The 2007 Sierra Denali was initially the only half-ton pickup that had a 6.2L V8 engine with 403 hp (301 kW) and 417 lb⋅ft (565 N⋅m) of torque coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission.

A new high-performance 6.2L V8 (with 403 hp (301 kW) and 417 lb⋅ft (565 N⋅m) of torque) was introduced with the 2007 Cadillac Escalade and GMC Sierra/Yukon Denali line, and was made available in the Silverado 1500 for MY 2009.

[8] The unique 2ML70 transmission / hybrid drive unit houses the electric motors along with three planetary gear sets and four traditional clutches.

An integrated trailer brake controller, first available on the Silverado and Sierra HD for 2007, is now an option on 1500 series trucks.

It included the 5.3L Vortec V8 with Active Fuel Management, a soft tonneau cover, XFE badging, aluminum wheels, and low rolling resistance tires.

The 6.2L V8 was given wider availability, now being optional on LT and SLE Extended and Crew Cabs, completely supplanting the light-duty Vortec 6000 V8 in the process.

Cooled seats were made optional on LTZ and SLT, and the woodgrain trim was replaced with brushed aluminum.

[citation needed] For the first time, the 8.1L big block V8 is no longer offered on the Heavy-Duty models, and no replacement was announced.

The front suspension incorporates new upper and lower control arms and new torsion bars tailored to one of five different gross axle weight ratings.

Using a unique torsion bar for each gross weight rating allows for better control over vehicle height, resulting in improved handling and better alignment for reduced tire wear.

The rear suspension design uses asymmetrical leaf springs that are wider and capable of greater load handling.

The design features three-inch-wide leaves, with front and rear spring sections of different lengths to reduce the twisting that can result in axle hop and loss of traction.