Lynch GMC of Burlington
2027 GMC Denali Trim Guide: Which Models Offer Denali and Denali Ultimate?
Denali is GMC’s top luxury trim, and for 2027 it is offered on seven model families: Terrain, Acadia, Yukon and Yukon XL, Canyon, Sierra 1500, Sierra HD and Sierra EV. What Denali includes changes from model to model, and only four of the seven also offer the step-up Denali Ultimate. This guide from Lynch GMC of Burlington compares each Denali using GMC’s published figures.
- Ultimate availability: Denali Ultimate is offered on Sierra 1500, Sierra HD, Yukon and Yukon XL, and Acadia. Terrain, Canyon and Sierra EV do not have an Ultimate trim.
- New for 2027: Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance is now standard on the 2027 Sierra 1500, Yukon and Acadia Denali.
- Model by model: Engines, seats, suspension and towing differ by model, so the tables below compare them one model at a time.
Specifications and availability for 2027 models are preliminary and subject to change.
2027 GMC Denali Models and Starting Prices
| Model | Denali Ultimate offered? | Denali standard engine | Denali starting MSRP* | Denali Ultimate starting MSRP* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terrain | No | 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder | $44,195 MSRP* (AWD) | N/A |
| Acadia | Yes | 2.5L turbo 4-cylinder | $61,595 MSRP* (FWD) | $66,395 MSRP* (FWD) |
| Yukon | Yes | 6.2L V8 | $85,895 MSRP* (2WD) | $107,595 MSRP* (4WD) |
| Canyon | No | Enhanced 2.7L TurboMax | $56,395 MSRP* (4WD) | N/A |
| Sierra 1500 | Yes | 5.7L V8 | $76,795 MSRP* (4WD Crew Cab) | $87,895 MSRP* (4WD Crew Cab) |
| Sierra HD | Yes | Enhanced 6.6L V8 gas (Ultimate: Duramax 8.3L Turbo-Diesel) | Contact dealer | Contact dealer |
| Sierra EV | No | 2-motor e4WD electric | $81,295 MSRP* (Extended Range); $102,395 MSRP* (Max Range) | N/A |
* Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
Specifications and availability for 2027 models are preliminary and subject to change.
Sources: GMC Terrain; GMC Acadia; GMC Yukon; GMC Canyon; GMC Sierra EV Denali; GMC Build & Price; GMC Newsroom: 2027 Sierra 1500; GMC 2027 Sierra HD
How to read the table:
- Each price is the starting MSRP for the lowest-priced configuration shown. Other drivetrains, engines, cab and box styles and packages change the price.
- Yukon XL also offers Denali and Denali Ultimate, per GMC. Contact dealer for Yukon XL pricing.
- Sierra HD pricing and availability are changing with the 2027 update. Contact dealer for current numbers on 2500HD and 3500HD Denali trucks.
Denali Engines, Towing and Suspension by Model
Engines and Output
| Model | Denali engine | Output |
|---|---|---|
| Terrain | 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder, 8-speed automatic, AWD | 175 hp, 203 lb-ft |
| Acadia | 2.5L turbo 4-cylinder, 8-speed automatic | 328 hp, 326 lb-ft |
| Yukon | 6.2L V8, 10-speed automatic; Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel available | 6.2L: 420 hp, 460 lb-ft. Duramax: 305 hp, 495 lb-ft |
| Canyon | Enhanced 2.7L TurboMax | 350 hp, 450 lb-ft |
| Sierra 1500 | 5.7L V8 (Ultimate: 6.6L V8); Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel available; 10-speed automatic | 5.7L: 402 hp, 428 lb-ft. 6.6L: 481 hp, 501 lb-ft. Duramax: 305 hp, 495 lb-ft |
| Sierra HD | Enhanced 6.6L V8 gas with Allison 10-speed; Duramax 8.3L Turbo-Diesel standard on Denali Ultimate | Contact dealer |
| Sierra EV | 2-motor e4WD electric | Up to 760 hp and 775 lb-ft available |
Sources: GMC Terrain Denali; GMC Acadia Denali; GMC Yukon Denali; GMC Canyon; GMC Newsroom: 2027 Sierra 1500; GMC 2027 Sierra HD; GMC Sierra EV Denali; KBB 2027 Yukon Denali Ultimate specs
Towing by Model
| Model | Max available towing* | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Terrain | Up to 1,500 lb | With the Trailering Package |
| Acadia | Up to 5,000 lb | All trims, with the Trailering Package |
| Yukon | Up to 8,400 lb | Model maximum; varies by configuration |
| Canyon | Up to 7,700 lb | Denali |
| Sierra 1500 | 13,300 lb (5.7L); 9,400 lb (6.6L); 12,100 lb (Duramax) | Crew Cab 4WD |
| Sierra HD (2027) | 2500HD up to 23,100 lb; 3500HD up to 38,000 lb | Lineup maximums; contact dealer for Denali-specific 2027 ratings |
| Sierra EV | Up to 12,500 lb | Available |
Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.
