2023 GMC Yukon Denali
GMC Yukon Details
V8, 6.2L
STERLING METALLIC
4WD
Gasoline
6,408 Miles
ALPINE UMBER
8581A
1GKS2EKL6PR521340
1500
Denali
2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate 4WD Review
When General Motors redesigned its family of full-size SUVs for the 2021 model year, it emerged as a more polished grouping with status-elevating mechanical, packaging and electronics upgrades. From Tahoe to Escalade, it was a job very well done. Take this GMC Yukon for example, it’s now offered in a new range-topping trim known as Denali Ultimate and when fitted with the big 6.2-liter V8, painted in this new for 2023 Titanium Rush Metallic and equipped with Super Cruise hands-free driving, the price tallies over $99,000. So yeah, GM has taken these machines upmarket.Here are my five favorite Yukon Denali Ultimate features and a handful of gripes.
1)Let’s start with the drive: the combination of magnetic ride control afforded by GM’s fourth generation shock absorber technology and four-corner air suspension gives this a dreamboat ride quality. The body floats on these cushions so to speak for exemplary cruising but it also feels big and less than graceful on the backroads. And this venerable 420 horsepower V8 is just a bear – albeit a thirsty one that nets only 16 MPG on premium gas. A diesel is also available and that returns 22 MPG. 4WD is standard.
2)Though I personally love the off-road look of the AT4 trim, this new Denali Ultimate grade with its dark chrome accents and unique grille with over 10,000 individual reflective surfaces is an impressive looking beast. These 22” wheels, however, much too busy for my tastes.
3) This Alpine Umber, super soft leather and beautiful wood trim with a topographical map of Mount Denali is gorgeous. This truly possesses the richness of a nearly $100,000 SUV. Combined with the 18-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system with metal grilles in the headrests, I find this to be more appealing, easier to use and far more functional than the interior design of the new Range Rover. What would I change? GM needs to take a page out of the Mercedes playbook and get the seat controls off of the seats themselves and onto the door where you can actually see them…this is particularly aggravating when trying to get a massage…I know. Rich guy issues, for sure.
4) Wow. This is a great 3rd row. Perfectly sized without any uncomfortable intrusion from the rear suspension since GM redesigned the Yukon with a independent multi-link setup. And remember, if you require even more legroom back here and an additional 15 cubic feet of cargo room behind these seats, the Yukon XL Denali Ultimate awaits for about $3,000 more.
5) And lastly, if you’ve been watching my videos for a while, you know I think the world of Super Cruise and now it’s better than ever. This latest version of hands-free driving even handles the lane changes, construction zones, incoming traffic…you name it. It is nothing short of brilliant. And here’s the best part, it even works off the highway now. Look at this. I’m on a 55MPH two lane rural road and I’m just sitting here. And this also works while trailering…it’s a $2,200 option and don’t you dare skip it.