If you’re interested in purchasing the refreshed 2025 GMC Yukon, you might want to understand the key differences between the two popular trim levels: the Denali and the Denali Ultimate.
In this Review, I’ll compare these trims, covering their similarities, differences, features, options, packaging, and pricing. Buckle up and stay tuned for an in-depth look!
Standard Equipment on Both Trims
Both the Denali and Denali Ultimate come with an extensive list of standard features, including:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Enhanced Lane Keeping Assist
- Enhanced Emergency Braking
- Enhanced Automatic Parking Assist
- Intersection Emergency Braking
- Reverse Automatic Braking
- Speed Limit Assist
- High Beam Assist
- Safety Alert Seat
- Rear Pedestrian Alert
- Side Bicyclist Alert
- HD Surround View Camera System
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- 16.8-inch infotainment system with Google integration
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- 11-inch fully digital gauge cluster
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- Bose premium audio system
- USB charging in all three rows
- Power sliding front console
- Proximity entry with push-button start
- Memory driver seat
- Auto-dimming interior and driver-side exterior mirrors
- 5G Wi-Fi hotspot
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated second-row seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Power front seats
- Power-folding third-row seats
- LED exterior lighting with animation
- Hands-free power liftgate
- Universal home remote
- Wireless phone charging
- Head-up display
- 6.2L V8 powertrain
- Trailering equipment package
Denali Ultimate: Additional Standard Equipment
The Denali Ultimate builds upon the standard Denali by adding even more features, many of which are optional on the standard Denali. These include:
- Advanced Technology Package, which includes:
- Super Cruise
- Rear digital camera mirror
- Rear-seat media infotainment system
- Advanced Security Package
- Max Trailering Package
- Rear-Seat Media System:
- Dual 12.6-inch HD screens
- Two Bluetooth headphones
- Two HDMI input ports
- Max Trailering Package:
- Blind Zone Steering Assist with Trailer Detection
- Hitch View
- Smart Trailer Integration Indicator
- Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
- Enhanced Cooling System
- Advanced Security Package:
- Self-powered horn
- Interior movement sensors
- Vehicle inclination sensors
- Glass break sensors
- Rear quarter glass and liftgate lock shields
- Additional Standard Features on Denali Ultimate:
- Two-speed active transfer case with rotary controls (required for dinghy towing)
- Blind Zone Steering Assist
- Rear Camera Mirror
- Power retractable assist steps
- Panoramic power sunroof
- 24-inch alloy wheels
- 8-inch rear touchscreen with climate controls
- Executive Package (optional) with massaging second-row seats
- 18-speaker Bose premium surround sound system
- Massaging front seats
Optional Equipment on Denali
The standard Denali offers several optional packages to enhance its features:
- Denali Reserve Package ($11,600):
- Advanced Technology Package
- Enhanced Trailering Technology
- Panoramic Power Sunroof
- Power Retractable Assist Steps
- 22-inch six-spoke chrome wheels
- Wheel locks
- Sun and Power Step Package ($3,245)
- Advanced Technology Package ($6,015, if not included in Reserve)
- Premium Capability Package ($1,795)
Optional Equipment on Denali Ultimate
Surprisingly, even the fully loaded Denali Ultimate offers an additional premium package:
- Executive Second Row Seating Package ($3,995):
- Second-row captain’s chairs
- Ventilated second-row seats
- Six-way power second-row seats
- Two-way power upper shoulder adjustment
- Two-way power back bolster
- Four-way power lumbar
- Power massaging seats
- Upgraded 22-speaker Bose premium audio system
- Requires Night Vision Camera ($2,000) as a standalone option
Pricing Breakdown
The pricing for both trims, including destination fees, is as follows:
- Denali 2WD: $78,900
- Denali 4WD: $81,900
- Denali Ultimate 4WD: $103,295
- Denali Reserve Package: $11,600 (optional for Denali)
- Executive Second Row Seating Package (Denali Ultimate): $3,995
- Night Vision Camera (Denali Ultimate): $2,000
Ultimately, the decision between the Denali and Denali Ultimate depends on your needs and budget. While a fully loaded Denali can approach the $100,000 mark, it still lacks some exclusive features found in the Denali Ultimate, such as the 22-speaker Bose system, massaging front seats, and additional luxury touches.
