2009 GMC Yukon Denali

You get more of everything with the Yukon Denali, GM’s top-tier trim package, including price. Most noticeable is the inclusion of an E85-friendly 6.2-liter V8 that puts out 403 hp, a 23-hp increase over previous years. Unfortunately, drivers have called the added horsepower barely noticeable and reported increased noise from the 6.2-liter engine over other Yukon powertrains. Further, when compared with non-Denali Yukons, acceleration with the 6.2-liter is less refined, and GM recommends premium-grade gasoline for the Denali.

Exclusive Denali updates for 2009 include heated/cooled front seats, and a surprising omission from previous model years: a power-tilt steering column. Also noticeable for 2009 is the replacement of Dark Slate Metallic with Carbon Black Metallic, a subtle but distinct difference.

Available in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive, the Denali lacks the low-gearing of its 4WD non-Denali Yukon brethren, understandable considering its optional 20-inch chrome rims, a scant 2 inches larger than the already large standard polished 18-inch aluminum rims. With four-wheel ABS controlling its four vented discs, the Denali isn’t short on stopping power. A myriad of safety features include traction and stability control, a limited-slip rear differential, electronic brake distribution, and standard front and head-curtain airbags, as well as a tire-pressure monitoring system and one year of OnStar.

Seating drops from 9 to 8 with the deletion of the second-row bench in favor of a pair of bucket seats, leather all around. Other standard options include a Bose audio system, remote start, powered rear liftgate, and a heated windshield washer fluid system, amongst others. A blind-zone alert system, integrated rearview camera system, rear parking assist and automatic wipers are all new for 2009 as well. Still, complaints have come that the added options of the Denali hardly justify its added cost, which can push the price past $50,000. One of the other Yukon models, well-equipped, seems a much better option.

By Michael Perkins