GMC Yukon Denali is an unusual vehicle for Australia – It’s bigger than every other 4WD. I recently drove one for a week and walked away with slightly mixed feelings.
The Yukon Denali was released here in Australia mid-2025.
Priced from $174,990 plus the usual costs, It comes in one well equipped version for Australia.
Yukon Denali 2025 Road test review July 2025
What does the Yukon Denali look like?
Well, its BIG! And its not even the biggest, America has a supersized model apparently.
At some 5.34m long it stands out. Built on the same platform as the Chevrolet Silverado.
The Denali does look a bit like the old Holden Acadia on steroids.
It has the unmistakeable brash boldness of an American SUV. That doesn’t mean it not stylish. In fact, the front view seems quite sleek.
It does have a large grill, but it’s framed by integrated LED headlights and lower fog lights. This softens the sheer size somewhat. From the side it manages to hide its bulk well. This is helped by the 24” Selective Machined and Painted Pearl Nickel Wheels. They are covered in thin liquorice strip all weather tyres.
These look great but not designed for any off tar-road driving. They do fill the wheel arches, which adds to the sleek profile.
From the rear the Denali has a clever split tailgate function. This will allow the kids to drop their bags in the boot area without opening the full tailgate. However, they will need to be taller.
The automatic tailgate opens high enough for my 190cm frame to stand under.
What about inside?
HUGE is the immediate impression.
Open the front door and the sidestep slides gracefully out . This allows easy access for all but the tallest occupants. Grab handles everywhere also help.
Front seats are super comfortable, heated and ventilated and with a huge (again with that word) centre tunnel and storage bin between them.
The heated leather steering wheel sits nicely in the hands and frames the large 11 inch digital instruments. It houses the usual controls on the spokes.
Above that there is a 15 inch HUD which provides an abundance of information. It does however polarise out in daytime with sunglasses on.
Taking centre stage is a vertical 16.8-inch touch screen. The GMC Premium Infotainment System has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For the audiophiles there is a Bose® 14-speaker surround with CenterPoint® audio system.
Touch sensitivity and clarity is excellent on the central screen.
Rear seats
The middle row seats have spacious head, leg, knee, and foot room. I’m not a fan of the large headrest screens. They seem superfluous these days with almost every kid having their own tablet. Perhaps a tablet holder would be better and less intrusive.
The middle row seats have a slide and recline function. They have a different system called LATC – lower anchor and tethers for children. This has a similar function to an Isofix system but different enough. They also have top tether points.
Because it is large, there is plenty of room for three baby seats in the middle row.
Access to the third row seats is by forward folding the middle seat. The third row seats can be folded and raised electronically.
Third row seats will house three smaller children. Access isn’t too bad through the middle row.
All two rear rows fold almost flat to allow a cavernous boot area. Boot space is huge with five seats and adequate with eight seats in use.
There is a list of features below in this article that the Yukon Denali has.
Infotainment technology and connectivity.
As mentioned, the large vertical screen houses everything you may want, It’s intuitive to use. It comes with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto – Wireless and Bluetooth Connectivity. The Bose® 14-speaker surround with CenterPoint® audio system has excellent clarity.
Rear Seat Media System – Dual 12.6″ diagonal colour-touch LCD HD rear screens (with two GMC branded wireless headphones). These seem outdated these days.
Engine and drivetrain
The Denali comes with a 6.2-litre EcoTec3 V8 petrol engine. This is the same as in the Chevrolet Silverado.
Note that this engine has had its share of issues, but they have been fixed, I’m reliably informed.
One clever feature is the Dynamic Fuel Management, paired with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission with Electronic Precision Shift.
This advanced engine produces a considerable 313kW of power and 624Nm, making it among the most powerful SUVs in Australia and New Zealand. But the EcoTec3 V8 pairs its immense power with refinement and efficiency, the latter through direct injection, cylinder deactivation and continuously variable valve timing.
Under light loads and conditions, the EcoTec3’s Dynamic Fuel Management system can deactivate four cylinders, markedly reducing fuel use and increasing total range.
Power meets practicality with the Yukon Denali equipped with an Active Response 4WD System with electronic limited-slip differential and a two-speed transfer case with 2WD HI, 4WD Auto, 4WD HI and 4WD LOW.
Completing this picture of powerful practicality is the Yukon’s towing capability, delivering class leading (SUV) braked towing capacity in excess of 3500kgs.
What is it like to drive?
Around town on smooth roads the Denali feels smaller and lighter than it actually is. The big V8 will shift the bulk with ease. It does however get very thirsty in the suburbs.
On the motorways the Denali will lazily cruise along, quietly, and smoothly. This is where the engine management system comes into its zone and improved economy. But that’s relative. Its still a big 2800 kg behemoth.
It comes with independent suspension all round, with height-adjustable air suspension. This is mated to Chevrolet’s ‘Magnetic Ride Control’ dampers. Overall, it’s a super smooth ride.
The V8 burble, though is an enthusiast’s delight. I love that exhaust sound. Don’t get excited and believe it’s a sports SUV though. It’s a boulevard cruiser.
Even though it has 4WD capability, don’t even think about taking it any further off road than your neatly manicured gravel driveway at your country estate.
