Denali, GMC’s sub-brand, is known for its high level of luxury. In the Yukon, the Yukon Denali is quite impressive. But what if you want to elevate the Yukon to an even higher level? That’s where the Denali Ultimate comes in.
For 2023, GMC introduces the Ultimate package – a trim level that is available on top of the Denali that includes a unique upholstery and interior trim that further sets it apart for its Tahoe cousin, but at the same time pushes it closer to its other cousin, the Cadillac Escalade.
If any vehicle can make a great big first impression, it’s the Yukon Denali. And in Ultimate form, it gets even better. Dark chrome replaces the bright chrome, and the red GMC badges are now done in a monochromatic appearance. Up front, there is that huge grille flanked by multi-element headlamps at each side, all leading up to the tall and broad hood. Along the sides are fender vents with a spoiler and dual exhaust completing the rear.
Step inside the Yukon Denali and the Ultimate package becomes even more evident. The tester’s interior was done in Alpine Umber, and featured full-grain leather seats, arm rests, and center console, capped by elaborate exclusive contrast stitching. The interior trim is a mixture of brushed aluminum and elegant open-pore Paldao woodgrain – which translates into less plastic than ever before. A nice touch is a topographical map of Mount Denali that is laser-etched into the glovebox of the woodgrain dash trim.
Denali Yukons enjoy a unique dashboard not shared with the other models. The most obvious difference is the placement of the 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen – embedded in the dash on the Denali rather than perched atop as it is in the SLE, SLT and the off-road-oriented AT4 Yukons. Along with that main screen there is an 8-inch one in the instrument cluster, one in the rear-view mirror(making it a rear-view camera), two 12.6-inch headrest screens for the second-row passenger as part of the optional rear-seat entertainment setup, and my favorite, a huge 15.0-inch Heads-Up-Display (HUD) that can be set to display a ton of useful information including the vehicle speed, actual speed and lane keep assist.
To be sure that all occupants are always connected, the Yukon is equipped with 7 USB ports, 2 HDMI ports, Bluetooth, WI-Fi, a wireless charging pad and 2 120-volt plugs. Road trip, anyone?
Powering this ultimate Yukon is the familiar 6.2-liter V8 making 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Lesser Yukons continue with the familiar 5.3-liter V8 engine which cranks out 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. A 3.0-liter diesel inline-six rated at 270 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque is also available on Yukons, including the Denali. All Yukons use a 10-speed automatic transmission.
The Denali Ultimate, which, like all Denalis, are all-wheel drive, include other hardware goodies like Magnetic Ride Control, Air Ride Adaptive Suspension, Active Response 4WD system with electronic limited-slip differential, and an Auto Track two-speed transfer case. Super Cruise, GM’s driver assistance system, is optional on the Denali Ultimate.
On the road, the Yukon Denali Ultimate feels solid, safe, and smooth. The new independent rear suspension system that GM is using in their full-size SUVs along with GMCs magnetic ride control and adaptive suspension means you get a big SUV with an amazingly smooth and quiet ride. Although it is quite a large SUV, it is much nimble than one would think.
Big, hefty SUVs carry big, heavy price tags, and the GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate is no different. Base price of the Denali Ultimate is $93,255. The tester was fitted with Super Cruise and special exterior paint, bringing the total price to $97,745 – a lot of money for a GM SUV that doesn’t have a Cadillac emblem on it. Still, with the popularity of luxury SUVs and the fact that they can do it all (carry three rows of passengers, haul tons of gear and tow a boat or trailer) – there is little doubt that GMC will have any difficulty selling every Yukon Denali Ultimate it makes.
– Christopher A. Randazzo
By The Numbers:
Base Price: $93,255.00
Price as Tested: $97,745.00
Layout: front-engine / four-wheel drive
Engine: 6.2 liter V8
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Horsepower: 420 hp
Torque: 460 lb/ft
EPA Fuel Economy: 14 city / 18 highway mpg
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