2018 GMC Yukon XL Denali: Putting the Full-Size SUV to Work

Big, powerful, luxurious, and capable of putting in a day’s work, the 2018 GMC Yukon XL Denali is one heck of an SUV.

The 2018 GMC Yukon XL may play second fiddle to its better known brother, the Chevy Suburban, yet with the XL length and a Denali trim, it makes a strong case for being the better looking one.

Looks aren’t everything and the GMC Yukon XL Denali does real work as well. We loaded it up with building materials and towed a small trailer during a week of testing. The only downside was when we had to give up the keys.

Before we get into putting the Yukon to work, let’s start with how great the styling is on the full-size SUV. Prior generations of the SUV had round corners and a soft look, the latest generation has strong character lines and a brash front grille. With chrome surrounds on the fog lamps and generous amount of chrome throughout, it also has a luxury feel.

Climbing into the cabin, it immediately puts you at ease. The driver’s position feels like a miniature cockpit with all the knobs and buttons within easy reach.  Scanning the gauges and buttons, it really does seem like the Yukon has it all from the comfortable heated and cooled seats, 8” infotainment screen with Apple Carplay, Android Auto and 4G LTE WiFi. Also, there are a slew of USB ports, accessory power outlets, wireless charging, etc… Really, we could keep going.

The other immediate thing you notice is how quiet the SUV is on the interior. It is literally whisper quiet and this is thanks to a considerable amount of engineering effort. This is especially surprising considering our test model came with the 6.2L V8, 420 HP, 460 lb-ft of torque, mated to a new 10-speed transmission. One would assume a large V8 like this would rumble the cabin or be so loud as to disrupt conversations. Nope.  It really is that quiet.

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