Comfort and style are key words when describing the high levels of technology and accomplished luxury this new Yukon Denali possesses—whether you are talking about the one-touch liftgate with programmable height setting or the unsurpassed capacity and efficiency.
The feature I enjoyed the most was the Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound. It had a 10-speaker surround system with SurroundStage signal processing. This technology excels with delivering five independent channels from existing two-channel recordings. This premium audio system also had Active Noise Cancellation, which makes for a rich musical atmosphere.
The IntelliLink infotainment system with an 8-inch Color Touch Radio screen and navigation rests atop the tri-zone automatic climate control. I liked the radio’s sound, and that the channel changer used a knob rather than touch symbols or other whimsical artistic features. The 8-inch screen was simply too small for expressing all the information it was meant to handle. Yukon Denali also features Customizable Driver Display, an 8-inch color cluster display that allows the driver to personalize vehicle information display, and a menu of themes to control how it’s shown.
The cocoa/dark interior portrayed the interior with appointed leather, and heated and cooled front seats with memory settings that provide comfort in the best positive interior atmosphere.
The Denali has power-release fold-and-tumble second-row seats which free up to 94.7 cubic feet of maximum cargo space.
Yukon Denali’s 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine with Variable Valve Timing, Active Fuel Management, and Direct Injection connected to the Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission produces 420 hp at 5,600 rpm and 460 pound-feet of torque at 4,100 rpm.
Towing capacity is 8,100 pounds with the 4WD drivetrain. EPA fuel is 14 mpg city and 21 mpg highway. The fuel tank holds 26 gallons.
Outside, Yukon is stylish and somewhat graceful atop 20-inch ultra-bright machined aluminum wheels.
High Intensity Discharge head lamps, daytime running lamps with automatic lamp control, fog lights, and rain sensing windshield wipers make Yukon at the approach attractive, safe, and practical.
The Yukon travels in spacious luxury. The 42.8-inches of front head room and 45.3-inches front legroom allow you to stretch out and sit tall. Even the second row allows for 39.1-inches of leg room.
The Yukon handles well, but appears a little bulky on the curve. Power, tilt, and telescopic steering added to the comfort and handling. Even though the torque mentioned earlier is substantial, there was some hesitation at the start.
There is a whole parcel of standard safety features: Forward Collision Alert, Side Blind Zone with Lane Change Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Vision Camera, and six months of free OnStar Directions and Connections Plan to name a few. I counted at least six air bags stationed strategically throughout the cabin.
The standard vehicle price is $65,680. A sunroof package and running boards could add several thousand more.
Warranty
2-year/24,000-mile Scheduled Maintenance
3-year/36,000-mile Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty
5-year/100,000-mile Power Train Limited Warranty
Exterior Dimensions
Wheelbase: 116 inches
Length: 203.9 inches
Width: 80.5 inches
Height: 74.4 inches
Front Track: 68.7 inches
Rear Track: 68.7 inches
Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or [email protected].
