GMC Yukon Denali: My Aussie SUV Adventure
Okay, so Australia's car scene is blowing up right now. New Chinese brands everywhere, and the big players are all revamping their game. Right in the middle of it all? GMSV, bringing in the GMC Yukon Denali – a massive SUV, and GMC's first ever foray into the Aussie market. I got to spend some time with this beast, and let me tell you, it’s a mixed bag.
First Impressions: Big, Bold, and Aussie-fied
This isn't your average SUV. The Yukon Denali makes a statement. I mean, seriously, it's HUGE. And the fact that they’ve actually re-manufactured it in right-hand drive in Victoria? That’s impressive. They clearly put the effort in; GM sent ten of these things on a 100,000km+ testing spree, including a 14,000km lap of Australia. Talk about dedication! It shows they’re serious about catering to our conditions.
A Bit of History: For ages, GMC was kind of just a fancier Chevy. But the Yukon Denali? It's a different story. Unique styling, much more premium feel. It shares its bones (the T1 platform) with the Chevy Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade, but the Denali sits nicely in the middle price-wise, making it a potentially appealing option.
The Lowdown: Let's talk numbers. The 2025 GMC Yukon Denali starts at $174,990 before on-roads. Under the hood? A massive 6.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol V8, pumping out 313kW of power and a hefty 624Nm of torque. It's got a 10-speed automatic transmission and, of course, 4WD with a two-speed transfer case. All the things you’d expect from a serious SUV.
Inside the Denali: Modern Meets…Well, Not-So-Modern
The dashboard is sleek and modern, I’ll give it that. But it’s a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde situation. Some bits are seriously high-quality, lovely wood trim, soft-touch materials where they count. But then… BAM! You stumble across some hard plastics that just feel cheap. It's a bit jarring. The massive infotainment screen is a real standout, but seriously, no built-in sat nav at this price point? That’s a head-scratcher. At least it has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – that’s something.
Space and Comfort: It comfortably fits eight people. The second-row passengers get their own 12.6-inch screens (nice!), and even the third row has decent headroom and legroom. Cargo space is enormous with the back seats folded – a whopping 3480L.
On the Road: Power and Grace (Mostly)
That V8 is a dream. Smooth acceleration, impressive power. The 10-speed auto is seamless, and despite its size and body-on-frame construction, the Yukon Denali handles surprisingly well. The adaptive air suspension and Magnetic Ride Control really work their magic, making the ride comfortable even on less-than-perfect roads. And the towing capacity? Wow. 3628kg – leaves many competitors in the dust.
Fuel Economy and Towing: The claimed fuel economy is 12.8L/100km, but honestly, I found it used a bit more in real-world driving. Still, the towing capacity is a huge selling point.
Safety and Warranty: Room for Improvement
It’s got all the usual safety suspects: autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, surround-view camera. But here’s the thing – it doesn’t have an ANCAP safety rating. And the three-year/100,000km warranty is a bit on the short side for a vehicle at this price point.
The Verdict: A Unique SUV with Compromises
The GMC Yukon Denali is a unique offering in the Aussie market. It’s powerful, spacious, and luxurious in parts. But there are trade-offs. The inconsistent interior materials, the lack of built-in navigation, and that shorter-than-average warranty are things to consider. The price is premium, so you really need to weigh up what's important to you. If you crave a powerful, capable SUV with a bit of American muscle, it’s worth a look. Just go in with your eyes wide open. You're getting a lot, but also sacrificing a few things.
