GMC’s full-size Yukon sports tool, which received a major makeover just last year, continues to set the standard for luxury with its premium Denali version.
Last year’s remake gave the Yukon and its General Motors siblings – the Chevrolet Tahoe / Suburban and Cadillac Escalade – new style, interiors and technologies, and for the first time the choice of a diesel engine.
As before, the Yukon comes in two lengths: the standard model of 210 inches and the Yukon XL of 225.2 inches.
The two sizes are like the difference between Tahoe and Suburban, as well as Escalade and Escalade ESV.
Prices for the 2022 Yukon models start at $ 52,100 (plus $ 1,695 shipping) for the normal-length rear-wheel-drive SLE model with a 5.3-liter V-8 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission, or $ 55,100 USD with four-wheel drive.
The 3.0-liter Duramax inline six-cylinder diesel engine can be replaced for an additional $ 995.
Other trim levels include SLT ($ 58,900 2WD; $ 61,900 4WD; 5.3-liter); AT4 ($ 66,600, 4WD, 5.3-liter only; $ 69,060, 6.2-liter V-8 engine); and Denali ($ 70,000, 2WD, 6.2 liters; $ 73,000, 4WD, 6.2 liters).
Yukon XL models range from $ 54,800 to $ 75,200 and are available in the same trim levels and configurations as standard length models.
Our tester for this report was the standard four-wheel drive Yukon Denali model with a 6.2-liter V-8 engine. With shipping and options, the total sticker price was $ 84,945.
The new Yukon is more spacious inside for passengers and cargo than the previous generation, especially on the third row, where there is an additional 10 inches of legroom in the normal-length model. The cargo space is also increased by 68 percent behind the third row, to 25.5 cubic feet, in the standard length model.
These increases in passenger and cargo space are the result of a longer wheelbase and longer overall vehicle length, as well as a new independent rear suspension, which enables a lower interior floor.
The standard power for the 2022 Yukon comes from the 5.3-liter V-8 engine, calculated at 355 horsepower and 383 foot-pounds of torque.
The Denali models come with the new 6.2-liter V-8 engine, which pulls out 420 horsepower and 460 foot-pounds of torque. This engine is optional on the AT4 model, which only comes with four-wheel drive.
The available 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine, designed for trailer capacity, delivers 277 horsepower, but the same 460-foot-pound torque found in the 6.2-liter gasoline engine.
All engines are connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission with electronic shift control. All of these extra gears require a bit of getting used to if you have driven vehicles with simpler automatic transmission, but they are there to help increase performance and fuel efficiency at the same time.
A trailer package is standard on all models. An improved trailer experience is offered with the available trailer integration package (not included in our tester).
Maximum towing capacity on the Yukon is £ 8,400 on two-wheel drive models with the 5.3-liter engine and £ 8,100 on four-wheel drive.
Our four-wheel-drive 6.2-liter petrol-powered standard Yukon Denali had a towing capacity of 8,000 pounds.
These well-equipped and luxurious large SUVs can accommodate up to eight passengers and plenty of cargo space. The available floor plan for seven passengers – included in our tester – has double captain’s seats in the middle of the row instead of a bench for three people.
Our Yukon Denali came in premium Redwood Metallic exterior color ($ 495), with perforated leather front bucket seats and Teak / Light Shale interior color scheme.
Standard is an independent rear wheel suspension together with Magnetic Ride Control.
The Denali Ultimate Package ($ 11,355) brought a range of trim, safety and performance upgrades, including the Air Ride Adaptive Suspension, which provides improved driving and handling characteristics, and the limited-slip electronic differential.
Other features in this package included 22-inch machined wheels in light aluminum, max trailer system, rear seat media system, electrically foldable side support steps with perimeter lighting, adaptive cruise control and a rear-view camera system.
Inside we had heated and ventilated front seats that were quite comfortable, with power adjustment for drivers and passengers, with four-way lumbar spine and the second row of heated bucket seats.
