GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate

Totally capable, the new GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate is the one vehicle that can do it all. But can it really? Think about it: The Yukon is essentially a luxury truck but it’s much more. And like the Yukon, we at Napleton News like to do it all, sometimes to excess. Read on to hear more.

What’s the Yukon Denali all about?

The GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate is the over-achieving cousin to the GMC Sierra and the Chevrolet Silverado and Suburban. It’s a full-size Sport Utility Vehicle that is as adept at off-roading as it is running on a full-blown paved highway.

Power for the Yukon Denali comes from a choice of three engines. The base engine is the tried and true 5.3-liter V8 making 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. There is a 3.0-liter turbodiesel making 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque but since ours is the “Ultimate,” that means that not just any run-of-the-mill, er, mill, will do. As a result, our chariot this week is equipped with the 420 horsepower 6.2-liter V8 that makes 460 lb-ft of torque.

By the way, any trim level can be ordered with the turbodiesel option.

All engines are matched to 10-speed automatic transmissions. Rear-wheel drive is standard but models like the AT4, AT4 Ultimate and our Denali Ultimate are equipped with all-wheel drive.

Our sampler came with GM’s Magnetic Ride Control system and air ride adaptive suspension. With this, sensors monitor road conditions and adapt accordingly by firming up or softening the ride quality through electrically-charged magnetic fluids. It’s a tried and true system seen everywhere from Corvettes to Ferraris.

The Premium Looks of the Yukon Denali

After undergoing a refresh a few years ago, the GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate maintains its new composure with a new revised front end and new 24-inch wheels. Otherwise, the elegant, but boxy appearance returns looking better than ever.

Being the upscale relation to the Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, the GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate is key with the “see-and-be-seen” crowd. Although essentially a similar vehicle to the Suburban and Tahoe, there is a certain “class-above” appearance possessed by the Yukon. Maybe it’s the extra bling on the front but we think it makes for a better look than its more utilitarian Chevrolet cousins.

A look inside the Yukon Denali

The only thing missing from the interior of the Yukon Denali is a refrigerator. If that was here, you’d never leave. Seats are comfortable in all rows, while a 16.8 inch infotainment display screen holds sway over the center console. Ours included a rear-mounted video screen that offered entertainment to the shorties (or adults) in the mid and “wayback” rows. Adults fit nicely in the third row, too. These second row bits were part of the Yukon’s executive seating package with heated, ventilated and massaging middle row seats, and a center console with wireless charging.

Massaging front seats helped to keep the knots in your back at bay, especially when on a cross-country excursion. As delivered in standard form, the Yukon can seat up to eight passengers. But ordering the more desirable second row captain’s chairs reduces that number to seven passengers. They are the perfect solution for those days of “Mom, she’s touching me.”

Total cargo capacity for the GMC Yukon checks in at 133 Cubic Feet. For those needing more, there’s always the larger Yukon XL with 145 cubic feet of storage with both rows stowed.

Behind the wheel of the GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate.

The GMC Yukon Denali can be summed up in four words: Large-and-in-charge. Almost floaty, like a boat, the Yukon offers a smooth, commanding ride above most other vehicles. It’s just plain tall!

Road noise is largely kept at bay in this behemoth, although the 24-inch tires can be a bit bumpy over “sleeping policemen” and other obstacles.

Power is plentiful and ready when needed with the Denali. There’s the classic NASCAR growl from the 6.2-liter V8, which really shouldn’t come from a large SUV but we’re glad it does. The Denali gives the impression that when cruising at speed it will hunker down to the pavement.

This is all not to say you put the car on GM’s Supercruise and let it go on its way! You could if you wanted but we were afraid one eye would shut, and the second eye would soon follow. We had visions of sleeping Tesla Owners and decided not to be those guys.

GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate Specifications.