2017 Yukon XL Denali is GMC's 'incredible hulk'

Photo: GMC

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The Yukon XL's 14-in. longer wheelbase delivers more legroom for third-row occupants and 39 cu. ft. of cargo space behind them vs. 14 cu. ft. for GMC's regular Yukon.

Photo: GMC

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The full-size Yukon XL Denali has a full load of standard luxury touches, including genuine wood inlays and French seam stitching on console and doors, heated and ventilated front seats, power adjustable pedals, onboard Wi-Fi hot spot and heads-up display. less

Photo: GMC

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Cameras, radar and ultrasonic sensors underlie the GMC Yukon XL Denali's standard forward collision, blind zone, lane-change and rear cross traffic warning systems.

Photo: GMC

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The Yukon Denali's standard heated second-row seats have a power release and the third-row split-bench folds with the touch of a button.

Photo: GMC

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With its standard 420-hp 6.2-liter V8 and trailer sway and brake controllers, GMC's Yukon XL Denali is rated to tow up to 8,100 lbs. (2WD) or 7,900 lbs. (4WD). Automatic rear load leveling is also included.

Photo: GMC

Whether you're tasked with a cross-country road trip or aiming to win a carpool popularity contest, GMC's big, bold and composed Yukon XL rates scrutiny. The Denali version, GMC's roomiest and poshest people-hauler, received a raft of new or upgraded features for the 2017 model year.

The Yukon Denali gets standard four-color, adjustable head-up display, low-speed forward automatic braking, and the perforated leather driver and passenger seats are heated and ventilated. Also new: blue ambient interior lighting and wireless charging of compatible mobile phones.

The SUV also boasts a versatile infotainment system that features a crisp 8-inch color touch screen with navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, single-slot CD/MP3 player and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for compatible mobile devices. The standard 10-speaker Bose surround sound setup played a big role in making a weekend drive from Houston to San Antonio and the Hill Country more enjoyable. Favorite tunes can also be piped in via Bluetooth streaming or an auxiliary input jack.

One of the handiest tech features on many General Motors vehicles, including the Yukon XL Denali, is the built-in 4G Wi-Fi hotspot used to piggyback mobile devices to the Internet. Our onyx black Yukon also had GMC's $2,985 optional open road package, which includes a rear-seat entertainment system, and HDMI/MHL connector and digital headphones.

The Yukon's XL's wheelbase is stretched more than a foot (14 inches to be exact) to 130 inches, resulting in a utility vehicle (we think applying "sport" is also a stretch) that winds up being 224.3 inches long.

The Yukon XL Denali normally seats seven: driver and front passenger; two passengers in the two captain's chairs in the second row and three in the third-row bench seat. The Denali can accommodate eight if the standard captain's chairs are replaced with the available second-row bench seat. (It's a no-cost option.)

As you'd expect, none of the above comes cheap. The basic "extra long" Yukon SLE starts at $52,525, while the upgraded SLT trim starts at $61,420. The top-tier Denali jumps to $69,960 but add four-wheel-drive, which our test vehicle had, and you're looking at $72,960 - before packages or options.

Keep in mind, however, that not only are 2018 Yukons at many GMC dealers, additional incentives and discounts being offered in the wake of Hurricane Harvey or to help fight breast cancer could reduce the net price significantly.

Yes, the Yukon XL Denali impresses with its copious chrome embellishments, but there are several practical reasons why shoppers might consider stepping up.

Performance, for starters. The Denali's standard 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8 makes 420 horsepower and a hefty 460 lb.-ft. of torque. The only engine offered in the SLE and SLT models is a 5.3-liter V8 rated at 355 horses and 383 lb.-ft. of torque.

The Denali's bigger engine is matched to a beefed up Hydra-Matic 8L90 eight-speed automatic transmission and a 3.23 rear axle ratio. (The 5.3s run 8L80 transmissions and a 3.08 gear.) And how's this for versatility? The nearly 19-foot long Yukon can be towed "dinghy" style - flat on its four wheels - behind a motor home by using the appropriate tow bar and leaving the transmission in neutral.

The Yukon XL Denali also comes with standard magnetic ride control, a suspension technology that constantly reads the road and reacts to road conditions instantly using electro-magnetism to adjust the dampers. Roll is also reduced.

Four-wheel-drive versions of the chiseled GMC SUV come standard with a two-speed active transfer case that helps keep the Yukon in two-wheel-drive unless it detects wheel slippage; the system then automatically switches to four-wheel-drive mode. The Denali has an integrated trailer brake controller and a 170-amp alternator vs. the 150-amp unit found in the SLE and SLT.

The Yukon XL Denali is normally shod with 20-inch machined aluminum wheels and 275/55R20 tires but buyers can pay extra for 22-inch wheels and 285/45R22 tires. Offered in no less than nine distinct five-, six- or seven-spoke designs, the upgraded wheels are priced from $2,495 to $2,995.

The Denali's standard convenience and driver aids include automatic high beam headlamps, HID projector-beam headlights power folding mirrors, assist steps, full-size spare tire and wheel, side blind zone alert and rear-vision camera with good resolution.

GMC makes it easy for shoppers to pimp the Yukon with the click of a mouse. A prime example is the performance front brake upgrade - it's a factory big brake kit. The $2,795 option includes red Brembo six-piston calipers and 16.1 x 1.3-inch Duralife rotors that have a hardened surface that cuts down on corrosion, brake noise and vibrations. GMC said the brake option provides 84 percent more pad area and boosts rotor area by 42 percent over the standard Yukon's normal 13.0-inch front discs.

There's even a Borla exhaust upgrade for the 6.2 that's covered by a million-mile warranty by the accessory manufacturer. The price tag is $1,249.

With a four-wheel-drive 2017 Yukon XL Denali's MSRP running north of $80,000, consumers might want to check out GMC's enhanced security package ($410). The system will detect interior movement and changes in the Yukon's inclination to help warn the vehicle may be about to be towed. There are also sensors to detect breaking glass in the rear-quarter window or the power liftgate.

We enjoyed the oomph of the aluminum-block, direct-injection 6.2-liter V8, which helped the Yukon XL Denali sail serenely down the highway and boulevards like a cruise ship.

The four-wheel-drive's 14 mpg city and 20 highway EPA fuel economy ratings may give pause, but remember that its 5,965 lb. curb weight means the Yukon XL Denali and driver will tip the scales at over three tons. So, while the 31-gallon fuel tank - five gallons more than the regular Yukon Denali - will not be cheap to fill, GMC's flagship SUV should deliver a comfortable cruising range of over 500 miles. If a two/rear-wheel-drive Yukon Denali is all you need, you're looking at 1 mpg better fuel efficiency in the city and a 2 mpg bump in highway gas mileage.

2017 GMC YUKON XL DENALI 4WD

TYPE: Full-size SUV

BASE PRICE: $72,960

AS TESTED, INCLUDING DESTINATION AND DISCOUNTS: $80,990

MAJOR OPTIONS: Open road package, $2,485; 22-inch ultra-bright wheels, $2,495; power-retractable running boards, $1,745; adaptive cruise control with front automatic braking, $895; enhanced security package, $410

DRIVETRAIN: 6.2-liter V-8; 8-speed auto; 4WD

HORSEPOWER and TORQUE: 420 hp at 5,600 rpm / 460 lb.-ft. at 4,100 rpm

FUEL: gas, 87 octane; 31-gallon tank

EPA ESTIMATED MPG: 14 city / 20 highway

CURB WEIGHT: 5,965 lbs.

SAFETY: NHTSA, 4 stars; IIHS, not rated

WEB: bit.ly/2fZ3Ew7

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