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The GMC Sierra 1500 Denali is the glitzy flagship of GM’s full-size truck lineup — at least, until the electric Hummer makes its appearance. With a starting price north of $50,000, it’s the ultimate status symbol cruiser for folks who like their trucks to be large and in-charge…and heavy on the chrome and open-pore wood.
This month, at least, achieving Denali status is more affordable than usual. GMC is offering a national lease incentive on the 2020 Sierra Denali through March 2. Terms vary by location, but the common thread is a $499 per month payment and a lease length of 36 to 39 months. In the Chicago area, as an example, the money down required is only $2,370; current GM lessees get an additional $1,500 off, bringing the initial payment down to just $870.
But there is a significant catch: the deal only applies to the rear-wheel-drive Denali. It also limits you to the less powerful 5.3-liter V8 instead of the 6.2-liter V8 or the 3.0-liter diesel, as well as the short cargo box. It’s a sacrifice, but one that can save you $150–$200 per month on the lease.
Still, even if you live in a fair-weather environment and have no plans to leave the pavement (which applies to a bigger percentage of truck buyers than most are likely to admit), you still must find a two-wheel-drive version, which can be difficult. Most luxury trim buyers opt for the four-wheel-drive version. Searching on Cargurus, I could not find a RWD Sierra Denali within 500 miles of my home in Michigan. Most seem to be concentrated at Florida and Texas dealers, so you may need to take a road trip to grab your new GMC.
