This week we have the 2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate. This is a new for 2023 package that took the already gorgeous Denali and raised the bar even higher for features and luxury.
2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate
Starting with the exterior, the 2023 Yukon Denali Ultimate has the familiar squared GMC look. It has unique-to-the-Ultimate 22” wheels, the big GMC grill, and the use of a lot of dark chrome.
A spoiler and dual exhaust complete the rear view.
Powertrain
Under the hood is the 6.2 V8 that is putting out 420-horses and a strong 460-pound feet of torque. It is bolted to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Interior
As you enter the spacious cabin, the interior is spectacular. The seats are comfortable, they are heated and cooled, and they will massage you.
From the driver’s seat, you see a large gauge cluster that is colorful and easy to read. There is a highly configurable driver info center that you scroll through from the steering wheel.
The Yukon has a 10.2-inch touchscreen that sits on the dash, which makes it easy to reach. It operates the sound system, Bluetooth, navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Google Assistant.
A swipe to the left gives you the trailer towing settings, climate, settings, Wi-Fi Hotspot, rear media, and more. You can configure the buttons as you wish and add and delete them as you choose.
Under that are A/C controls, a couple of USB ports, a wireless phone charger, and cupholders.
To the left of the touchscreen are your gear shift buttons which preserves space, and they are easy to operate.
Let’s talk about the center console, one of the coolest features of this SUV. There is a switch to electronically slide the console back to get the rear cupholders closer to the 2nd row occupants. For front occupants, there is a slide-out drawer for valuables that cannot be accessed when the console is positioned forward.
Moving to the second row of seating, this one has heated captain’s chairs with armrests that are comfortable and the seats slide and recline. Rear passengers can control their own temperature, have USB and USB-C ports, and a 110-volt power outlet.
Rear occupants can enjoy the ride with the rear seat media system with two vibrant 12.6” screens in the rear that will display different content. You can share the navigation screen from the front, use your wireless device, or digitally watch a movie.
Entry to the third-row seat is easy with a power button just inside both rear doors that double flip out of the way.
The third-row seat will accommodate two full-sized adults who will be very comfortable.
Utility
Cargo area is terrific. Power buttons will allow you to fold the 3rd and 2nd row seats down to a flat load floor and have an amazing amount of cargo area. You can pop the rear glass open OR open the entire power lift gate from the front OR from the key fob.
Features
This Yukon Denali has all the popular comfort and safety features you want including power tilt and heated steering wheel, lane departure warning, blind spot warning, remote start, rear seat reminder, a terrific 19-speaker Bose stereo, panoramic moon roof, rear camera mirror, a head-up display, deployable running boards, and trailer towing package.
Super Cruise
This Yukon is equipped with GMs $2,200 Super Cruise self-driving system. GM has driven and mapped out over 250,000 miles of divided highways across America. In my video, I demonstrate the way Super Cruise works with no hands on the steering wheel on a busy freeway.
On an approved road, you’ll get a green light on the dash. Set the cruise control, hit the Super Cruise, and the vehicle literally drives itself. If you want to change lanes, turn on your blinker and it will make sure there is enough room and will change lanes for you.
A small camera on the steering wheel monitors your eyes to make sure you are engaged, and if not, you get a verbal warning. After that, the car will start to slow down, the flashers come on, and it will safely get you off the road and OnStar will call for help. This is in case the driver is incapacitated.
Ride and Drive
Although large, this SUV is very nimble and yet capable. Ground clearance is good if you raise it with a button, and it will tow 8000-pounds. Fuel economy is 14 in town 18 on the highway, and 16 overall.
Verdict
MSRP on this one is $97,365 with every feature available. This is an extremely nice SUV with all the creature comforts you could possibly want.
- What I liked most: The interior and great ride and quietness.
- What I would change: Give me my HD radio and an Auto Hold button.
- MSRP: Base price $83,355/as equipped: $97,365 with transportation.
- Fuel Economy: 14 city/18 highway/16 combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 5,100 miles.
- Weight: 5,444 Pounds/7,400 GVWR.
- Spare Tire: Full-sized spare.
- Length-Width-Height: 210” long/81” wide/76.5” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 24 gallons with filler on the driver’s side.
- Official Color: Titanium Rush Metallic.
- Towing Capacity: 8,000 pounds.
- 2023 Yukon Denali Ultimate in a few words: An incredible driving and capable SUV that is full of luxury.
- Warranty: 3-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper, 5-year/60,000 mile power train warranty with roadside assistance, courtesy transportation and free first maintenance visit.
- Final Assembly Location: Arlington, TX.
- Manufacturer's website: GMC
