2023 Yukon Denali Ultimate 4WD Is Most Premium Yukon Ever

The Denali nameplate is a badge or status symbol that has been used by the General Motors Corporation (GMC) to describe its top-of-the-line trim and style package for both trucks and SUV's since 1999. This high-end package is chocked full of upgrades, but not to the level of its cousin the Cadillac Escalade, but that will no longer be the case. For the 2023 model year, the Yukon Denali will elevate its already distinguished look with the introduction of the all-new Denali Ultimate option package. This new premium upgrade will provide next-level aesthetic appointments and innovative technology, showcasing the Ultimate's high-end comfort and class-leading convenience putting the new option on par with the iconic Escalade.

The Denali Ultimate will still have the same length, width, and overall wheelbase of the traditional full-size Yukon Denali as well as the same C-shaped LED lighting; but that's where the similarities stop. The Ultimate will have its own signature design starting with a rich-looking titanium rush metallic paint scheme and an element that GMC is calling a Vader chrome finish accent. The Vader color is polished dark-looking chrome that really complements the overall titanium metallic color of the full-size SUV. The Ultimate sits nicely on 22-inch seven-spoke machined wheels which are a combination of dark paint and polished chrome that complement the Ultimate's signature color palette making the new Denali Ultimate an immediate attention-getter.

Inside the Denali Ultimate, GMC has raised the standard by designing its most sophisticated interior to date by using Ultimate-exclusive Alpine umber interior that features a unique laser-etched topographical map of the Denali Mountain and its coordinates on the open-pore Paldao woodgrain trim. There is also polished aluminum to balance and the wood materials and bring out the grain in the wood. The four captain's seats and the third row split bench are made of full grain leather and finished out with Denali Ultimate-exclusive plaited contrast stitching. There is also Denali badging at the top of the first row captain's seats. The front row captain's seats are 16-way power heated/cooled seats with massage allowing you to not only configure your seat for ultimate comfort, but have a massage for those long commutes home after a tough day at work or hiking.

The Ultimate comes with an 18-speaker Bose Performance Series audio system which includes headrest speakers. All the visible speakers are covered with Bose stainless steel speaker grilles to enhance the sound while contrasting the full leather interior. There is also a 10.2-inch GMC infotainment touchscreen system with Google and Amazon Alexia built in, and the Ultimate has been setup for wireless charging and WiFi hotspot capability. For the second row passengers, a dual rear media system features two 12.6 diagonal high-definition screens that have tilting and touch capability.

I remember when vehicle driving technology like lane keep and lane assistance came out, and it was a game-changer for the driving experience. Then came the technology of automatic parallel parking, and again it was a game changer. Well, the next step in the evolution of this technology has arrived. GMC will offer on the Yukon Denali Ultimate a new class-leading driver assistance technology called Super Cruise. This technology is the first true hands-free driver-assistance program that utilizes advanced technologies to provide hands-free driving on compatible roads. This technology will allow a driver to automatically change lanes or tow up to an 8,000-pound boat or camping trailer while driving hands-free on compatible roads. There are currently 200,000 miles of roads and counting in the U.S. and Canada that will allow you utilize this technology.

You need a proper engine and transmission to pull an 8,000-pound trailer of fun across the country in absolute comfort; so the Unlimited will come standard with either the 6.2L V-8 or the Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel, both of which are paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. My press loan came with the 6.2L Ecotech3 V8 with the 10-speed automatic transmissionrated to produce 420 horsepower with 460 lb-ft of torque. I found that the engine and transmission played well together. I was never felt I was underpowered for any situation, and I never saw it over revving after I was done needing the immediate boost to enter freeways or pass vehicles. The combined MPGs showed to be at 24, and I would have to agree that I was right around that number for the week.

After a week of driving this full-size SUV in the suburbs and outside the city in the North Texas area, I found that it lived up to its billing as exceeding the typical full-size luxury SUV experience. If you are someone who just needs a weekly errand runner or daily commuter and prefers climate controlled hauling capability, this is your vehicle. If you are someone who also prefers a smooth comfortable ride in style to tow up to 8,000 pounds of fun across the country or into the mountains, this vehicle may also be an option for you to consier.

Learn More

For more information or to test drive this vehicle for yourself, stop by a local dealer or visit online at:
GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate

About GMC

With a strong foundation of manufacturing trucks since 1902 and now selling in a dozen countries across the world, GMC offers purpose-built vehicles designed and engineered to the highest standard. From the all-new compact SUV Terrain to the Sierra HD, our trucks and crossovers deliver GMC's signature combination of intuitive technologies and premium execution, with the popular Denali representing the pinnacle of GMC design, performance and amenities. Details on all GMC models are available at www.gmc.com, on Twitter at @GMC or at www.facebook.com/gmc.