American Benchmark: 11 Ways the GMC Yukon Denali Redefines Full-Size SUV Standards

• GMC releases its first-ever model in Australia, the Yukon Denali.
• A tech-lover’s dream with a 16.8″ central touchscreen, 15″ head-up display, and dual 12.6″ rear entertainment screens – all standard.
• The Yukon Denali boasts luxury features fitted throughout.

It’s big, it’s brash, and it sets a new standard for large SUVs in terms of its balance of luxury, capability, and street cred. The first-ever GMC model to be officially imported Down Under, the Yukon Denali is a peak-SUV, USA-style.

The newest member of GMSV’s growing portfolio, the GMC Yukon Denali exemplifies GM’s commitment to delivering exceptional capability and luxury in a unique…. Want to know more? Here are 11 reasons why you should discover more about Yukon…

With spacious seating for eight passengers, perforated leather seats (heated and ventilated in front, heated in rear), and a panoramic dual-pane sunroof, the Yukon Denali offers first-class travel for everyone.

The tri-zone climate control ensures comfort throughout the cabin, making this the perfect family vehicle for daily commutes and long road trips. And unlike some other three-row SUVs, the Yukon delivers enough room in the back seats for full-size human beings… It’s B-I-G.

The magic number used to be 3500kg, but the Yukon beats that. With a best-in-class 3628kg braked towing capacity, 624Nm of torque, and dedicated towing features like Tow/Haul Mode, Integrated Trailer Brake Controller, and Trailer Sway Control, the GMC Yukon Denali is engineered for serious hauling with confidence and ease.

Special mention for the multiple towing-ready cameras as standard. There’s even one that will help you position your tow ball precisely.

The Yukon Denali comes standard with 24-inch Pearl Nickel wheels – the largest fitted to any factory production car in Australia and New Zealand.

These massive wheels not only provide excellent road holding but also make a bold style statement everywhere you go. Don’t like the bling? There’s a blacked-out wheel option that’s properly gangsta.

With over 42 inches of high-quality screens, including the central 16.8-inch vertical touchscreen infotainment system, 11-inch digital driver display, 15-inch head-up display, and dual 12.6-inch rear entertainment screens, technology surrounds you at every point of the Yukon Denali’s cabin.

Just make sure to bring your own maps – instead of native navigation, Yukon favours BYO via CarPlay or Android Auto and all the benefits they bring… Smart!

You can’t beat an eight, mate! GM’s acclaimed 6.2-litre EcoTec3 V8 engine delivers 313kW of power and 624Nm of torque, paired with a sophisticated 10-speed automatic transmission for potent performance and surprising efficiency via features like cylinder deactivation.

There is no unnecessary electrification or hybridisation here, but understand that efficiency is a relative term. You’ll need to be on good, not great, terms with your local servo.

From its signature Denali chrome grille and LED lighting to the power-retractable assist steps and satin chrome body accents, every design detail of the Yukon speaks to premium luxury and commanding presence.

The contrast between the semi-sized grille and the slim, almost futuristic headlights grabs your attention as the Yukon slides into view. In a sea of jelly mould SUVs, you won’t miss the Yukon Denali.

The Air Ride Adaptive four-corner suspension system provides selectable ride height options, allowing up to 50mm of lift when needed and lowering for easy entry/exit. This is combined with Magnetic Ride Control adaptive damping that reads road conditions every five milliseconds. The system automatically compensates for tow ball weight, passenger load, and cargo, too.

The BOSE 14-speaker surround sound system with CenterPoint technology delivers concert-quality audio throughout the cabin, transforming every drive in the Yukon into an immersive listening experience. Does it read like the brochure? Yes, but if audio is at all important to you, you’re probably hooked—or at least ready to plug in your favourite test track and blast away.

There’s a certain feeling of security that comes with driving the BIGGEST damn SUV on the block. Still, keeping it real, the Yukon does have impressive passive and active safety credentials.

Over 20 safety and driver assistance features are standard, including various auto braking and auto parking functions, Front Pedestrian and Cyclist Braking, 360-degree HD camera with 11 viewing angles, and Side Cyclist Alert. The camera options, especially, are worth a look – they make parking and towing THAT much easier… There’s also comfort in the fact that the Yukon Denali prioritises protection for both inside and outside the vehicle.

Authentic wood detailing, diamond stitching on seats, bright Denali-logo sill plates, and premium materials throughout the Yukon create a cabin environment that rivals luxury sedans, which cost far more.

The Yukon Denali has an upscale feel that isn’t always present in other three-row SUVs. The various controls and touchpoints deliver a real sense of quality, even down to the switchgear… That doesn’t mean the Yukon Denali is a soft touch – where durability is needed, it’s onboard. After all, it’s a GMC.

With its Active Response 4WD System, electronic limited-slip differential, and selectable 4WD modes (2WD HI, 4WD Auto, 4WD HI, 4WD LOW), the Yukon Denali is not only ready but also willing for virtually any driving condition you’ll strike Down Under. Always ready but in the Denali, always luxurious to boot…

The 2025 GMC Yukon Denali is now on sale, priced from $174,990. With its combination of V8 power, unmatched towing capacity, bold US tough truck styling and luxury appointments that rival European offerings costing significantly more, it’s genuinely unique…

Experience Professional Grade luxury for yourself at select GMSV showrooms nationwide. To book a test drive or learn more about the GMC Yukon Denali, visit gmsv.com.au or call 1800-GMSV-AU.