Showcase: 2023 Yukon Gets New Denali Ultimate Trim

The 2023 Yukon is among GMC‘s most luxurious and comfortable vehicles ever. The large SUV office space for passengers and cargo only to be rivaled by minivans, and you can get a model with a longer wheelbase (Yukon XL) for even more room.

You also have several great engine options with the Yukon, with most carrying a 5.3- or 6.2-liter V8. There’s also a 3.0-liter inline-six turbo-diesel available — unique for the full-size SUV class.

The Yukon‘s towing capacity and acceleration are impressive regardless of your chosen engine. The base trim (SLE) provides more technology and convenience features than others in the segment, and the Denali versions contend with the Lincoln Navigator and Cadillac Escalade in terms of luxury.

GMC has upped the ante for the 2023 model year by adding the all-new Denali Ultimate trim. The most accommodating and luxurious GMC vehicle to date, the model gives drivers most — if not all — of the niceties they could hope for. Liberty Buick GMC explains everything you need to know about the 2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate:

2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate

Anyone who has kept up with the GMC Yukon in recent years knows that the auto manufacturer has pulled no punches regarding premium materials and comfort, convenience, and safety technologies. The 2022 Sierra Denali Ultimate was the first we saw of the new trim, and General Motors (GM) has now added it to the Yukon lineup.

The Yukon Denali Ultimate takes interior refinement, performance, and safety to new levels. A few of the many notable upgrades include:

• Alpine Umber leather seats
• Open-pore wood trim
• 16-way power-adjustable front seats (with massage)
• 18-speaker Bose audio system
• Available turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel engine

Among other characteristics, the Denali Ultimate is distinguished by its dark chrome trim on the grille and eye-catching 22-inch rims. You can also get GM’s Super Cruise hands-free highway driving feature.

From the Outside

Part of the charm of the Yukon lineup is that every trim is unmistakably luxurious and powerful. The bold grille, large wheels, and overall prominent stature of the SLE, SLT, AT4, Denali, and Denali Ultimate variants distinguish the Yukon from other large SUVs — even the Tahoe and Suburban (its Chevrolet siblings).

Nonetheless, a wealth of design elements sets the Denali Ultimate apart from the other trims. You’ll notice dark chrome on the grille, fenders, and other exterior panels. A monochromatic GMC badge replaces the bright red badge of other versions. And the dark chrome 22-inch wheels are unique to the Denali Ultimate. There are even interior design elements to match the exterior’s chromed-out theme.

These special exterior touches are unique to the Denali Ultimate, as you can’t get them on the standard Denali through packages or add-ons.

From the Inside

The Yukon Denali is known for an interior quality that rivals any of the world’s nicest large SUVs. The Denali Ultimate raises that already-high standard.

The cabin showcases full-grain leather upholstery and open-pore wood trim throughout. The seat upholstery and trim feature a topographical map of Mount Denali. Upon starting the vehicle, this map appears as an animation on the 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen and 12-inch driver information center.

You’ll notice various metal accents with the Denali Ultimate nameplate among many other dark chrome touches. GM even weaved some of the Denali Ultimate’s technologies into the cabin’s aesthetics. A Bose sound system comes standard with two speakers in each of the front-seat headrests. Drivers will also love the power-sliding center console that moves back 10 inches with the touch of a button.

Under the Hood

The 2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate comes with two powertrain options. It comes standard with a 6.2-liter V8 yielding 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. This engine can move the SUV quickly from a stop and enables it to pass others on the road with ease.

The other option is the turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel engine. Drivers won’t be let down by the engine’s 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. All and all, the diesel option provides top-tier performance and better fuel economy.

A 10-speed automatic transmission is paired with either engine you choose. And you’ll be hard-pressed to find a smoother shift on the market.

Capabilities

In case you were wondering, the 2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate is every bit as capable as its appearance suggests — if not more so. The standard 420-hp engine gives the model an 8,000-lb towing capacity, and you can tow up to 7,800 pounds with the efficient 277-hp turbo-diesel V6. In other words, you won’t have trouble managing a second vehicle, boat, or trailer with either engine.

The entire Yukon lineup is known for its smooth ride; the Denali Ultimate comes standard with Magnetic Ride Control and an air ride adapter suspension that provides an even smoother ride than other variants. Magnetic Ride Control is an advanced technology that automatically adjusts according to road conditions, and the standard air ride adaptive suspension cushions the ride via pressurized air.

Agile, You Said?

