With the industry transitioning from internal combustion engines to electric powertrains, only a handful of diesel-powered luxury SUVs remain in the market. Among these, the 2022 GMC Yukon Denali sits on top of our list. This is because the Yukon Denali, with its powerful Duramax turbo-diesel engine, not only has all the capability you would expect from a full-sized SUV but also comes with a feature-loaded and lavish interior, making it one of the most luxurious offerings in the category.
So, if you are in the market to buy a full-sized luxury diesel SUV, here are a few reasons why we believe that the 2022 GMC Yukon Denali would be the perfect option for you.
The GMC Yukon Denali Is Powerful, Capable, And Fuel-Efficient
The current generation of the Yukon Denali is available with a 3.0-liter, 6-cylinder Duramax turbo-diesel engine. This unit is capable of producing 477 horsepower along with 460 lb-ft of torque. In our opinion, these power figures are more than enough to meet the typical requirements that you may have from your full-sized luxury SUV. In addition, the Yukon comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
One of the main reasons you may want to choose a diesel-powered SUV over one that runs on gasoline is because of the former’s capability to deliver higher fuel efficiency. The Yukon Denali meets this criterion fair and square. In the city, this SUV has an EPA-estimated fuel-efficiency figure of 20 MPG; on the highway, the figure stands at 26 MPG.
Another requirement that you may have from your diesel SUV is a decent amount of towing capability. For this, the Yukon Denali comes as standard with GMC’s Max Towing Package. In addition to having an enhanced cooling radiator, this package adds a few extra features such as hitch guidance with hitch view, an in-vehicle trailering app, and trailer side blind zone alert.
Also available as standard on this SUV is the Enhanced Trailering Technology Package, which further adds driver assistance features such as trailer camera and trailer assist guidelines. In the 2WD version, the Duramax diesel engine of the Yukon Denali can pull a trailer with a maximum weight of 8,100 lbs. On the other hand, in the 4WD version, the maximum towing weight stands at 7,900 lbs.
For off-road prowess, the Yukon Denali comes with Active Response 4WD System. This package includes a limited slip-differential along with a 2-speed 4WD transfer case with the settings for 2WD high, 4WD high, 4WD Low, and 4WD Auto.
In addition to the Duramax diesel engine, the 2022 GMC Yukon Denali is also available with a 6.2-liter V8 gasoline engine. This motor can produce 420 horsepower along with 460 lb-ft of torque. This engine is also paired to the same 10-speed automatic transmission and has similar capabilities as the diesel unit.
The GMC Yukon Denali Has A Feature Rich And Luxurious Cabin
GMC has equipped the 2022 Yukon Denali with several features and creature comforts to ensure that it stands out as a luxurious and practical offering in the full-size SUV segment. For instance, it provides driver and passenger convenience through equipment such as heated and power-folding ORVMs, a hands-free programmable liftgate, retractable assist steps with perimeter lighting, and rain-sensing automatic wipers.
Inside the cabin, this diesel SUV comes with leather upholstery for the front and second-row seats. Additional comfort to its occupants is provided with the help of heated and ventilated seats for the driver and the front passenger. Furthermore, there is a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel as well. The tri-zone automatic climate control also stands out as a very convenient feature of the Denali trim.
In addition to comfort, this SUV also comes with several features that increase its practicality quotient. The top highlights include a tilt, telescopically adjustable steering column, and a 60/40 split power-folding option for the third row.
The Yukon Denali comes with a 10.2-inch diagonal touchscreen for infotainment and navigation purposes. What’s more, it comes with built-in Google services, of which a 3-year subscription is included in the price of the vehicle. In addition, complimenting this is a 14-speaker BOSE sound system. Also, the passengers in the second row can get their own media systems as an optional extra. The feature list of this SUV also includes a panoramic sunroof and power sliding center console.
The GMC Yukon Denali Gets Several Safety Features As Standard
One of the main requirements of a 3-row SUV is not only that it can ferry your family in utmost comfort but also keep them safe. In this department, the Yukon Denali has all the bases covered. As standard, this SUV comes with GMC’s Pro Safety Plus package.
This includes various active and passive safety features such as rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist with blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, and rear park assist, among others. In addition, while every model of the GMC Yukon comes as standard with 7 airbags, adaptive cruise control is also available as an optional extra.