The 2023 GMC Yukon, and its 20-inches-longer sibling, the stretched Yukon XL, offer 3-row seating in a full-size SUV that is as luxurious as it is capable. Offering numerous powertrain choices within the trims and available 4-wheel Drive (4WD), the Yukon is more than a fair match compared with SUVs like the Ford Expedition, Toyota Sequoia, and Nissan Armada.
New this year is the ultra-luxury Denali Ultimate trim, an apparent response to the new Jeep Grand Wagoneer and a move that takes the Yukon perilously close to Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator territory.
Due to the ongoing microchip shortage, some features such as ventilated front seats and advanced adaptive cruise control systems may be delayed or removed, requiring dealer retrofit later. Be sure to check with your dealer at the time of purchase about what features may be affected.
2023 GMC Yukon SLE
(starting at $54,000; SLE XL at $56,700)
The most affordable Yukon is the SLE, and short of a few driver-assist and luxury features, it’s probably all the SUV a budget-minded family needs.
Under the hood is a 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V8 hooked to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Buyers have the option of a 3.0-liter Duramax diesel engine with 277 hp, a stump-pulling 460 lb-ft of torque, and significantly better fuel economy.
The SLE includes a mechanical limited-slip rear differential and a push-button gear selector. For now, the automatic start/stop feature is not included on V8 models but can be retrofitted by the dealer later.
Interior accommodations can go as high as nine people when the Yukon is equipped with the front 40/20/40-split bench seat, although most SLEs will go out the door with a more comfortable set of front bucket seats. Durable cloth upholstery covers all three rows, with manual-folding 60/40-split second- and third-row seats.
The SLE includes a massive, customizable 12-inch color driver information screen with speed, rpm, warning messages, and vehicle information displays.
To the right of the instrument cluster is an equally brilliant 10-inch infotainment touchscreen hooked to a 6-speaker audio system. The SLE’s infotainment package includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L with a 3-month trial subscription, Bluetooth streaming, voice recognition technology, HD Radio, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. Also included are OnStar and GMC connected services, which require paid subscriptions to continue access after the trial period expires.
Standard equipment for the SLE includes a 10-way power driver’s seat and 8-way power passenger seat (both with 2-way power lumbar support), a manual tilt-telescoping steering column with controls for the audio, Bluetooth, information screens and cruise control, and tri-zone climate control covering all three rows.
A keyless proximity key fob allows unlocking the doors without having the key fob in your hand and includes a remote start feature and push-button starter. The SLE’s cabin includes two 120-volt outlets, one 12-volt outlet, two data ports (one USB-A and one USB-C), and four more USB-C ports divided evenly between the second and third rows.
Other interior features include power windows with express up/down for the driver’s window, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and lighted visor vanity mirrors.
The SLE comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, a 17-inch full-size spare tire, roof-mounted side rails, black assist steps, LED headlights, LED fog lights, LED taillights, and body-colored heated side mirrors. Rain-sensing wipers are standard and automatically activate when sensing rain, mist, or snow on the windshield.
Deep-tinted rear privacy glass covers the second-row windows back, while acoustic laminated glass helps reduce interior noise. The manual rear liftgate includes a wiper/washer and glass that opens separately from the liftgate.
On the safety front, the SLE comes standard with the GMC Pro Safety suite that includes a forward collision warning, low-speed automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, front and rear parking sensors, a following-distance indicator (warns when following too close to the vehicle ahead), and lane-keeping assist with lane-departure warning.
Also included in the SLE’s safety and driver-assist systems are automatic high-beam headlights, an HD rear vision camera, a tire-pressure monitoring system, and Teen Driver, which allows you to monitor your teen’s driving as well as set limits on certain features such as radio volume, speed, and the ability to shift the vehicle into Drive before buckling the seatbelt.
As for towing, the SLE comes with a trailer hitch platform with a 2-inch hitch receiver and a 7-pin connector. Also included is Hitch Guidance, which uses the rear backup camera to help when hooking up a trailer, Trailer Sway Control, and Hill Start Assist.
Optional equipment includes the Max Trailer Package that increases towing to 8,400 pounds and consists of an integrated brake controller, hitch guidance with Hitch View, and an enhanced cooling radiator.
The GMC Pro Safety Plus Package adds a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert.
Upgrading to 4WD adds another $3,000 to the bottom line.
With the $1,795 destination fee, the 2023 GMC Yukon SLE costs $55,795. On a 60-month loan with 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to roughly $1,003. See 2023 GMC Yukon SLE models for sale
2023 GMC Yukon SLE includes:
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – Makes streaming music, navigation, and messages from your phone even more manageable with no messy wires.
- Automatic emergency braking – This system can detect vehicles or pedestrians in its path and warn the driver at low speeds. If the driver fails to react, the system can slow or stop the Yukon before a collision can occur.
- Tri-zone climate control – With controls in all three rows, this system allows rear-seat passengers to select their climate settings.
- 10-way power driver’s seat – Allows maximum comfort regardless of body size and includes two-way power lumbar for better lower back support.
2023 GMC Yukon SLT
(starting at $60,700; SLT XL at $63,400)
For just a bit more, the SLT brings more safety and luxury features we think many buyers will appreciate.
In addition to the SLE’s standard equipment, the SLT adds a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and the Safety Alert Seat that vibrates at different positions to warn the driver of the direction of a potential collision.
The SLT’s interior is upgraded with leather seating surfaces, a 9-speaker Bose audio system, ventilated front seats, and two-person memory settings for the driver’s seat and mirrors.
The SLT also gains a wireless charging pad, a hands-free power-operated rear liftgate, and 20-inch alloy wheels.