Sources: GMC Terrain Denali; GMC Acadia; GMC Yukon; GMC Canyon; GMC Newsroom: 2027 Sierra 1500; GMC 2027 Sierra HD; GMC Sierra EV Denali
Sierra HD Denali Towing and Payload by Trim (2026 Model Year)
| Trim | Conventional towing* | Gooseneck / fifth-wheel* | Max payload* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2500HD Denali | Up to 20,000 lb | Up to 19,900 lb | 3,812 lb |
| 2500HD Denali Ultimate | Up to 20,000 lb | Up to 19,300 lb | 3,153 lb |
| 3500HD Denali | Up to 20,000 lb | Up to 30,800 lb | 6,378 lb |
| 3500HD Denali Ultimate | Up to 20,000 lb | Up to 30,700 lb | 5,290 lb |
Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.
Sources: GMC Sierra HD Denali (2026)
Suspension and Ride
| Model | Denali ride hardware |
|---|---|
| Terrain | Premium suspension |
| Acadia | Performance-tuned suspension available; standard on Denali Ultimate |
| Yukon | Magnetic Ride Control standard; Air Ride Adaptive Suspension available and standard on Denali Ultimate |
| Canyon | 2-inch factory-installed lift with off-road suspension and wide track |
| Sierra 1500 | Adaptive Ride Control on Denali and Denali Ultimate; Denali Premium Suspension on Denali |
| Sierra HD | Contact dealer |
| Sierra EV | Air Ride Adaptive Suspension with Continuous Damping Adaptive Ride Control available (Denali Reserve Package); Adaptive Air Ride suspension is listed on the Denali Max Range |
How Magnetic Ride Control works:
- Sensing: GMC says accelerometers near the wheels, along with steering inputs, read road conditions up to 1,000 times per second.
- Damping: magnetorheological fluid in each shock responds to changes in magnetic charge, adjusting damping almost instantly.
Sources: GMC Terrain Denali; GMC Acadia Denali; GMC Yukon Denali; GMC Canyon Denali; GMC Newsroom: 2027 Sierra 1500; GMC Sierra EV Denali; GMC Magnetic Ride Control
Denali vs. Denali Ultimate: What Changes by Model
Denali Ultimate is a different step up on each model. Start with the model you are shopping, or see how the 2027 Sierra 1500 stacks up against the Ford F-150 in our Sierra 1500 vs. Ford F-150 comparison.
Sierra 1500: Denali vs. Denali Ultimate
| Feature | Denali | Denali Ultimate |
|---|---|---|
| Standard engine | 5.7L V8 | 6.6L V8 |
| Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel | Available | Available |
| Suspension | Denali Premium Suspension with Adaptive Ride Control | Adaptive Ride Control |
| Front seats | 12-way power, heated and ventilated | 14-way power, heated, ventilated and massaging |
| Audio | 8-speaker Bose Premium Audio with Richbass woofer | 16-speaker Bose Premium Audio with head-restraint speakers |
| Head-Up Display | Standard | 15-inch |
| Screens | 16.3-inch infotainment screen | Articulating 16.3-inch screen and 11.5-inch passenger screen |
| Wheels | 22-inch available | 22-inch six-spoke diamond-cut |
| Interior wood | Birch Wood accents | Engineered open-pore forged birch |
| Fuel tank | 34-gallon available | 34-gallon standard |
| Super Cruise | Standard | Standard |
Learn more on our 2027 Sierra 1500 page.
Sources: GMC Newsroom: 2027 Sierra 1500
Yukon: Denali vs. Denali Ultimate
| Feature | Denali | Denali Ultimate |
|---|---|---|
| Standard engine | 6.2L V8 | 6.2L V8 |
| Suspension | Magnetic Ride Control; four-corner Air Ride Adaptive Suspension available | Magnetic Ride Control and Air Ride Adaptive Suspension |
| Front seats | Heated and ventilated perforated leather | 16-way power, heated and ventilated with massage |
| Interior | Denali interior with Denali badging | Woodland Mahogany interior with full-grain leather and laser-etched Paldao wood |
| Wheels | 20-inch Pearl Nickel; 22-inch and 24-inch available | 24-inch After Midnight Metallic |
| Grille | Chrome | Vader Chrome |
| Audio | 10-speaker Bose with Centerpoint surround | 18-speaker Bose with Centerpoint surround |
| Sunroof | Panoramic available (Sun & Power Step Package) | Panoramic standard |
| Assist steps | Assist steps; power-retractable available in a package | Power-retractable standard |
| Second row | Heated outboard seats | Heated outboard seats; executive seating available |
| Super Cruise | Standard | Standard |
See more in our GMC Yukon research guide.
