2019 Toyota Tundra vs 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD

When it comes to pickups, simplicity used to be king. Leaf-spring suspensions, pushrod V8s, and no-nonsense interiors were staples of the game. But today, pickups include all sorts of sophisticated features, from car suspensions and twin-turbocharged engines to all the luxury and technology you’d expect from a luxury import. But the Toyota Tundra has refused to follow the herd, offering the tried-and-true formula that’s been a proven winner for decades. For some, that simplicity is a turnoff. But for others, it's exactly what’s missing from today’s truck offerings. For 2019, the TRD Pro trim returns, giving the Tundra a revised suspension, gorgeous new BBS wheels, and a price tag inflated by nearly $4,000.

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Few automakers have developed sub-brands with as much recognition as “Denali.” More than just a trim level, it’s a luxury brand with its own identity, somewhat separate from the rest of the GMC “Professional Grade” lineup. Today, GMC offers a Denali trim on every model, from the midsize Canyon pickup to the full-size Yukon SUV. The Denali treatment extends to the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD, too. Not only is it one of the most expensive trucks on the U.S. market, but it’s also one of the most capable and upscale trucks offered by General Motors.

Trucks are more comfortable than ever and you can thank the Denali for many of those creature comforts becoming commonplace. But the Sierra Denali does not stand alone. Both Ford and Ram offer upscale pickups, and in the past decade or so, they’ve gotten a lot better at it. Ram has done a whole lot of innovating when it comes to trucks as well. Has the Denali has been overtaken by the competition that it helped create?