The GMC Yukon and the GMC Yukon XL are essentially the upscale versions of the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban respectively. Every trim of the Yukon lineup offers the highest level of equipment from the Chevy models, plus unique touches. The biggest and most luxurious trims are the Denali and Denali Ultimate Edition.
Yukon Denali Ultimate New Exterior Look
GMC is running with a midcycle refresh for its big SUVs for the 2025 model year and the GMC Yukon and GMC Yukon XL are no exception. Let’s start with the refreshed rear and front of the Yukon, which sports a new grille and light setup. The Denali Ultimate also reveals a new grille in Vader Chrome, which is exclusive to the Denali Ultimate models. The C-shaped headlights are a new look and the bumper integrates fog lights.
A new wheel design is also on the table. Spy pictures of the Denali Ultimate show 22-inch wheels with seven spokes and a bright machined finish. Adding to the exterior tweaks are body-colored door handles, Denali badging, and bright trim around the windows. The side mirrors feature a two-tone look.
Moving to the rear of the vehicle, the Denali badge has moved to a central spot above the license plate holder. A refreshed bumper includes rear exhaust tips and a black finish. The C-shaped taillights remain a striking fixture.
Power Boost Under the Hood
The refreshed GMC Yukon will continue to offer two V8 engines in the naturally aspirated 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter. However, a new 3.0-liter Duramax diesel engine is on the table. It’s a new model with the code name LZ0 that replaces the previous LM2 model. It improves output to 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque, which is 28 horsepower and 35 pound-feet of torque more than the previous model.
The V8 models make 355 horsepower for the 5.3-liter and 420 horsepower for the 6.2-liter. All trims of the GMC Yukon come with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Towing capacity varies depending on what engine you get and whether the Yukon is RWD or 4WD. The best numbers come with the 5.3-liter V8 and RWD, which is 8,400 pounds.
Refreshed Interior For 2025
Inside, the refreshments for the new 2025 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate continue with a 15-inch infotainment screen and an 11-inch driver information display. The screen isn’t just in the Denali Ultimate, but also in the other Yukon trims. The size and layout of the cabin remain the same as the previous model.
Both the GMC Yukon XL and regular Yukon have seating for up to eight passengers unless you order captain’s chairs for the second row. The main perk of the Yukon XL is increased cargo capacity. The Denali models offer unique interior accents like leather upholstery and a wood-trimmed dash compared to the rest of the Yukon trims.
The 2025 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate Edition hasn’t been fully revealed yet, so there could be additional options and changes when it goes on sale.
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