GMC Yukon Denali 2025 review - 8 seater V8: Australia first drive

[@MrWah79]

I was in one of these things on a recent trip to the states. It fit the limo driver and 7 adults with all our luggage from LAX back to our hotel. It was a tight squeeze and I thought there was no way we'd all fit but i was wrong. Even with all of us packed in, you could feel the capable acceleration and braking of this beast. Very impressive machine.

[@therightcar]

Yep, can’t wait to put it to the test with some real-world highway runs. Maybe even an airport hustle just for fun!

[@philgoodinc2]

This appears to be the smaller of the Yukon variants, not the Yukon XL/Chevy Suburban sized one like the one you are refering to. The Yukon XL/Suburban has a longer wheelbase, longer overall, and larger cargo capacity. It can do 7/8 passengers + luggage comfortably, 1175L cargo capacity with all 3 rows up while the Yukon/Tahoe is 722L with all 3 rows up. Dont get me wrong, this thing is still massive, but I too was in the states recently, and we hired both a GMC Tahoe (non XL) and a Chevy Suburban on different occasions and the difference in cargo space is substantial. All of our luggage fit behind the 3rd row in the Suburban, while we had to fold half of the 3rd row in the Tahoe to fit. Luckily we didnt need that seat.

[@mikep.6110]

I’m on my second xl. ❤it. It’s a beast. Parking not an issue.

[@jbountalas]

When everyone else is moving to turbo charged V6 or inline 4 engines, the V8 is good to see. I've driven the 6.2 L V8, and it is a sweet sweet motor. This vehicle is large and in charge. The only thing better is the XL, which adds another ~ 18 inches to the back, so even more cargo space even with all the seats up. Definitely a win for GM.

[@NewtonDurham]

So, current model is US$80k region making it AU$116k. Walkinshaw as much as I love the company will add around $70-80k to that price to convert it. If it's less then $200k on release then Walkinshaw have done something magical.

[@aussieredneck818]

Being the wrong brand. 🤪 I do agree It will be a patrol and cruiser killer.

[@lucassitanggang5154]

Yes GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate XL is better than Toyota Land Cruiser. No compromise!

[@tezza8717]

except for its crap reliability

[@mikep.6110]

My first one. 100k zero issues. On my second. A 2022 and it’s even better. 17k.

[@intrusivethought]

@@mikep.6110 anecdotal evidence means squat. Not even in the top 10 jd power or consumer report reliability indexes.

[@generalking9029]

Only about $70,000 more expensive

[@IamNickBell]

Depends what you want it for. I’ve owned a Yukon XL and a LC 300. Yukon Sucks off-road but great for towing.

[@TheHayabusa09]

Just remember to inform the other 7 travelling with you, that you'll have to park this thing in a similiar spot as to where you're filming this, then Uber the rest of the way to that shopping mall/ suburban shopping street as this thing will not fit into a parking bay anywhere!

[@hellothere4342]

I'm pretty indifferent to these big US vehicles. I just love how much it absolutely annoy a group of people.

[@twisted_panties]

You mean the people with common sense?

[@dallasfrost1996]

Same here, the more people winge about them, the more I want to see these on the road.

[@twisted_panties]

@@dallasfrost1996 Well done dickhead.

[@MrTomsmith81]

Hey matt, keep these reviews coming awesome, car seems very interesting, I’m more interested in the tech side of it, from the looks of it seems like it will be a headache to use, but I guess I will have to wait for the full review. By the way, seems like it’s a monster of a SUV

[@NZsarge1]

If it comes in the Denali spec it’s clearly going to be more expensive than the current Silverado, they’re selling for NZ$147k new for the LTZ Z71 which isn’t the top grade Silverado and given the models here are just shy of the most expensive Yukon’s I’d guess they’ll hit New Zealand with a sticker of NZ$180-185k.

[@gordonclark7632]

I am not a fan of American vehicles but I must admit that the design of this vehicle is quite striking. Purchases will have to measure their garage to see if it can be accommodated. I do see an employment opportunity at $100k a year to direct drivers in shopping centre car parks. Councils will have to change the code for parking bay sizes and increase them so these American monsters can fit. The Government forcing us to drive EVs etc I think this could be a revolt against them. Rise up and wave the flag, big is beautiful.

[@xxTNTDOGxx]

They need to bring the Captain Seat option for the middle row. Best option

[@Ericthefilo]

comes across as gigantic but the dimensions wouldn't be that much harder to deal with for anyone used to driving a staria or a 7 seat ute based suv

[@Handleyman]

Grey! I’m so sick of bloody grey upholstery!

