Should you haven’t executed so just lately, take a second to look by way of the 2025 Cadillac Escalade’s configurator. The bottom mannequin is the ironically-named “Luxurious” trim, which begins at $92,290, together with a $1,995 vacation spot charge. On the prime of the meals chain, you’ll discover absolutely the maniac that’s the V-Collection, which asks for $166,690 with out choices, and its rowdy supercharged 6.2-liter V8.
With costs dipping into the six-figure vary most of the time, Cadillac’s truck-based luxurious SUV desires to go toe-to-toe with the Vary Rovers of the world. Nevertheless, as a part of this transition, the Escalade has progressed from being an SUV a celeb may step out of at an occasion to at least one they may truly drive. It’s extra of a standing image than ever and immediately recognizable as a luxurious product. This creates an issue.
The issue exists for individuals who beforehand relied on the Escalade for low-key transportation. Driving a Rolls-Royce Cullinan ensures you’ll be seen. However what in the event you don’t? That used to the Escalade’s turf alongside the BMW X7 and the Mercedes-Benz GLS; massive three-row SUVs with ample house, the entire luxurious fittings you’d need in a commuter, and assured anonymity. With the Cadillac’s sights set firmly on a wholly totally different crowd, we will add the 2025 GMC Yukon Denali Final to that checklist.
I’ll admit that earlier than the chance to drive one appeared, the GMC Yukon Denali Final wasn’t on my radar. Apart from a evaluation of the off-road AT4 trim I did over 4 years in the past, my solely contact with the Yukon since has been from the again seat of an Uber Black.
In the present day, the Yukon is GMC’s flagship internal-combustion SUV, and the Denali Final is its range-topping variant. It begins at $103,295, together with a $1,995 vacation spot charge, and comes loaded with customary tools, making this tester’s checklist of elective extras comparatively quick. It provides Evening Imaginative and prescient for $2,000, the Illumination Package deal for $1,195, and a Flooring Liner Package deal for $475. Even its Downpour Metallic exterior paint prices solely $495, bringing its as-tested value to $107,460.
As such, there aren’t many selections to make when configuring one. You possibly can select between seven totally different exterior colours, 5 wheel designs measuring 22 or 24 inches, and an inside package deal that upgrades the second-row seats. It replaces the just about cardboard flat captain’s chairs in my tester with a extra premium, bolstered, and ventilated set in case you propose to be pushed fairly than driving your self.
Crucially, there is only one inside coloration out there, which is the Woodland Mahogany photographed above, accented with white stitching and laser-etched wooden trim. If this LongHorn Steakhouse vibe isn’t fairly your pace, you may step down from the Final to the Denali and decide between off-white or black leather-based. Nevertheless, you’ll miss out on the range-topper’s wonderful 22-speaker Bose sound system.
So far as this inside’s livability goes. It’s a pleasing place to be. It stays comparatively quiet on the freeway. Its entrance seats are supportive however not agency, and this truck’s air suspension system has no bother absorbing bigger bumps at pace. As is widespread, the GMC Yukon Denali Final includes a digital instrument cluster and a central touchscreen for its infotainment. The latter is a big 16.8-inch show that makes studying maps at a look easy whereas providing sufficient actual property to have a number of apps open concurrently.
Whilst you can regulate important cabin settings by way of the touchscreen, GMC made the superb determination to retain bodily controls by way of a row of switches which can be nearly hidden in plain sight. The result’s an inside that feels high-tech with out dropping its tactility. Whereas a few of this SUV’s plastic buttons really feel considerably misplaced in a automobile costing six figures, the Denali Final makes up for it by being simple to make use of and together with GM’s implausible Tremendous Cruise driver-assist system. Not solely does it enable for hands-free driving, but it surely additionally does a great job of conserving this household hauler centered within the lane, even when Los Angeles’ highway markings aren’t at all times essentially the most clearly outlined.
This brings me to the principle motive why you’d purchase a GMC Yukon Denali Final, and that’s its measurement. Its second and third rows fold flat, leaving you with a cavernous trunk with 122.9 cubic ft of house. What’s on supply right here is versatility, and do you have to want extra of it, the stretched XL variant exists.
