Review: All-New 2023 GMC Yukon 4WD Denali Ultimate

My press loan for the week is the 2023 Yukon Denali Ultimate. The Yukon went into production in 1992 in North Texas at the Arlington GM plant as a two-door SUV with only two trim lines available. The Yukon was sold as a high-end option, so it was only natural for the Yukon to be the first vehicle in the GMC fleet to receive the Denali styling when it became available in 1999. When the Denali styling trim was released, it became a very popular package because there were few full-size upscale SUVs with features and luxurious appointments similar to luxury sedans. But there is now another level to the already popular Denali package. The Denali Ultimate package is the pinnacle of the Denali sub-brand, offering unmatched luxury and performance in the full-size SUV segment.

The Yukon Denali Ultimate is easily distinguishable from other Yukons because the Ultimate has Vader chrome finish accents and Galvano appointments positioned on the front fascia of the Yukon. There will be high-polished chrome detailing around all windows and door panels that pop. There are also exclusively designed 22-inch seven-spoke ultrabright machined wheels with bright chrome accents and dark paint.

The Alpine Umber interior perfectly enhances the elevated styling which includes genuine open-pore Paldao wood grain trim with a laser-etched topographical map of Mount Denali, aluminum décor trim to balance the wood and leather, and full-grain leather seats for all three rows. The front seats are 16-way power seats that will also provide a massage after a long day of work or outdoor adventuring. An 18-speaker Bose Performance Series audio system optimizes the unique acoustics of the vehicle's cabin, ensuring the sound quality remains consistent regardless of the driving conditions. To accomplish this, there are 18 strategically placed speakers, including a centerpoint speaker, a front bass speaker, and two subwoofers. There are also head restraint-based speakers for the front-row passengers that have etched metal speaker grilles that look elegant and fit seamlessly with the overall premium look.

The GMC Yukon I tested came with the 6.2L ECOTEC3 V8 that delivers an impressive class-leading 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque and is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 10-speed will provide great MPGs when not towing and will provide smooth and precise shifts making towing a breeze. This engine and transmission are available on both the Denali and Denali Ultimate trim levels. The Yukon Denali Ultimate will tow up to 8,000 pounds, which means it can tow in style just about any amount of weekend adventure one can come up with. In addition to its impressive towing capability, it has many advanced towing technologies that make towing easier and more convenient. These include Trailer Sway Control, which automatically detects and counteracts trailer sway, and an integrated trailer brake controller, which allows the driver to control the trailer brakes directly from the vehicle's dashboard.

One last impressive technology is GMC's Super Cruise driver assistance technology. This class-leading technology, as far as I know, is only available on GMC vehicles.

• This technology works on divided highways that have been mapped by GM to let a driver take their hands off the wheel and let the vehicle take over in certain situations.
• Super Cruise also offers features such as lane keeping, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking.
• It also includes a special camera system that provides a view of the trailer from behind the vehicle, helping to make it easier to maneuver in tight spaces.

I thoroughly enjoyed all the luxury styling cues that were offered with this new upscale trim. It's because of quality luxury designs like the Denali, and a few other full-size luxury SUVs, that put a hurt on the luxury sedan industry, changing the automotive industry forever. This all-new Denali Ultimate trim is currently available on dealers' lots. Go drive one.

Specifications

Engine: 420 horsepower 6.2L ECOTEC3 V8
Torque: 460 pound-feet
Transmission: 10-Speed
Wheels: 22-inch Seven Spoke Ultrabright Machined
Sound: CONTE18-speaker Bose Performance SeriesNT
MSRP (shown): $97,745.00

Learn More

For more information or to test drive this vehicle for yourself, stop by a local dealer or visit online at:
GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate

About GMC

With a strong foundation of manufacturing trucks since 1902 and now selling in a dozen countries across the world, GMC offers purpose-built vehicles designed and engineered to the highest standard. From the all-new compact SUV Terrain to the Sierra HD, our trucks and crossovers deliver GMC's signature combination of intuitive technologies and premium execution, with the popular Denali representing the pinnacle of GMC design, performance and amenities. Details on all GMC models are available at www.gmc.com, on Twitter at @GMC or at www.facebook.com/gmc.