Ah, the open road! We've all been there, haven't we? Winding through scenic routes, the kind that make you feel truly alive. For us, recently, this meant navigating the narrow, undulating ribbons of asphalt through the Bay Area's Redwood highways and stretches of Skyline Boulevard. Now, you might be thinking, "That sounds lovely in a nimble sports car, but surely not in a gargantuan pickup truck?" And honestly, we shared that very sentiment. We’d previously enjoyed these roads in a sprightly little Volkswagen GTI, a vehicle that felt perfectly at home amidst the curves. So, when we were introduced to the 2025 GMC Sierra EV, a vehicle tipping the scales at nearly 9,000 pounds and stretching over 233 inches long, we admit, a tiny knot of apprehension formed in our stomachs. How could something so substantial possibly tackle such a route with grace?
But oh, how wrong we were! Our preconceptions, much like a flimsy tent in a gale, were completely blown away. The GMC Sierra EV, in its Denali guise, proved to be far more than just a large electric vehicle. It was a revelation. It wasn't just about the impressive range or the neck-snapping acceleration; it was about the surprising agility and the sheer capability that this electric behemoth brought to the table. We were, quite frankly, schooled in the most delightful way imaginable.
Beyond the Expected: Navigating Tight Spaces with Surprising Ease
One of the biggest surprises for us was how manageable the Sierra EV felt on those tight, twisting roads. Despite its imposing dimensions – remember, over 233 inches long and 84 inches wide without mirrors – we found we could place it with remarkable precision. This wasn't some unwieldy beast lumbering through the landscape. No, it felt surprisingly composed, almost nimble.
What's the secret sauce, you ask? A significant part of it lies in the ingenious rear-wheel steering system. Picture this: as we navigated those low-speed hairpins, the rear wheels would pivot at a small angle opposite the fronts. It's like having an invisible hand gently guiding the back end around the corner, making the truck feel significantly shorter and more maneuverable than its actual size would suggest. This feature alone transformed what we anticipated to be a white-knuckle experience into a surprisingly confident drive.
Power and Poise: Conquering Hills and Descending Grades
The route wasn't just about tight turns; it also featured its fair share of challenging inclines and steep descents. Here, the Sierra EV's electric powertrain truly shone. The instant torque delivery from the dual-motor system meant we never felt a loss of momentum climbing those hills. It was like having an endless well of power at our disposal, effortlessly propelling us upwards. There was no lag, no hesitation, just smooth, consistent power.
And on the flip side, tackling the steep downhill grades was equally impressive. The strong regenerative braking, with its Normal and High settings, allowed us to maintain our speed precisely where we wanted it, without constantly having to rely on the friction brakes. It felt natural, controlled, and efficient, recuperating energy as we descended. It’s a bit like having a built-in hill descent control that also happens to be topping up your battery!
The "Do It" Truck: More Than Just a Pretty Face
GMC has positioned the Sierra EV alongside the GMC Hummer EV, and they've drawn a clear distinction. While the Hummer EV pickup is presented as the "it" truck, a statement piece if you will, the Sierra EV is the "do it" truck. And after our experience, we wholeheartedly agree. This isn't a truck designed solely to turn heads (though it certainly does that with its handsome looks). It's a truck built for purpose, for getting things done, for tackling the demands of work and play with equal aplomb.
Compared to some of its electric pickup competitors, the Sierra EV feels like a more mature, more accomplished product. It's not trying to be a quirky design statement like some (we're looking at you, Cybertruck), nor is it solely focused on a specific outdoor lifestyle niche like others (the R1T comes to mind). The Sierra EV is a versatile workhorse that also happens to be exceptionally comfortable and capable. If you're seeking maximum cargo versatility, especially for those awkwardly long items, and a substantial range for towing and hauling, the Sierra EV makes a compelling case for itself.
Range Anxiety? Not Here: Unpacking the Sierra EV's Impressive Battery Packs
Let's talk about range, shall we? It's often the first thing people want to know about an electric vehicle, and with good reason. The fear of running out of juice far from a charging station is a very real concern for many. But the 2025 GMC Sierra EV aims to put those fears to rest with some of the market's highest range ratings. How does it achieve this? By going big on battery packs.
The Sierra EV offers two battery options, both featuring a dual-layer design. This clever setup allows the two layers to be stitched together in series, enabling 800-volt DC fast-charging capabilities. The Max Range pack, a colossal 205 kWh, is GM-estimated to provide a remarkable 460 miles of range. The Extended Range pack, at 170 kWh, still offers a very respectable 390 miles. Now, you might notice the "GM-estimated" label on the Max Range figure. This is because that super-sized pack pushes the Sierra EV into a medium-weight category that isn't subject to the standard EPA ratings.
Our experience on a nearly 90-mile route encompassing a wide variety of street and highway driving saw us achieve 1.9 miles per kWh according to the truck's trip computer. This real-world figure suggests that achieving 390 miles of range or even more in similar driving conditions is well within reach. It's truly impressive to see such a large, capable vehicle delivering these kinds of numbers.
