The 2023 Yukon Denali Ultimate Edition Is GMC’s Most Luxurious SUV Yet

The super-sized SUV is pushed to new peaks with dark “Vader” chrome and a woodgrain dash that’s laser-etched with a map of Mount Denali.

GMC’s “most premium” Yukon ever, the Yukon Denali Ultimate, is sure to spark some inter-sibling luxury SUV rivalry with the Cadillac Escalade, also under the General Motors umbrella.

The “Ultimate” demarcation takes the already luxe Denali trim to an even more opulent new peak. There’s plenty of chrome, but in a new, exclusive dark “Vader” finish that’s more muted and therefore less likely to blind onlookers.

Shine comes courtesy of Galvano accents on the front fascia, polished bright chrome along the window and door panels, and some wicked 22-inch seven-spoke machined wheels.

That relatively understated but luxurious design philosophy continues inside, where full-grain leather seating in a warm brown Alpine Umber covers all three rows of 16-way power seats—look closely and you’ll find Denali Ultimate-exclusive plaited contrast stitching.

The decadent decor is completed with aluminum trim pieces and an open-pore Paldoa woodgrain panel on the dash, laser-etched with a topographical map of Alaska’s Mount Denali—the highest peak in North America.

Creature comforts include GMC’s 10.2-inch diagonal display with Google, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto built-in, available wireless phone charging, and an 18-speaker Bose Premium series audio system covered with upscale stainless steel grilles in doors and headrests.

According to Car and Driver, buyers will get the choice of either a 6.2-liter V8 or a Duramax 3.0-liter turbodiesel mated to an automatic 10-speed, along air suspension, magnetic ride control, active four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case.

The automotive outlet is also expecting a price hike of $20,000 up to $92,000 over the standard Yukon Denali, based on the difference between the Sierra Denali and Denali Ultimate. Look for the first Yukon Denali Ultimates on the road this fall.