2015 GMC Yukon XL Denali VIDEO REVIEW

You’ve probably heard or perhaps even uttered the uniquely American phrase go big or go home. That’s right. We like our 85″ flat screens and 72oz. steaks. And when it comes to our SUVs we prefer they come in XL and Denali. Welcome to the all-new, nearly 19′ long GMC Yukon.

At 224.3”, the Yukon XL along with its GM counterparts is the longest passenger vehicle you can buy. This is the full-size SUV taken to the extreme with more cargo volume behind just the 3^rd row seat than a Honda CR-V has in total. With the second and third row seats folded flat – accomplished by simply pushing switches from the back, the Yukon XL’s 121.1 cubic feet of luggage capacity could swallow an entire Buick Encore’s passenger and cargo volume combined. It makes the Toyota Sequoia seem like a midsize. In this rich Denali trim, which accounts for more than 60% of all Yukon sales, its 2^nd row captain’s chairs allow for seating up to 7. Getting in and out is easier than before with much of the work handled by electronics. The 2 seats in the middle recline but don’t slide providing more than enough stretch out room while the 3^rd row’s best seating position is smack dab in the middle, otherwise there is virtually no place to put your feet. But for younger kids – and let’s face it; they’re usually clamoring to sit back as far as possible, the experience is fine. And hey, they even get their own overhead screen so their eyes don’t have to strain to see the Blu-ray. The bigger kids in row 2 control the action though; that’s where the remote lives.

Whenever I review a 3-row vehicle I like to confer with my backseat expert Madison Hammes. So Maddie, I’ve got a few questions for you: do you have enough room in all 5 seating positions? Do you sit tall enough to see out the windows? How’s the entertainment system and is it easy to use without adult intervention?

Because the Yukon XL is built upon a solid axle truck frame, loading goods into and out of the back can be challenging even for those with long arms but GMC does provide an all-new cargo management system, a foot activated liftgate and remote opening of the rear glass for added smartness. Hoisting items onto the roof will require a boost. Power retractable running boards come in handy for that. People who buy Yukon’s also have boats to tow and this specific 4WD model can carry the brunt of 7,900 pounds with automatic rear load leveling, trailer sway control and a brake controller. Rated at 14mpg city/20mpg highway, even the gas tank has to be oversized holding 31 gallons – nearly twice the size of the one in a Chevy Cruze.

The Denali treatment is truly extensive on the Yukon adding a bigger V8, 2 more gears for the transmission and a plethora of luxury convenience and safety features. Yet for nearly $80,000 I’d prefer if it GMC did a better job of disguising some of its truckiness.

The 6.2-liter EcoTec3 engine is an overhead valve type with modern features such as direct-injection, variable valve timing and V4 operation to save gas; premium is preferred but regular is allowable. My early build example has a 6-speed auto, but for models built after October 5, 2014 power is distributed through an 8-speed and either way is quite prodigious; 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque so the gas pedal has been engineered for long travel with your foot having to press deeply before things go gonzo. Even though the Denali benefits from Magnetic Ride Control shocks, its composure is a bit more truck-like and less luxury SUV than I’d prefer, particularly riding on these extravagant 22” Bridgestones. Active noise cancellation is also a Denali perk, but there’s a lot of body to move about here so on rough pavement you’re going to feel and hear some of it. I also wish the Denali’s center stack and dash layout took on more of a premium appearance. With a fully optioned as-tested price of $77,965 some more primping is needed on the inside. And note; beyond the early transmission changeover, the standard 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and Qi wireless charging mat are also reserved for those who wait just a little bit longer.

USB ports, an electrical outlet and various other connections are generously scattered about and the convenience features are robust, providing everything from an interior vehicle movement sensor to heads-up display. All the modern electronic safety features are here too including unique offerings like a Front Center Air Bag while Siri Eyes Free lets iPhone users keep their attention on the road. Go big or go home? With the new GMC Yukon XL Denali, there’s no need to choose.

CLICK HERE and SEE MORE ON THE 2015 GMC YUKON DENALI AT TESTDRIVENOW.COM QUICK TAKES.