The popular GMC Yukon and Yukon XL Denali are getting a few welcomed updates for 2018. General Motors’ new Hydra-Matic 10-speed automatic transmission makes its first appearance in a GM SUV, first appearing in the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. Denoting the model-year changes are a new Denali “cheese grater” chrome grille and a new, real-wood interior trim called Mastique Ash. As before, the Denali comes standard with GM’s powerful 6.2-liter V-8 derived from the Corvette Stingray’s LT1 small-block V-8.

The remainder of the Yukon Denali remains unchanged. That’s not completely terrible, as the Yukon still feels fresh, having debuted for the 2015 model year. The new transmission features a wider, 7.39 overall gear ratio that offers a shorter first gear of 4.70:1 and taller 10th gear of 0.64:1. Combined, the result is better acceleration off the line and improved fuel economy at highway speeds over the outgoing eight-speed automatic’s 4.56 and 0.65 respective ratios. Helping the 420-horsepower V-8 keep cool are larger openings in the new Denali grille. As before, active grille shutters ahead of the radiator close when extra cooling airflow isn’t needed in order to improve aerodynamics for fuel efficiency.

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While it’s not surprising General Motors is installing its new 10-speed automatic into its SUVs, it is interesting why the Cadillac Escalade wasn’t chosen first. The Escalade is GM’s premier SUV and offers the most luxury and style of any GM SUV. Still, the Yukon Denali comes in a close second to the ‘Slade, sharing nearly all of its mechanical and structural underpinnings. Nevertheless, expect to see the 10-speed make its way to the Escalade and the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban in the very near future.

As for the Denali’s new grille, it requires an eagle eye to notice the difference when not paired directly beside the 2015-2017 Denali grille. Aside from the improved airflow, the minor change helps tell the different years apart. The rest of the front continues unaltered. The Yukon Denali comes standard with HID headlights and C-shaped LED daytime running lights.The GMC logo can be seen hiding within the clear headlight lens, adding an extra level of detailing never dreamed of in 1999, the year GMC debuted the Denali trim for the Yukon.

Pricing for the 2018 GMC Yukon Denali lineup shouldn’t change much over the 2017 numbers. This year, the Yukon Denali in 2WD starts at $67,260. Opting for the longer Yukon XL Denali pushes the starting price to $69,960. Adding 4WD to either version costs $3,000 to the bottom line. Sales will begin in the fall of 2017.

Drivetrain Specifications

EcoTec3 5.3L V-8 (L83)

EcoTec3 6.2L V-8 (L86)

Type

5.3L V-8

6.2L V-8

Displacement (cu in / cc)

325 / 5328

376 / 6162

Bore & stroke (in / mm)

3.78 x 3.62 / 96 x 92

4.06 x 3.62 / 103.25 x 92

Block material

cast aluminum

cast aluminum

Cylinder head material

cast aluminum

cast aluminum

Valvetrain

overhead valve, two valves per cylinder, variable valve timing

overhead valve, two valves per cylinder, variable valve timing

Ignition system

coil near plug, platinum-tipped spark plugs, low-resistance spark plug wires

coil near plug, platinum-tipped spark plugs, low-resistance spark plug wires

Fuel delivery

direct fuel injection with Active Fuel Management

direct fuel injection with Active Fuel Management

Compression ratio

11.0:1

11.5:1

Horsepower

355 HP @ 5,600 RPM

420 HP @ 5,600 RPM

Torque

383 LB-FT @ 4,100 RPM

460 LB-FT @ 4,100 RPM

Recommended fuel

regular unleaded

premium recommended but not required

Maximum engine speed (rpm)

5800

6000

Estimated fuel economy (city / hwy)

16 / 23 (2WD)
16 / 22 (4WD)

15 / 21 (2WD)
14 / 21 (4WD)


Read our full review of the GMC Yukon here.}