For the ultimate in style and comfort, GMC’S Yukon full-size sport utility now comes in a Denali version, the brand’s high-end luxury trim level.
With a complete makeover for 2021, the Yukon received all-new styling, interiors and technologies, and, for the first time, the choice of a diesel engine.
Yukon still offers two body lengths: the regular model at 210 inches, and the Yukon XL at 225.2 inches, and the Denali version is offered in both sizes. These two sizes are on parallel with the shorter Chevrolet Tahoe and longer Suburban, as well as the Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, all of which are made on the same architecture.
For 2023, the Yukon also will be available in a Denali Ultimate version with standard four-wheel drive.
Prices for the 2023 Yukon regular models begin at $57,400 (plus $1,795 freight) for the rear-wheel-drive SLE regular-length model with the base 5.3-liter V-8 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission, or $60,500 with four-wheel drive.
The 3.0-liter Duramax inline six-cylinder diesel engine may be substituted for an additional $995.
Other trim levels include the SLT ($64,200 2WD; $67,200 4WD; 5.3-liter); AT4 ($70,805, 4WD only, 5.3-liter engine); Denali ($72,905, 2WD, Diesel; 6.2-liter; $74,405, 4WD, 6.2-liter); and Denali Ultimate ($93,600, Diesel; $94,655, 6.2 V-8).
Yukon XL models range from $60,100 to $99,150, and are available in the same trim levels and configurations as the regular-length models.
Our tester for this report was the regular-length 2022 Yukon Denali four-wheel drive model with the 6.2-liter V-8 engine. With freight and options, total sticker price was $84,945.
The newest generation of the Yukon is roomier inside for passengers and cargo than the previous generation, especially in the third row, where there is an additional 10 inches of legroom in the regular-length model. Cargo space also expands by 68 percent behind the third row, to 25.5 cubic feet, in the standard-length model.
These boosts in passenger and cargo space result from a longer wheelbase and longer overall vehicle length, as well as a new independent rear suspension, which allows for a lower interior floor.
Standard power for the Yukon comes from the 5.3-liter V-8 engine, rated at 355 horsepower and 383 foot-pounds of torque.
Denali models come with the 6.2-liter V-8 engine, which cranks out 420 horsepower and 460 foot-pounds of torque. This engine is optional on the AT4 model, which comes only with four-wheel drive.
The available 3.0-liter turbo-diesel engine, which is designed for trailering capability, provides 277 horsepower, but the same 460 foot-pounds of torque as found in the 6.2-liter gasoline engine.
All engines are connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission with electronic shift control. All of those extra gears do take a bit of getting used to if you’ve been driving vehicles with simpler automatics, but they are there to help boost performance and fuel efficiency at the same time.
A trailering package is standard on all models. An enhanced trailering experience is offered with the available Trailering Integration Package (not included on our tester).
Maximum towing capacity on the Yukon is 8,400 pounds on two-wheel-drive models with the 5.3-liter engine, and 8,100 pounds on four-wheel-drives.
Our four-wheel-drive 6.2-liter gasoline-powered standard Yukon Denali had a towing capacity of 8,000 pounds.
These well-equipped and luxury–appointed big SUVs have seating for up to eight passengers, and plenty of cargo space. The available seven-passenger seating layout – included on our tester — has dual captain’s chairs in the middle row instead of a three-person bench.
Our Yukon Denali came in premium Redwood Metallic exterior color ($495), with perforated-leather front bucket seats and the Teak/Light Shale interior color scheme.
Standard is an independent rear suspension paired with Magnetic Ride Control.
The Denali Ultimate Package ($11,355) brought a range of trim, safety and performance upgrades, including the Air Ride Adaptive Suspension, which provides enhanced ride and handling characteristics, and the limited-slip electronic differential.
Other features of this package included 22-inch bright-aluminum machined wheels, max trailering system, rear-seat media system, power-retractable side assist steps with perimeter lighting, adaptive cruise control, and a rearview mirror camera system.
Inside, we had heated and ventilated front seats that were quite comfortable, with power adjustment for driver and passenger, with four-way lumbar, and second-row heated bucket seats.
