By: Peter Gregorian
May 28, 2024
For those in search of a full-size family hauler, there is plenty of choice from both domestic and import brands, but few carry the tradition of the Yukon. The GMC Yukon Denali has always been positioned in the upper-middle tier of GM’s hierarchy of brands and vehicles; slotted above the Chevrolet Tahoe but below the Cadillac Escalade. Despite being the “middle child”, our week-long stint with the 2024 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate – courtesy of GM Canada – revealed that while it shares the same chassis as other models, there are quite a few differences.
The exterior of the 2024 Yukon Denali Ultimate is undeniably American thanks to a blend of chrome, ruggedness and sheer size. The test vehicle was finished in Titanium Rush Metallic which is predominantly gray but changes to a blue-purple hue in harsher lighting conditions. The front fascia is dominated by a bold, black chrome-laden grille that is both assertive and elegant, flanked by sleek LED headlights that exude modernity. Viewing the side profile, the exclusive 22-inch bright machined aluminum wheels act as a statement piece not only enhancing the vehicle’s stance but also its road presence.
Despite its size, stepping into the Yukon Denali is a breeze using the power retractable assist steps. Inside, the interior is akin to a first-class cabin on wheels. Natural light from the panoramic sunroof floods an interior swathed in supple full-grain leather finished in an Alpine Umber color theme which is both warm and inviting especially with the Paldao wood inlays adding a touch of natural elegance. Although it took some adjusting of the 16-Way Power Front Seats to get comfortable, the massaging function offered therapy on longer drives.
The Yukon Denali Ultimate’s cargo space is generous, offering ample room for luggage, shopping bags, outdoor gear and large furniture. With all seven seats occupied, there is 722 liters (25.5 cubic feet) of space behind the third row. Electrically stowing the third row seats reveals 2056 liters (72.6 cubic feet) of space behind the second row. For larger loads, all passenger seats can be stowed flat for a total of 3480 liters (122.9 cubic feet) of cargo room.
Under the hood, the Denali Ultimate is powered by a 6.2-liter V8 engine that delivers a robust 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. This powerplant is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission that provides smooth and responsive shifts. The engine contributes to a refined driving experience that is both exhilarating and composed.
With this motor and the Max Trailering Package equipped, towing capacity is rated up to 3,628 kilograms (8,000 pounds). Despite the size of the motor, a curb weight of 2,531 kilograms (5,580 pounds) made the vehicle feel sluggish in the acceleration department.
The Yukon Denali Ultimate’s handling is elevated by the adaptive air ride suspension, which adjusts the vehicle’s ride height to suit different driving conditions. This system not only improves ride comfort but also enhances the vehicle’s aerodynamics and fuel efficiency at highway speeds. Equipped with the Magnetic Ride Control – an advanced damping system – the Yukon Denali delivered comfort and poise over all roads.
The centerpiece of the cabin is a 10.2-inch diagonal GMC Premium Infotainment System that provides intuitive access to navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings including Google built-in along with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Media played through the 18-Speaker Bose Performance Series sound system impressed with deep bass and clear vocals despite the larger cabin space. For those along for the ride, two dual tilting 12.6″ diagonal high-definition touchscreens provide access to entertainment for rear seat passengers.
A crisp and clear 15-inch Head-Up Display projects vital information onto the windshield and offers various displays to suit the driving situation. Placement of the buttons within the cabin required familiarization as it was not uncommon to mistake the dual-zone climate control fan knob for the volume knob. For rear seat passengers,
Safety in the Yukon Denali Ultimate is comprehensive as it comes equipped with an array of advanced safety features, including GMC Pro Safety Plus, which encompasses Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Front Pedestrian Braking. The HD Surround Vision and Rear Pedestrian Alert bolster the driver’s situational awareness, making it easier to navigate tight spaces and busy streets. Notably, the Surround Vision can be configured to help guide a trailer when the need arises.
One standout feature of the Denali Ultimate is the latest iteration of Super Cruise, an advanced driver-assistance system for hands-free driving on up to 640,000 kilometers of road. Although the system took some trust to get used to – especially during the auto lane changes – it performed near perfect across various highway driving situations.
The 2024 Yukon Denali Ultimate’s fuel economy is a testament to GMC’s engineering prowess, balancing the V8’s performance with efficiency. For a vehicle of this stature, the fuel economy figures are acceptable. EnerGuide estimates point to 16.6L/100KM in the city and 13.0L/100KM on the highway, however, given the intoxicating sound produced by the V8, real world combined mileage over the course of the week was closer to 17.4L/100KM.
Within the GMC line-up, the Yukon Denali Ultimate represents the top trim. As such, it commands a premium over the SLE which starts at $84,033; the SLT at $92,733; the AT4 at $97,233, and the Denali at $107,800. As tested, the Yukon Denali Ultimate bears a price tag of $132,589 which includes the optional Enhanced trailer Technology Package ($1,100); Floor Liner Package ($715); Titanium Rush Metallic Exterior Paint ($495); Engine Block Heater ($195) and a Trailer Tire Pressure Monitor ($75).
The 2024 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate offers a compelling combination of comfort, performance, and technology. For those in pursuit of a vehicle that allows them to enjoy the finer things in life without added pretension, the Yukon Denali Ultimate represents just that – a well-appointed family hauler that bears a badge with American pedigree.
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