What Does Denali Mean for GMC?

All GMC vehicles stand out for their high quality and great performance. This is summed up in the automaker’s apt description of its vehicles as “Professional Grade.” But if the pinnacle of luxury and capability is what you’re after, you can’t overlook GMC’s Denali badge.

What Does Denali Mean?

Denali is a word from the Koyukon Athabaskan language of the Native peoples of Alaska that means “the great one.” It was used for centuries to describe the highest mountain in the state, which was renamed Mount McKinley during the 19th-century gold rush. After an extended period of pressure, U.S. authorities eventually agreed to formally change the mountain’s name back to Denali in 2015.

You may be thinking that GMC’s decision to give its vehicles the Denali label is setting the bar very high, and that’s entirely true. Like the mountain of the same name, Denali vehicles tower over their competitors in terms of engine power and performance, unique styling, and interior luxury and comfort. That’s the case whether you opt for a GMC Denali truck or SUV.

Which GMC Trucks Have the Denali Badge?

GMC’s two truck offerings, the Sierra 1500 and Canyon, both carry the Denali badge. In both the full-sized Sierra and mid-sized Canyon, the Denali trim is GMC’s range-topping option.

GMC Canyon

The mid-sized Canyon has a starting price of just over $26,000. In its base setup, the Canyon impresses with a 2.5-liter engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Inside, you get a power-adjustable driver’s seat and a 7-inch infotainment screen.

However, the Canyon Denali trim takes things to the next level. Under the hood, it’s equipped with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine that churns out 308 horsepower, which will give you significantly more power for your towing and hauling needs. It also features ventilated and heated front seats in the cabin, a seven-speaker premium stereo, and a wireless hot spot.

GMC Sierra

It’s a similar story with the full-sized Sierra. The base Sierra 1500 earns its Professional Grade status thanks to its V-6 engine that’s capable of generating 285 horsepower, a 7-inch touch screen, and a six-speaker stereo in the cabin. But the Denali’s features go even further. It boasts an incredible 420 horsepower under the hood in the form of a 6.2-liter V-8 powerhouse. In the cab, you get an upgraded infotainment system with an 8-inch touch screen and a Bose premium stereo.

Which GMC SUVs Can You Get in Denali?

GMC’s crossover and SUV offerings, the Terrain, Acadia, and Yukon, also carry the Denali badge. Like GMC’s trucks, the “great one” label here is entirely warranted.

GMC Terrain

The Terrain is GMC’s compact crossover with seating for five people and plenty of cargo storage. In its base setup, you get a turbocharged V-4 engine that puts out 170 horsepower, which will prove more than adequate for many of your daily driving needs. The base SL trim also features a leather-wrapped steering wheel, proximity keyless entry, and alloy wheels.

The Terrain Denali provides extra power and comfort. Its engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged V-4 that puts out 252 horsepower. This range-topping Terrain also benefits from a premium suspension system to improve ride quality, a heated steering wheel, and the option to add heated rear seats.

GMC Acadia

Stepping up to the mid-sized Acadia, you’ll find a spacious cabin with three rows of seating for up to seven people. The base trim features a 193-horsepower V-4 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Inside the cabin, you get cloth upholstery, an 8-inch infotainment screen with smart phone compatibility, and a wireless hot spot.

The top-of-the-line Denali has all that and more. You’ll enjoy more energetic acceleration from its 310-horsepower V-6 engine, and you can relax into its ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats. In terms of entertainment, the Acadia Denali wows with wireless device charging, an optional rear-seat infotainment system, and an eight-speaker premium stereo.

GMC Yukon

GMC’s large SUV offering is the Yukon. It features seating for up to eight people and a 355-horsepower V-8 engine. Standard features in the base SLE trim include remote start, a 10.2-inch infotainment screen, and cloth upholstery. 

The Yukon Denali adds additional power and comfort. The engine is a 420-horsepower V-8, while the interior is fitted with premium leather materials. Denali Yukon models have second-row bucket seats for added comfort on long or short journeys.

The Yukon XL is an even larger version of the Yukon that caters to those who need even more cargo storage than the standard Yukon can provide.

What Are Some Common Denali Features?

Whether you opt for the Denali badge on a GMC truck or SUV, there are some common design and styling features that help to set the “great ones” apart from other GMC vehicles.

The first features likely to catch your attention are the engraved Denali badge and iconic chrome grill. Denalis also boast chrome finishings, wood trim throughout the cabin, and comfortable leather upholstery.

Technology in the Denali is also cutting-edge. Its wireless hot spots can host up to seven devices at one time. GMC’s Denali trucks and SUVs are also equipped with an impressive range of safety features as part of the GMC Pro Safety package. These include pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control.

Now that you know what makes the Denali badge special, why not drop by our showroom to see one in real life? Here at Rydell Chevrolet Buick GMC in Grand Forks, we have a great range of trucks and SUVs to meet your needs, whether you’re looking for a powerful work truck or a family-friendly passenger carrier.

If you want to see how a GMC with the Denali badge performs on North Dakota’s roads, you can arrange to test drive one of our vehicles. That way, you can get a feel for what it’s like to sit behind the wheel of a GMC Denali before you commit to the purchase. After your test drive, our finance experts and sales team will be more than happy to walk you through the purchase process so you can make one of GMC’s “great ones” your own.

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