I'd rather spend $110k on this SUV over any model Tesla. At least the Yukon is capable of SHTF mountain scenarios while electric vehicles are simply dedicated to the skreets
Teslas are so overpriced that it's ridiculous. You will probably have to hang on to a Tesla for six years to save any money on fuel expenses. Remember, it needs electricity to run and your electric bill (the biggest bill your house gets) will go up. And those saying it has "no effect" on the bill are LYING. Most of those reviewers are already making over $120K a year anyway. Joe Average wouldn't be able to afford a Tesla...
@@pryme2013 LOL, name a state where a property costs $110k and is NOT less than 1,000 sq ft? Every property in my ridiculous state costs $125,000 at the lowest. What do you get? a 30 year old house with ANCIENT slider bar a/c, a broken ceiling, NO garage, a driveway that has been broken in a million pieces and crappy clapboard interiors with a carpet that will definitely have to be replaced. And half of these houses have fugly popcorn ceilings that are cracked in several spots. So after fixing it up, the price will shoot up to $125-135K and remember, you STILL don't have a garage. That's why I haven't been able to find a house for the last two years...
Great video. What you didn’t mention, probably because it wasn’t equipped with it, is Super Cruise. Super Cruise comes on the Ultimate (when no chip issue occurs) and it is a game changer. It’s probably the biggest reason why I bought one - not cosmetic reasons but mechanical. I’d like to see more real-life use cases like the one here. Snow, cold, etc. Re: the running board. There is a setting that you can disable the retractable part and use the running boards in a fixed position. It’s under “Vehicle” in settings.
Very pretty and capable truck. Really excellent video too. I really appreciate that you don't just act as covert advertising but rather actually employ your judgement for what is good, what needs work and some real world use. Great stuff!
neighbor bought Yukon XL with leather seats that are air conditioned with the 5.3 engine- not sure about all the options on it. Wasn't a Denali , but did have a giant sun roof. Did get 20 inch wheels. The thing is a monster in size!!
You're missing two of the best features in the review. Massaging Seats and Super Cruise. I have them both in my XL and it makes the thing an amazing American family road trip BEAST! I love it.
If I had the money, I would buy the Ultimate instead of the regular Denali because the seats are more soft and the interior is not boring black looking.
10:00……….the sidestep like my Escalade doesn’t retract when it detects an obstruction, in this case it’s the snow………hose it off or take it threw a car wash and it’s good again, no big deal! 😒🤷🏽♂️
Big feature difference for ultimate trim is the autopilot system. Only available on Ultimate (at least when not removed for chip shortage reasons). That and the nice interior and the fact that I don’t love super bright chrome are the reasons I’d go Ultimate
Just on the exterior. I like the looks of the Tahoe and Escalade better. I agree with you Stephen! I would just get the Denali. If I was spending a 110k it would be on a Escalade.
It's good to know it's a possibility the retractable steps could malfunction in the winter. That's a feature I would definitely eliminate. It reminds me of my Automatic Gas Cap door that tends to get frozen shut in the winter. They should've kept it manual.
Hi from the Cornwall Ontario area, rural location. I totally agree with the concerns about the retractable running boards. I just bought a '23 Sierra 2500HD Denali off dealer stock with them (take it, or leave it). I have a set of w***tech mud flaps I'm going to install to try and control the issue...we'll see.
I love the Vader chrome, but not the traditional shiny chrome. I wish they had replaced all the shiny chrome with the darker Vader and not just some of it. That raises a question. I know there is such a thing as an after market "chrome delete" job, blacking out all the chrome, pricey but good looking. Do you know, could I get a "chrome delete" job that instead of replacing the remaining shiny chrome with black, I could replace it with a match to the darker Vader chrome color? I think in this case that would look even better than an all black "chrome delete" job. Thanks, for the answer, by you or anyone who might know, and thanks for another solid review.
Is there a slippery mode on the GM? On my F-150 when i use the slippery mode, it not only redistribute the power but it also remap the transmission and the throttle so as the braking. I realize that when i first use the 4 auto in normal mode and put it in slippery one. The difference is very obvious. About the step may be GM should make it diseabling so it can stay in a fixed mode for the winter.
I have 21 denali my wife and I got caught in a very bad snow storm that we drove through for 3 hours the truck performed flawlessly, the traction control was great and the stability control took over once and saved a bad drift. very nice truck
Love your snow country vids, this one included. Thanks. A question. Do you think those leather seats, the padding and side bolstering, are thick enough to be comfortable long distance driving? Not just 2 or 3 hours, but 6, 8 or more hours a day? I've been wondering about that. They just seem thin, but on the other hand I don't hear anyone talking extensively about this. Also, do you think this Yukon Denali Ultimate would handle bad snow stormy weather as well as the Yukon AT4? Other than the front and rear angles, I think they may be the same.
