Looking for middle ground between mainstream and luxury SUVs among the large three-row options? The 2025 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate may be just the ticket.
All three rows of the Yukon have plenty of headroom and leg space—enough to carry up to eight adult passengers in comfort. Power-retractable side steps make it easy to enter. And large door openings, a tall roof and sliding second-row seats make third-row access a cinch.
Yukons muscular 6.2-liter V8 delivers 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque
This engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and features an advanced four-wheel-drive system, ensuring both power and versatility. It stands ready to pull up to 8,000 pounds when equipped with 4WD. And if you need more, Yukon’s max tow rate reaches 8,400 pounds with the rear-wheel drive 5.3-liter engine option. Yukon is EPA-estimated at 16 mpg combined with the 6.2-liter engine and 17 mpg combined with the 5.3-liter.
To be expected, Yukon is a heavy vehicle with a top-heavy design that sacrifices some of its handling capability. But the light steering effort makes it easy to navigate about town. If you’re looking for off-road capability, the AT4 trim would be your choice, but the Denali’s air suspension and two-speed transfer case will get you over most tough spots.
The cabin is quiet and the climate system does a great job at delivering to all three rows. And cargo space is plentiful. Space behind the third-row measures 25.5 cubic feet. And when you fold the rear seats down, you get a whopping 122.9 cubes of storage. GM designers were also thoughtful about storage for small personal items throughout the cabin.
All the GM-built vehicles come with its latest Google-based operating system. Yukon has a 16.8-inch touchscreen supporting wireless connection to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Between the USB ports and wireless charging pad, all eight passengers could charge up simultaneously.
The decadent 4WD Denali Ultimate variant pushes the envelope in the competition between American-made SUVs and European rivals in the large luxury SUV category.
While the top shelf Yukon has a price tag topping the 6-figure mark, the Yukon Denali Ultimate still comes in lower priced if you’re comparing it to Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and BMW X7.
The Denali Ulimate adds 24-inch wheels, air suspension, max trailering package, a panoramic sunroof, Woodland Mahogany full-grain leather upholstery, 16-way massaging front seats, a rear-seat entertainment system, and 18-speaker Bose surround-sound system. But the included Super Cruise in particular stands to be the true deal-clencher in the comparison.
Operating somewhat like Tesla’s Autopilot, General Motor’s Super Cruise driver assistance technology allows hands-free driving on compatible roads.
The technology functions with OnStar®* and uses real-time cameras, sensors, GPS and LiDAR map data to detect curves, helping to make long drives and commutes more comfortable.
Further testament to how the future of driving might lie in a seamless blend of human control and machine assistance, our tester also sported GM’s Night Vision display. It alerts drivers to pedestrians and large animals beyond the reach of their headlights, using an infrared sensor to detect objects up to 330 feet ahead.
Indeed, the 2025 GMC Yukon Denali sets a new benchmark for American-made SUVs.
With a compelling mix of robust performance, opulent features and advanced technology, it stands on its own as a formidable contender in the large luxury SUV segment.
