The current generation of GMC’s flagship SUV will soon enter the third production year and for that occasion, we will see some pretty interesting updates. This particularly refers to the new 2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate model, which will make this SUV even more luxurious than before. This version will come with a couple of exlusive design solutions and features, as well as with more standard equipment.
Still, the overall layout won’t change much. We will still be seeing the same SUV in its most luxurious iteration, equipped with lots of standard features, exclusive dashboard design and similar things. This SUV offers an exceptional level of comfort, with one of the most spacious cabins around. Also, you may count on a choice between two powertrain options, gasoline and diesel.
The 2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate has already been presented and we expect to see it on sale this fall.
2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate Design
When it comes to the overall design, things will be largely the same as in the standard Denali model, while the main difference will be in details. The standard Denali already comes with lots of exclusive styling details, such as a unique grille and lots of chrome details. The thing with the Denali Ultimate is that all these details will be blacked. Furthermore, we will also see a new set of 22-inch wheels, blacked and with a unique design.
On the other hand, the mechanical aspect won’t be any different, except for the fact that the air suspension will be part of the standard equipment. Of course, this will have a significant impact on the ride quality.
Interior
The main thing about the 2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate is its interior. You can find several upgrades, starting from upgraded leather upholstery, which is fined than the one in standard Denali. Also, you can notice pretty unique stitching, as well as some pretty exclusive materials, such as brushed aluminum and open-pore wood. Furthermore, there’s a topographical map of Mount Denali laser-etched into the glove box. The front seats feature a massage function, as well as both heating and cooling.
On the other hand, the overall cabin layout brings no surprises. This is one of the biggest SUVs on the market, so it’s no wonder that there are three very spacious rows of seats. All of them accommodate adults with ease, even the third one. The cargo area offers around 25.5 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 72.6 cubic feet behind the second row, and 122.9 behind the first row, which is some of the highest ratings in the class.
Features
This model comes with a couple of exclusive features, such as an 18-speaker premium audio system. On the other hand, most things are the same as in the standard Denali model, which comes standard with goodies like driver’s memory settings, heated steering wheel, power-folding third row, digital instrument cluster, navigation, wireless smartphone integration and many more.
The list of safety features is also pretty impressive and includes goodies like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, lane change alert, Super Cruise, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, head-up display etc.
2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate Engines
This aspect will bring no surprises. The 2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate will come with two powertrain options on offer, starting from the good-old 6.2-liter V8. This engine features a max output of 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque and offers pretty impressive performance.
However, this engine is also quite thirsty, so many buyers would rather go with the optional diesel engine. We are talking about the familiar 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, which puts out around 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The engine has plenty of torque to move this SUV with ease, while you get excellent fuel economy at the same time.
Both engines come in pair with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Fuel Consumption
The gasoline engine is very capable but also pretty thirsty. You may expect no more than 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. On the other hand, the diesel version offers significantly better fuel economy, which goes up to 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, which is a class-leading rating.
2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate Release Date and Price
We expect that the 2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate will hit the market this fall, with a starting price of around 90.000 dollars. Key competitors will be higher grades of the Ford Expedition, as well as a couple of SUVs with premium badges, such as Lincoln Navigator, Cadillac Escalade etc.