2025 GMC Sierra EV Denali multitasks to the max

• Sierra EV Denali stands out with a GM-estimated 460 miles
• Midgate setup permits flexibility for gadgets nearing 11-feet lengthy
• Versatility from air suspension, rear-wheel steering, Tremendous Cruise

“I’ve been on that route, and it’s not one for a full-size pickup—not to mention one weighing almost 9,000 kilos.”

That was what I famous, partly in disbelief, to my co-driver as we have been proven right into a 2025 GMC Sierra EV and despatched off to wind up by means of slender Bay Space Redwood highways and stretches of Skyline Boulevard. 

Reminiscence served effectively concerning the roads; the route included some undulating ribbons of asphalt on ridges that I’d loved totally in a bit Volkswagen GTI years earlier. However I fully underestimated the Sierra EV. 

At about 233 inches lengthy and 84 inches huge not counting mirrors, the large electrical truck wasn’t so nerve-wracking for tackling slender lanes. I may place it with precision, because of rear-wheel steering that pivots the rear wheels at a small angle reverse the fronts in low-speed hairpins. Prompt torque supply from the Sierra EV’s dual-motor system meant we didn’t lose momentum up the hills, whereas the air suspension saved us feeling even-keeled. Robust regenerative braking (Regular and Excessive) saved our velocity proper appropriately on the steep downhill grades. 

I went into the day figuring out effectively this truck’s lofty vary declare of 460 miles and the way rapidly it accelerates—and I didn’t want additional proof that it will probably blast quietly to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds (or higher, it appears). However GMC nudged us alongside the form of route I by no means would have chosen, together with loads of these curves, some towing, some in-the-dirt play with the rear-wheel steering demonstrating the astonishing maneuverability and digital camera views, and an train with CrabWalk mode, which factors the rear wheels in the identical path because the fronts. And it turned us free with the problem of becoming a complete lot of outdoor-fun gear into the Sierra EV in a rush. 

By the tip of the day, I felt schooled. GMC hasn’t made a unusual design assertion (that’s the Cybertruck), aimed for the out of doors life-style crowd (that’s the R1T), or just made an electrical model of its top-selling truck (that’s the F-150 Lightning). 

The GMC Sierra EV sits subsequent to the GMC Hummer EV within the GMC lineup, and the model basically separates the 2 by saying that if the Hummer EV pickup is the “it” truck, the Sierra EV is the “do it” truck. As a product, it’s a extra spectacular accomplishment for the market, and if you happen to’re on the lookout for essentially the most cargo versatility for big gadgets, and essentially the most vary for towing, hauling, and doing trucky issues, that is it.  

2025 GMC Sierra EV: Big selection for a “do it” truck

The 2025 GMC Sierra EV has among the market’s highest vary rankings, not as a result of it’s a standout for effectivity however as a result of it goes massive on its battery packs. Each battery packs are dual-layer, with the potential to sew the 2 layers collectively in sequence to permit 800-volt DC fast-charging. The Max Vary’s 205 kwh, it achieves vary rankings of 460 miles, and the Prolonged Vary’s 170 kwh affords 390 miles. The Max Vary quantity is “GM-estimated,” as a result of that super-sized pack throws the Sierra EV right into a medium-weight class that doesn’t apply to EPA rankings. 

Over almost 90 miles of extensively diversified road and freeway driving, we noticed 1.9 miles per kwh in response to the Sierra EV’s journey pc—suggesting we would nonetheless see 390 miles of vary or extra in any such driving. 

The massive battery opens up prospects. The Sierra EV can tow as much as 10,500 kilos with the Prolonged Vary pack or 10,000 kilos with the Max Vary pack, and whereas it’d halve the vary, that’s not a lot of a difficulty right here. 

Sierra EV can tow comfortably, discover area for gear

In a brief loop with a 5,500-pound trailer, the Sierra EV appeared largely unfazed by the load, nonetheless able to accelerating faster than a completely loaded minivan. On a loop with two full-acceleration faucets, it averaged simply 1.0 miles per kwh, in response to the journey pc—nonetheless indicating that 200 miles of vary is feasible with a horse trailer or giant boat. 

Max Vary variations just like the one I drove ship as much as 760 hp and 785 lb-ft of torque, by way of two everlasting magnet motors which can be designed and constructed by GM. Prolonged Vary variations have basically the identical {hardware}, apart from the battery pack, however make 645 hp and 785 lb-ft. 

These energy numbers, and the 4.5-second acceleration time for the Max model, are solely delivered when in Max Energy mode. The Sierra EV additionally has Regular-Tour, Off-Highway, Tow-Haul, and a custom-made mode. GM wouldn’t say what peak energy is in any of these different modes. 

The Sierra EV has an 11.0-cubic-foot frunk—referred to as the eTrunk right here, with a cupholder, a drain, weatherproofing, and extra. However the shock cargo-versatility star right here is the Midgate. In only a few minutes you may convert the backseat space into an growth of the cargo mattress—making a 9-foot-1-long area with the tailgate locked, or a 10-foot-10 area with the tailgate down and the flip-down tailgate load step used to backstop lengthy gadgets—like a kayak. 

