2025 GMC Sierra EV Denali Review Top Multitasking Performance
March 28, 2025
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Key Takeaways
The 2025 GMC Sierra EV Denali delivers an impressive 460-mile range and accelerates to 60 mph in under 4.5 seconds, featuring a dual-motor setup with instant torque and rear-wheel steering for enhanced manoeuvrability.
Equipped with sizable 205 kWh and 170 kWh battery packs, the Sierra EV supports 800-volt DC fast-charging and offers robust towing capabilities of up to 10,500 pounds with the Extended Range model.
Canadian pricing for the 2025 GMC Sierra EV is expected to be competitive, with provincial incentives like Ontario’s iZEV program making this high-performance electric pickup an attractive option for eco-conscious drivers.
Exploring the 2025 GMC Sierra EV: A Canadian Perspective
Navigating the winding roads of the Bay Area’s Redwood highways and Skyline Boulevard in a nearly 9,000-pound vehicle is no small feat. Yet, the **2025 GMC Sierra EV** handled these challenges with surprising ease. Spanning approximately **233 inches** in length and **84 inches** in width (excluding mirrors), this full-size electric pickup proved surprisingly manoeuvrable, even on narrow lanes. Its **rear-wheel steering** system, which pivots the rear wheels in the opposite direction of the fronts at low speeds, allowed for precise positioning in tight hairpins. The **instant torque** delivered by its dual-motor setup ensured we maintained momentum up hills, while the **air suspension** kept the ride smooth and stable. **Regenerative braking** options (Normal and High) helped control speed effectively on steep downhill sections.
Performance and Range
The **2025 GMC Sierra EV Denali** boasts an impressive range claim of **460 miles** and accelerates quickly, reaching **60 mph in 4.5 seconds** or less. During our test drive, GMC guided us through a varied route that included tight curves, towing, off-road excursions, and demonstrations of features like **CrabWalk mode**, where the rear wheels align with the front wheels for enhanced manoeuvrability. The truck’s ability to load a significant amount of outdoor gear swiftly highlighted its practicality.
Unlike its quirky counterpart, the Cybertruck, or the outdoor-focused R1T, the Sierra EV positions itself distinctly within GMC’s lineup. Sitting alongside the **GMC Hummer EV**, the Sierra EV is marketed as the “do it” truck, catering to those seeking maximum cargo versatility and range for towing, hauling, and general truck tasks.
Battery and Towing Capabilities
The **2025 GMC Sierra EV** stands out with its impressive range ratings, primarily due to its sizable battery packs. Both packs feature a dual-layer design, capable of **800-volt DC fast-charging**. The **Max Range** model, with a **205 kWh** battery, achieves a GM-estimated **460 miles** of range, while the **Extended Range** version, with a **170 kWh** battery, offers **390 miles**. It’s important to note that the Max Range figure is GM-estimated and places the Sierra EV in a medium-weight category that doesn’t align with EPA ratings.
During nearly **90 kilometres** of diverse driving conditions, the trip computer indicated a consumption rate of approximately **1.9 kilometres per kWh**, suggesting that real-world range could exceed **390 kilometres**, even under varied conditions.
The Sierra EV’s substantial battery also enhances its towing capabilities. With the **Extended Range** pack, it can tow up to **10,500 pounds**, and with the **Max Range** pack, up to **10,000 pounds**. While towing may reduce the range by about half, this remains a robust capability for most users.
Power and Versatility
In a brief test loop towing a **5,500-pound trailer**, the Sierra EV handled the load with ease, accelerating faster than a fully loaded minivan. Over two full-acceleration cycles, the trip computer recorded an average consumption of **1.0 kilometres per kWh**, indicating that **200 kilometres** of range remains possible when towing a horse trailer or large boat.
**Max Range** versions, like the one tested, deliver up to **760 horsepower** and **785 pound-feet** of torque, powered by two permanent magnet motors designed and built by GM. **Extended Range** models share the same hardware except for the battery, providing **645 horsepower** and **785 pound-feet** of torque. These power outputs are available exclusively in **Max Power mode**. The Sierra EV also features **Normal-Tour, Off-Road, Tow-Haul**, and a customizable mode, though GM has not disclosed peak power figures for these modes.
Cargo and Storage
The Sierra EV includes an **11.0-cubic-foot frunk** (eTrunk), equipped with a cupholder, drain, weatherproofing, and more. However, the standout feature for cargo versatility is the **Midgate**. Within minutes, the backseat area can be converted to extend the cargo bed, creating a **9-foot-1** space with the tailgate locked, or a **10-foot-10** space with the tailgate down and the flip-down tailgate load step deployed.
Canadian Context and Incentives
For Canadian drivers, the **2025 GMC Sierra EV** presents an exciting option, especially with various provincial incentives and rebates available. For instance, **Ontario** offers the **iZEV incentive**, which can significantly reduce the purchase price. Other provinces, such as **British Columbia** and **Quebec**, also have robust EV incentive programs. Additionally, Canadian pricing for the Sierra EV is expected to align with or slightly below that of its American counterpart, making it a competitive choice in the electric pickup market.
In summary, the **2025 GMC Sierra EV** combines impressive performance, extensive range, and versatile cargo solutions, positioning it as a strong contender in the Canadian electric vehicle market. With supportive provincial incentives, it’s an attractive option for those looking to transition to a sustainable, high-performance pickup truck.
