Let’s be honest—most truck buyers haven’t been rushing out to trade in their half-ton for an electric pickup. Between the price tags, charging questions, and whether these things can actually do truck stuff, the hesitation is real.

And frankly, the first version of the Sierra EV didn’t help much. The 2024 Denali Edition 1 was packed with tech but started at over $100,000. It looked sharp, drove well, but felt more like a statement than a solution. Most folks I know in the trades, towing trailers, or commuting in New England weather weren’t lining up for one.

That’s why what GMC’s doing for 2026 actually matters. The Sierra EV is no longer a one-trim, luxury-only setup. There are now multiple versions with more realistic pricing, real configuration options, and features that make sense for daily use—not just for showing off.

2026 Brings Options—Finally

GMC has expanded the Sierra EV lineup to include three distinct trims—Elevation, AT4, and Denali—each with different battery and equipment packages. It’s the first time this electric truck lineup actually resembles what we expect from a traditional GMC model.

Here’s the new breakdown:

• Elevation – Entry-level, starting at $64,495 with a Standard Range battery.

• AT4 – Off-road focused, starts at $81,395.

• Denali – Still the premium option, but now available with more flexible content and pricing.

There’s also a new Standard Range battery pack, which joins the existing Extended and Max Range options. This lowers the price of entry by over $35,000 compared to what was on sale before.

Battery Details: Still Not Fully Published, But Here’s What We Know

GMC hasn’t listed the exact kilowatt-hour specs, but they have confirmed the number of modules in each pack. Based on past numbers and typical module sizing, we can estimate:

After a week of driving the Denali Max Range myself, I saw solid efficiency and reliable range estimates. Even in cooler temps, the truck didn’t swing wildly off its projected numbers, which—if you’ve driven early EVs—you know can be a problem.

Charging at home on a Level 2 setup worked fine, adding range overnight without needing to hunt down a public fast charger.

Breaking Down the Trims

Each 2026 Sierra EV trim now comes with more focused content and a better match for different kinds of truck owners. While the Denali still leans luxury, Elevation and AT4 feel much more aligned with how people actually use pickups.

Elevation – A More Practical Starting Point

The Elevation is the most straightforward Sierra EV so far. It comes with essential features, standard 18″ wheels, and the MultiPro tailgate. For a lot of folks who use their truck every day but don’t want every gadget, this is the most approachable version yet.

• Battery: Standard or Extended Range

• 16.8” screen, MultiPro tailgate, eTrunk (front storage)

• 33” tires on 18” wheels

• Max towing: 12,500 lbs (Extended Range)

Premium Package adds: MidGate, spray-in bedliner, Bose audio, ventilated seats
Optional: Super Cruise, 22” wheels, 7.2kW onboard power

AT4 – Off-Road Capable Without Overdoing It

AT4 brings what you’d expect: lift, skid plates, bigger tires. But the key here is that it’s more than just looks. Terrain Mode, CrabWalk, and 4-wheel steering help in tight or uneven terrain. This trim is for buyers who want capability, not chrome.

• Battery: Extended or Max Range

• +2” ground clearance, 35” all-terrain tires

• 4-wheel steer, CrabWalk, Terrain Mode

• Max towing: 12,300 lbs (Extended Range), 10,200 lbs (Max Range)

Premium Package adds: MidGate, panoramic glass roof, 10.2kW power output

Denali – Still Premium, But Now More Configurable

Denali was the only Sierra EV available before this update. Now, it’s available in multiple versions—Base, Premium, and Reserve—depending on how much you want to spend or equip. It still gets the higher-end materials and interior lighting, but you can now choose from any of the three battery sizes, which wasn’t possible before.

• Battery: Standard, Extended, or Max Range

• Super Cruise standard, 22” wheels, wood trim

• Max towing: 12,500 lbs (Extended Range), 10,200 lbs (Max Range), 8,500 lbs (Standard Range)

Premium Package: Extended battery, MidGate, panoramic roof
Reserve Package: Adaptive suspension, 24” wheels, 10.2kW onboard power, 4-wheel steer, CrabWalk

What About Towing?

Here’s the full picture by trim and battery. These numbers come straight from GMC:

The Extended Range battery is clearly the strongest performer when it comes to pulling a trailer or hauling gear. If you rely on your truck to tow regularly, that’s the one to aim for.

What It’s Actually Like to Drive

I’ve put time into the Max Range Denali and can say this: it drives like a truck, not a science experiment. The acceleration is quick, the turning radius (thanks to 4-wheel steering) is surprisingly tight, and the ride—at least on smoother roads—is solid.

But it’s not perfect.

• The 24” wheels hurt the ride more than help it. On uneven pavement, it gets choppy.

• No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is a real miss for folks who’ve relied on those systems.

• Charging is a non-issue at home, but you’ll still need to plan if you’re towing long distances without a solid charging network nearby.

Bottom Line: Still an EV, But a Better One for Truck Owners

If you’re still on the fence about EV trucks, you’re not alone. A lot of folks are skeptical—and for good reason. They want to know if these trucks can tow, survive winter, and handle rough roads without running out of battery halfway through a workday.

The 2026 Sierra EV doesn’t solve everything, but it’s closer to what truck buyers actually want. With a lineup that spans $64K to just over $100K, and real differences in capability and equipment, it’s finally something you can shop like a normal truck—not just a tech demo.

Whether it’s Elevation for basic work, AT4 for tough terrain, or Denali for long-haul comfort, the Sierra EV now feels like it belongs next to gas and diesel trucks—not just in a separate showroom corner.