Engineers emphasised that the Midgate isn’t meant as an answer to solely use occasionally, relatively one thing you may use every day. Whereas it’s not weatherproof, in fact, it’s a terrific answer for bringing gear just a few miles to a launch level—with out having to get specialised carriers—and you’ll go away one of many backseat positions in place whereas utilizing it. 

Sierra EV Denali is pricey, however very effectively geared up

The GMC Sierra may be very carefully associated to the Chevrolet Silverado EV RST, however there are some key variations in the way it matches into the EV market and the truck market. In 2024, the Sierra EV was solely supplied in its high Denali trim, with what’s basically “the works”—the largest battery pack, the air suspension, rear-wheel steering, and a characteristic set that’s probably the most luxury-focused amongst full-size pickups. 

For 2025, there have been just some slight value modifications, the addition of the Prolonged Vary model, and 20 miles extra for the Max Vary model attributable to some effectivity enhancements to the motor items themselves. My day was spent with the highest Sierra EV Denali model, in Max Vary kind, costing no less than $100,495—together with the $2,095 vacation spot charge however not any further equipment for towing and storage. 

The Sierra EV Denali consists of the air suspension, rear-wheel steering, a panoramic sunroof, heated-and-cooled entrance seats, leather-based upholstery, a heated steering wheel, heated outboard seats, a head-up show, wi-fi hotspot compatibility, and seven-speaker Bose audio. There’s additionally wi-fi charging cleverly built-in right into a sliding middle console tray, plus loads of USB-C ports and a 120-volt AC cabin retailers. As well as there’s the 7.2-kw AC Offboarding Energy station that may eradicate the necessity to take that small generator out to the campsite or job web site. 

I didn’t get the possibility to cost the Sierra EV as a part of this temporary take a look at drive. Peak fast-charging charges are listed as 350 kw for the Max Vary pack and 300 kw for the Prolonged Vary pack. GM says that on a 350-kw CCS connector it would recuperate as much as 100 miles of vary in simply 10 minutes, and it’s mentioned earlier than that both of those packs will get from 10-80% in about 40 minutes. GMC integrates a battery preconditioning characteristic to assist obtain peak charges; it really works with the native navigation journey planner or by way of the press of a digital button. 

Prepared for backing up the house, not Apple CarPlay

Within the give-and-take of EV residing, the Sierra EV additionally consists of the potential to output 10.2 kw AC, doubtlessly eliminating the necessity to tote round a generator. And beginning with the $1,699 PowerShift charger, homeowners can outfit their dwelling with GM power parts that might use the Sierra EV to assist backup the house—together with PowerBank dwelling power storage.

Whereas the GMC Sierra EV Denali shares a lot with the Chevrolet Silverado EV, probably the most pronounced cabin variations is that the Sierra EV will get a 16.8-inch portrait-oriented system as an alternative of the Chevy’s panorama orientation. Similar to within the Silverado EV and different new GM EVs, it’s made with Google built-in, together with the potential to run Google-ecosystem apps—however there’s no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility or integration. 

GM’s Tremendous Cruise can be included (for 3 years) within the Sierra EV, permitting hands-off driving plus semi-automated lane modifications on greater than 750,000 miles of mapped roads and highways—with maintained driver consideration. Tremendous Cruise additionally now works when towing. With the 5,500-pound load, I engaged the characteristic briefly and located regular lane positioning and stable velocity management utilizing the regenerative braking. Nevertheless it’s nonetheless not an ideal system or one to depend on on a regular basis; once I tried to make use of the system to cruise on US-101 round Palo Alto, it saved disabling itself because it couldn’t see the faint-and-inconsistent lane markings that we had no subject seeing. 

GMC has managed to accommodate tall individuals so effectively in entrance and in again, permitting loads of headroom and a terrific view outward. Seats are plush but supportive entrance and rear.

The cabin is super-quiet, aided by three issues: an active-noise cancellation operate for the Bose audio system, further noise padding beneath in comparison with GMC’s different fashions, and acoustic facet glass. It provides as much as the atmosphere of a luxurious automobile. 

That atmosphere holds on this Denali model, with superb stitching particulars within the entrance perforated seats, patterned speaker grilles, laser-cut wooden trim, and a good match and end all through. We’ll see if these requirements maintain for the less-expensive variations to return. 

Extra GMC electrical vans on the way in which—however when?

GMC has mentioned that extra reasonably priced Sierra EV AT4 and Elevation fashions are due in 2025, though it hasn’t confirmed whether or not that will likely be for the 2025 or 2026 mannequin 12 months. GM additionally hasn’t given an replace on when it plans to ramp up manufacturing of those vans at its Lake Orion, Michigan, plant the place it ceased constructing the Bolt EV almost a 12 months in the past. Till then, output will likely be restricted. 

Nevertheless it’s straightforward, additionally, to ascertain an much more kitted-out model of the Sierra EV with magnetic trip—to quell the hold-on-tight, amusement-park-ride feeling you get within the Sierra EV when accelerating quickly on imperfect pavement. Maybe these are the modifications that can elevate this platform for the upcoming Cadillac Escalade IQ. 

GM has overcome plenty of preconceptions—together with my very own—and proven what a terrific electrical truck it will probably make. Now it must make extra of them.