By: Krish Persaud
July 22, 2025
There’s no shortage of flashy EV concepts and tech-heavy trucks trying to make a name for themselves. The 2025 GMC Sierra EV Denali isn’t one of those. It’s big, polished, and fully production-ready. Whether you’re coming from a traditional gas pickup or something more premium, this electric Denali feels right at home in both worlds. It still works like a proper truck but now moves with calm confidence and purpose.
Built on GM’s Ultium platform shared with the Silverado EV, the Sierra EV Denali sets itself apart with better materials, a quieter ride, and tighter attention to detail. It’s not a beta test. It’s a real truck from day one, with useful features baked in.
We spent a full week with it in mild spring weather, mostly dry roads and no need for cabin heat. At full charge, the truck showed 755 km of available range—more than GMC’s official 740 km estimate. We covered just under 700 km without running the battery down, and even with mixed driving—city errands, highway cruising, stop-and-go traffic—range estimates stayed consistent.
Charging from 67 to 100 percent on a Level 2 Ivy charger took about 10 hours overnight. A quick top-up from 80 to 100 percent at a DC fast charging station took just over an hour. For most people, plugging in at home is all it takes to stay topped up. Long trips are well-supported by Canada’s growing fast-charging network, and the truck is compatible with all the key providers.
Natural Resources Canada rates the Sierra EV Denali at 26.1 kWh per 100 km. Based on Ontario’s average rate of 15 cents per kilowatt-hour, a full charge costs about $30 and can get you close to the full 740 km under ideal conditions. In normal driving with some load, over 600 km is still realistic—at a fraction of the cost of filling a gas truck of this size.
Acceleration in Max Power mode is smooth and confident. GMC quotes 754 horsepower and 785 lb-ft. of torque. We didn’t launch it flat out, but it climbs to highway speeds effortlessly and feels planted doing it. The adaptive air suspension smooths out rough pavement, and body control remains composed even on broken surfaces.
Rear-Wheel Steer and Crab Walk aren’t just gimmicks. At low speeds, the truck becomes surprisingly nimble in tight spots. Parking lots are less of a chore. Super Cruise comes standard for three years and worked well on mapped highways. Lane changes and curves were handled without fuss, and it stayed engaged when we expected it to.
The cabin is every bit a Denali. Seats are comfortable, heated and ventilated in both rows, and finished in premium materials. The 16.8-inch central screen is quick to respond and easy to get used to. The 14-inch head-up display remains visible even in bright light. A fixed panoramic glass roof brings in natural light without overheating the cabin, and overall insulation is excellent—even on coarse pavement.
The MultiPro Tailgate and midgate setup bring real versatility. Drop the midgate and you can carry longer items without having the tailgate down. It’s simple and genuinely useful. GMC’s Power Station Pro feature also lets you run tools or appliances, or provide backup power in an outage.
Towing capacity is rated at 9,500 pounds. While we didn’t tow during our test, it comes ready with a trailer brake controller, multiple camera angles, and GMC’s ProGrade Trailering system. Expect range to drop under heavy load, but it’s ready for weekend gear or small utility trailers.
Size is the only real compromise. It’s easier to park than you’d expect thanks to the steering aids, but it’s still a full-size truck. The tall hood and wide body mean you’ll need to stay alert in tighter urban settings or underground garages.
Pricing for the 2025 GMC Sierra EV Denali starts at $119,699 CAD. Our tester came in at $120,154 CAD before fees and taxes, with the Max Battery and dual-level charge cord as the only options added.
The 2025 Sierra EV Denali surprised us. It’s refined, capable, and genuinely easy to live with for the right driver. If your routine includes home charging and you’re not towing full time, this might be one of the most seamless EV transitions out there. Just be sure it fits your lifestyle. The massive battery brings longer charging times, and if you’re relying on public charging, it’s worth planning ahead—especially during road trips. Understand your driving habits and charging options, and this electric Denali might impress you as much as it did us.
