This week we have the refreshed 2025 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate. This is a lot new for 2025, especially with the Ultimate, and it inches one step closer to the big daddy Cadillac Escalade.
New for 2025, the SLE and SLT trims are gone, replaced by the Elevation trim level. There is a new front fascia, a new interior, and the gear shifter is now on the steering column freeing up space on the center console. You can also now get some BEAUTIFUL 24” machined-aluminum wheels, and you know my motto with wheels: The bigger the better! There is a new, larger touchscreen, and if you chose the Duramax diesel, it is now more powerful. You can also get Night Vision on the Yukon, which this one has.
Exterior
Starting with the exterior, the 2025 Yukon Denali Ultimate has the familiar squared GMC Professional Grade tough look.
The unique 24” wheels look amazing but are not gaudy, you can’t miss the big, black mesh GMC grill, and the use of a lot of dark chrome.
A spoiler with the rear wiper tucked under is always a favorite, and quad exhaust complete the rear view.
Performance
Under the hood is the 6.2 V8 that is putting on 420-horses and a strong 460-pound feet of torque. It is bolted to a 10-speed automatic transmission. You can also get the 3.0 Duramax diesel that I love in the big GM SUVs, and in lessor trims of the Yukon, you can get the 5.3 V8. My tester is all-wheel drive, and this is the regular length version, but you can get an XL, which is the extended version very similar to the size of the Suburban.
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. Both front seats are 16-way power and have lumbar adjustments.
The seats are wide, slightly bolstered, and heavily-stitched. The seats are beautiful to look at, and very soft to the touch.
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. You can take the whole screen for a navigation map, or my favorite is a view of trip info on the left, what I am listening to on the right, and in the center is a digital speedometer, tachometer, and road sign recognition. If you need more info, just look at the bottom of the windshield where you’ll find a large, colorful head-up display.
The Yukon Denali Ultimate has a new 16.8-inch touchscreen that sits on the dash, which makes it easy to reach. It operates the 18-speaker Bose 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. The entire system is easy to operate and extremely fast. Rear camera views on the big screen are sharp and clear with many viewing options.
Under that are A/C controls, a couple of USB ports, a wireless phone charger, and cupholders, all of which can be covered by two sliding doors. There is one large knob to control sound system volume. To the left of the steering column are other buttons and knobs for the lights, the 4-wheel drive system, you can disable the start/stop, turn on the lane keeping system (which I don’t) and the trailer brake controller is there.
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. If you have valuables in the car, this is a great place to put them, then slide the console forward again to hide them. The console does not operate unless the ignition is on. BRILLIANT!
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 of all ages can enjoy the ride with the rear seat media system with two vibrant 12.6” screens in the rear that will display different content. There are multiple connectivity options so passengers can connect their devices via HDMI or USB ports, allowing them to stream content from smartphones, tablets, or gaming consoles.
The system supports popular streaming services like Hulu and YouTube, accessible through the vehicle's built-in apps, provided there is an active OnStar plan. Audio can be enjoyed through the vehicle's sound system, the included wireless Bluetooth headphones, or passengers' personal Bluetooth-compatible headphones. Passengers can also use their smartphones as remote controls for the entertainment system by connecting to the vehicle's Wi-Fi hotspot and scanning a QR code displayed on the screen.
Entry to the third-row seat is easy. Yukon Denali Ultimate offers power-release functionality for the second-row seats, enabling them to fold and tumble forward at the push of a button. This feature enhances convenience, particularly when loading passengers or cargo into the third row. The wide doors with tall openings make this SUV super easy to enter the 3rd row bench.
The third-row seat will accommodate two full-sized adults who will be very comfortable, even if they are tall, and there are USB-C ports back there on each side. Behind the 3rd row, the cargo area is terrific. This is the regular length version of the Yukon, so you get 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 72.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 122.9 cubic feet with all rear seats folded flat. Power buttons will allow you to fold the 3rd and 2nd row seats down to a flat load floor. You can pop the rear glass open OR open the entire power lift gate from the front OR from the key fob, or it can be opened hands free.
Standard Features
This Yukon Denali Ultimate has all the popular standard features you want including power tilt and heated steering wheel, the terrific 18-speaker Bose stereo, Panoramic moon roof, rear camera mirror, the head-up display, deployable running boards, the rear seat entertainment system, the 24” wheels, heated steering wheel, and trailer towing package. It also comes with GM’s exceptional semi-self-driving system, Super Cruise.
Super Cruise
More on Super Cruise-GM has driven and mapped out over 750,000 miles of divided highways across America. 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. The system can also be used when towing a trailer. 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. I’ve tested many of these systems, and I find Super Cruise to be the best out there.
Safety
The 2025 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate comes equipped with over 15 standard safety and driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, blind zone steering assist, rear cross-traffic braking, front pedestrian and bicyclist braking, reverse automatic braking, teen driver monitoring, and an advanced security system.
Options
Options on this one include the $2,000 Night Vision, which is great if you travel roads where deer and other animals are seen, the $1,495 Appearance Package which is the black grill, black mirrors, and black nameplates, and the Titanium Rush Metallic paint runs $495.
Ride and Drive
Although large, this SUV is very nimble and yet capable. Ground clearance is good if you raise it with a button, or you can set it to lower when you put it in park, and it will tow 8000-pounds. Often, in large SUVs you get a really bouncy and/or rough ride. Not so in this Yukon. It has magnetic ride control, and a terrific air ride adaptive suspension system. All-in-all, it is a joy to drive and all your passengers will be comfortable and happy as well.
Verdict
Fuel economy is 14 in town 18 on the highway, and 16 overall. MSRP on this one is $107,285 with every feature available.
This is an extremely nice SUV with all the creature comforts you could possibly want. It is going to be a tough decision whether to go on to the Escalade for quite a bit more money.
- What I Liked Most: The interior, the great ride and interior quietness, the power, and the WHEELS!
- What I would change: Give me my HD radio and an Auto Hold button.
- MSRP: $101,300 base price/as equipped $107,285 with transportation.
- Fuel Economy: Rated at 14 City/18 highway and 16 combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 3,300 miles.
- Weight: 6,069 pounds/7,700 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.
- Towing Capacity: 8,000 pounds.
- Official Color: Titanium Rush Metallic.
- 2025 Yukon Denali Ultimate in a few words: An incredible driving and capable SUV that is full of features and 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
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