2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali vs. 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country
It’s a comparison of the two top Sierra and Silverado pickups in their respective arsenals, the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali vs. the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country. How are these trucks similar and how are they different? Explore these top trim levels here with us at Ernie Dean as we pit the GMC Denali vs. the Chevrolet High Country in a head-to-head comparison. They may both be GM vehicles that share the same platform and engine options, but there’s plenty of styling that sets them apart. Read on through our comparison as we explore the GMC Sierra Denali and Silverado 1500 High Country!
Exterior Design
| Dimensions: | 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali | 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country |
| Length (mm/in) | 6,128 / 241.3 | 6,127 / 241.2 |
| Width (mm/in) | 2,063 / 81.2 | 2,063 / 81.2 |
| Height (mm/in) | 1,915 / 75.4 | 1,915 / 75.4 |
| Wheelbase (mm/in) | 3,987 / 157.0 | 3,987 / 157.0 |
| Cargo Box Length (on floor) (mm/in) | 2,018 / 79.4 | 2,018 / 79.4 |
| Cargo Box Width (on floor) (mm/in) | 1,814 / 71.4 | 1,814 / 71.4 |
| Ground Clearance (mm/in) | 205 / 8.1 | 202 / 8.0 |
Both of these pickups may share the same frame and offer up basically identical dimensions, as our chart shows, but each have their own unique styling that sets these pickups apart. Their grilles and tailgates are completely different.
- High Country:
- Exclusive grille
- Center bar with two-tone bronze and chrome finish
- Power up/down tailgate
- Denali:
- Broad signature grille in luxurious sculpted chrome
- MultiPro six-function tailgate on the Denali.
Interior Design
| Dimensions: | 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Crew Cab | 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country Crew Cab |
| Front Headroom (mm/in) | 1,093 / 43.0 | 1,093 / 43.0 |
| Rear Headroom (mm/in) | 1,019 / 40.1 | 1,019 / 40.1 |
| Front Legroom (mm/in) | 1,131 / 44.5 | 1,131 / 44.5 |
| Rear Legroom (mm/in) | 1,102 / 43.4 | 1,102 / 43.4 |
| Front Shoulder Room (mm/in) | 1,677 / 66.0 | 1,677 / 66.0 |
| Rear Shoulder Room (mm/in) | 1,655 / 65.2 | 1,655 / 65.2 |
| Front Hip Room (mm/in) | 1,554 / 61.2 | 1,554 / 61.2 |
| Rear Hip Room (mm/in) | 1,530 / 60.2 | 1,530 / 60.2 |
| Passenger Capacity | 5 | 5 |
The features and styling are similar, yet different inside these pickups. In either one of these top-level trucks you’ll find heated/ventilated seats, similar infotainment screens and systems and more. Where the differences lay between them is in the styling and materials.
- High Country:
- Two-tone black interior style
- Umber accents
- Heated/ventilated perforated leather-appointed trim seats
- Denali:
- Luxurious finish
- Open-pore ashwood and aluminum trim
- Perforated forge leather seat surfaces
Performance
| Engines: | 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 | 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel I6 | 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 355 | 277 | 420 |
| Torque (lb-ft) | 383 | 460 | 460 |
| Available On | Denali & High Country | Denali & High Country | Denali & High Country |
Both pickups offer the exact same 3 engine options: the 5.3L EcoTec3 V8, 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel I6 and the 6.2L EcoTec3 V8. The 5.3L comes standard, and whether gas or diesel, you can be assured that driving with any of these engines, in either Sierra or Silverado, you’ll have incredible power and towing ability at your disposal. The top-level 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine reaches 420 horsepower alongside 460 lb-ft of torque, a mighty dose of performance ability that always satisfies.
Safety & Technology
Just like through design dimensions, performance and features, many of the safety and connective tech are shared between these two pickups. Helpful assisted safety systems like Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Change Alert are found on both. HD Rear Vision cameras along with their leading camera view systems provide all-encompassing coverage around yourGMC or Chevy. Convenience features like wireless charging, remote start and available heads-up display also exist on both models.
Verdict: Which Truck is For You?
| Engine Pricing (Starting At): | 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali | 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country |
| 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 | $70,348* | $68,148* |
| 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel I6 | $72,343* | $70,143* |
| 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 | $73,193* | $70,993* |
When it comes to choosing between the Sierra Denali or the Chevrolet High Country, they’re both great choices. The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali 4WD Crew Cab starts at $70,348*, while the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country 4WD Crew Cab starts at $68,148. As we’ve seen, these pickups being built on the same platform showcases remarkably similar builds, engines and features, but it’s their style that separates the two. The Denali has a touch higher price point because of its slightly more premium materials inside. No matter if you choose the Sierra Denali or Chevrolet High Country, these are both capable GM trucks, operating as incredibly worthwhile options at the top of their trim levels.
If you’d like to learn even more about these two pickups, or research more online, give us a call or come down to our dealership! While we’d love to sell you a vehicle, we pride ourselves on educating our customers first and foremost, so don’t hesitate to contact us to learn all you could ever want to about our GM pickups!
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