Agility may not be top of mind when purchasing a large SUV, and most car buyers expect bigger SUVs to handle more poorly than their smaller counterparts. The Yukon shatters this stereotype. The full-size SUV feels light on its feet, and it seems to have a bit less body lean than other vehicles in the segment.

Four-wheel drive comes standard on the Yukon Denali Ultimate, an automatic two-speed transfer case, and an electric limited slip differential. You can even select from several drive modes (e.g., dirt, gravel, slick, etc.). And even the most fervent 4×4 enthusiasts will surely be impressed by how this model’s 4WD system makes quick adjustments to maximize traction on slippery terrain.

Fuel Efficiency

Gas mileage for a 2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate in its standard setup (6.2-liter V8 with four-wheel drive) aligns with other trims with this configuration, producing 14 miles per gallon in the city and 19 mpg on the highway (16 combined mpg). You can boost efficiency with the 3.0-liter diesel engine. The standard-wheelbase Yukon with the diesel engine gives you 20/26 mpg city/highway (22 combined), while the extended-length (XL) yields 21/27 mpg (23 combined).

The diesel version Yukon Denali sits atop the full-size SUV class for fuel economy. The Chevrolet Tahoe and Chevrolet Suburban are the only ones that can compete since they have the same available diesel engine and are mechanically similar.

Technology

You’ll find high-tech features in every corner of the Yukon Denali Ultimate. The intuitive and responsive GMC infotainment system is at the heart of it all.

You can use Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, built-in Google, and Apple CarPlay through a sleek 10.2-inch touchscreen to access phone calls, text messages, and music streaming. Or you can control media with your voice (e.g., Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri).

A 12-inch digital driver information center and wireless device charging are standard in the Denali Ultimate. You can enjoy satellite radio, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot in addition to the 18-speaker Bose audio system.

Safety for the Win

Driver safety features continue to evolve, with cutting-edge technologies like Ford BlueCruise and Tesla Autopilot getting a lot of attention. GM’s Super Cruise fits right in the fold and is available in the 2023 Yukon Denali Ultimate. Super Cruise allows you to drive more than 200,000 miles hands-free and equips your SUV to change lanes and tow a trailer automatically.

Also standard in the Yukon Denali Ultimate is a high-definition surround-view camera system that provides 13 different views. This system shows you all the angles you need when parking with or without a trailer. And a 15-inch head-up display adds even more depth to the loaded safety tech suite.

Here are some other safety features to expect:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane departure warning
• A rear camera mirror
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Automatic emergency braking

The Yukon Denali Ultimate also comes standard with GM’s Teen Driver. This feature lets you establish boundaries and get reports on secondary drivers, helping you keep your young drivers safe.

Seating for Seven

With three rows, the 2023 Yukon Denali Ultimate has second-row captain’s chairs and seats seven passengers. As with its exterior, the Denali Ultimate is distinguished from other Yukon versions because of its unique seating design and top-tier materials.

Alpine Umber full-grain leather adorns the seats in a rich brown tone. Exclusive Denali Ultimate badging and a topographical map of Mount Denali are stitched into the seats. And each of the front seats has two speakers built into its headrest. The front seats are something to behold, with ventilation, massage capabilities, and 16-way power adjustments.

When we say the Yukon Denali Ultimate seats seven, we mean it comfortably accommodates seven average-size adults. Most passengers can comfortably sit in any of the three rows and enjoy a cushioned-yet-supportive ride.

Cargo Dimensions

As with the other Yukons in the lineup, the Denali Ultimate offers top-of-the-class cargo dimensions. You can choose between the standard-wheelbase Yukon or Yukon XL. You’ll get 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats from the standard version. With the third row folded down, it gives you 72.6 ft.³, and you can boost storage to 122.9 ft.³ by collapsing the second row.

If you need more cargo space, you can get at least 41.5 ft.³ in the Yukon XL. Collapsing the second row yields 93.8 ft.³ while folding all the rear seats gives you 144.7 ft.³ of space. The Tahoe and Suburban are the only full-size SUVs that match the Yukon’s cargo room.

Conclusion

The 2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate is a vehicle that truly has it all. It delivers both power and fuel efficiency to go with uncompromising safety. The full-size SUV’s exterior styling and interior design represent luxury and class, and its segment-leading cargo room equips you to handle whatever life throws at you.

In short, this model is a remarkable addition to the GMC lineup. Contact Liberty Buick GMC if you want to learn more about the Yukon Denali Ultimate, see what other new models we have on the lot, or arrange a test drive. We’ll be more than happy to help you find the perfect vehicle!

Tags: 2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate, 2023 Yukon, New Denali Ultimate, What's the Newest Yukon Trim?
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