Michael Satterfield
In Texas, a state where size matters and luxury isn’t optional, the 2025 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate rolls onto the scene like it was built with the Lone Star State in mind. If you’re the kind of driver who enjoys turning every school run, boardroom commute, or backroad blast into a first-class experience, this is the understated luxury vehicle you need to drive.
And yes, it costs nearly as much as a nicely outfitted barn-dominium. Our test vehicle came in at $101,525 including destination. But this isn’t just another luxury SUV. It’s the culmination of GMC’s efforts to out-Cadillac its own cousin, and in many ways, it succeeds.
Yukon Denali Ultimate: The Heart of the Beast
Under the hood sits GM’s tried-and-true 6.2-liter V8, churning out 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to a ten-speed automatic transmission that does a fine job keeping things composed whether you’re merging onto I-35 or easing through Hill Country switchbacks with a full load of passengers and gear.
The four-wheel-drive system combined with Magnetic Ride Control and Air Ride Adaptive Suspension makes this Yukon surprisingly agile for something that weighs well over 5,500 pounds. The ride is compliant, floaty in a good way, and dead quiet when cruising, a hallmark of the Denali sub-brand.
It’s not shy at the pump, though. EPA numbers come in at 16 mpg combined (14 city / 18 highway). But if you’re shopping for a Yukon Denali Ultimate, fuel economy probably isn’t your top concern.
Outside: Tailored for Town and Ranch
Finished in Titanium Rush Metallic with the available 22-inch Midnight wheels, this Yukon looks equal parts CEO and ranch foreman. Chrome accents are tastefully restrained, and the badging is blacked out, hinting that this isn’t your uncle’s standard Denali. It’s subtler than a Cadillac Escalade but with a confidence that doesn’t need to shout.
The power-retractable running boards deploy with a soft hiss of air, and the panoramic sunroof makes even a dreary Texas day feel like an occasion. Every angle of the Denali Ultimate speaks of precision — it’s big, yes, but not clumsy. The proportions are dialed in just right.
Interior: Woodland Mahogany, Not Plastic Cattle
Step inside and you’re greeted by full-grain leather, real wood trim (dubbed Woodland Mahogany), and a general sense that someone in the design department has actually spent time in a King Ranch office. The dashboard is clean, the 12-inch digital instrument cluster is sharp, and the Google Built-In infotainment system responds quickly and clearly.
Every seat, not just the front, is heated. The front buckets are also ventilated, massaging, and offer 16-way power adjustment. Even your third-row passengers aren’t treated like afterthoughts. With the extended wheelbase and smart packaging, adults can actually ride back there without folding themselves into origami.
Our vehicle also included rear-seat entertainment screens, a head-up display, and a Bose Centerpoint Performance sound system that can make Willie Nelson’s harmonica sound like it’s being played live on the dashboard.
Super Cruise: Hands-Free on the Highway
Texas highways are long, and sometimes you just want to enjoy the ride without the mental load of steering. Enter Super Cruise, GM’s semi-autonomous driving system. On compatible roads, you can take your hands off the wheel and let the Yukon handle the rest. It’ll change lanes, stay centered, and maintain distance, all while you sip a Big Red and adjust the climate for the back row.
It’s not perfect. It disengages on tighter curves and construction zones, and the light bar on the steering wheel can occasionally misinterpret lighting conditions. But overall, Super Cruise makes long hauls far less tiring, and in this class of vehicle, it’s nearly essential.
Options, Pricing, and What You Get
The Yukon Denali Ultimate is already loaded, but our test vehicle added just a few notable extras:
- Titanium Rush Metallic Paint: $495
- Power Retractable Assist Steps with Perimeter Lighting: $1,745
- Illuminated Front GMC Emblem: $525
- Rear Seat Media System: $1,995
- Wheel Locks and Console Cooler: Included
The sticker total came to $101,525, which positions it squarely against high-spec versions of the Range Rover Sport, Mercedes GLS, and, of course, the Cadillac Escalade.
But the Yukon Denali Ultimate offers something the others don’t: the ability to fit in equally well at a black-tie gala or a BBQ cook-off. It’s unapologetically American, incredibly well-equipped, and still rooted in the kind of work ethic that made GMC a household name in every Texas town with a feed store.
Payload and Practicality
This isn’t a poseur SUV. With up to 7,500 pounds of towing capacity and plenty of room for cargo behind the third row, the Denali Ultimate can do more than just valet duty. Whether you’re hauling a trailer of show pigs or a pair of Sea-Doos, the Yukon doesn’t break a sweat.
Need to fold the seats down for a Costco run? It’ll swallow over 120 cubic feet of cargo. Want to bring the in-laws and all their matching luggage sets to the airport? No problem. The powered third-row and hands-free liftgate make loading and unloading a one-handed job.
The Verdict: Texas-Sized Luxury That Pulls Its Weight
The 2025 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate is more than a top-trim SUV; it’s a rolling declaration of success with a side of humility. It doesn’t scream for attention, but it commands respect, whether parked outside a boardroom or a Buc-ee’s.
Yes, there are more expensive SUVs. And yes, some offer more badges, more flash, more European flair. But few can match the Denali Ultimate’s blend of refinement, capability, and down-to-earth confidence. It’s not about impressing strangers. It’s about rewarding yourself and your family with a vehicle that can do it all, without compromise.
In a world where luxury often means flash, the Yukon Denali Ultimate flies under the radar and only stands out as something built to last. It’s still a truck at heart, but one dressed in its Sunday best. For Texans who appreciate tradition and craftsmanship, but also want the latest tech and comfort, this one checks every box.
And when you’re rolling down I-10, a little taller and a lot prouder, you’ll know exactly why GMC called this one “Ultimate.”