Sources: GMC Yukon Denali; GMC Yukon
Acadia: Denali vs. Denali Ultimate
| Feature | Denali | Denali Ultimate |
|---|---|---|
| Front seats | Leather-appointed, heated and ventilated | Woodland Mahogany full-leather, heated, ventilated and massaging |
| Interior | Exclusive Denali interior | Paldao wood with topographical map etching |
| Wheels | 20-inch Pearl Nickel machined aluminum | 22-inch After Midnight Metallic machined aluminum |
| Grille | Galvano Silver accents | Vader Chrome |
| Audio | 12-speaker Bose Premium with subwoofer | 16-speaker Bose Performance Series |
| Suspension | Performance-tuned suspension available | Performance-tuned suspension standard |
| Parking and attention assist | Not included as standard | Enhanced Automatic Parking Assist and Driver Attention Assist |
| Super Cruise | Standard | Standard |
Sources: GMC Acadia Denali; GMC Acadia
Sierra HD: Denali vs. Denali Ultimate
| Feature | Denali | Denali Ultimate |
|---|---|---|
| Grille | Chrome | Vader Chrome |
| Wheels | 20-inch Ultra-Bright machined aluminum with bright chrome inserts | 20-inch Ultra-Bright machined aluminum with gloss-black inserts |
| Engine | Enhanced 6.6L V8 gas | Duramax 8.3L Turbo-Diesel |
| Front seats | 12-way power, heated and ventilated | 16-way power with massage |
| Interior | Authentic wood, patterned aluminum trim and Forge perforated leather | Alpine Umber interior with full-grain leather and authentic Paldao wood |
GMC expects the 2027 Sierra HD to be available in late 2026. See our GMC Sierra HD page.
Sources: GMC 2027 Sierra HD
Terrain, Canyon and Sierra EV: Denali Only
| Feature | Terrain Denali | Canyon Denali | Sierra EV Denali |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drivetrain | AWD | 4WD | 2-motor e4WD |
| Front seats | Perforated leather-appointed, heated and ventilated; heated rear outboard seats | Perforated leather-appointed; heated and ventilated 8-way power driver and 6-way power passenger | Heated front and rear outboard seats with quilted luxury seating |
| Wheels | 19-inch Midnight Silver machined-face | 20-inch machined aluminum with Carbon Gray metallic accents | 22-inch Ultrabright machined; 24-inch available |
| Head-Up Display | Contact dealer | 6.3-inch multicolor | 14-inch multicolor |
| Infotainment | 15-inch | 11.3-inch | 16.8-inch |
| Super Cruise | Contact dealer | Not available | Standard |
Sources: GMC Terrain Denali; GMC Canyon Denali; GMC Sierra EV Denali
Super Cruise on Denali: What Changed for 2027
Standard Super Cruise includes a 3-year OnStar One plan. Learn how it works in What Is GMC Super Cruise?.
| Model | Denali | Denali Ultimate |
|---|---|---|
| Sierra 1500 | Standard | Standard |
| Yukon | Standard | Standard |
| Acadia | Standard | Standard |
| Sierra EV | Standard | No Ultimate trim |
| Canyon | Not available | No Ultimate trim |
| Terrain | Contact dealer | No Ultimate trim |
| Sierra HD | Contact dealer | Contact dealer |
Always pay attention while driving and when using Super Cruise. Always use Super Cruise in accordance with local laws. Do not use a hand-held device. Requires an active service plan or trial. Terms apply.
Sources: GMC Super Cruise; GMC Newsroom: 2027 Sierra 1500; GMC Yukon; GMC Acadia; GMC Sierra EV Denali; GMC Canyon; GMC Terrain; GMC 2027 Sierra HD
See a Denali at Lynch GMC of Burlington
Compare Denali trims in person with our sales team. Browse more in our GMC research and buying guides.
| Visit or call | Details |
|---|---|
| Sales | 262-661-2234 |
| Address | 2300 Browns Lake Drive, Burlington, WI 53105 |
| Communities we serve | Burlington, Rochester, Waterford, East Troy and nearby |
GMC Denali FAQs
How much does Denali add over other trims?
It depends on the model. Compared with the Elevation in the same drivetrain, GMC’s starting MSRPs show an MSRP difference of $16,800* on the Sierra 1500 (4WD Crew Cab), an MSRP difference of $12,900* on the Yukon (2WD) and an MSRP difference of $15,200* on the Acadia (FWD).
* Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
Sources: GMC Yukon; GMC Acadia; GMC Newsroom: 2027 Sierra 1500
Is Super Cruise standard on every Denali?
No. For 2027 it is standard on the Sierra 1500, Yukon, Acadia and Sierra EV Denali. Canyon does not offer it. Contact dealer about Terrain and Sierra HD.
What engines does the Sierra 1500 Denali offer?
The Denali comes with the 5.7L V8 (402 hp, 428 lb-ft). The 6.6L V8 (481 hp, 501 lb-ft) and the Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel (305 hp, 495 lb-ft) are available. Denali Ultimate comes with the 6.6L V8, and the Duramax is available.
What suspension does the Yukon Denali use?
Magnetic Ride Control is standard on the Yukon Denali. Four-corner Air Ride Adaptive Suspension is available and comes standard on Denali Ultimate.
Disclaimers
MSRP: Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
Towing and payload: Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.
Super Cruise: Always pay attention while driving and when using Super Cruise. Always use Super Cruise in accordance with local laws. Do not use a hand-held device. Requires an active service plan or trial. Terms apply.
New model year: Specifications and availability for 2027 models are preliminary and subject to change. Figures come from GMC.com model pages and the GMC Newsroom.