GMC Bets Big On Screens (And Real Buttons) For The Redesigned Sierra Denali Ultimate

GMC just revealed how far it's willing to go to keep the Sierra 1500 ahead of the pack, and the answer involves a lot more than a fresh grille. The 2027 model, expected to hit dealers later this year, brings a complete redesign wrapped around new engines, a reworked interior, and styling that trades subtlety for presence.

Under the hood, GMC is reviving enthusiasm for naturally aspirated power with sixth-generation Small Block V8s offered in 5.7-liter and 6.6-liter displacements. No horsepower or torque figures have been released yet, but GMC says both units get upgraded combustion, cooling, fuel injection, and control systems aimed at sharper performance and smoother everyday drivability. Chevrolet made nearly identical claims about its refreshed Silverado just days earlier, suggesting GM is leaning hard into the idea that big V8s still matter to truck buyers, even as the industry pushes toward electrification.

Those who prefer something other than gasoline still have options. The Duramax diesel returns alongside an updated TurboMax four-cylinder, with every engine routed through a 10-speed automatic. Familiar trim names carry over too, including Pro, Elevation, AT4, Denali, AT4X, and the range-topping Denali Ultimate.

Styling-wise, the new Sierra stands taller and looks noticeably beefier, with a larger grille, reshaped lighting elements, and optional welcome and farewell light animations. Quad exhaust tips are available too, and thankfully GMC has redesigned them so they no longer resemble stray HDMI ports poking out of the bumper.

The real transformation happens inside, where GMC has pushed the Sierra decidedly upmarket. Optional real wood trim, a panoramic roof, and a redesigned MultiPro center console that converts into a usable work surface headline the changes. The Denali Ultimate takes things furthest, packing more than 60 inches of combined screen space across a 16.3-inch infotainment display, an 11.5-inch passenger screen, a 12.2-inch driver cluster, a 15-inch head-up display, and an 8.5-inch camera mirror. On AT4X, Denali, and Elevation trims, the central screen even flips upward to expose a hidden storage cubby, a trick similar to what Jeep offers in the Grand Wagoneer.

Despite the screen overload, GMC insists it hasn't forgotten drivers who still want to feel something under their fingers. Interior design lead Therese Pinazzo told Car and Driver that customers expect hard controls and a tactile connection to the truck, which is why physical buttons remain for key functions. Standard Super Cruise with trailering support rounds out the tech package, letting owners go hands-free on compatible roads even while towing. Off-road fans get their own reason to celebrate with the new AT4X, which adds 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires, Multimatic Jounce Control dampers, front and rear electronic locking differentials, and a two-inch suspension lift, plus more supportive seats, a flat-bottom wheel, and metal speaker grilles inside. GMC is calling it the most capable AT4X it has ever built.