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GMC Yukon – Everything you need to know

2025 Yukon Denali front 2

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?

What is not so good?

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 LandCruiserNissan PatrolLand Rover DefenderLand Rover DiscoveryKia 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

GMC Yukon Denali arrives Down Under

GMC Yukon Denali Towing Capability more than other SUV’s

2025 GMC Yukon Denali braked towing capacity confirmed for Australia and New Zealand. With the flagship, three-row eight-seat SUV rated to tow an impressive max. braked 3,628kg.

The result elevates the GMC Yukon Denali into a class of its own. With the tow figure the highest of any SUV sold in Australia and New Zealand. The GMC Yukon Denali’s unbraked towing capacity is 750kg, while the gross vehicle mass, or GVM, is 3447kg.

Delivering that class-defining pulling power is the Yukon’s 6.2-litre EcoTec3 V8 engine. Which produces a potent 313kW and 624Nm of effortless momentum.

We know how important towing is to our customers. So we’re thrilled to confirm the GMC Yukon’s braked towing capacity is the very best in its class“. Says Jess Bala, Managing Director, General Motors Australia and New Zealand.
We have always considered the GMC Yukon a flagship vehicle unrivalled in the region. And the braked towing capacity only furthers that status. Not just luxurious, spacious and a capable three-row SUV powered by a potent V8 engine, it can also tow an unmatched 3,628kg.

First GMC Yukon Denali completes right-hand-drive remanufacturing process at GMSV stand-alone facility in Dandenong, Victoria

GMC Yukon Denali has completed right-hand-drive remanufacturing

The first GMC Yukon Denali has completed right-hand-drive remanufacturing in Victoria, with production well underway ahead of deliveries of the commanding eight-seat SUV across Australia and New Zealand from May. 

GMC is known in the USA for combining premium craftsmanship with powerful performance and professional-grade capability. It sits between Chevrolet and Cadillac in GM’s brand lineup, offering vehicles that are both rugged and refined.  

GMC — an all-new brand for Australia and New Zealand through General Motors Specialty Vehicles will offer the Yukon Denali filling a gap in the market for V8 power, best-in-class (SUV) towing and seating for eight. The Denali line for GMC, is synonymous with luxury, featuring high-end materials, advanced technology, and elevated design.  

While new to Australia and New Zealand, GMC is one of the USA’s most storied marques, forging a reputation for delivering both luxury and legendary capability in its vehicles. 

Setting new benchmarks for an upper-large SUV in Australia, the Yukon Denali combines potent V8 petrol performance with on-road comfort, off-road capability, and seating for eight. With the right-hand-drive remanufacturing process now underway, Yukon Denali deliveries will commence across Australia and New Zealand from May. 

“This is a flagship product in the truest sense of the term — an eight-seat family vehicle unrivalled in terms performance and practicality,” says Jess Bala, Managing Director, General Motors Australia and New Zealand. 

“There’s no better vehicle to launch the GMC brand in our market, with the Yukon Denali’s combination of potent performance, towing confidence and luxury in every seat delivering a truly unique proposition in the upper-large SUV space.” 

Yukon Denali engine and drivetrain  

The GMC Yukon Denali is an eight-seat SUV coming to Australia and New Zealand offering a V8 petrol engine, with the 6.2-litre EcoTec3 V8 with Dynamic Fuel Management, paired with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission with Electronic Precision Shift. 

 This advanced engine produces a considerable 313kW and 624Nm, making it among the most powerful SUVs in Australia and New Zealand. But the EcoTec3 V8 pairs its prodigious 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. 

Yukon Denali – Street Appeal

There is no other vehicle in ANZ quite like the GMC Yukon Denali, which demands attention through its 24-inch Machined and Painted Pearl Nickel Wheels, bold grille, lashings of chrome and its full LED lighting signature. 

LED headlights, taillights, DRLs and fog lamps deliver a unique light signature both day and night, while the chrome body moldings and door handles deliver a premium look and feel. 

Stretching 5338mm in length, 2058mm in width, 1943mm in height, and with a 3071mm wheelbase, the GMC Yukon Denali commands the road, with its generous proportions foretelling the space and comfort on offer in the cabin. 

Yukon Denali – Interior

The luxury of space arrives standard in every GMC Yukon Denali, with first-class seating for eight, elevated cabin materials and segment-leading technology. 

With true comfort in all three rows, and an incredible max cargo volume of 3480 litres, the GMC Yukon Denali has room for everyone and everything. 

Adding to the premium look and feel of the Yukon’s interior is Denali-exclusive unique Fractal stitching on the seats, which are heated and ventilated for the driver and front passenger (heated in second row), a Panoramic Power Sunroof with sunshade, along with the use of high-quality materials including authentic wood detailing and the innovative pivoting wood door for the cup-holder console. 