From a driving perspective, you’ve received one other option to make. GMC gives the Denali Final in two configurations: both with a turbocharged 3.0-liter Duramax inline-six diesel engine or a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8. The previous develops 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque, whereas the latter produces 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. No matter which you go for, nonetheless, you’ll get a 10-speed computerized transmission, all-wheel drive, and an air suspension setup.
My tester sports activities the V8, and its chrome quad exhaust suggestions promise a burbly engine notice that solely partially materializes. Whether or not you’re standing by it or sitting inside, the GMC Yukon Denali Final is remarkably quiet, underscored by a low, burbling hum. At the same time as you press the accelerator, you don’t get a lot of an engine notice within the cabin, a plus given this SUV’s luxurious aspirations however a minus in the event you opted for the eight-cylinder route to listen to them sing.
It’s an analogous story when you hit the highway. Whereas GM’s 10-speed computerized transmission could be considerably sluggish and clunky in different merchandise, that isn’t the case right here. It shifts each easily and rapidly, trying to maximise the out there energy. Nevertheless, even with 460 lb-ft of torque, the Yukon feels sluggish, particularly at freeway speeds. Overtaking requires a boot-full of throttle, which is much less stunning when you think about the Final’s over 5,800-lb curb weight. If it manages to be simply as quiet in most functions, the three.0-liter diesel and its additional torque is the one to have.
As I’ve alluded to, the GMC Yukon Denali Final relies on the identical platform because the Sierra pickup, and this body-on-frame SUV solely partially conceals its truck roots. Its steering is heavy and pairs with a sluggish ratio. In contrast to rivals just like the BMW X7, the Final lacks rear-axle steering, making it tougher to maneuver by way of tight areas. Concurrently, its tall and flat hood limits ahead visibility, though an onboard digicam suite helps out significantly.
The GMC’s air suspension does essentially the most heavy lifting. Whereas Yukons that lack it typically ship a bouncy journey, that isn’t the case within the Denali Final. It does an incredible job of dealing with undulations and highway imperfections at freeway speeds. Nevertheless, it does tend to battle at slower speeds, selecting up loads of vibrations over rougher surfaces, a con of its huge 24-inch wheels.
From a visible standpoint, it’s difficult to make what is basically an enormous field, designed to hold as a lot stuff and other people as potential, look nice. Nonetheless, the Denali Final makes a valiant effort. Its Downpour Metallic exterior end introduces some vibrancy whereas retaining a cultured look. Whereas this SUV options chrome trim, it’s utilized tastefully all through. And whereas this GMC’s entrance grille is considerably overbearing, its LED working lights are tastefully restrained.
The largest aesthetic problem it faces has much less to do with its look and extra to do with who buys it. As I discussed earlier, a GMC Yukon has pulled as much as my home after I’m on the way in which to the airport extra occasions than I can depend. You’ll typically spot them in main cities throughout the US, as a part of a automotive service fleet or pushed by these trying to make prime greenback on rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft. It’s a reality I stored getting reminded of each time I walked as much as the Denali or noticed one other in chauffeur-spec at a stoplight. Whereas it’s one thing you may ignore in the event you’re taking a look at one of many Yukon’s cheaper trim ranges, it’s a lot tougher to take action while you’re shelling out six figures for one.
After per week behind the wheel, it’s clear that the GMC Yukon Denali Final has many strengths. It’s tremendously spacious and gives a superb in-cabin expertise, each when it comes to tech and luxury. Contemplating that it tops out within the low six-figure vary, it’ll price you lower than an equal Vary Rover, BMW X7, or Mercedes-Benz GLS.
Nevertheless, as luxurious because the Denali Final strives to be, it’s hampered by a driving expertise that may’t shake its truck roots, an underwhelming engine, and an aesthetic that’s change into ubiquitous for all of the improper causes. Nonetheless, the Yukon manages to supply a luxurious SUV expertise in a package deal that lets you fly beneath the radar. Regardless of some shortcomings, it’s able to take up the mantle because the Escalade strikes on.