Towing and Hauling: Putting the "Truck" in Electric Truck
A truck, by its very nature, is designed to tow and haul. And the Sierra EV, despite its electric heart, is no exception. The massive battery capacity opens up significant possibilities in this regard. With the Extended Range pack, the Sierra EV can tow up to a robust 10,500 pounds, while the Max Range pack allows for a still-impressive 10,000 pounds.
We had the opportunity to test its towing prowess with a 5,500-pound trailer. The Sierra EV seemed mostly unfazed by the load. It still felt capable of accelerating quicker than a fully loaded minivan, which, if you've ever tried to merge onto a highway in one, you'll know is no small feat! On a short loop with a couple of full-acceleration taps while towing, the trip computer registered 1.0 miles per kWh. While towing significantly impacts range, this still indicates that a range of around 200 miles is possible even when pulling a substantial load like a horse trailer or a large boat. That's a game-changer for those who need to tow over moderate distances without constantly worrying about finding a charging station.
Power Modes and Performance: Unleashing the Beast (When You Need To)
The power figures for the Sierra EV are certainly eye-watering. The Max Range version we drove boasts up to 760 horsepower and a staggering 785 lb-ft of torque, courtesy of two permanent magnet motors designed and built by GM. The Extended Range versions utilize essentially the same hardware but deliver a still-potent 645 horsepower and 785 lb-ft.
However, those impressive power numbers, and the ability to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 4.5 seconds (or potentially even quicker!), are only unlocked when you engage Max Power mode. The Sierra EV also offers a range of other driving modes to suit different situations, including Normal-Tour, Off-Road, Tow-Haul, and a customizable mode. While GM didn't specify the peak power output in these other modes, it's clear that Max Power is reserved for those moments when you truly want to experience the full force of this electric truck.
The Versatility King: Unlocking the Potential of the Midgate
Beyond the impressive range and towing capabilities, the Sierra EV boasts a feature that truly sets it apart in terms of cargo versatility: the Midgate. Yes, it has a respectable 11.0-cubic-foot frunk (or eTrunk, as GMC calls it), complete with thoughtful features like a cupholder, a drain, and weatherproofing. But the real star of the show for hauling long items is the Midgate.
In just a few minutes, you can transform the rear seat area into an extension of the cargo bed. With the tailgate locked, this creates a space a remarkable 9 feet, 1 inch long. Need even more length? Drop the tailgate and utilize the flip-down tailgate load step as a backstop for long items, and you've got a cavernous 10 feet, 10 inches of space! Imagine fitting a kayak or long lumber inside without needing specialized carriers strapped precariously to the roof.
Engineers emphasized that the Midgate isn't designed to be a feature you use once in a blue moon. It's intended to be a practical solution that you might use daily. While it's not weatherproof, of course, it's a fantastic way to transport gear a few miles to a launch point or job site. And here's a clever touch: you can even leave one of the rear seat positions in place while using the Midgate, allowing you to carry a passenger alongside your long cargo. It’s a level of flexibility we haven't seen before in a truck, and it genuinely impressed us.
The Denali Experience: Luxury Meets Electric Capability
Our day was spent with the top-tier Sierra EV Denali, in Max Range form. And let us tell you, this truck is not just about capability; it's also about luxury. While the Sierra EV shares a close relationship with the Chevrolet Silverado EV RST, the Denali trim elevates the experience significantly, positioning it as one of the most luxury-focused full-size electric pickups available.
For the 2025 model year, GMC has made some minor price adjustments and introduced the Extended Range version. Crucially, they've also managed to eke out an additional 20 miles of range for the Max Range version through efficiency improvements to the motor units themselves – a testament to their continuous pursuit of refinement. The Denali version we experienced comes with a price tag of at least $100,495, including the destination fee. While that's a significant investment, the level of equipment and refinement you get is truly impressive.
The Denali comes loaded with features that enhance both comfort and convenience. We're talking air suspension for a smooth ride, rear-wheel steering for that surprising maneuverability, a panoramic sunroof that floods the cabin with light, heated and cooled front seats that are a godsend in any weather, luxurious leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, and heated outboard rear seats – because nobody likes a cold bum! You also get a head-up display to keep your eyes on the road, Wi-Fi hotspot compatibility to stay connected, and a premium seven-speaker Bose audio system that delivers crisp, clear sound.
Practical touches abound as well, like wireless charging cleverly integrated into a sliding center console tray and plenty of USB-C ports and 120-volt AC cabin outlets to keep all your devices powered up. And for those times you're off the grid, the 7.2-kW AC Offboarding Power station is a fantastic addition that could potentially eliminate the need to haul a small generator to the campsite or job site.
Charging and Connectivity: Powering Up and Staying Connected (Mostly)
While we didn't have the opportunity to charge the Sierra EV during our brief test drive, the numbers are promising. Peak fast-charging rates are listed at a blazing 350 kW for the Max Range pack and 300 kW for the Extended Range pack. GMC claims that on a 350 kW CCS connector, you can recover up to 100 miles of range in just 10 minutes. They've also previously stated that either pack can go from 10% to 80% in about 40 minutes – a timeframe that makes longer road trips much more feasible.
