- Denali trim introduced in 1999
- Over 60 percent of Yukon buyers opt for it
- 2021 model adds unique interiors to the mix
- Denali boasts specific drivetrain and other features
- Priced from $69,695
It’s sometimes said the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. A case in point is the 2021 GMC Yukon Denali. This premium trim level not only delivers the kinds of luxury features sought by full-size SUV buyers, but it does so in a way that transcends a simple trim level. It becomes a cohesive product in its own right.
Denali traces its roots back to 1999 when it first appeared on the Yukon. Its success as a premium trim is clear in that every GMC product now boasts a Denali variant. But its greatest fan base thrives among Yukon buyers. About 60 percent of them opt for the Denali treatment.
All-new for 2021
Not only is the 2021 GMC Yukon all-new from the ground up, but the Denali version also steps up its game by adding exclusive interiors not available even as options on the standard Yukon SLT. Ticking the Denali box delivers the new interiors as well as other staples, including a unique powertrain, exclusive exterior accents, and suspension upgrades.
Let’s start with the basics. The 2021 GMC Yukon rides on a new platform that boasts a 120.9-inch wheelbase, a gain of nearly 5 inches over the previous model. It’s 6.1 inches longer at 210 inches overall. The big news here is the switch from a solid rear axle to an independent rear suspension, which not only enhances ride but boosts interior room, comfort, and cargo space. The new model boasts 10.1 inches of additional legroom for the 3rd-row occupants, easing access to the rear bench is a second row that slides fore and aft up to five inches.
The gain in overall length translates to greater cargo-carrying capacity. There’s a 10.2-cubic-foot increase in space behind the third row (it’s now up to 25.5 cubic feet), and a 28.2-cubic-foot increase in overall cargo room (now 122.9 cubic feet).
Exclusive interiors
As part of the Yukon makeover, GMC developed four unique Denali cabin treatments. These color and trim choices include a Teak/Light Shale, Brownstone/Jet Black, Dark Walnut/Very Dark Ash Gray and Jet Black/Jet Black motifs. The base color appears on the instrument panel and leather upholstery, while the contrasting color applies to the door and dash inserts as well as the real wood accents.
As part of the Yukon redesign, there’s a new instrument cluster with a standard 15.1-inch head-up display and a 10.2-inch center touchscreen for the infotainment and navigation. Also exclusive to the Denali is a 14-speaker premium Bose audio system. Other standard features include heated/ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, tri-zone climate control, and a surround-view camera. Available features include a panoramic sunroof, rear-seat entertainment system with dual 12.6-inch media touchscreens mounted on the backs of the front buckets, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.
New to all Yukon models this year is a Power Sliding Center Console. The main storage console between the front seats can slide to the rear up to 10 inches, which offers a larger useable storage area providing greater flexibility and organization.
Beneath the skin
There are also mechanical features unique to the Denali package. Chief among them is the 6.2-liter V8 engine. It makes 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. That engine delivers output to either the rear axle or all four corners via a 10-speed automatic transmission. It’s a considerable bump over the Yukon SLT’s 5.3-liter V8, which makes 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque.
In addition to offering 2- or 4-wheel drive, the 2021 Yukon Denali sports Magnetic Ride Control. This suspension uses electromagnetic shock absorbers to respond to changes in the road surface instantly. The system provides a flat, stable ride that minimizes bouncing, body roll, and vibrations.
The Yukon Denali offers optional Air Ride Adaptive Suspension that can raise or lower the ride height up to four inches. It also includes a self-leveling feature. When off-road, there’s a mode that lifts the body an additional two inches provide greater ground clearance.
Distinctive exterior features
The 2021 GMC Yukon Denali is distinguished from other Yukon versions by its multi-faceted Galvano chrome grille, which is larger and more detailed than the previous generation. The 3-D look incorporates more than 10,000 individual reflective surfaces for an exclusive look.
Denali models also boast LED daytime running lights in a C-shaped signature. The headlights, taillights, fog lights, and other exterior lighting also employ LEDs. Other features include heated outside power-folding mirrors, dual exhaust tips finished in polished chrome, 20-inch 6-spoke polished aluminum wheels, and available power-retractable assist steps.
Yukon Denali safety features
All Denali models come with a full suite of driver and safety assists. These include lane-change alert with side blind-zone alert, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, forward-collision alert, front-pedestrian braking, lane-keeping assist with lane-departure warning, and rear-pedestrian alert. Also included are automatic high beams and front and rear park assist. Available features include enhanced automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and a rearview mirror camera.
How much does the 2021 GMC Yukon Denali cost?
Prices for a 2-wheel drive 2021 GMC Yukon Denali start at $69,695. The 4-wheel drive version begins at $72,695. Prices include $1,295 destination. While the Denali is priced $10,000 higher than the standard Yukon SLT, the additional equipment helps deliver higher resale values. According to KBB data, the 2019 Denali retains nearly all its additional cost in resale value. Over five years, a typical Yukon Denali will be worth $7,000 more than an SLT.
