Michael SatterfieldGMC doesn’t usually make the waves it should in the luxury SUV space, unlike European marques like Range Rover. But with the 2025 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate, they’ve quietly built one of the most well-rounded and road-ready full-size SUVs on the market, and it just might be the best-kept secret in American luxury motoring. It is an understated luxury vehicle that can fly under the radar without compromising on luxury or features.
I spent a week behind the wheel of this top-tier titan, clocking highway miles, navigating tight city streets, and even hauling a loaded trailer. Here’s what I found.
Not Just Another Denali
Let’s start with the basics. Under the hood is the proven 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8, delivering 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 10-speed automatic and full-time four-wheel drive, the Yukon doesn’t just move, it glides. The Magnetic Ride Control and Air Ride Adaptive Suspension soak up imperfections with the grace of a European tourer, while still feeling confident off pavement.
The GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate badge isn’t just trim-level window dressing. It’s GMC at its most ambitious: chrome deleted, badging blacked out, and rolling on 22-inch wheels in a finish called “After Midnight.” The Titanium Rush Metallic paint adds to the Yukon’s presence, with just enough sheen to suggest you probably own something else exotic in the garage.
Inside the GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate
The cabin is where the Yukon earns its “Ultimate” credentials. GMC calls the trim “Woodland Mahogany,” but it reads more like a custom coachbuilder’s touch than something off the assembly line. Full-grain leather, authentic wood, and tasteful stitching all combine to create an interior that punches well above its price class.
Add in 16-way massaging seats, heated everything (including the steering wheel and rear outboard seats), and a panoramic sunroof, and you’ve got a long-hauler with the soul of a private jet.
Google Built-In handles infotainment duties across the massive 13.4-inch center screen, and the 12-inch digital gauge cluster is as crisp as anything in the segment. Bose’s 18-speaker Performance Series sound system is included, and it doesn’t just sound good; it creates a full surround soundstage that transforms highway drives into studio sessions.
Super Cruise and Real World Luxury
This Yukon came equipped with Super Cruise, GM’s hands-free highway driving tech. On mapped roads, it’ll handle steering, braking, and even automatic lane changes. It’s not perfect; construction zones and sharp curves still need human hands, but for long-haul highway runs, it’s a welcome partner. I drove from Dallas back home, about three hours, and Super Cruise was in control almost the entire time.
The rest of the driver-assist tech suite includes standard fare like reverse automatic braking, lane keep assist, blind zone alert, and more. You could spend more with other brands and get less.
Utility Without Compromise
This isn’t just a rolling luxury suite. The GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate can still tow up to 7,500 pounds, haul a weekend’s worth of gear for a full family, and do it all without complaining. Folding the second and third rows opens up 122.9 cubic feet of space, enough for tools, gear, or the occasional swap meet haul.
And with power-retractable running boards, a hands-free liftgate, and even a console cooler, it’s clear GMC thought about everyday usability as much as first impressions.
The Bottom Line
At $101,525 as tested, the GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate doesn’t come cheap. But stacked against similarly priced luxury SUVs from Europe or Japan, it more than holds its own — and in many ways, outperforms them. It’s less about flash and more about function, comfort, and quiet confidence.
Suppose you’re a gentleman who appreciates V8 power, American craftsmanship, and a vehicle that can transition from valet stand to backcountry trail without missing a beat. In that case, the 2025 Yukon Denali Ultimate is worth a serious look.