Always love your reviews. Good job. As for the Ultimate, I just wish I could get all black leather seats instead of that brown color, thicker rubber 20" wheels like those on the AT4, and night vision capability. I agree, it's too bad it lost the rear screen mirroring capability. Beautiful vehicle though, and love the darker Vader chrome.
One of many reasons I have given up on GM. If this thing is soooo pricey, why can't we get a truly custom interior?! Went to GM's website and tried the car builder and started with the Ultimate edition Denali you can't get it in gray you can't get different wheel designs, there's just one you can't get a leather choice, just ugly brown all the other options are mostly bling total price: $98,000 I am NOT interested at all. GM is like a drunk farmer stumbling in the woods without a flashlight at night.
Sticker price overkill compared to saving 27K plus for nearly the same vehicle. I like the seat design with white piping. Integrated infotainment screen looks great compared to lower tier models. Honestly the AT4 XL loaded without power retracting steps sticker price 83,400 US with 5.3 which has enough power, max towing package. Or cost cut another 4k going with the Z71 suburban same options for 79K. Price is before wheeling and dealing, shop around. Tax and license, insurance costs could save an additional 2k to 4k the first year over the ultimate. GMs auto 4x4 mode is the best in the business. Driving around urban areas switching to rural residential and into town where some intersections are not plowed or icy keep your moving and help traffic flow. Otherwise your spinning wheels cause someone to slide into you with them not paying attention
I am curious...does 4 auto improve braking distance as well as 4 hi? I put the challenge out to TRUCK KING to show how much shorter braking distance can be in 4 hi vs 2 hi. I have watched the difference on TEAM ONEIL RACING. I wonder if 4 auto is as effective.
Is it unibody or body on frame? You didn't state safety features like adaptive cruise, emergency pedestrian braking, etc. I like the Expeditions rear backup camera for lining up a tow vehicle better. 9100 lbs and more torque vs 8000 on the GMC makes a big difference with less strain on the engine. $30K more for the GMC is crazy just for appearance unless you're rich and frivolous and unless Ford is still having quality issues.
What are your thoughts on some of the new 4Auto transfer cases not having an actually locking mechanism? I’ve heard GM and Ford using these systems with only a clutch to route power but they don’t have the ability to mechanically lock a pawl to literally lock up. Ford’s Hi-Lock system in the Raptor and some Tremor models incorporate that but the remainder just use a clutch. I’m a bit weary of long term longevity or durability as C&D has experienced the truck kicking them out of 4Lo unexpectedly in the ZR2.
GM isn't the only one, and it isn't anything new...clutch based transfer cases have been around for decades. Longevity depends on how the system is maintained....most people skip the maintenance on stuff so with that said, they don't last forever, but with normal maintenance they aren't much of an issue. The clutch pack is in an oil bath, so its kept from being overheated. For most use they'll function just fine and last the life of the vehicle. Now if you are thinking its a system for extreme 4 wheeling, it is not. Its just a regular daily driver type system, on the highway, down a dirt/gravel road to the cabin type system. The 4Auto in my 2008 Ford Explorer works great and at 136k miles it hasn't had any issues. I can "lock" it into 4wd high or low range, but the clutch is what locks and engages the front axle, regardless which mode you are in.
@@wildbill23c oh interesting, didnt know this same type of implementation has been around for a while. I knew of some full time 4wd systems like in the Land Cruiser, but kinda thought those were either more uncommon or high end or that they actually locked up physically. Glad to hear they've been pretty well vetted, though seem now to be migrating to larger full size vehicles. Like you said though, should be fine for most uses though seeing such a system in the new Silverado ZR2 without full lock up capability makes me think that was a big cost cutting effort that enthusiasts may not like so much if wheeling hard.
@@ALMX5DP Every automaker has built some form or fashion of the "auto 4wd" for decades. All of them have some sort of clutch pack, open differential, or viscous coupler in the transfer case. There really isn't all that many transfer case companies out there, so most of them all share the same generic system. With the ZR2, most people never leave pavement with their vehicles, so yes, cost cutting measure, and sharing parts sources to keep the assembly line going, and cut the number of different parts they need for various vehicles...if you can use the same transfer case across a dozen vehicles it saves a lot of money across the board in parts, research and development, replacements, etc. Land Cruiser used an open center differential in earlier models so you had full mechanical connections, Jeep was the same with their selec-trac 4WD systems in the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee....the Land Cruisers now have a clutch pack in the transfer case for their 4WD "Auto", or full time mode. Low range uses a shift collar to engage the gear reduction for the low range, but the clutch pack is still the physical connection to the front and rear axles....and yet they want almost $90k for one....and, people offroad with them, so the systems are pretty well designed in the heavier duty application market....sounds like GM took a very light duty transfer case and put in the ZR2 if its kicking out of low range, that is a mechanical shift issue with the shift fork, or shift collar or both.