It’s simply too big and those expensive wheels and super thin tyres wont last. It’s also ideal for family trips to the snow.
If you are keen on towing and don’t want to but one of the pickup truck options, the Denali is the way to go.
With a 3,268 kg tow rating (that’s an odd number) it eclipses all other wagon based tow vehicles. Also, with the weight of the Denali there is no tail waging the dog. Larger Caravans, horse floats and boats all will be towed with ease.
Suburban car parks and tight inner city streets are a completely different story, Here you feel the sheer bulk of the Denali.
Safety
The Yukon Denali hasn’t submitted for an ANCAP rating but comes with a multitude f safety features. All of which are mentioned later in this article.
Owner benefits
The Yukon Denali comes with a three year / 100,ooo km warranty. There is three year roadside assist and a 12 month / 12,000 km service schedule.
Final thoughts
I’m guessing the number of buyers for this vehicle are limited. It is expensive and there are a number of other European options available for the price.
However, none of them will seat 8 people in relative comfort, tow 3600 odd kg and come with a satisfying V8 burble.
But for those that do choose the Denali, they will have bought themselves something very different and somewhat special.
I loved driving it.
Motoring Mum Perspective – Brianna Fraser reports
Yukon Denali – I want to chat today about an unusual vehicle I’ve been driving in my search for the best new mum SUVs. It is the Yukon Denali.
Now this is a big American 8 seat 4WD.
It’s the wagon version of the Silverado 1500 Pickup. I mentioned it is big didn’t I.
It’s a true 4WD but no one will ever really take this too far off road.
As a family wagon the closest you can get to the interior space is a people mover.
The front seats are especially comfortable, heated and cooled.
The middle row seats have a slide and recline function. They have a different system called LATC – lower anchor and tethers for children. This has a similar function to an Isofix system but different enough. They also have top tether points.
Because it is large, there is plenty of room for three baby seats in the middle row.
Access to the third row seats is by forward folding the middle seat. The third row seats can be folded and raised electronically.
Access to the cabin is helped by a fold out step which retracts after you are inside.
Even though its big, it doesn’t feel like that when driving. The big V8 petrol engine simply hums along, and it’s packed with luxury features to make the family relax.
However, with a price of somewhere near $175,000 plus the usual costs, it’s not for everyone. But I absolutely loved driving it for the week. Its Mum life upgraded.
This is the Motoring Mum
I’m Brianna Fraser
What is good?
- Space, space, and more space.
- V8 Performance
- Seriously cool to drive
What is not so good?
- Expensive
- No Isofix points
- Huge in suburban car park
Buyers could also look at:
While there isn’t anything really like it in Australia. Buyers of the Yukon Denali could also look at the following: Toyota LandCruiser, Nissan Patrol, Land Rover Defender, Land Rover Discovery, Kia Carnival
Yukon Denali Details
Yukon |
|
Model |
Yukon Denali |
| Model Price | $174,990 MLP* |
| Engine | 6.2L V8 Petrol Euro 5 |
| Drivetrain | 10 Sp Sports AT Dual range 4WD |
| Power | 313 kW @ 5.600 rpm |
| Torque | 624 Nm @ 4,1000 rpm |
| Safety | Unrated ANCAP |
| 0-100kmh / Top Speed | TBA |
| CO2 Emissions | TBA g/km |
| Economy ADR | 12.8 L/100km / 91L capacity |
| Economy on test | 16.0 l/100k Around town 20.1 L/100K |
| Max Range | 700 km |
| Range on test | 560 km |
| Servicing | 12Mth / 12,000km 3 Yrs. |
| Warranty | 3yr/ 100,000 km |
| Roadside Assist | 1Yr. conditional roadside assist |
*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges). Pricing is from Redbook as at date of article or from the manufacturer’s website.
Overall Rating |
82/100 |
| Behind the Wheel | 9 |
| Comfort | 9 |
| Equipment | 9 |
| Performance | 8 |
| Ride and Handling | 7 |
| Practicality | 8 |
| Fit for Purpose | 9 |
| AWD/Towing Capability* | 8 (4WD 3/5 Towing 5/5) |
| Technology/connectivity | 8 |
| Value for Money | 7 |
*Towing and AWD capability is measured against similar vehicles in the same class.
Dimensions |
Yukon Denali |
| Overall Length | 5360 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3071 mm |
| Width | 2057 mm |
| Height | 1943 mm |
| Wheels | 24×9.5 Alloy |
| Tyres | 285/40 R24 |
| Full size spare | Yes |
| Max ground clearance | Up to 205 mm |
| Wading Depth | TBA mm |
| Approach | 24.8 degrees |
| Rampover | 22.5 degrees |
| Departure angle | 20.5 degrees |
| Turning Circle KTK | 12.4 m |
| Boot space min | TBA mm |
| Boot space max | 3480 L |
| Kerb Weight | 2745 kg |
| Payload (kg) | 640 kg |
| GVM (kg) | 3447 kg |
| GCM | 7075 kg |
| Towing Capacity (braked) | 3628 kg |
| Tow Ball rating | 350 kg |
| Maximum Front Axle Load kg | TBA kg |
| Maximum Rear Axle Load kg | TBA kg |
