2022 GMC Yukon Denali XL: HAVE YOU BEEN TO THE MOUNTAINTOP?

2022 GMC Yukon Denali XL: 

HAVE YOU BEEN TO THE MOUNTAINTOP?

There are certain iconic vehicles that have graced American roads for decades, vehicles that we’ve embraced because they’re great.  Think of the Chevrolet Corvette that’s been around since the early 1950s, or the Ford Mustang that’s been with us since the mid-1960s.

The big iconic SUV cruising highways since the early 1990s is the Chevy Suburban/GMC Yukon XL (although the Suburban nameplate has been built by General Motors since the early 1930s).  These large, three-row, body-on-frame gas-guzzlers are built in Arlington, Texas and loved by Texans.  They dominate their segment because they’re tough, reliable and can hold the entire family PLUS the neighbor’s kids and their stuff, too.

Some weeks ago I test drove a Hunter Metallic 2022 GMC Yukon XL 4WD Denali that came with an $86,800 price tag, a whopping $30,000 more than a base Yukon XL. After driving it for a week, my wife and I both felt it was worth every penny.

The Yukon XL was equipped with a 420 hp, 6.2-liter V8 engine mated to a ten-speed transmission.  As expected, even with Dynamic Fuel Management technology (which deactivates cylinders when cruising), the Yukon XL gets fuel economy numbers of 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. But the SUV is huge, so what do you expect?  

And, yes, the Yukon XL is huge with a realistically comfortable third row as well as considerable space behind that last row to stow most of the equipment for the entire team.  What struck me was how small such a large vehicle handled, with precise steering and more than adequate acceleration.  It was easy to drive – and actually fun to drive!

For the first time, GMC Denali models now feature an exclusive interior with a completely new instrument panel, unique seats and a choice of four unique color themes, each with its own “personality”. All four themes include authentic wood trim, and leather surfaces cut and stitched by hand in the signature Denali pattern. And in keeping with the trend of front fascias that seem to grow larger with every model year, the Denali’s trademark Galvano chrome grille is larger than ever, with a precise dimensional pattern featuring over 10,000 individual reflective surfaces. 

Some of the premium features offered with the Denali trim are a High-Definition Surround Vision camera, a 15-inch-diagonal multi-color Heads-Up Display, Rear Pedestrian Alert and 4th-generation Magnetic Ride Control.  According to the GMC press release, 60% of all Yukon buyers opt for the higher-priced Denali trim and that’s easy to see after spending a week with the SUV.

Just a bit more to add regarding the driving experience of the Yukon XL, since it made such a significant impression on both my wife and myself.  For a body-on-frame SUV that’s almost three feet longer than most family sedans to handle as well as it did was simply astonishing.  There’s absolutely no reason for two empty nesters to need a Yukon XL Denali.  And yet when my wife finally hits that Powerball jackpot, don’t be surprised if you see one in our new driveway.