There was also an electric panoramic sunroof, rear camera mirror and heated steering wheel. There was a memory function for the driver’s seat, exterior mirrors and steering wheel for tilt / slide.
The rear camera mirror eliminated the rearview mirror blocking of the rear headrests and body parts. The operator can return the mirror to standard view if desired.
Automatic climate control in three zones, universal garage / door opener and a Bose sound system with 114 speakers included, with a 10.2-inch infotainment screen.
Our vehicle had the electric folding third row bench seats and the second row bucket seats with power release to fold them up for extra cargo space. The buttons for these are located on the right side wall of the cargo area. There is a hands-free electric tailgate that works automatically with the key left in the driver’s pocket.
The special Denali Galvano chrome grille has a pattern with more than 10,000 individual reflective surfaces.
In our standard Yukon, the cargo space behind the third-row seat is now 25.5 cubic feet, up from the previous generation’s 15.3 cubic feet. With the third row folded, it expands to 72.6 cubic feet, and with both rear seats folded down, there is 122.9 cubic feet of space.
There is a knob on the dashboard that has settings for 2WD, Automatic, 4WD High or 4WD Low. This means that there is a low range for serious off-road driving, even if not many would put such an expensive vehicle in such a situation.
This latest Yukon has a quieter cab, smoother performance and more efficient driveline than the previous generation.
The EPA ratings for our four-wheel-drive Yukon Denali with the 6.2-liter engine were 14 mpg city / 19 highway / 16 combined. During our test, with about 60-40 mix of highway-city driving, we had an average of 15.6 mpg.
Safety features include automatic front and rear braking, which uses radar and ultrasonic sensors to avoid low-speed collisions; and GM’s Safety Alert Seat, which vibrates under the driver to warn of potential crash threats. An HD Surround Vision camera system was also included in our tester.
All of these large SUVs are assembled at General Motor’s plant in Arlington, Texas.
The car columns for G. Chambers Williams III have appeared regularly in Express-News since 2000. Contact him at chambers@auto-writer.com.
2022 GMC Yukon (standard length)
Package: Full-size, seven- or eight-passenger, five-door, four-wheel-drive, V-8 petrol-powered or six-cylinder six-cylinder turbodiesel-powered sports car.
Highlights: The Yukon, completely redesigned for 2021, is a rugged family dump truck with plenty of power, smooth driving and a long list of standard and optional comfort and safety features.
Negative: Can get quite expensive.
Engine: 5.3-liter V-8 gasoline; 6.2-liter V-8 petrol; 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder diesel.
Transfer: 10-speed automatic.
Power / torque: 355 hp / 383 foot pounds (5.3 liters); 420 hp / 460 foot-pounds (6.2 liters); 277 hp / 460 foot-pounds (diesel).
Brakes front / rear: Disc / disc, lock-free.
Length: 210 inches.
Service weight range: 5 490-5 922 lbs.
Load capacity: 25.5 cubic feet (behind the third row); 72.6 cubic feet (behind second row, third row folded).
Electronic stability control: Standard.
Side airbags: Front seat mounted, three-row side curtain.
Towing capacity: 8,400 pounds (2WD / 5.3-liter); 8,000 pounds (4WD, 6.2 liters).
EPA fuel economy: 14 mpg city / 20 highway / 16 combined (6.2 liters, 2WD); 14/19/16 (6.2-liter, 4WD).
Fuel capacity / type: 24 gallons / unleaded regular gasoline (5.3, 6.2); low-sulfur diesel (3.0 diesel).
Base price range: $ 52,100- $ 73,000, plus $ 1,695 shipping.
Price tested: $ 84,945 with shipping and options (2022 Yukon Denali 4WD, 6.2-liter).
Major competitors: Wagoneer, Lincoln Navigator, Infiniti QX80, Lexus GX 460.
On the Road rating: 9.3 (out of 10 possible).
The prices shown are the manufacturer’s recommended retail price; Actual selling price may vary.