There was also a power panoramic sunroof, rear-camera mirror, and heated steering wheel. There was a memory feature for the driver’s seat, outside mirrors and the tilt/slide steering column.
The rear-camera mirror eliminated the blocking of the rearview mirror by the rear headrests and body parts. The driver can flip the mirror back to standard view if desired.
Tri-zone automatic climate control, universal garage/gate opener, and a 114-speaker Bose audio system were included, with a 10.2-inch infotainment screen.
Our vehicle had the power-fold third-row bench seat and second-row bucket seats with power release to fold them for extra cargo space. The buttons for these are on the right side wall of the cargo compartment. There is a hands-free power liftgate that works automatically with the key still in the operator’s pocket
The special Denali Galvano chrome grille features a pattern with more than 10,000 individual reflective surfaces.
In our standard Yukon, the cargo area behind the third-row seat is now 25.5 cubic feet, up from the previous generation’s 15.3 cubic feet. With the third row folded, it expands to 72.6 cubic feet, and with both rear seats folded, there is 122.9 cubic feet of space.
There is a rotary dial on the dash that has settings for 2WD, Automatic, 4WD High or 4WD Low. That means there is a low-range setting for serious off-road driving, although not many people would put such an expensive vehicle into such a situation.
This newest Yukon features a quieter cabin, smoother performance and more-efficient powertrain than the previous generation.
EPA ratings for our four-wheel-drive Yukon Denali with the 6.2-liter engine were 14 mpg city/19 highway/16 combined. During our test, with about a 60-40 mix of highway-city driving, we averaged 15.6 mpg.
Safety features include front and rear automatic braking, which uses radar and ultrasonic sensors to help avoid low-speed collisions; as well as GM’s Safety Alert Seat, which vibrates under the driver to warn about potential crash threats. An HD Surround Vision camera system was also included on our tester.
All of these big SUVs are assembled at the General Motors plant in Arlington, Texas.
The automotive columns of G. Chambers Williams III have appeared regularly in the Express-News since 2000. Contact him at chambers@auto-writer.com. His driving partner Emma Jayne Williams contributed to this report.
2022/23 GMC Yukon (standard length)
The package: Full-size, seven- or eight-passenger, five-door, four-wheel-drive, V-8 gasoline-powered or inline six-cylinder turbo-diesel-powered sport utility vehicle.
Highlights: The Yukon, completely redesigned for 2021, is a sturdy family hauler with lots of power, a smooth ride, and a long list of standard and optional convenience and safety features.
Negatives: Can get quite pricey.
Engine: 5.3-liter V-8 gasoline; 6.2-liter V-8 gasoline; 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder diesel.
Transmission: 10-speed automatic.
Power/torque: 355 HP./383 foot-pounds (5.3-liter); 420 HP./460 foot-pounds (6.2 liter); 277 HP./460 foot-pounds (diesel).
Brakes, front/rear: Disc/disc, antilock.
Length: 210 inches.
Curb weight range: 5,490-5,922 pounds.
Cargo capacity: 25.5 cubic feet (behind third row); 72.6 cubic feet (behind second row, third row folded).
Electronic stability control: Standard.
Side air bags: Front seat-mounted, three-row side curtain.
Towing capacity: 8,400 pounds (2WD/5.3-liter); 8,000 pounds (4WD, 6.2-liter).
EPA fuel economy: 14 mpg city/20 highway/16 combined (6.2 liter, 2WD); 14/19/16 (6.2-liter, 4WD).
Fuel capacity/type: 24 gallons/unleaded regular gasoline (5.3, 6.2); low-sulfur diesel (3.0 diesel).
Base price range (2023): $57,400-$94,665, plus $1,795 freight.
Price as tested: $84,945 with freight and options (2022 Yukon Denali 4WD, 6.2-liter).
Major competitors: Wagoneer, Lincoln Navigator, Infiniti QX80, Lexus GX 460.
On the Road rating: 9.3 (of a possible 10).
Prices shown are manufacturer’s suggested retail; actual selling price may vary.