Wind the clock back to 1999 and you’ll find the Yukon Denali helping to create the luxury SUV market, with its glimmering chrome, 20-inch wheels, and sumptuous wood trim. Today, the same formula rings true, and the Yukon and Yukon Denali are both luxurious vehicles in their own right. All new for 2021, the Yukon is coming up on a 2025 refresh, and remaining 2024 Yukon models will need to be sold. Now’s the best time to get a deal on the seldom-discounted Yukon.
The “entry-level” Yukon is anything but, with a handsome grille and design that is arguably better looking than the front of the Tahoe/Suburban Chevrolet versions. Regular wheelbase Yukon SLE starts at $58,200 msrp and has a long list of standard features. A 5.3L V8 with a ten speed automatic is standard, with 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. All Yukons have a 10.2 inch diagonal touchscreen, as well as a 12 inch diagonal driver information center behind the steering wheel. Yukon is 210 inches long with a 24 gallon gas tank and seating for up to nine. The Yukon XL is 225 inches long and has a whopping 28 gallon tank, as well as more legroom in the third row and extra cargo space. The Yukon XL SLE starts at $61,200 msrp with standard 18 inch wheels. SLT starts at $64,900 msrp, adding standard 20 inch rims, leather seat trim, and heated and ventilated front seats.
Yukon AT4 is an off-road trim, with 32 degree approach angle and available active-response four wheel drive system. Available 6.2L V8 has 420 horsepower to the base motor’s 355 horsepower. 20-inch wheels come shod in Goodyear all-terrain tires, and there is a four-corner air ride adaptive suspension. Skid plates in the front are practical and functional, adding to the AT4’s muscular look. The AT4 gets jet-black perforated leather seats with brandy accents, which are also heated and ventilated. Optional panoramic sunroof spans the front and rear seats.
If you want the bells and whistles of a Cadillac Escalade minus the Cadillac price, but also don’t want a Chevy Tahoe golden-bowtie, the Denali and Denali XL aim to please. Denali starts at $76,306 msrp and its longer counterpart the Denali XL starts at $79,305 msrp, each in rear-wheel drive (all wheel drive optional). Unlike regular Suburbans and Yukons, Denalis have hand-stitched leather interiors and wood-trimmed dashboards. Yukon Denali only comes with the 420hp 6.2L V8, but a turbo 277hp 3.0L turbodiesel-six is optional, which can help with both towing and the gas version’s less-than-stellar MPG figures. There is also a Denali Ultimate trim which starts just under $100k for those well-heeled customers wanting something less ostentatious than the Escalade, adding full grain leather seats, laser-etched wood trim, and an 18-speaker Bose surround sound including headrest speakers.
A much better driving vehicle than its land-barge size lets on, one can see why G.M. full-size SUV sales figures embarrass those like the Lincoln Navigator. While one could debate which land barge best ornaments suburban driveways and golf course parking lots, the Yukon is arguably the understated luxury SUV of choice. Right now GMC is offering 6.2% APR for 36 months on 2024 GMC Yukon/Yukon XL. Meanwhile, chevy’s website lists lease deals on Yukon-brother 2024 Tahoe 4WD LT as well. Chevy has the same 6.2% APR right now on Tahoe/Suburban, but for 72 months instead of the Yukon’s 36. Be sure to check local GMC dealers as incentives may vary by region.
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