The SLT can be upgraded via various packages with a power-sliding front center console, a panoramic sunroof, power-folding third-row seat, rear pedestrian alert, a power tilt/telescopic steering column, and heated second-row seats.
Other options include a heated steering wheel, power-folding outside mirrors, a surround-vision camera, and an upgraded trailering package with a side blind-spot warning extending to the trailer.
With the $1,795 destination fee, the 2023 GMC Yukon SLT costs $62,495. On a 60-month loan with 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $1,123. See 2023 GMC Yukon SLT models for sale
2023 GMC Yukon SLT includes:
- Bose audio – The 9-speaker Bose audio system brings brilliant highs and deep bass to music and is a definitive improvement over the stock system.
- Leather seating – Adds a more luxurious feel to the Yukon’s interior and is easier to clean than the SLE’s standard cloth seats.
- Wireless charging pad – Allows wireless charging of a compatible device without the need for wires or an open USB port.
- Hands-free power liftgate – Opens at the touch of a button or by kicking your foot over the GMC logo conveniently projected on the ground below the rear bumper.
2023 GMC Yukon AT4
(starting at $68,500; AT4 XL at $71,200)
The AT4 is the most rugged Yukon trim, with standard 4WD and an available 420-hp 6.2-liter V8 engine.
In addition to its standard 4WD system and 2-speed transfer case, the AT4 has unique 20-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, a protective front skid plate, red tow hooks, and Magnetic Ride Control that automatically adjusts the shock dampers for a smooth ride over various road surfaces. It also includes hill descent control.
Building off the SLT’s standard equipment, the AT4 adds a heated power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, upgraded driver’s seat memory (includes steering wheel position), heated second-row seats with a power-release feature, and power-folding third-row seats.
Additional AT4 equipment includes a revised front fascia with a better approach angle, power-folding outside mirrors, and a unique Jet Black leather interior with Brandy color accents.
Notable options for the AT4 can be bundled into packages and include a panoramic glass sunroof, power-retractable side steps, an adaptive air suspension, rear pedestrian detection, a surround vision camera, and a 15-inch head-up display. The Active Response 4WD system helps maximize traction on slippery pavement or off-road conditions.
Also available is an enhanced trailering package, an electronic limited-slip rear differential, second-row bucket seats, a power-sliding center console, and a rear-seat entertainment system.
With the $1,795 destination fee, the 2023 GMC Yukon AT4 costs $70,295. On a 60-month loan with 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to approximately $1,263. See 2023 GMC Yukon AT4 models for sale
2023 GMC Yukon AT4 includes:
- All-terrain tires – These provide maximum grip in off-road situations and are perfect for hitting the trails.
- Power tilt-telescopic steering wheel – This allows drivers of all sizes to find the perfect driving position. With memory, it will always return to the exact spot you left it.
- Available 6.2-liter engine – With 420 hp and 460-lb-ft of torque, this monstrous V8 provides all the power you’ll need for passing and pulling, but you’ll pay the price at the pump.
- Available panoramic sunroof – Provides more light for a more open-feeling interior.
2023 GMC Yukon Denali
(starting at $72,100; XL Denali at $74,800)
The Denali is the luxury trim that, up until this year, represented the most exclusive Yukon. That honor now falls to the Denali Ultimate, which includes all of the Denali’s optional equipment and a few additional visual upgrades making it the king of the Denali hill.
The Denali trim builds off the SLT, offering a choice between the 3.0-liter diesel or 6.2-liter V8. As with the other trims, 4WD is optional.
Among the Denali’s more exclusive standard features are Denali-specific interior color themes, dashboard, and exterior styling elements. Also onboard are second-row captain’s chair seating, a 14-speaker Bose audio system, a power sliding center console, a surround-vision camera, and a 15-inch head-up display.
Rear pedestrian alert is standard, with available rear emergency braking offered in a package. The Magnetic Ride Control suspension comes standard.
Options for the Denali include an adaptive air suspension, a panoramic sunroof, power extendable side steps, a rear camera mirror, a rear camera washer, enhanced automatic emergency braking (works at highway speeds), automatic parking assists, and Super Cruise, GM’s advance autonomous driving program.
With the $1,795 destination fee, the 2023 GMC Yukon Denali costs $73,895. On a 60-month loan with 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $1,328. See 2023 GMC Yukon Denali models for sale
2023 GMC Yukon Denali includes:
- Exclusive interior – With unique leather, trim pieces, and appliques, the Denali interior stands apart from the lesser trims.
- Second-row captain’s chair seating – This provides a more comfortable place for second-row passengers, plus easier access to the third-row seat.
- 14-speaker Bose audio – Where nine speakers are good, 14 are even better. The system also features a more powerful amp.
- Available Super Cruise – GM’s autonomous driving system allows hands-free driving on designated highways. The system can even change lanes when towing.
2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate
(starting at $91,850; XL Denali Ultimate at $94,550)
The Denali Ultimate truly is the ultimate Denali. It comes standard with the 6.2-liter engine, 4WD, and just about all of the Denali’s optional features, including Super Cruise, the adaptive air suspension, automatic parking assist, and the Active Response 4WD system.
Unique to the Ultimate are massaging 16-way power front seats, an 18-speaker Bose Performance audio system, 22-inch alloy wheels, and an Alpine Umber full leather interior with plaited contrast stitching. Genuine open-pore Paldo wood graces the dash and door panels, with aluminum accents throughout the cabin.
Optional for the Denali Ultimate is the 3.0-liter diesel engine, the rear-seat entertainment system, and the Enhanced Trailer Monitoring Package that adds trailer camera provisions, an auxiliary trailer camera, and trailer assist guidelines.
With the $1,795 destination fee, the 2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate costs $93,645. On a 60-month loan with 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $1,683. See 2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate models for sale
