Friday, October 11

Is the 2023 GMC Yukon the Right Full-Size SUV for You?

Is the 2023 GMC Yukon the Right Full-Size SUV for You?

For years, the GMC Yukon has sat at the top of the food chain in the GMC SUV lineup. This big brute could be the premium SUV you love to drive with your family.

The standard Yukon is 20-inches shorter than its longer-wheelbase sibling, the Yukon XL. Both offer three-rows of comfortable seats in a full-size SUV package. This big brute has a few different powertrains and trim levels to give you the build you want. A new top trim Denali Ultimate joins the lineup to give you the luxury level of driving you desire.

What are some of the pros and cons of this big GMC SUV?

The Yukon has been a staple in the GMC SUV lineup for several years. This big SUV hits the premium qualities with upscale features and high-class materials. Some of the pros and cons of this GMC SUV are:

Pros

  • Lots of space in the cabin
  • Several great engines
  • Comfortable ride quality

Cons

  • More expensive than Chevy counterparts
  • Most versions drink a lot of gas
  • Might not fit in the garage

You don’t find many vehicles on the road that offer as much comfort and spaciousness as the Yukon.

Which powertrain suits your needs?

The 2023 GMC Yukon models use three different powertrains for the desired driving experience. All three engines include a 10-speed automatic transmission and the option of RWD or 4WD. The engines for the Yukon are:

5.3-liter V8
355 horsepower, 383 lb-ft of torque
15 city/20 hwy mpg (RWD), 14 city/19 hwy mpg (4WD)

6.2-liter V8
420 horsepower, 460 lb-ft of torque
14 city/20 hwy mpg (RWD), 14 city/19 hwy mpg (4WD)

3.0-liter turbocharged Duramax diesel 6-cylinder engine
277 horsepower, 460 lb-ft of torque
21 city/27 hwy mpg (RWD), 20 city/26 hwy mpg (4WD)

Which Yukon trim should you choose?

Both sizes of the GMC Yukon use the same trims. This makes it pretty easy to find the right package and size of this SUV for your driving needs.

SLE Trim (base model)

The SLE trim uses the 5.3-liter V8 engine as standard fare with the diesel powertrain offered as an option. This model gives you a great starting package with:

  • Mechanical limited-slip rear differential
  • Push-button gear selector
  • Seating for up to nine passengers
  • 12-inch color driver information screen
  • 10-inch infotainment screen
  • 6-speaker audio system
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Sirius XM 360L
  • Bluetooth streaming
  • Voice recognition technology
  • HD Radio
  • Wi-Fi hotspot
  • OnStar connected services
  • 10-way power driver’s seat
  • 8-way power passenger seat
  • Tilt/telescoping steering wheel
  • Tri-zone climate controls
  • Keyless entry
  • Push-button starting
  • Two 120-volt outlets
  • Six USB ports
  • 18-inch alloy wheels
  • LED headlights, fog lights, taillights
  • Body-colored heated side mirrors
  • Rain-sensing wipers
  • GMC Pro Safety suite
    • Forward collision warning
    • Low-speed automatic emergency braking
    • Pedestrian detection
    • Front and rear parking sensors
    • Following distance indicator
    • Lane-keeping assist
    • Lane-departure warning
    • Automatic high beam headlights
    • HD rear vision camera
    • Tire pressure monitoring system
    • Teen Driver system
  • Hitch Guidance
  • Rearview camera
  • Trailer Sway Control
  • Hill Start Assist
  • Max Trailering Package

SLT Trim

Move up one step on the trim ladder for the GMC Yukon. This model gives you all the equipment from the SLE model while adding:

  • Blind-spot monitoring
  • Rear cross-traffic alerts
  • Safety Alert Seat
  • Leather upholstery
  • 9-speaker Bose audio system
  • Ventilated front seats
  • Two-person memory settings for the driver’s seat and mirrors
  • Wireless charging pad
  • Hands-free power-operated rear liftgate
  • 20-inch alloy wheels
  • Optional Features
    • Power-sliding front center console
    • Panoramic sunroof
    • Power-folding third-row seat
    • Rear pedestrian alert
    • Power tilt/telescoping steering column
    • Heated second-row seats
    • Heated steering wheel
    • Power-folding outside mirrors
    • Surround-vision camera
    • Upgraded trailering package with side blind-spot warning extending to the trailer

AT4 Trim

The AT4 trim is the off-road version of this impressive full-size GMC SUV. This model brings you the 6.2-liter V8 engine and standard 4WD. You’ll also enjoy:

  • 2-speed transfer case
  • 20-inch wheels
  • All-terrain tires
  • Front skid plate
  • Red tow hooks
  • Magnetic Ride Control
  • Hill descent control
  • Heated power tilt/telescoping steering wheel
  • Upgraded driver’s seat memory
  • Heated second-row seats with a power-release feature
  • Power-folding third-row seats
  • Jet Black leather upholstery
  • Optional Equipment
    • Panoramic glass sunroof
    • Power-retractable side steps
    • Adaptive air suspension
    • Rear pedestrian detection
    • Surround-vision camera
    • 15-inch head-up display
    • Active Response 4WD system
    • Enhanced trailering package
    • Electronic limited-slip rear differential
    • Second-row bucket seats
    • Power-sliding center console
    • Rear-seat entertainment system

Denali Trim

The Denali trim used to be the top model offered for the GMC Yukon and Yukon XL. This model uses either the 6.2-liter V8 or the diesel powertrain. 4WD is optional for the Denali, which adds to the comfort of this SUV with:

  • Denali-specific interior color themes, dashboard, and exterior styling elements
  • Second-row captain’s chairs
  • 14-speaker Bose audio system
  • Power sliding center console
  • Surround-vision camera
  • 15-inch head-up display
  • Rear pedestrian alert
  • Magnetic Ride Control suspension
  • Optional Equipment
    • Adaptive air suspension
    • Panoramic sunroof
    • Power extendable side steps
    • Rear camera mirror
    • Rear camera washer
    • Enhanced automatic emergency braking
    • Automatic parking assists
    • Super Cruise

Denali Ultimate Trim

The new top model of the GMC Yukon is the Denali Ultimate trim. This model sits as the pinnacle of driving for this GMC SUV. When you reach this high you’ll enjoy:

  • Super Cruise
  • Adaptive air suspension
  • Automatic parking assist
  • Active Response 4WD system
  • Massaging 16-way power front seats
  • 18-sepaker Bose Performance audio system
  • 22-inch alloy wheels
  • Alpine Umber full lather interior
  • Open-pore Paldo wood trim
  • Optional Equipment
    • Diesel powertrain
    • Rear-seat entertainment system
    • Enhanced Trailer Monitoring Package

Which GMC Yukon is right for you?

With several great packages, three powertrains, and two lengths, the 2023 GMC Yukon could be the ideal premium full-size SUV for you and your family. Everyone can get comfortable, enjoy the roomy cabin, and spend time inside this SUV that will take you to your next family adventure. This big brute can pull a boat or trailer, to give you the added fun of the equipment you need for camping, boating, or enjoying great tailgate party at the big game.

This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning a commission is given should you decide to make a purchase through these links, at no cost to you. All products shown are researched and tested to give an accurate review for you.

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