Following the introduction of the all-new 2018 GMC Terrain and its Denali variant, GMC is bringing its Denali crown jewel in line with its kin with an updated 2018 GMC Yukon Denali.
The 2018 Yukon Denali sports a new, sculpted grille, much like the Terrain and Acadia Denali. The layered elements present are said to be a GMC design motif moving forward.
“The new grille, which is flanked by HID headlamps and LED Signature Lighting, advances the design legacy established with the very first Yukon Denali in 1999,” said Matt Noone, director, Global GMC Exterior Design. “It’s a more exciting and sophisticated design, while remaining instantly recognizable as part of the GMC Denali family.”
It’s not just a pretty face, though. The new grille also offers greater airflow to the radiator. Active aero shutters are also present behind the new grille to help reduce drag during highway driving.
Underneath the skin is the same 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 420 horsepower. However, the 2018 Yukon Denali now receives GM’s 10-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment. The wider gear ratio spread helps improve efficiency, per GMC, and provides more “aggressive” acceleration response.
But it wouldn’t be a Denali will a little bit of bling. The 2018 GMC Yukon Denali receives standard 20-inch wheels, though 22-inch wheels are optional, and a new Mastique Ash interior trim brings real wood to the cabin. Additional features include an 8-inch touchscreen display, heated and ventilated front seats, Magnetic Ride Control, hands-free liftgate and more.
The Yukon Denali will remain available in both Yukon and Yukon XL body styles, the latter is 20-inches longer overall. Look for GMC’s revamped luxury SUV to reach dealerships this fall.
Comments
Nice updates !!!
That is sweet – had I the dough, I’d get this instead of the 2018 Acadia I’m looking at. Nothing wrong with the Acadia, it’s just the Yukon is pure awesome.
Finally, REAL WOOD!
Brown leather?!?!
I still think that GM should have give a slight increase to 440 bhp for all their 6.2 V-8s with the 10-speed, while the 5.3 should be elevated to 375 bhp with a recalibrated 8-speed across the board for all their truck and SUVs. Now that would’ve made it a more interesting battle against it’s competitors.
Message to GM product department. Put the 10-speed into the 6.2 Sierra Denali 1500 NOW? Easy to do before the 2019 body update. I like that truck just the way it is – just with 20″ wheels to keep the ride acceptable with a bigger aspect ratio tyre wall. The 22s look fine, but ride too harsh. If so my money is down! I’m sitting on the money ready to buy… That will kick sales along chase F-trucks and buoy sales till the new shape arrives…
How about LED headlamps instead of HID after all, Denali is suppose to be the top.
HID lights have been shown to have far superior light projection than LED’s. LED’s do appear brighter through when viewed head-on and are best for things like turn signals, tail lights, etc. They also have a longer life.
I agree with Mike, it’s ridiculous that these Yukon Denalis still have HID lighting instead of LED! My 2016 GMC Sierra with the SLT package has LED headlamps and lighting and I can say from experience that it lights up the road at night better than any vehicle I’ve seen. For an $80K “top of the line” SUV not to have LED lighting is just asinine. Come on GM, pull your heads out of your A$$es! These are the kinds of details that GM can never get right! It’s just like my 2007 Silverado that went full blown tard with rear drum brakes when my 2002 Silverado had all 4 wheel discs. In fact, when that new platform/body style came out in 2000, GM made such a huge marketing deal about their trucks having 4 wheel disc brakes only to see those clowns install drums on their updated 2007 trucks. Whomever is in charge of the truck division at GM needs to go back to working for Ram/Chrysler. I haven’t been happy with the tards at GM for a while now. I thought things would improve with Mary in charge, but I’m starting to have my doubts.
Also the fact that the Yukon has front LED turn signals and the Escalade does not is like WTF GM?
Nice wagon. Don’t know why, but I can’t help expecting to see a GAU 19/B pop up from the roof in one of these, every time I see one with heavily tinted windows…….. lol.
GMC – Please give us a power boost! I’d like to see a minimum of a normally aspirated 500/500 6.2 engine, or a bit better with a mild boost. My 2016 Denali will be ready for exchange in the fall of 2018 and I’d really like to see the 2019 model have some more guts!