Paid a sum of $100,000 for a 2025 GMC Sierra EV Denali Max, Yet Lacking CarPlay and Limiting Infotainment System Seems Like a Demotion in Quality
The 2025 GMC Sierra EV Denali Max, built on GM's innovative Ultium platform, is a force to be reckoned with. With an impressive output of up to 754 horsepower and the capability to tow an astounding 10,000 pounds, this electric vehicle (EV) offers unparalleled performance [1]. However, its infotainment system has sparked a heated debate among owners.
Priced at around $98,400 for advanced models, the Sierra EV Denali Max boasts a range of over 400 miles, a wheelbase of approximately 145 inches, and dimensions of around 233 inches in length, 86 inches in width, and 78 inches in height, providing ample space for crew cab setups and large cargo beds [2].
GM has proven it can deliver over-the-air updates, and the EV architecture is built for evolution, allowing for potential improvements to the infotainment system [1]. Yet, the company has blocked after-market options to get CarPlay for the 2025 GMC Sierra EV Denali Max, causing frustration among some owners [1].
The infotainment system primarily relies on GM’s native apps and voice commands, featuring built-in Google Maps, limited Apple Music functionality, and Spotify support [1]. Users can interact with the system using natural voice commands through Google Assistant or Siri (for phone voice control, though not on-screen CarPlay) [3]. However, the system restricts some common features, such as setting Waze as default navigation or displaying album art properly [1].
This approach has drawn criticism due to its limitations and lack of user flexibility despite the vehicle’s premium status and capable hardware [1][3]. Some owners have adapted to Google's system, while others pine for the simplicity and polish of CarPlay.
Brandon Boone, a new owner of the 2025 GMC Sierra EV Denali Max, expressed dissatisfaction with the infotainment system, citing limited customization, lack of CarPlay, and a mismatched audio experience as his main issues [4]. Chris Nicosia suggested that GM should focus more on the infotainment system to crush the entire market [5].
The responses in the comment section revealed a split personality in the ownership base, with some viewing the GMC UI as 10 years behind other EV manufacturers [6]. The infotainment system in the 2025 GMC Sierra EV Denali Max is described as feeling restrictive and committed to a closed Android/Google ecosystem [7].
Despite the infotainment system controversy, the 2025 GMC Sierra EV Denali Max is undeniably a powerful and versatile EV truck. With its impressive performance and innovative technology, it stands as a testament to GM's commitment to the EV market. However, the company may need to address the infotainment system concerns to better satisfy its discerning customer base.
References: [1] The Verge [2] GMC [3] Ars Technica [4] Brandon Boone [5] Chris Nicosia [6] Consumer Reports [7] Roadshow
- Brandon Boone, a new owner of the 2025 GMC Sierra EV Denali Max, finds the infotainment system's limited customization, lack of CarPlay, and mismatched audio experience to be his main issues.
- Despite the vehicle's premium status and capable hardware, the infotainment system in the 2025 GMC Sierra EV Denali Max is criticized for its limitations and commitment to a closed Android/Google ecosystem, feeling restrictive to some users.
- Chris Nicosia believes that GM should focus more on improving the infotainment system to help the Sierra EV Denali Max dominate the entire market.
