets and rough backroads, despite the massive 24-inch wheels wrapped in 35-inch tires. That’s no easy feat. But what impressed me even more was how composed this truck feels in everyday driving. It’s planted, confident, and refined—words not often associated with full-size pickups, let alone electric ones.

It’s also eerily quiet inside. GMC clearly took cabin insulation seriously here. Wind and road noise are kept at bay even at highway speeds, allowing you to fully appreciate the subtle hum of the dual electric motors—or more accurately, the absence of it. The Denali interior lives up to its name with open-pore wood, authentic leather, and an upscale design that finally feels like it justifies the price tag. The leather seats smell like real cowhide (because they are), and while they’re plenty supportive, I wouldn’t mind seeing a bit more cushioning and a massage function—especially at this premium level.

But there’s one standout feature I never expected to love as much as I do: the rear-wheel steering. This isn't a party trick like the Hummer EV’s crab walk (which this truck also has, by the way). It's a functional, daily-driving game changer. Whether it’s squeezing into tight urban parking spaces or making a quick U-turn on a narrow street, this truck shrinks around you. It genuinely drives more like a mid-size pickup when maneuvering around town—despite being anything but.

Now, let’s talk performance. The Sierra EV Denali Max Range packs 754 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of torque from its dual-motor AWD setup. In case you were wondering, yes—it moves. Flooring it from a stop unleashes instant torque that will shove you back in your seat like a rocket-powered La-Z-Boy. But be warned: stab the throttle too hard and this near-9,000-pound truck can get a little squirrelly. You’ll feel all that power twist through the chassis. It’s controlled chaos, though, and adds to the fun without feeling unsafe.

In terms of range, this is where the Sierra EV Denali Max Range blows past expectations. Officially, it's rated at 460 miles on a full charge. But real-world numbers are telling a better story. In independent testing, Edmunds managed to squeeze out 507 miles—and my own experience aligns with that level of confidence. Even in slightly cooler early spring temps here in North Carolina, the range held strong with only a minimal drop. The inclusion of a heat pump definitely helps here, especially for folks in more moderate climates.

Charging The Sierra EV and Long Drives

Charging is fast and mostly drama-free. Around Charlotte, 250kW DC fast chargers are pretty common, and the Sierra EV had no problem sustaining peak charging speeds until around 80% state of charge. That’s solid performance. I used Electrify America stations for most of my stops, but also tested out a few Tesla Superchargers using the adapter tool GMC includes with the truck. While Supercharger sessions took slightly longer than EA, they’re perfectly viable, especially on road trips when convenience trumps speed.

On longer drives, the Google-based infotainment system is reliable and surprisingly intuitive. The 16.8-inch vertical touchscreen is clean and responsive. No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is still a sticking point for some, but honestly, I didn't miss them as much as I expected. Google Maps routing with real-time EV range estimates, live charger availability, and accurate charge-stop predictions make trip planning seamless. I would still like to see more customization options for the home screen and maybe deeper EV data for us range nerds, but the current setup gets the job done better than most.

As with any vehicle, the Sierra EV Denali Max Range isn’t perfect. There’s no spare tire - just a fix-a-flat kit. Not a huge deal until it is. And while the panoramic roof does a decent job of keeping heat out, a retractable shade is sorely missed when the sun’s blasting down on your forehead during a long drive. These aren’t dealbreakers, but they’re worth mentioning, especially for shoppers expecting everything for this price point.

And yes, the Sierra EV Denali isn’t cheap. But when you factor in the 205 kWh battery pack alone - one of the biggest ever installed in a consumer vehicle—and all the tech, power, and utility this truck offers, the price starts to make more sense. If you shop smart or qualify for incentives, it might not be as out-of-reach as you think.

What’s unexpected is just how many real drivers—people who’ve tested or bought EVs from across the spectrum—are starting to rally behind the Sierra EV Denali as a serious benchmark for electric trucks. In fact, a recent dive into public reactions and hands-on impressions shows that many owners and enthusiasts believe it outright beats the Tesla Cybertruck in comfort, drivability, and even daily practicality. Here’s how the 2025 Sierra EV proved its mettle and won over commenters who once leaned Tesla.

The 2025 GMC Sierra EV Denali Max Range is what happens when GM takes decades of truck-building experience and pairs it with cutting-edge EV technology. It’s big, bold, and brimming with useful features that feel like they were designed by people who actually drive trucks. And after a full week living with it, I can confidently say: this truck isn’t just electric—it’s electrifying.

Range anxiety? Gone. Ride quality? Excellent. Everyday usability? Surprisingly easy. Whether you’re a long-time gas truck owner ready to make the switch or just want the most capable, comfortable EV truck out there, the Sierra EV Denali Max Range makes a compelling case that GMC got it very, very right.

If you think the idea of a GMC truck giving the Tesla Cybertruck a run for its money sounds unlikely, you're not alone—but the Sierra EV Denali Max Range might just be doing exactly that. From its luxurious cabin to a genuinely useful midgate and a real-world range that beats expectations, this truck brings an unexpected level of refinement and practicality to the EV space. I recently took a closer look at how the Sierra EV stacks up against Tesla’s polarizing pickup, and let’s just say the results may surprise you. Here’s why the Sierra EV Denali might just put the Cybertruck out of business.

To wrap up this review of the 2025 GMC Sierra EV Denali Max Range, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Have you had a chance to test drive or own an electric truck yet—whether from GMC, Ford, Rivian, or Tesla? What mattered most to you in making that decision: range, towing capability, charging access, or interior comfort? And if you're still on the fence about going electric, what’s holding you back?

Let me know your personal experience or thoughts in the comments below—I read and reply to as many as I can. Your insight helps other truck owners make smarter choices too.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.