@@jamesotto2562 we are getting 26mpg on average. Out of curiosity I drove it recently very carefully and got the mpg up to 33. It took a year to get it once we ordered it but it was worth it.
Great looking suv..power steps need to go..doesn’t matter if your in Canada..Wisconsin or Illinois..to much snow n salt for the steps to work …hard to get over the price of these new vehicles..who the heck can afford $98k-$110k…Definitely not me..
I'm surprised consumers want rear seat screens in the first place and since you can no longer mirror a phone it truly feels pointless. I would just think adults and kids alike have phones and tablets they rather use. Maybe a mount for a phone/tablet would be a better alternative.
They are worth it! My 6 and 4 years old use it all the time. This was a must have for me when i ordered my 2021 Yukon Denali….and my brand new 2023 Denali screens are even better, they cast directly from the (3 years free ) data i got from GMC.
Do you know, comparing the comfort of the leather seats, especially on long drives, if it is any different between this new Denali Ultimate and a loaded regularly Denalil? I believe the leather itself has been upgraded in the Ultimate, but I do not know if that is primarily just appearance or maybe surface touch, or if the padding and bolstering is any different, and as a result, the comfort is any different between the two, especially on long drives, do you maybe know? Thanks. And on a different topic, do you know if the Denali, Ultimate or regular, has any advantage over the Escalade driving is cold, stormy, snowy ski country, or if they are basically the same in that environment?
Denali would just be fine with me. All black exterior just don’t show characteristics of the car imo. Thanks for the fixed side step comment. I would definitely do that instead. Great video 👍
24 Yukon here. The rear media is not good. Its buggy, and the fact that you can not control the screen from the front makes it almost worthless for trips with small children.
The only reason to get a Denali over the AT4 (similar options in both, INCLUDING air ride suspension) is that the Denali comes with that beautiful white/wendy's frosty brown interior combo that looks BEAUTIFUL. Otherwise save yourself $15,000... you can pay a kid out of prison $2,000 to wrap all your chrome trim black if you must made the car look ugly.
The four wheel auto is amazing. I use it all the time. I just used it today in my 2019 Silverado temp is 1 degree, and ice everywhere. You can slightly hear more drivetrain noise, but such an amazing and intuitive feature, allows you to drive normal around corners without binding. No other truck has it, with others, you need to use 4 high, which binds on pavement. So sad about the chip shortage. Great review. The electric step has a sensor that keeps it from damaging the body from crushing ice against it. Once melted it will fully retract. Smart engineering.
@@mikek5298 Quadra-Trac, or Selec-Trac? Both had full time 4WD options....I miss my 96 ZJ with Quadra-Trac, it was excellent in the snow/ice, and had a mechanical transfer case unlike the electronic garbage being used now. I had a 98 ZJ with Selec-Trac and limited slip rear axle....also, great in snow/ice. I like the Selec-Trac better as it gave you 2WD as well as full time and part time 4WD, low range was 2.72:1 in both transfer cases, but being able to have full time and part time was great. Miss my ZJ's every winter.
Quite frankly, the whole package is too expensive. There's really nothing that justifies the cost of those packages. The only part that is more that would be a higher cost is those seats. Even then, a couple of hundred but it's folded into some package that's over $3K at least. It really should be a $50k vehicle, $40K USD. GM's profits on this are massive.
You are simply snorting crack cocaine. Ford is trying to sell you a Black Label Navigator for the same price as this and Jeep - a rebadged Grand Cherokee called the Wagon both of which is lacking half the features available in this package - but for the same prices or more. Lol 😂 This truck has the worlds fastest reacting suspension system, Google based infotainment experience, and can’t be beat in practicality or design. If you actually believe a loaded 2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate should cost $40k then I wonder what you believe a Chevrolet Tahoe High Country should cost. $25k?? Because it’s a GM and has a bow tie or “GMC” badge out front you’re having a hard time justifying the price, am I correct? Even tho this truck is the benchmark for everyone in the segment😮. You people are absolutely delusional and hilarious. The type of technology found in this Yukon isn’t even available in luxury trucks from established luxury brands. Like I said, the Lincoln Navigator and Lexus LX doesn’t offer HALF of what you’re getting here. This is not only well worth the premium over a standard Denali, but it’s actually a good value too. THE BROKE HATERS WILL _always_ HATE tho.
