Watt the Truck? The 2026 GMC Sierra EV Denali Shocks the System
When my review partner Chantale pulled up in this Thunderstorm Grey Metallic 2026 GMC Sierra e4WD Denali EV — or as I first called it, ET (Electric Truck) … or maybe EPT (Electric Pickup Truck) — my immediate reaction was simple:
WOW.
And not the polite kind. The genuine, truck-guy, eyebrow-raised, slow head nod kind.
For context, I’ve been driving full-size pickups since 2010 — mostly F-150s and my last three were RAM 1500s. I flirted briefly with a 2025 Tacoma (nine months — we tried, it didn’t work out), and I just took delivery of a 2026 Maverick AWD that I affectionately nicknamed James Garner (if you get it, you get it).
But back to the matter at hand before I wander off again.
Today, instead of starting with trims and pricing, I’m opening with:
Wows and Yikes
Because this truck delivers both in generous supply.
The Wows
- The 24-inch factory alloys
These wheels are not subtle. They are bold, confident, and unapologetically Denali. They fill the wheel wells perfectly and give the truck a planted, high-end presence. It looks every bit he six-figure rig. - 660 km of range (Extended Range)
The Extended Range battery is rated at approximately 660 kilometres on a full charge.
If you opt for the Max Range, you’re looking at roughly 740 kilometres of range — which is absurd for something this large and this powerful. Range anxiety? Not here. - 12,500 lbs of towing capacity
Electric torque is instant, and this Sierra doesn’t mess around. Rated to tow up to 12,500 lbs when properly equipped, it’s more than capable for serious weekend warriors and contractors alike. - MultiPro Tailgate
GMC’s clever MultiPro tailgate is essentially a Swiss Army knife for your truck bed. It can fold, step, stop argo, create a work surface, or act as easier access into the bed. If you actually use your pickup for pickup things, it’s brilliant. - Interior room for days
Crew Cab proportions mean limo-like rear seat space. Front and rear passengers get proper adult room, not the “sorry about your knees” treatment. - Super Cruise smart cruise system
GMC’s hands-free Super Cruise system allows for hands-free driving on compatible highways. It changes lanes, maintains distance, and reduces driver fatigue. It’s one of the better semi-autonomous systems out there — especially on long Ontario highway slogs.
And Now… The Yikes
Because nothing in life is perfect.
- $4,995 optional paint
There’s a paint option (Magnus Grey Matte) brushing up against five grand. That’s not a yikes — that’s a “hard pass.” - $120,000 as tested
Before taxes. Deep breath. - $80,000 starting price
That’s just to get in the game with the Standard Range Elevation. - No Apple CarPlayGM made a strategic decision to go all-in with Google-based built-in infotainment. Translation: no Apple CarPlay. If you’re married to your iPhone ecosystem, prepare for adjustment therapy.
The Drive: Big, Smooth and Shockingly Quick
Once I hit the start button (which is mostly symbolic because it’s electric), I remembered why I missed full-size trucks.
This thing moves.
Electric torque means instant acceleration. It’s smooth at low speeds, strong when merging, and surprisingly composed at highway pace. The air suspension (Denali trim) soaks up bumps beautifully. Steering is light but controlled. It doesn’t drive like a 7,000+ lb truck — it drives like a luxury SUV that happens to have a bed.Owners can expect:
- Silent acceleration
- Strong regenerative braking (with adjustable settings)
- Excellent ride comfort
- Very stable highway manners
- Impressive low-speed torque when towing or hauling
It feels modern. Refined. Expensive — because it is.
The Infotainment: Smart but Slightly Stubborn
Now let’s talk about the Google-based infotainment system.
It’s powerful. It’s customizable. It’s loaded with features.
But finding my favourite SiriusXM stations (ALT Nation and SiriusXMU) took way longer than it should have. And I’m not intimidated by tech. I live in dashboards.
Menus within menus within tiles within sub-menus. It’s not terrible — it’s just not intuitive at first glance. Once you learn it, fine. But the learning curve feels unnecessary in a truck that otherwise feels effortless.
Trims, Pricing & What You Get
Thanks to CarCostCanada for the Market Value Report as always — let’s break down the six trims. All are e4WD Crew Cabs, all 4×4, all share the same bed size, and all ride on GM’s Ultium platform with dual-motor all-wheel drive.
- Standard Range Elevation – $79,999
Range: approx. 580 km
Cloth/leatherette mix, large digital displays, 4-wheel steering, fast charging capability. Strong entry point.
- Extended Range Elevation – $89,999
Range: approx. 660 km
Bigger battery, more torque, longer legs for road trips.
- Extended Range AT4 – $101,499
Adds off-road tuning, lifted suspension, skid plates, terrain modes and rugged styling.
- Max Range AT4 – $109,399
Range: approx. 740 km
Maximum battery plus full off-road capability.
- Extended Range Denali – $113,999
Luxury focus: leather interior, wood trim, air suspension, Super Cruise, premium sound, larger wheels.
- Max Range Denali – $119,999
All the luxury. All the range. All the wallet stretch.
My Tester
The one I drove was the Extended Range Denali with:
- Thunderstorm Grey Metallic Paint – $495
- Floor liners & hard bedliner – $2,460
- GM PowerUp2 Charger – $815
With freight and air tax: $120,699 before luxury tax, dealer admin and Ontario’s 13% HST.
Yes, the Right Honourable Prime Minister Mark Carney will happily collect the luxury tax since it’s north of $100K.
The Monthly Reality (Because It Matters)
Courtesy of LeaseBusters:
Extended Range Denali (as tested)
- 48-month lease
- 24,000 km/year
- 8.5% APR
- $1,918/month + tax
- $0 down
84-month finance at 4.79%:
- $1,693/month
- Plus taxes paid upfront
Now, before anyone faints — this is a $120K electric luxury pickup. The gas-powered equivalent isn’t dramatically cheaper and doesn’t carry the same incentives.
For comparison, the base GMC Sierra e4WD:
Standard Range Elevation – $79,999
- 48-month lease: $1,217/month + tax
- 84-month finance: $1,163/month
Still serious money — but significantly less thunder.
At the end of the day…..
The 2026 GMC Sierra e4WD Denali EV is impressive. It’s powerful, refined, technologically advanced and undeniably cool. It makes a statement — about sustainability, about innovation, and yes, about income bracket.
The Wows are real.
The Yikes are equally real.
But once you drive it? You get it.
It’s not just an electric truck. It’s a luxury truck that happens to be electric — and that distinction matters.
Would I spend $120K on one?
That depends.
But would I happily drive one every day?
Absolutely.
James Matthews is the President, General Manager and Co-Founder of LeaseBusters. James launched LeaseBusters in 1990 and is considered one of Canada’s leading experts on new vehicle leases, lease-take-overs and vehicle lease (re)marketing. James can be reached directly at jmatthews at leasebusters.com