To help achieve those peak rates, GMC has integrated a battery preconditioning feature. This works seamlessly with the native navigation trip planner or can be activated with the press of a virtual button. It's a thoughtful addition that helps ensure you're getting the most out of your charging session.
On the connectivity front, the Sierra EV Denali features a prominent 16.8-inch portrait-oriented infotainment system. This is a notable difference from the landscape orientation found in the Chevrolet Silverado EV. Like other new GM EVs, it's built with Google built-in, allowing you to run Google-ecosystem apps directly on the screen. However, and this is a point that might be a dealbreaker for some, there is no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility or integration. It's a decision that feels a bit like a step backward in an otherwise forward-thinking vehicle.
Super Cruise and Cabin Comfort: A Glimpse into the Future of Driving
The Sierra EV Denali also comes equipped with GM’s Super Cruise, their hands-off driving assistance system. For three years, you get access to hands-off driving and semi-automated lane changes on over 750,000 miles of mapped roads and highways. It requires maintained driver attention, of course, but it’s a feature that genuinely reduces fatigue on long highway stretches.
Crucially, Super Cruise now works when towing. We engaged the feature briefly with the 5,500-pound load and found the system maintained steady lane positioning and controlled speed effectively using the regenerative braking. However, it's important to remember that it's not a perfect system and shouldn't be relied upon all the time. We experienced this firsthand when attempting to use it on a stretch of US-101 around Palo Alto; it kept disabling itself because it couldn't clearly detect the faint and inconsistent lane markings, even though we had no issue seeing them. It's a reminder that while autonomous driving technology is advancing rapidly, it still has limitations.
Inside the cabin, GMC has done a fantastic job of accommodating occupants. There's ample headroom both in the front and back, and the outward view is excellent, giving you a commanding perspective of the road. The seats are plush yet supportive, both front and rear, making even long journeys comfortable.
The cabin is also remarkably quiet, a testament to several factors. The Bose audio system incorporates active-noise cancellation, and GMC has added additional noise padding underneath compared to their other models. Furthermore, the use of acoustic side glass contributes significantly to the tranquil atmosphere. The result is an ambience that truly feels like a luxury vehicle, a quiet sanctuary from the outside world.
This luxurious ambience is particularly evident in the Denali version, with its fine stitching details on the perforated front seats, beautifully patterned speaker grilles, elegant laser-cut wood trim, and an overall tight fit and finish throughout the interior. We're curious to see if these high standards will carry over to the less expensive versions that are expected to arrive later.
The Road Ahead: More Electric Trucks on the Horizon?
GMC has indicated that more affordable Sierra EV AT4 and Elevation models are in the pipeline, expected to arrive in 2025. However, they haven't yet confirmed whether these will be for the 2025 or 2026 model year. GM has also been tight-lipped about when they plan to ramp up production of these electric trucks at their Lake Orion, Michigan, plant, where production of the Bolt EV ceased nearly a year ago. Until production scales up, output will likely remain limited, which could make these highly desirable trucks somewhat challenging to acquire initially.
Looking ahead, it's easy to envision even more kitted-out versions of the Sierra EV. Perhaps a version with magnetic ride control could further refine the ride, smoothing out the "amusement-park-ride" feeling you can sometimes experience under rapid acceleration on imperfect pavement. These types of advancements could potentially elevate this platform even further, perhaps paving the way for future luxury electric vehicles like the upcoming Cadillac Escalade IQ.
Our time with the 2025 GMC Sierra EV Denali was a genuinely eye-opening experience. It challenged our preconceptions about what a full-size electric pickup can be. GMC has demonstrated that they can build a truly great electric truck, one that combines impressive capability, surprising agility, and a luxurious interior. Now, the big question is, when will they be able to build enough of them to meet what is sure to be significant demand? We, for one, can't wait to see more of these capable electric workhorses on the road.
Summary
The 2025 GMC Sierra EV Denali is a remarkable electric pickup that defies expectations. With a GM-estimated range of up to 460 miles, impressive towing and hauling capabilities, and innovative features like the Midgate for exceptional cargo versatility, it's a true "do it" truck. Despite its size, rear-wheel steering and air suspension contribute to surprising maneuverability and a comfortable ride. The luxurious Denali trim offers a premium cabin experience with advanced technology, including Super Cruise, though the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a notable omission. While production is currently limited, more affordable trims are expected in the future, solidifying the Sierra EV's position as a highly capable and desirable electric truck.
FAQs
- What is the estimated range of the 2025 GMC Sierra EV?
The Max Range version has a GM-estimated range of 460 miles, while the Extended Range version offers 390 miles. - How much can the Sierra EV tow?
The Extended Range pack allows towing up to 10,500 pounds, and the Max Range pack can tow up to 10,000 pounds. - What is the Midgate feature?
The Midgate allows the rear seat area to open up, extending the cargo bed length to over 10 feet with the tailgate down and load step utilized. - Does the Sierra EV offer hands-free driving?
Yes, the Denali trim includes GM's Super Cruise system for hands-off driving on compatible roads. - When will more affordable versions of the Sierra EV be available?
GMC has stated that AT4 and Elevation trims are expected in 2025, though the specific model year (2025 or 2026) is not yet confirmed.
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