@@wildbill23c You would be the idiot here speaking on something you know nothing about. GMC Yukons hold their values quite fine. In fact, KBB’s 2021 winner for Best Full-size SUV Resale Value isn’t the Toyota Sequoia nor the Ford Expedition, it is the *GMC Yukon.* I can’t make this stuff up. All it takes is a quick google search folks.
i feel the same way about european cars..for years, people have been fooled into thinking european cars are worth $100k and more, yet we know they are no more reliable or luxurious than any other vehicle. leather and wood trim is no longer a luxury so then why are those cars $100k plus? and they lose their value like crazy. now that insane pricing has become the norm across the board. a rav4 can hit $50k...what world are we living in?
IMO you’re better off with the Escalade. It used to be that the Denali was the “stealth wealth” understated option, but Denali’s have become so flashy and in your face that there’s very little to separate the two brands these days. At least the Escalade has the interior to match the pricetag. The Ultimate is just a yukon with fancy leather and wood.
Mud flaps/splash guards are hideous on these rigs (any car honestly). Yuck! Adjust the retractable steps in the vehicles settings and have some class. This is a Denali after all folks, I’m not about to adorn my exterior with black plastics. Smh 🤦🏽♂️
I'm happy with my 2021 Suburban Z71. I wish I had got the air springs for trailering, and I wish it had seats like the Yukon AT4. The auto steps can be set to stay out, or stay in for the winter months for exactly the reason you identified. So they don't get gummed up. You can essentially make them "fixed" steps.
Power steps are garbage. Even in warm areas they fail. I don’t even like steps. I wouldn’t even have them on my new silverado 2500 which is much taller than this but I have small humans that need them. They are fixed and accumulate a ton of slush and crap which ends up all over the garage floor when it melts.
Lol, hopefully it lasts longer then my 2021 Tahoe, non stop electrical issues, and emissions problems ( Duramax ), sold it at 33,000km, had enough of the bull$hit..... Then there's the nonstop chip shortage excuse as to why they cut corners everywhere... 🙄
It’s literally a full-size luxury SUV. What do you think it should costs for what you’re getting? Are large luxury trucks supposed to be bargains? Oh, it’s _just_ *General Motors’* pricing that’s “high” in Canada, right? Lol. 🤡 Well according to your logic all of their competitors in Canada must be both superior _and_ cheaper so the choice should be clear for the Canadians in that regard - assuming you’re anywhere near accurate. You honestly seem to be very confused.
The trouble with GM full-size SUV is that they're not true off-road. Jeep gives you all that luxury, features, and comfort, but comes with TRUE off-road prowess. The Denali is a capable SUV, but needs to be priced under 100 grand to be attractive and competitive. It can't priced that close to the Cadillac. Anyway, I am definitely "that guy" when it comes to maxing out the options. I only consider fully-loaded version. Give me all the bells and whistles or go home. In any event, I get it, if you're a big guy you want to be comfortable and need the room. But I'm good in almost any car so I'd take a step down to the next level if that's the one I can afford maxed out.
I don't know,.. they are a dependable and reliable truck, proven tech. They drive and handle well with good road manners for their size ,.fuel economy,..well you wouldn't be looking at one if thats high on your priority list . Unfortunately I don't think they're worth the money . $110K on a depreciating asset . kind of a hard sale to me. Now if someone gave me one for free,..watch my tune change!!
In 4WD auto both the rear and front axles are engaged at all times though a clutch system. In 4WD high and low the connection is dirrect between the rear and front axles. At no time in any of the 4WD modes are all 4 wheels engaged. When the rear axle locks up there are two wheels driving in the rear but the front axle does not have the capability to lock up on this model. 3WD at best. Sorry, no thumbs up. Information not accurate.
I've always wondered what is the point of these kind of vehicles. Even Honda Accord has more sitting space, more trunk space, and how many families have 5 kids so you really need a 3rd row? Makes no sense, expecially for the price of a big Mercedes Benz, BMW, Audi, Porsche. Not to mention fuel consumption.
safer, more comfortable, towing package if you have a boat or RV and better service all over the USA. If your German auto breaks down in rural America you are up the creek. My BMW with run flats blew out a tire in Hattiesburg, MS. The nearest tire was in Jackson, MS. or New Orleans. Had to have the Beemer flat bedded to New Orleans, spend the night, then fork over 600 clams for the new tire. Thanks, but no thanks.
