2018 GMC Yukon Denali essentials: 10-speed automatic for the people

Connecting Colorado’s famous ski towns, Eisenhower Tunnel resides at 11,158 feet in the thin Rocky Mountain air. Between the winter weather and slow-moving traffic, climbing up to and through one of the highest vehicular tunnels in the world on I-70 can be a harrowing experience. Cruise control set, the 2018 GMC Yukon with the 6.2-liter V8 and new 10-speed transmission makes short work of the trek -- barely breaking a sweat -- while a new grade-braking system smooths out the descent.

The ease of the journey is a great example why the GMC Yukon Denali has been a favorite hauler among families for years.

The new year doesn't bring us an all-new truck by any means, but with a midcycle refresh, the 2018 Yukon Denali now sports a new grille outside and new wood accent trim inside. There's also a new Yukon Denali Ultimate package for those looking for a bit more of premium feel in their cabin materials without moving up into a full-blown luxury brand (the Cadillac Escalade should breathe a sigh of relief).

The new styling improves the look of the full-size SUV, but the new 10-speed transmission is the real story. Developed in conjunction with Ford, the new transmission is just beginning to be found in GM products, with the new Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 being the first model to make use of it.

Eric Stanczak, GMC chief engineer, says many of the mechanical components are shared between Ford and GM; however, all the software is unique to GMC.

“The 10-speed has an all-new transmission controller developed in-house, all the software algorithms and calibrations were developed specifically for this Yukon,” Stanczak said.

When programming the transmission software, Stanczak said they favored improving the driving performance of the powertrain to create a more confident and comfortable experience.

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The Execution:

Behind the wheel, towing 3,500 pounds or unladen, you can see the results are impressive. The transmission is just plain better than the previous eight-speed, with no sense of when it shifts, no gear hunting and an easy off-the-line response similar to an electric car. It's also almost as quiet inside as an EV, too, with very little noise entering the cabin, made all the more impressive considering its thundering 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque.

All that power helps propel the 116-inch wheelbase (130-inch for the XL) SUV down the road at a surprisingly quick pace. And a smooth one: The magnetic ride control, standard with the Denali trim, means the vehicle adapts to changing roads conditions every millisecond through slight shock adjustments.

First Drive Callaway Yukon Denali SC560Callaway Yukon Denali SC560

The Takeaway:

The Yukon Denali's superb ride quality and luxury features are nothing new, and the fresh transmission operates mostly in the background (as it should). If there are any disappointments here, it's that the new 10-speed only comes with the 6.2-liter V8 engine for the 2018 model year, and there is little improvement in fuel economy.

The best you'll see is 14/23/17 city/highway/combined in a two-wheel-drive Yukon Denali; In a 5,965-pound Yukon Denali XL with 4WD, the fuel economy dips a little to 14/21/16.

But you don't buy one of these to save fuel, and it's hard to argue against how powerful and safe you feel while traveling in the Yukon. We personally witnessed a vehicle crash 50 feet from us on I-70 at 55 mph. Fortunately, nobody was hurt, but while the icy roads and morning sun glare created some challenging driving conditions, we never felt safer. Our tester may have stickered for $77,319, but it's hard to put a price on that.

By Tim Esterdahl

On Sale: Now

Base Price: $67,460

As Tested Price: $77,319

Powertrain: 6.2-liter V8; RWD, 10-speed automatic

Output: 420 hp at 5,600 rpm; 460 lb-ft at 4,100 rpm

Curb Weight: 5,482

Fuel Economy: 14/23/17(EPA City/Hwy/Combined)

Pros: Smooth-shifting and smooth-riding; powerful but quiet

Cons: You pay for all that heft at the pump

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