GMC Adds Five Screens to the 2027 Sierra, Yet One Key Aspect is Declining in Modern Vehicles

Full-size trucks have evolved significantly from their utilitarian origins. Initially, these vehicles featured minimalistic cabs with basic bench seating, typically equipped with AM/FM radios that favored country music, especially in the Midwest. Dashboards were straightforward, primarily consisting of analog gauges and simple controls. Operating features like the heating system or resetting the trip odometer didn’t require digital tutorials.

This landscape began to shift in the late 1990s and early 2000s when manufacturers recognized that consumers were willing to pay extra for comfort features taken from passenger vehicles and SUVs. GMC was a trailblazer in this transition, launching its Denali model in 1999 with the Yukon, followed by the Sierra in 2002. At that time, heated leather seats were considered a luxury.

The early Sierra Denali set a new standard for trucks, establishing a reputation for delivering luxury-grade features nearing that of traditional high-end vehicles.

The upcoming 2027 GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate distinguishes itself even further. It boasts an impressive interior with more than 60 inches of digital screens combined, a premium 16-speaker Bose audio system with speakers integrated into the front headrests, and an advanced hands-free driving system that operates on over 600,000 miles of compatible roadways, even while towing.

In terms of technology, this truck is among the most advanced vehicles available in the United States across any category.

From One Radio Knob to Five Displays

What Each Screen Does and Why It Exists

The 2027 GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate is equipped with five distinct displays, amounting to over 60 inches of screen space—unmatched by any other truck. The centerpiece is a 16.3-inch infotainment screen centrally located on the dashboard, controlling navigation, audio, phone connectivity, and various settings. Unique to this model is its articulating mount, allowing the screen to tilt toward either the driver or front passenger for optimal visibility, while also hiding storage behind it.

The 11.5-inch screen for front passengers permits independent streaming of content, allowing them to enjoy their favorite media without affecting what the driver sees. Additionally, it features a foldable cover to maintain a streamlined dashboard appearance when not in use.

This kind of dedicated passenger screen is typically found in high-end SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz GLS or Audi Q9, but it’s now being incorporated into a full-size truck. GMC has effectively addressed concerns over screen dominance by presenting the passenger screen with a sleek cover for times when it’s not in service.

Directly visible to the driver is a 12.2-inch information center that delivers customizable vehicle data, including speed, fuel levels, and driver assistance notifications. Adding to this modern cockpit is a 15-inch multicolor heads-up display that projects crucial information onto the windshield.

Moreover, the 8.5-inch rear camera mirror offers a live video feed from a rear-mounted camera, enhancing visibility when the bed is loaded or passengers obstruct the rearview, providing a clearer sightline than a standard mirror would.

More Screens = More Problems

Infotainment Quality Continues to Decline

The JD Power 2026 U.S. Initial Quality Study, conducted with feedback from over 78,000 new vehicle owners, revealed a general improvement in vehicle quality across most categories—except for infotainment systems. Notably, complications with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were primary factors behind the decline in satisfaction with infotainment quality. Among those who experienced distractions while driving, 46% indicated that their troubles stemmed from infotainment displays.

“Improvements in quality largely arise from features that are user-friendly—simple controls and intuitive software,” reported Frank Hanley, a senior director at JD Power. “As technology becomes more complex, the odds of user problems increase significantly.”

This tension has posed a challenge for automakers, who once prioritized simplicity in dashboard design. Past models found a better equilibrium between digital displays and conventional controls than is often seen in today’s vehicles, which tend to have extensive touchscreens that can overwhelm drivers, both while stationary and in motion.

For instance, the 56-inch Hyperscreen in select Mercedes-Benz models is currently the largest production display, but many users find it challenging to navigate while driving. GMC is now entering this competitive arena with its five screens across the Sierra, exceeding 60 inches in total screen size.

The Denali Ultimate in Context

The 2027 GMC Sierra and its Silverado counterpart share not only the same platform but also the new V8 engines from GM: a 5.7-liter and a 6.6-liter option. The Sierra Denali Ultimate will standardly come with the 6.6-liter V8, making it the most powerful naturally aspirated engine available in the half-ton truck market.

While pricing details for the 2027 Sierra are yet to be announced, it’s expected that the Denali Ultimate will likely start in the mid to high-$80,000 range, closely mirroring the 2026 model which begins at $84,400 for comparison.

Ultimately, potential buyers will need to ascertain whether GMC’s advanced tech suite enhances daily usability or simply adds unnecessary complexity similar to systems that have frustrated other drivers. The JD Power findings suggest that there remains room for improvement in this area. Time will tell if GMC has effectively tackled these challenges with the 2027 Sierra once the trucks hit the streets.