2013 GMC Yukon Denali Overview

2013 GMC Yukon Denali Overview

The 2013 GMC Yukon Denali gives the best entrants in the large sports utility vehicle segment, right up to and including the Cadillac Escalade, a run for their money, reviewers feel. But those same experts tend to toss out a caveat or two for those who look longingly on the big rig that’s packed with goodies: Do you really need something this big? Will you really make use of its impressive trailer-pulling capacity?

If the answers are no, and probably not, the experts say, check out a crossover and likely save a good chunk of change right off the bat as well as down the road in fuel costs.

If the answers are yes, or if you’re just plain set on a large SUV no matter what the naysayers note, then come along. Enjoy the stylish ride. When it gets right down to it with the 2013 GMC Yukon Denali, reviewers are pretty much united in their praise of both its performance and the comfort of its ride. Some do feel, though, that the Denali gets a little pricey as it heads out to compete against the likes of the Escalade.

The base 2013 GMC Yukon Denali comes in a couple of thousand dollars short of the $60,000 mark, and the number bumps up to nearly $67,000 with the Hybrid 4-wheel-drive (4WD) version. In comparison, the base 2013 Cadillac Escalade goes a little over $64,000 and ranges up to about $86,000.

The 2013 GMC Yukon Denali gets a beefy 6.2-liter V8 good for 403 horsepower and 417 lb-ft of torque that runs on gasoline or FlexFuel. It has a 6-speed automatic transmission and gets 14 mpg city/18 highway with rear-wheel drive (RWD) and 13/18 with 4WD. The numbers with FlexFuel are 10/15 with RWD and 10/14 with 4WD.

A 6.2-liter V8 powers the 2013 GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid, and the system includes a pair of 60-kilowatt electric motors and a battery pack. The hybrid system itself can run at up to 27 mph on electric power alone.

When properly equipped, a 2013 GMC Yukon Denali that takes gasoline or FlexFuel has a trailering capacity of 8,300 with RWD and 8,100 with 4WD. The Hybrid version of the Denali carries towing numbers of 6,000 with RWD and 5,700 with 4WD.

The 2013 GMC Yukon Denali tops off a family that collects good grades for styling and comfort as well as performance. To be sure, the Yukon Denali itself is not breaking new ground, and an upgrade is expected shortly, but still it delivers and certainly has its fans in large part for the quality of its ride, along with its abundant features.

Without question, the 2013 GMC Yukon Denali classifies as a large and heavy vehicle, but the experts agree it still drives quite like a car. Steering on the Denali is relatively light—too light, some reviewers feel.  

Reviewers praise the luxurious interior of the 2013 GMC Yukon Denali for its build quality and spaciousness. They like the supportive and comfortable seats while noting that the third row is tight and best suited for children. The leather seats are heated and cooled in the front buckets and heated in the second row.  

The Denali features an AutoRide load-leveling suspension that helps keep the ride smooth, and it gets a 10-speaker Bose sound system, a navigation system, 7-inch color touchscreen display and Bluetooth wireless technology standard. A rear-seat entertainment system, sunroof, 20- or 22-inch wheels and power retractable assist steps are available. The sunroof comes standard on Hybrid versions.

The 2013 GMC Yukon Denali receives good grades in government and insurance industry crash tests. It comes with 4-wheel antilock disc brakes, a rear vision camera, side blind zone alert, rear parking assist, StabiliTrak traction control and a full array of airbags.