The GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate

In its own right, the GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate is massive. The Yukon is GMC’s full-size SUV three-row vehicle, that depending on configuration and trim level, can haul up to nine passengers. Yes, nine. That’s a basketball team with two reserve players, a coach and an equipment manager. In the case of Napleton News’ Yukon Ultimate, you’ll have to leave the two reserve players behind, as it only seats seven. Still, this high-rise land yacht has a reputation for a reason. Read on to find out why.

Have the GMC Yukon Denali your way.

There are several ways to outfit your new GMC Yukon Denali. Start with the entry level, and move up from there. Here’s the lineup:

• GMC Yukon SLE: The base model starts with power from a 5.3-liter V8, a 10-speed automatic transmission and a rear-wheel drive powertrain.

• The GMC Yukon SLT: Includes the same 5.3-liter V8, a 10-speed automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive, and available tilt-sliding panoramic sunroofs.

• GMC Yukon AT4: Includes a 6.2-liter V8 engine, active response 4WD system, skid plates and 20-inch all-terrain tires.

• The GMC Yukon Denali: Is powered by a 6.2-liter V8, 10-speed automatic, available air ride adaptive suspension and a power sliding center console. Towing capability can reach up to 8,200 pounds.

• GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate: Also powered by a 6.2-liter V8 with 10-speed automatic transmission, it includes a Bose 18-speaker premium audio system and GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance technology.

On models not so equipped, they can be upgraded with available all-wheel drive for $3,000. Long wheelbase XL models cost an additional $3,000 per model.

What moves the GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate?

GMC gives prospective buyers the luxury of choice. While power for lower trim levels of the GMC Yukon come with the reliable 355 horsepower 5.3-liter small block engine making 383 lb-ft of torque, the high-end Denali Ultimate gets the 420 horsepower / 460 lb-ft of torque 6.2-liter V8. Both engines have GM’s Dynamic Fuel Management technology that shuts down select cylinders once cruising speed has been reached.
For those who like oil-burners (aka Diesel engines), the Yukon Denali can be outfitted with a 3.0-liter Duramax Turbo Diesel delivering 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.
All engines are matched to a ten-speed automatic transmission with either rear- or all-wheel drive.

How does the GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate look?

Choice is a theme that continues through the Yukon lineup. Start with the standard Yukon that measures in at 210 inches in length. If you need more space, the Yukon XL brings an additional 15.2 inches, making it 225.2 inches of overall length. That’s almost as large as a typical New York City block, so some due diligence measuring your garage might be in order, first.

At the front, the Ultimate features a new, yet massively understated grille. It’s still as big and pronounced as the last blingy one, but ours featured a dark treatment that has been offset by a black GMC logo in the grille’s center. Still, there’s no mistaking what you’re looking at.

Power assist steps are here, too and in this case they are actually warranted. Unlike many lesser SUVs, the Yukon Denali rides higher making the steps necessary. Other SUVs that include them only get the occupant’s pants dirty whenever they get out. Finally, there are quad pipes in the back to blow out all the dead dinosaurs.

And Inside?

The interior of the GMC Yukon Denali is planted firmly in luxury territory. That means it has massaging, ventilated and heated seats, an unlimited Wi-Fi data plan and a multicolor head up display. There’s also 18-speaker Bose premium audio system, 10.2-inch color touchscreen display, and a rear seat infotainment system with wireless headphones. Finally, there is our favorite, the rear camera mirror, which functions as a regular mirror. With the flick of a switch, it displays a camera’s view of everything behind you.

Behind the Wheel of the Yukon Denali Ultimate

It’s a brute of a machine, this Yukon Denali Ultimate. It’s almost- but not quite- a bit unwieldy pulling out into the street. But just squeeze the skinny pedal to feel it go. With locomotive-like power, it takes off like a freight train about to blow its boiler. A bit of hyperbole hurt no one, right?
Still, awakening the 6.2-liter V8 shows just how much power is under the hood of the Yuke. It’s a derivative of the same engine found in the newish Chevrolet C-8 Corvette Stingray, so you know it has guts. And that’s what you want to see when driving one of the largest SUVs on the road.
The independent rear suspension makes it more manageable than Yukons and other large SUVs of the past. Magnetic ride control-the same as that found on Corvette and Ferrari platforms-goes even further, using sensors to stiffen or soften the ride as needed.
As it goes, the GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate becomes the, er, ultimate magic carpet ride (Cue Steppenwolf music).

GMC Yukon Specifications

2024 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate Specifications
Engine Type	6.2-liter V8 engine with Dynamic Fuel Management
Horsepower	420 hp @ 5,600 rpm
Torque	460 lb-ft @ 4,100 rpm
Transmission	10-speed automatic transmission
Fuel Economy (Combined/City/Hwy)	16/14/18
Suspension F/R	Coilover Shock / Multilink
Turning Circle	39.7 ft.
Also Available	2WD, 5.3-liter V8, 3.0-liter Diesel, various trim levels.
Specs
Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	5 years/60,000 miles
NHTSA Safety Rating	4 star
Max Seating Capacity	7 or 9 depending on configuration
Wheelbase	120.9 inches
Overall Length	210.0 inches
Width	81.0 inches
Height	76.5 inches
Cargo Room (Behind 1st, 2nd, 3rd row)	122.9/72.6/25.5 Cubic Feet
Headroom, Front	40.4 inches
Headroom, 2nd	37.5 inches
Headroom, 3rd	38.2 inches
Legroom, 1st	44.5 inches
Legroom, 2nd	42.0 inches
Legroom, 3rd	34.9 inches
Shoulder room, 1st row	66.0 inches
Shoulder room, 2nd row	64.8 inches
Shoulder room, 3rd row	62.7 inches