For those who haven’t performed so lately, take a second to look by means of the 2025 Cadillac Escalade’s configurator. The bottom mannequin is the ironically-named “Luxurious” trim, which begins at $92,290, together with a $1,995 vacation spot price. On the prime of the meals chain, you’ll discover absolutely the maniac that’s the V-Sequence, which asks for $166,690 with out choices, and its rowdy supercharged 6.2-liter V8.
With costs dipping into the six-figure vary most of the time, Cadillac’s truck-based luxurious SUV needs to go toe-to-toe with the Vary Rovers of the world. Nonetheless, as a part of this transition, the Escalade has progressed from being an SUV a star may step out of at an occasion to 1 they may really drive. It’s extra of a standing image than ever and immediately recognizable as a luxurious product. This creates an issue.
The issue exists for individuals who beforehand relied on the Escalade for low-key transportation. Driving a Rolls-Royce Cullinan ensures you’ll be seen. However what in the event you don’t? That used to the Escalade’s turf alongside the BMW X7 and the Mercedes-Benz GLS; huge three-row SUVs with ample house, the entire luxurious fittings you’d need in a commuter, and assured anonymity. With the Cadillac’s sights set firmly on a wholly totally different crowd, we will add the 2025 GMC Yukon Denali Final to that checklist.
I’ll admit that earlier than the chance to drive one appeared, the GMC Yukon Denali Final wasn’t on my radar. Apart from a evaluate of the off-road AT4 trim I did over 4 years in the past, my solely contact with the Yukon since has been from the again seat of an Uber Black.
As we speak, the Yukon is GMC’s flagship internal-combustion SUV, and the Denali Final is its range-topping variant. It begins at $103,295, together with a $1,995 vacation spot price, and comes loaded with commonplace gear, making this tester’s checklist of non-compulsory extras comparatively brief. It provides Night time Imaginative and prescient for $2,000, the Illumination Package deal for $1,195, and a Flooring Liner Package deal for $475. Even its Downpour Metallic exterior paint prices solely $495, bringing its as-tested value to $107,460.
As such, there aren’t many selections to make when configuring one. You may select between seven totally different exterior colours, 5 wheel designs measuring 22 or 24 inches, and an inside package deal that upgrades the second-row seats. It replaces the virtually cardboard flat captain’s chairs in my tester with a extra premium, bolstered, and ventilated set in case you intend to be pushed relatively than driving your self.
Crucially, there is only one inside colour out there, which is the Woodland Mahogany photographed above, accented with white stitching and laser-etched wooden trim. If this LongHorn Steakhouse vibe isn’t fairly your pace, you’ll be able to step down from the Final to the Denali and decide between off-white or black leather-based. Nonetheless, you’ll miss out on the range-topper’s glorious 22-speaker Bose sound system.
So far as this inside’s livability goes. It’s a nice place to be. It stays comparatively quiet on the freeway. Its entrance seats are supportive however not agency, and this truck’s air suspension system has no hassle absorbing bigger bumps at pace. As is frequent, the GMC Yukon Denali Final encompasses a digital instrument cluster and a central touchscreen for its infotainment. The latter is a big 16.8-inch show that makes studying maps at a look easy whereas providing sufficient actual property to have a number of apps open concurrently.
When you can regulate important cabin settings by means of the touchscreen, GMC made the superb resolution to retain bodily controls through a row of switches which might be nearly hidden in plain sight. The result’s an inside that feels high-tech with out dropping its tactility. Whereas a few of this SUV’s plastic buttons really feel considerably misplaced in a automobile costing six figures, the Denali Final makes up for it by being simple to make use of and together with GM’s implausible Tremendous Cruise driver-assist system. Not solely does it permit for hands-free driving, however it additionally does an excellent job of preserving this household hauler centered within the lane, even when Los Angeles’ street markings aren’t at all times probably the most clearly outlined.
This brings me to the principle motive why you’d purchase a GMC Yukon Denali Final, and that’s its dimension. Its second and third rows fold flat, leaving you with a cavernous trunk with 122.9 cubic toes of house. What’s on provide right here is versatility, and do you have to want extra of it, the stretched XL variant exists.
