From an engineering standpoint, the 2003 GMC Sierra Denali is quite simply the best and most advanced pickup ever built. It rides and handles more like a car than a truck while doing everything pickups always do — just doing them better.

The Sierra Denali boasts first-class hauling and towing capacity. Yet except for the Cadillac Escalade EXT, it is one of the most luxurious pickups I’ve ever driven. It sets new standards for quietness, comfort and solid construction, not to mention being totally plush.

GMC has a century-long heritage of building only trucks. The standard Sierra and Its mechanical sibling, the Chevrolet Silverado, may be mechanical clones but the GMC proudly struts its own face — a unique grille, hood and fenders as well as its own fascia, headlamps and bumpers. Like all GMC trucks, design-wise, it wears a tuxedo compared to the standard Chevy sport coat and bowtie. While the Silverado almost looks like it was designed to blend into the scenery, the GMC Sierra demands attention. It’s a look that’s more distinctive and masculine than the Chevy but not as blatant as the Ford or certainly the Dodge.

The GMC also offers equipment and option packages besides the Sierra Denali not available to the Chevy, such as new business-oriented Professional model, with a unique interior designed exclusively for the mobile business person. It offers a special full-length console with concealed storage for a PDA, cell phone, and other stuff; a cooled or heated cup holder, and second Big Gulp-sized cup holder as well as a seven-quart cooler. The console can be converted to store hanging file folders and the Professional also features lockable storage under the rear seat.

The Professional is available only with a short box and extended cab, and is also offered in two- or four-wheel drive versions and is priced lower than the Sierra Denali.

Like all big domestic pickups, the Sierra comes in two and four-wheel-drive. And again like all Detroit iron, there is a light-duty half-ton model (the 1500) and a medium-duty three-quarter ton version (the 2500). They’re available with fendered or full-width long or short-beds with standard-length two-door cabs and extended-length cabs with rear auxiliary doors. In 2002 a 1500 HD Crew Cab, with four full-size doors, just like the heavy-duty work-site models became available as well.

Under the hood, engine choices range from the basic 4.3-liter V6 for 1500 models, a 4.8-liter V8 (standard with extended cabs), and a 5.3-liter V8. All extended-cab, long box 1500s and 2500s come with a 300-horse 6.0-liter V8. There’s a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions.

The top of the line is our Sierra Denali test model, which is available only as an extended-cab, short-bed 4x4. It comes complete with the full compliment of luxury amenities. It also features a 325-horse version of the 6.0-liter V8 married to an automatic transmission, a sophisticated full-time all-wheel-drive system utilizing a planetary center differential to deliver a permanent 38/62 front/rear torque split. A viscous coupling locks up progressively if one axle or the other starts to slip. It’s a great system — especially for snow, ice, gravel, dirt, or anywhere with inconsistent traction conditions. Another cool feature is the ZX3 Ride Control suspension, with cockpit-adjustable shock absorbers.

The Sierra Denali also comes with GM’s electronically controlled four-wheel-steering system called Quadrasteer. It enhances high-speed stability and adds serious maneuverability — especially in towing situations. It can be turned on or off as needed with the touch of a dash-mounted button and reduces the Sierra’s curb-to-curb turning diameter by 21 percent. At just 37.4 feet, it is within inches of the Saturn SC1 — a considerably smaller vehicle. Quadrasteer does require a five-inch increase in track, so you can spot a Denali by its unique rear fender blisters.

All GMC Sierras are built on the lightest yet stiffest truck frame General Motors has ever produced. This is accomplished using hydroformed frame rails. Hydroforming is a process utilizing high-pressure hydraulics to shape relatively large steel components. Tubular crossmembers and roll-formed mid-rails add increased rigidity, enhancing handling and ride quality while improving crashworthiness.

Inside, the Sierra Denali’s extremely comfortable tone-on-tone leather interior is also the roomiest and includes extra sound deadening. The door openings are the largest in the industry and the power door locks are programmable.

Instrumentation is analog white on black consisting of a large speedometer and tachometer flanked by four smaller gauges. There’s a unique console with a driver information center (formerly known as a trip computer). A compass is incorporated into the overhead console, along with storage areas for sunglasses, garage door opener, and other small items. Three 12-volt outlets are located at the bottom center of the dash for cell phones, radar detectors, laptop computers, etc.

Climate controls are simple and big. The premium sound system controls are located above the climate controls and also on the steering wheel, with separate controls for rear-seat passengers. Our test model was outfitted with GM’s satellite-based XM radio system that offers coast-to-coast commercial-free reception of a wide variety of content including music, news, comedy and more. The Sierra Denali is also equipped with OnStar, GM’s satellite-based communications and security system.

A lockable floor console is large enough to hold a picnic lunch and comes with a reversible, removable cup holder tray and a storage nook in front of the lid.

Rear-seat passengers have their own air-conditioning outlets and a set of drop-down cup holders. If cargo is more important than passengers, the entire rear seat assembly can be loosened from the floor with a wrench and removed through one of the side doors.

On the road, the Sierra Denali is so quiet and well mannered it feels like driving a luxury car. A four-spoke steering wheel connects to rack-and-pinion steering. It rides on a uniquely tuned suspension designed to limit body roll.

It also comes with the Z82 towing package, and the high-capacity 4-wheel ABS disc brakes from the Sierra 2500HD/3500.

Whines: Highway driving revealed a fairly wide steering dead spot in the center. GM says this is intentional, to minimize steering corrections on the highway, but I didn’t care much for it.

Applause: The steering may feel a bit light, but the Sierra Denali tracks beautifully and handles well on any kind of pavement — freeways, winding mountain roads or off-road. The tow/haul mode, which offers a delayed upshift, is a great feature. The transmission holds gears longer before shifting up or down, reducing the tendency of automatics to hunt between third and fourth gears on hills and helps keep the transmission cool at the same time.

Bottom Line: The GMC Sierra Denali is a well-engineered, luxurious, comfortable, and extremely functional truck. It handles well, is very responsive, delivers strong acceleration and boasts superior towing capability. It could be just the ticket for someone who wants a luxury sports sedan, but has to tow a boat. The power and all-wheel-drive system will yank the boat up a slippery ramp, while the interior comfort, handling and performance make it an enjoyable go anywhere vehicle that fits the Northwest lifestyle like a glove.