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In case you hadn’t noticed, GM is making a big to-do over the launch of its updated trucks. Back in August, GMC invited select members of the media to take a look at its new range-topping models—the 2027 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X and Denali Ultimate—to give us a better idea of what the company has in store for its premium half-tons.
Our walkthrough was light on details, but we’ve since learned quite a bit about GM’s plans for its new half-tons. The highlights include an all-new family of small-block V8s, the return of the light-duty Duramax diesel, and the availability of a 34-gallon fuel tank that gives the latter more than 900 miles of range. Doing some quick math, that translates to 26 mpg. Not bad for a half-ton.
GMC is having some fun with the interior too. The new Sierra AT4X and Denali Ultimate pack quite a bit of screen space, but divided up into useful chunks—the instrument panel, the center screen, the HUD, and a new passenger display. Let’s take a look.
2027 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate Byron Hurd
Let’s start at the top. Denali Ultimate is GMC’s true top model. If you’re going to drop six figures on a half-ton from GM, this is a good place to start. The low front air dam and automatic running boards hint at the Denali Ultimate’s on-road mission. If you want to see whether you can get GM’s claimed 900 miles of range on a single tank of diesel, this is your truck. If you want to play in the dirt, you should be looking at the AT4X.
But even if the Denali isn’t your ideal choice for off-road prowess, GMC still designed the interior to remind you of all the places you might go. Topographical relief details appear on multiple surfaces, including the leather door cards and seat upholstery.
2027 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate Byron Hurd
Alongside the geography nerd details, you’ll find premium materials aplenty, from real wood to brushed metal. Despite the copious screen space, GMC retained physical controls for many major functions, including audio volume and the trailer brake controller.
And if you’re familiar with GM’s penchant for including hidey-holes in its interiors, the new Sierra offers another appealing detail: The screen folds back to reveal a storage cubby. It’s not huge, but it will hold a wallet or other small valuables. The passenger screen can be partially stowed as well when not in use.
2027 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X Byron Hurd
AT4X trades the Denali’s finer finishes for a more rough-and-tumble attitude. The front air dam and running boards go away to increase the truck’s ground clearance. The wheels are downsized, and the tires—35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MTs—get bigger and more aggressive.
There’s also a greater emphasis here on off-roading and recovery. Take the front tow hooks, for example; they’re mounted horizontally rather than vertically to improve the truck’s approach angle.
2027 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X Byron Hurd
Inside, the new AT4X is a bit more toned down than the Denali Ultimate. There’s still screen space galore, but the materials are a bit more sporty. You still get niceties like a full panoramic roof, headrest speakers and plenty of screen space (with the same physical controls from the Denali), just in a slightly more rugged package.
Stay tuned for more on GM’s 2027 lineup; we suspect we’re far from done with this info dump.
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Byron is an editor at The Drive with a keen eye for infrastructure, sales and regulatory stories.
