The trio of Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac body-on-frame SUVs from Common Motors have been a pressure to reckon with over a few years. Marking its fifth technology with a whole redesign for the 2021 mannequin 12 months, the Chevy, Cadillac, and new GMC Yukon that’s in my possession have tried to redefine the massive SUV phase. After a protracted week with the Yukon Denali trim, I can say with certainty that GM has made a valiant effort of their quest to shake up the massive SUV phase.
Becoming in between the Chevrolet Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade, the GMC Yukon has identified been an ideal different for individuals who need slightly “extra” out of the Tahoe and just a bit much less in all the luxurious plushness that’s discovered within the Escalade. In my thought, the GMC Yukon Denali is an ideal compromise, and the 2021 mannequin 12 months is one of the best Denali but, driving on a brand new optionally available air suspension system and setup that has a lot improved the trip high quality.
Returning to the GMC Yukon Denali is the model’s confirmed powerhouse, the 6.2-liter V8 engine that’s mated to a properly programmed 10-speed computerized transmission. Whereas the drivetrain doesn’t change a lot, all the things that’s propelled by the 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque V8 engine with cylinder deactivation has improved. There’s a brand new stage of compliance that’s felt all through the brand new 2021 Yukon Denali, one thing that’s fairly particular within the re-engineering of the chassis. The brand new engineering goes the space to just about remove the outgoing mannequin’s physique jiggle and the harshness felt when street surfaces usually are not ideally suited. Efficiency stays principally the identical, however the brand new Yukon Denali feels slightly lighter on its 22-inch wheels and all-season tires.
Gas financial system is likely one of the couple objects that weren’t improved within the 2021 mannequin 12 months Yukon, utilizing nearly the identical powertrains of the previous. Nonetheless, the Yukon Denali 4WD will get a constant 14 mpg metropolis, 19 mpg freeway, and 16 mpg mixed. Via using a seamless cylinder deactivation system and a few “good” coasting on my half, I noticed slightly over 20 mpg on the Interstate touring proper on the posted velocity restrict with simply me within the car. So, there’s that.
Whereas the Denali is the top-trim of the Yukon lineup, it doesn’t try to overshadow its not-so-distant Cadillac Escalade cousin, the place there are numerous “luxurious” options which are reserved for the Caddy, comparable to therapeutic massage seats and that crazy-large 38-inch display setup. What you do get within the Denali, which isn’t essentially reducing corners, is a properly laid out cabin with the central give attention to a ten.2-inch infotainment touchscreen that comes with Android Auto and wi-fi Apple CarPlay (can be paired through USB). Additionally, the Yukon Denali, when loaded up, affords you power-retractable facet steps, adaptive cruise management with all the anticipated lively security tech, a big shade heads-up show, 360-degree digicam system, rear digicam mirror (reside digital digicam feed of the rearview), in-vehicle trailering app, dual-pane panoramic sunroof, twin 12.6-inch rear-seat leisure touchscreens, and the air trip adaptive suspension system.
Diving into extra in regards to the trip high quality of the 2021 Yukon Denali, when outfitted with the air trip adaptive suspension system, which is a part of the optionally available $11,255 Denali Final Bundle that features all the gear talked about above, the massive and in-charge SUV is remodeled, in a great way. GM did their homework with the air suspension system for such a big SUV, which is partially due to pairing their extremely praised magnetic shocks with the adjustable air springs. There’s nothing overly comfortable in regards to the trip high quality, neither is it too agency. With simply the correct amount of smoothness, the air trip adaptive suspension is a marvel that may be set to decrease 2-inches routinely upon putting the car in Park for straightforward exit and entry. The system can increase the car a further 2-inches from the conventional trip top for the off-roading drive mode or manually adjusting the trip top by a knob on the dashboard. I did discover that the system will typically make a number of height-balancing changes when the car is stopped to maintain issues “stage.” General, the Yukon Denali, and doubtlessly its Escalade cousin, has one of the best trip high quality and dynamics for an SUV in its class to date. The Yukon Denali virtually feels sporty at instances – within the scheme of evaluating it to all giant body-on-frame SUVs. There’s assured management and confidence impressed within the driver, and it’s comparatively simple to maneuver – particularly when you possibly can make the most of the multi-angle 360-degree digicam system that may be introduced up at any velocity however goes away routinely after a number of seconds when driving.
Taking within the engaging design and aesthetics of the redesigned 2021 Yukon Denali, many will discover that the “look” doesn’t depart removed from what has labored for the GMC Yukon for a few years. From the distinctive quad-exhaust shops out again to the entrance facia housing new LED headlights, resembles the GMC Sierra Denali pick-up vehicles, making the brand new Yukon Denali match the correct SUV mould to appease most. It’ll even tow as much as 8,200 kilos and haul round 1,671 kilos with Max Trailering Bundle included with the air suspension choice.
The inside of the brand new GMC Yukon Denali is plush sufficient for a premium SUV and borders on the posh line. Basically, the Yukon Denali’s cabin is as luxurious as you can find earlier than transferring to one thing like the brand new Lincoln Navigator and Cadillac Escalade. There’s loads of soft-touch surfaces, actual aluminum trim, and delightfully-placed matte-finish open-pore wooden trim. Even the entrance middle armrest and storage compartment is a power-slide unit that slides again to disclose a secret compartment for hiding objects. By way of consolation and area, the Yukon Denali, being simply over 6-inches longer than its predecessor and barely bigger within the Yukon XL prolonged wheelbase model, has extra usable area than it has ever had. The entrance seats are exceptionally cozy with heating and air flow and the correct 4-way energy lumbar changes. Utilizing an impartial rear suspension setup for the primary time makes manner for more room out again, particularly when power-folding the third-row’s 60/40-split bench seatbacks. The second-row, configured with the captain’s chairs, are giant with heating and a single computerized local weather zone (7-passenger configuration / 8-passenger is out there with a second-row bench seat).
There’s rather a lot to love in regards to the new 2021 Yukon Denali, and plenty of will discover these traits as a cause to skip buying the Cadillac Escalade once they see the worth improve for transferring up the posh ladder. Hardly any stones have been left unturned with the brand new GMC Yukon Denali, which makes it a horny providing at a good value level beginning at $71,400. My fully-loaded check car topped out at an as-tested value of $83,795, which continues to be a great worth in my evaluation, particularly contemplating how a lot you’d spend on a nicely-equipped Escalade or Lincoln Navigator. A brand new Ford Expedition Platinum 4×4 goes to be round $78,000 loaded, however you don’t have the provision of the trick air trip adaptive suspension of the Yukon Denali and its V8 energy. A base 2021 GMC Yukon SLE 2WD begins at about $52,000.
Additionally, one fast observe for individuals who need some further MPGs – search for new forthcoming GMC Yukon 6-cylinder turbo diesel (277 hp, 460 lb-ft of torque) out later this 12 months. And for individuals who need slightly extra of an off-roading-oriented Yukon, a brand new AT4 trim is obtainable beginning at $66,000.