From a driving perspective, you’ve acquired one other option to make. GMC affords the Denali Final in two configurations: both with a turbocharged 3.0-liter Duramax inline-six diesel engine or a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8. The previous develops 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque, whereas the latter produces 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. No matter which you go for, nonetheless, you’ll get a 10-speed computerized transmission, all-wheel drive, and an air suspension setup.
My tester sports activities the V8, and its chrome quad exhaust suggestions promise a burbly engine observe that solely partially materializes. Whether or not you’re standing by it or sitting inside, the GMC Yukon Denali Final is remarkably quiet, underscored by a low, burbling hum. Whilst you press the accelerator, you don’t get a lot of an engine observe within the cabin, a plus given this SUV’s luxurious aspirations however a minus in the event you opted for the eight-cylinder route to listen to them sing.
It’s the same story when you hit the street. Whereas GM’s 10-speed computerized transmission could be considerably gradual and clunky in different merchandise, that isn’t the case right here. It shifts each easily and rapidly, making an attempt to maximise the out there energy. Nonetheless, even with 460 lb-ft of torque, the Yukon feels sluggish, particularly at freeway speeds. Overtaking requires a boot-full of throttle, which is much less shocking when you take into account the Final’s over 5,800-lb curb weight. If it manages to be simply as quiet in most purposes, the three.0-liter diesel and its further torque is the one to have.
As I’ve alluded to, the GMC Yukon Denali Final relies on the identical platform because the Sierra pickup, and this body-on-frame SUV solely partially conceals its truck roots. Its steering is heavy and pairs with a gradual ratio. In contrast to rivals just like the BMW X7, the Final lacks rear-axle steering, making it tougher to maneuver by means of tight areas. Concurrently, its tall and flat hood limits ahead visibility, though an onboard digicam suite helps out significantly.
The GMC’s air suspension does probably the most heavy lifting. Whereas Yukons that lack it usually ship a bouncy trip, that isn’t the case within the Denali Final. It does an incredible job of dealing with undulations and street imperfections at freeway speeds. Nonetheless, it does generally tend to wrestle at slower speeds, selecting up loads of vibrations over rougher surfaces, a con of its large 24-inch wheels.
From a visible standpoint, it’s difficult to make what is actually a large field, designed to hold as a lot stuff and folks as attainable, look nice. Nonetheless, the Denali Final makes a valiant effort. Its Downpour Metallic exterior end introduces some vibrancy whereas retaining an aesthetic look. Whereas this SUV options chrome trim, it’s utilized tastefully all through. And whereas this GMC’s entrance grille is considerably overbearing, its LED working lights are tastefully restrained.
The most important aesthetic problem it faces has much less to do with its look and extra to do with who buys it. As I discussed earlier, a GMC Yukon has pulled as much as my home once I’m on the way in which to the airport extra instances than I can rely. You’ll usually spot them in main cities throughout the US, as a part of a automotive service fleet or pushed by these trying to make prime greenback on rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft. It’s a truth I saved getting reminded of each time I walked as much as the Denali or noticed one other in chauffeur-spec at a stoplight. Whereas it’s one thing you’ll be able to ignore in the event you’re taking a look at one of many Yukon’s inexpensive trim ranges, it’s a lot more durable to take action while you’re shelling out six figures for one.
After every week behind the wheel, it’s clear that the GMC Yukon Denali Final has many strengths. It’s tremendously spacious and affords a superb in-cabin expertise, each when it comes to tech and luxury. Contemplating that it tops out within the low six-figure vary, it’ll value you lower than an equal Vary Rover, BMW X7, or Mercedes-Benz GLS.
Nonetheless, as luxurious because the Denali Final strives to be, it’s hampered by a driving expertise that may’t shake its truck roots, an underwhelming engine, and an aesthetic that’s change into ubiquitous for all of the mistaken causes. Nonetheless, the Yukon manages to supply a luxurious SUV expertise in a package deal that lets you fly underneath the radar. Regardless of some shortcomings, it’s able to take up the mantle because the Escalade strikes on.
