2012 GMC Yukon Denali Overview

2012 GMC Yukon Denali Overview

GMC has added improved safety features, such as StabiliTrak traction control, with trailer sway control and hill start assist, and made some technology upgrades available to its Yukon Denali for the 2012 model year.

Four trims are available for the 2012 GMC Yukon Denali: the Denali and the Denali Hybrid, each of which comes as rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The regular Denali trims are factory-equipped with a 6.2-liter Vortec V8 with variable valve timing and FlexFuel capability that reaches 403 hp and 417 lb-ft of torque. Both hybrid trims come standard with a 6.0-liter SFI Hybrid V8 with active fuel management that achieves 332 hp and 367 lb-ft of torque. Non-hybrid trims get an electronically controlled 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, while hybrid Denalis are matched with a 4-speed, 2-mode automatic transmission with overdrive. The regular gas version of the Yukon Denali is rated by the EPA to get 14 mpg city/18 highway, while the E85 version is rated at 10/14. The regular gas/electric hybrid trims get 20/23.

Standard equipment for all 2012 GMC Yukon Denalis includes tri-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, power windows, power programmable door locks, power steering, tilt-and-telescopic heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated power adjustable and folding exterior mirrors, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, power adjustable pedals, remote vehicle start system, heated leather-appointed seats, cooled 12-way adjustable front bucket seats, 10-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound audio system with AM/FM radio, CD/MP3 player, 7-inch color touchscreen display, 30GB hard-drive navigation system, Sirius XM radio with NavTraffic with a 3-month trial subscription, Bluetooth HandsFree availability, a USB port, rear window defogger, power liftgate, luggage rack with crossbars, front and rear window intermittent wipers, dual halogen composite headlights and 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum alloy wheels with all-season blackwall tires.

In addition to all the standard equipment found on non-hybrid versions, the Yukon Denali Hybrid trims have a 300-volt-hybrid maintenance-free battery pack (located under the second-row seat cushion) with 730 cold-cranking amps. Additional standard equipment for the Hybrid trims includes heavy-duty trailering equipment, Magnetic Ride Control suspension package, a power sunroof and 22-inch 8-spoke, chrome-clad aluminum alloy wheels with all-season blackwall tires.

A power sunroof is an available option for the non-Hybrid trims of the 2012 GMC Yukon Denali, as well as 4 different styles of 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels and 6 different styles of 22-inch aluminum alloy wheels—all with all-season blackwall tires. All trims can add an engine block heater, rear seat entertainment system, and the Sun, Entertainment and Destinations package, which combines the sunroof, rear entertainment system, additional 1-year subscription to Sirius XM satellite radio and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror in a single package.

A multitude of safety and security features come standard for the 2012 GMC Yukon Denali, including 6 airbags (dual-stage frontal driver and right-front passenger airbags, head curtain side-impact airbags and seat-mounted side-impact driver and right-front passenger airbags), tire pressure monitoring system, 4-wheel antilock disc brakes with intelligent brake assist, StabiliTrak traction control with proactive roll avoidance, trailer sway control and hill start assist, side blind-zone alert, ultrasonic rear parking assist and rear vision camera, front halogen fog lights, OnStar Directions and Connections with a 6-month trial subscription and a vehicle theft-deterrent system.

Owners of the 2012 GMC Yukon Denali rave about the off-road capabilities of the vehicle, as well as the gas mileage that full-size luxury SUV gets, especially in the Hybrid trims. The AWD models have great grip, according to current drivers, and can handle varying terrain with ease. Although most current owners mention that they do not use the vehicle for towing, it's nice to know that it can tow up to 6,000 pounds when properly equipped.

Because the only other hybrid options in the luxury SUV market to consider are fellow GM stablemates the Chevrolet Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade, it all comes down to options and brand loyalty when choosing a gas/electric SUV. The non-hybrid Yukon Denali finds itself competing against the likes of the Ford Expedition, Nissan Armada and Toyota Sequoia as well. In either case, the 2012 GMC Yukon Denali is a capable vehicle that has much to offer both under the hood and inside the cabin.