GMC has just rolled out its biggest flex yet: the 2026 GMC Ultra Beast Truck. And yes, the name’s as bold as the truck itself. Sitting atop the Sierra lineup, this new bruiser doesn’t completely reinvent the wheel—but it sharpens every edge and beefs up everything else. Bigger grille, tougher stance, smarter tech, and an engine lineup that means business. Whether you’re towing a boat or just pulling up to a job site looking like you own the place, the Ultra Beast is here to make a statement.
Let’s dig into why this truck’s making waves from work crews to weekend warriors.
Built Like a Tank, Styled Like a Street Brawler
The first thing you notice? Presence. The 2026 Ultra Beast doesn’t whisper anything—it growls.
Up front, you get a massive new grille that could probably be seen from space, flanked by razor-sharp LED headlights that give it an unmistakable glare. The hood lines are sculpted, muscular, and loud in the best possible way, while wheel arches are flared out like a bodybuilder ready for competition day. It’s more than a facelift—it’s a warning.
GMC didn’t mess with the DNA too much. The core Sierra platform stays, but the Ultra Beast feels like it skipped leg day never. It’s not trying to be a city slicker—it’s built to work, haul, and dominate.
V8 Thunder or Diesel Muscle
This truck doesn’t just look like it can tow a mountain. It actually can.
Here’s how the powertrain options shake out:
| Engine Option | Horsepower | Torque (est.) | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.2L V8 Gasoline | ~420 hp | 460 lb-ft | Best for towing, acceleration, full payload |
| 2.7L Turbo 4-Cylinder | ~310 hp | 430 lb-ft | Better fuel economy, great for daily use |
| 3.0L Duramax Diesel | ~305 hp | 495 lb-ft | Max towing (up to 13,300 lbs), best mpg |
| Mild-Hybrid Assist (V8) | Slight boost | Smoother power delivery, improved fuel savings |
All engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic, shifting smooth whether you’re crawling over rocks or cruising down the freeway. And the diesel? It’s still the torque king—perfect for anyone who regularly tows RVs, trailers, or heavy gear.
Inside
Crack open the door, and you’ll wonder if this truck moonlights as a luxury hotel suite.
In upper trims, like the Denali Ultimate, you get massaging leather seats, wood and metal accents, and active noise cancellation that makes the cabin whisper-quiet even at highway speeds. Seriously—this truck might have better seats than your couch.
Here’s what’s inside:
- 13.4-inch infotainment screen with crystal-clear graphics
- Wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto standard
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that’s customizable and sharp
- Built-in Google Assistant + OTA updates
- Premium Bose audio system (on higher trims)
And for safety? GMC packs it in:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane-keeping assist
- Automatic emergency braking
- Super Cruise hands-free driving available on select trims
Yes, Super Cruise now works while towing, which is a game-changer on long road trips. It’s available on thousands of miles of U.S. highways, and it actually makes the drive less exhausting.
Real-World MPG
Trucks aren’t known for sipping fuel, but GMC’s pushing for balance here.
| Engine | Estimated MPG (Combined) |
|---|---|
| 2.7L Turbo | 20–22 mpg |
| 6.2L V8 (gas) | 16–18 mpg |
| 3.0L Duramax Diesel | Up to 25 mpg (highway) |
| V8 w/ Mild-Hybrid | Slight improvement (~+1 mpg) |
The diesel is the surprise MVP for long-haul drivers, and the hybrid touches on the V8 help smooth performance without killing the muscle. You won’t mistake this for a Prius—but for a full-size, high-output pickup, these numbers hold up.
Trim Levels & Price
GMC knows its audience. Whether you’re a contractor looking for durability or a luxury buyer who wants power and polish, there’s a version for you.
| Trim Level | Starting Price (est.) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Pro | ~$40,000 | Steel wheels, no-nonsense work setup |
| SLE | ~$47,000 | Basic tech upgrades, cloth seats, 4G LTE modem |
| SLT | ~$53,000 | Leather, upgraded infotainment, nicer finish |
| AT4 / AT4X | ~$60,000–$70,000 | Off-road ready, lift kit, underbody protection |
| Denali / Denali Ultimate | ~$70,000+ | Premium luxury, Super Cruise, top-tier finishes |
Compared to Ford’s F-150 Platinum or Ram’s Limited trims, GMC’s Denali Ultimate is holding its own—and then some. You’re getting a truck that feels like a luxury SUV on the inside but still yanks a boat without breaking a sweat.
The Verdict
The 2026 GMC Ultra Beast is more than just a tough truck with a loud name. It’s a serious contender in the full-size pickup world—one that’s refined, strong, and surprisingly tech-savvy. Whether you’re chasing down job sites or off-road trails (or just want to look damn good doing either), this truck checks the boxes.
No gimmicks. Just beefed-up capability, smart tech, and a bold design that doesn’t whisper “pickup” it shouts it.
FAQs
The 6.2L V8 engine produces around 420 horsepower with about 460 lb-ft of torque.
Yes, depending on the engine, it can tow up to 13,300 pounds, especially with the diesel setup.
Yes, Super Cruise is available on upper trims and now supports towing on compatible highways.
The 2.7L turbo gets about 20–22 mpg, the V8 around 16–18 mpg, and the diesel up to 25 mpg on the highway.
Pricing starts around $40,000 for base trims and climbs past $70,000 for fully loaded Denali or AT4X models.
