In terms of comfort, GMC’s redesigned Yukon Denali is closer to a Cadillac than a GMC truck.
The Denali is the most luxurious version of the Yukon, and it shares its 116-inch chassis and basic mechanical components with the Chevy Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade. The Denali is on par with the Escalade.
The first thing you notice about the Denali’s new styling is the sleek windshield, blunt nose and perforated chrome grille. The stance looks purposefully low, even though it has decent ground clearance. The Yukon’s styling is accented with jewel-look lights that have halogen bulbs in front. The rear lights sit behind clear lenses.
The Denali has full-time all-wheel drive with no extra-low gearing for off-road use. All-wheel drive provides good traction in a variety of conditions without the driver having to manually select four-wheel drive.
Handy features include power adjustable pedals and a power liftgate, which is especially useful when you have your hands full of kids, groceries or suitcases.
The test car’s interior was inviting because it has a handsome mixture of metallic surfaces, wood trim and leather. The steering wheel spokes are covered with brushed titanium pieces that look like metal. Fingertip controls for cruise control and audio make highway driving easier.
The large gauges have light gray numerals that I found hard to read during cloudy days. Illuminating the gauges during the daytime would have erased that problem.
The center stack has large, flat knobs, woodgrain trim and easy-to-use controls for audio and climate control.
The lid that covers the center console’s cup holder glides open quietly like one in a luxury sedan. The downside to the lid, however, is that it snags the tops of drink cups.
Even though the Denali’s seats are thinner than the previous model’s, they are still soft and cushy. They have more fore and aft travel, too. Lateral and lumbar support is quite good, and the lumbar support can be adjusted to suit each driver. I missed inboard armrests when I drove on the highway.
An optional power fold-and-tumble second-row seat eases access to the third-row seat. The driver can release the seat, or there are buttons on the C-pillar.
The third-row seat takes up most of the luggage space when it is in place. When folded, it still takes up a sizable chunk of the trunk’s space. Removing the seat for hauling leaves large seat tracks in the cargo floor. GMC should have designed a third seat that folds into the cargo floor.
The Yukon Denali comes with a 6.2-liter, 380-horsepower V-8 and a six-speed automatic transmission. This engine produces over 400 pound-feet of torque, which is useful for towing big trailers or hauling heavy loads.
The automatic transmission has a manual-shift function that would be useful for towing trailers or driving in the mountains.
Fuel economy is rated at 13 miles per gallon in the city and 19 on the highway. I averaged 17.5 on a highway trip with one person on board.
It’s too bad the Denali isn’t available with a high-tech diesel engine that would give about 25 percent better fuel economy.
Highway cruising is extremely comfortable. The ride is smooth, wind noise is minimal, and the cabin is lavishly equipped. Price
The test vehicle had a base price of $47,115. Options included 20-inch chrome wheels, rear-seat entertainment system and power sunroof. The sticker price was $52,275. Warranty
Three years or 36,000 miles with a five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine: 6.2-liter, 380-hp V-8
Transmission: Automatic
All-wheel drive
Wheelbase: 116 inches
Curb weight: 5,674 lbs.
Base price: $47,115
As driven: $52,275
MPG rating: 13 city, 19 hwy.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine: 6.2-liter, 380-hp V-8
Transmission: Automatic
All-wheel drive
Wheelbase: 116 inches
Curb weight: 5,674 lbs.
Base price: $47,115
As driven: $52,275
MPG rating: 13 city, 19 hwy.
At A Glance
Point: The Denali is the fanciest Yukon, and it is plush and luxurious. The interior is as nice as any expensive sedan, with great textures, supportive seats and smooth controls. The 6.2-liter engine enables heavy towing.
Counterpoint: The Yukon’s third seat is cumbersome when folded, and has to be removed completely for maximum cargo hauling. Fuel economy isn’t great.
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