Yukon Denali – Technology and connectivity

The GMC Yukon Denali is equipped with more than 42 inches of high-quality screens, delivering infotainment and driver information where you need it, when you need it. 

Taking pride of place in the centre console is the GMC Premium Infotainment System, a 16.8-inch touch screen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and which pairs with a Bose® 14-speaker surround with CenterPoint® audio system. 

For the driver, an 11-inch Digital Driver Information Centre with high-contrast display provides all driving and vehicle data, while a 15-inch multicolour head-up display ensures their eyes never have to stray from the road ahead. 

Completing this technological tour de force is the rear-seat entertainment system, with dual 12.6”-inch diagonal colour-touch LCD HD rear screens for second-row passengers. 

2025 GMC Yukon Denali price and features 

$174,9901 AUD RRP 

$184,990 NZD RRP 

1 Australian pricing includes GST and LCT, but excludes dealer delivery, government charges, on-road costs, and optional extras. 

Yukon Denali Preliminary specifications: 

Yukon Denali Performance  

Safety 

Exterior features 

Interior Features  

Engine and drivetrain  

Yukon Denali update April 2024

First Right-Hand-Drive MY25 GMC Yukon – is now on the Road in Australia. Local testing and familiarization taking place 

GMSV has released images of a right-hand drive Model Year 25 GMC Yukon on the road in Australia, only days after teaser images were released in the US.

“The GMC Yukon has been at Premoso for a few months as we start gearing up the remanufacturing process,” said Jess Bala, Managing Director, GM Australia & New Zealand.

“It’s exciting that another vehicle is joining the GMSV line-up – one that features a full complement of eight-seats and offers great towing capability.

“Vehicle development post-remanufacturing is progressing extremely well and we’re on track to deliver the new model to customers in first-half of 2025.”

As advised in November, GMSV will be offering the highly equipped GMC Yukon Denali at dealerships in Australia and New Zealand.

“Now that the camouflage has come off, we’ll be able to embark on more extensive on-road, local right-hand-drive development and testing,” said Ms. Bala.

“The team at Premoso are doing an excellent job and the right-hand-drive remanufacture process is well on track.  We look forward to getting customers into this premium product brought to you by GMSV.”

For more information and to register interest in the GMC Yukon, please visit https://www.gmspecialtyvehicles.com/gmc-register

GMC Yukon – Nov 10 2023 Update 

GMC Yukon – GMSV announces new premium addition and exciting model developments on 3rd anniversary – 

 Third anniversary

GMSV has celebrated its third anniversary with a significant announcement, revealing the GMC Yukon, a full-size premium SUV with seating for eight, will be joining the marque’s showroom portfolio, as well as several developments associated with existing model lines.

“GMSV has made a real impression in the local market and, thanks to this success, we’ve been able to make a strong business case for additional models and this latest arrival is testament to these achievements,” said Greg Rowe, Director of GMSV.

“I’m excited to confirm the new GMC Yukon, will be remanufactured here in Melbourne and will be available in Australia and New Zealand.”

The announcement is coincident with the 8,000th remanufactured Chevrolet Silverado emerging from the Premoso facility in Dandenong.

“The GMSV journey started in November 2020 with the launch of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, together with the announcement of the very first manufactured right-hand drive Corvette, the C8,” said Mr Rowe.

“The popularity of GMSV and the vehicles we sell through our network has grown substantially in a few short years and this success was what inspired us to investigate the possibility of adding an all-new model to the line-up.”

GMSV dealerships will offer the highly-equipped GMC Yukon Denali and the first examples of the new model are anticipated to arrive in showrooms early 2025, with pricing and specification to be confirmed shortly before the start of sales.

Concurrent with the announcement of the new GMC Yukon, GMSV also took the opportunity to update plans relating to other model developments, including Corvette E-Ray, MY24 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 upgrades and MY24 Chevrolet Silverado HD.

MY24 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 upgrades

Chevrolet Silverado enthusiasts will be pleased to know a new GM performance exhaust will be added to both models in the MY24 1500 range, the ZR2 and LTZ Premium.

“The MY24 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 will now be standard with an active performance exhaust system providing customers the flexibility of a ‘standard’ exhaust experience – or dialling up the limiter to hear that traditional V8 rumble,” said Mr Rowe.

In another massive development, the new MY24 ZR2 will receive a swath of added equipment, including Rear Camera Mirror, Multi-Colour 15” Diagonal Head-Up Display, Power Tilt/Telescoping steering column, Adaptive Cruise Control along with a Bose ® Premium Sound System.

MY24 Chevrolet Silverado HD

As announced in September, the new MY24 Chevrolet Silverado HD is scheduled to start the remanufacturing process at Dandenong this month, with the first wave of vehicles anticipated to arrive in showrooms as early as December.

More details of all updates, as well as information about the new GMC Yukon, will available at GMSV: New GM Cars for Sale in Australia & New Zealand (gmspecialtyvehicles.com)

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