[@StephenFogarty2023]

Hi Matt, It looks great If pricing is decent, it will do well against LC Question On the 24” wheels A big gap between top of tyre and the wheel arch. Do these have Electronic Air Suspension ? EG - to lower the car for entry / exit etc, and then it raises up, once on the move ?

[@therightcar]

Yep, there is a height adjustable suspension system.

[@StephenFogarty2023]

@@therightcar Ok That’s a good thing A V8 sounds great But In the real world of driving it etc Very high fuel consumption ! These should b offered with the diesel engine ! Why not ? 🤷🏻‍♂️ Cheers. 👍

[@hellothere4342]

Was this at Sandown?

[@mvnorsel6354]

How was the school run in this one Matt ?

[@TomCatCat781]

I have a lexus rx350 and find it difficult to navigate some carparks, i can only imagine how difficult the denali would be to park!

[@peter.wilson]

I hope they also offer the Denali XL which should be an almost identical conversion.

[@The10thDentist]

Do the back windows go all the way the way down so the dogs can hang their heads outs?

[@therightcar]

I don’t know.

[@anthonybugge5220]

What's the pimple on the front roof

[@patrickcrowe3090]

You should also do a review of the Silverado 2500HD

[@robertzman3914]

Is a diesel GMC YUKON LX going to come here to Australia

[@therightcar]

Highly doubt it.

[@borismini6707]

Apparently Amerciannonly use diesel in actual proper trucks

[@wholeness]

You need an aircraft carrier to refuel this thing.

[@tallboy49]

Who cares. If you can afford to buy it then you can afford to run it.

[@KBWarrioR2018]

Ahahaha

[@NoOne-qr8yf]

Sorry but im pretty sure an aircraft carrier is a boat that carries aircraft how will that help you fuel a land bound vehicle that cant fly😂😂😂

[@Rally4Life1982]

@@tallboy49 I can afford to buy it, but my brain tells me if would be a daft purchase.

[@anthonybugge5220]

Isn't it funny only a few years ago we were all crying fuel economy and downsizing when petrol was $1:10 now it's $2.30 we want bigger heavier cars 😂

[@Rally4Life1982]

People are aren't exactly logical

[@MichaelDuldig]

Shocking warranty, especially given those 10 speeds are blowing up left right and centre!

[@chiefengineer4570]

The service warranty of only 3 years is not good. But otherwise it seems a good all-rounder, as a current Acadia owner. However you have me now interested in the new Patrol you mentioned...

[@jackabubba]

Some of that fit and finish/cheap plastic makes a taxi spec Commodore look good. There is more to luxury than leather and off the shelf electric gadgets!

[@teeraymurphy2733]

Have 4 kids It has been frustrating to find an SUV in Australia that have enough Cargo space when Third row are up. I can bare fit any at the back even with Kia Carnival has proven difficult. Having this might help but the XL or the Chevy suburban would be great except the price tag that may come with it. Size wise I don't think it will be too much of an issue with it as even the Chinese vehicles are getting bigger!

[@shahg25]

Did he talk about braking?

[@glennhenson4434]

Price is critical if it's going to compete with landcruise, patrol , landrovers etc, 3 year warranty is a problem For towing, as well as the 3700kg , need towball download, gym , gcm and payload etc

[@TheAkshatkalra]

Luxury at its finest❤, but only a three-year unlimited warranty, only a three-year Roadside Assistance and no cap for servicing are dissapointing👎🏽. Considering it will easily be a $120K+ car in Australia, more trust is needed when spending this much money.

[@TheAkshatkalra]

@@acs1993 damn, Worse then if they are giving only a three-year unlimited warranty and no cap for servicing for a 200k+ vehicle.

[@terraxg1217]

i think this is the standard size here in US they make a longer version roughly 5.7m in length

[@therightcar]

Yep, it’s the “little” one. 😂

[@joytech23]

Honestly I think after the conversion markup it'll be sitting right in Landcruiser Sahara/Lexus LX territory. That's a hard sell on a good day and it'll probably only be bought by those that want something different. Personally I'd buy the Toyota/Lexus - you get fantastic dealership support/warranty and aftermarket parts, both the petrol and diesel options make more torque at a lower RPM and you'll get almost double the range out of a tank with the diesel. Performance-wise the petrol turbo LC is basically the same as this too and economy is about the same, but the LC gets a larger fuel tank.

[@KBWarrioR2018]

How is this more practical in Australia than a carnival?

[@StephenFogarty2023]

It can tow over 3.5 t It’s AWD…

[@KBWarrioR2018]

@StephenFogarty2023 insee your point..but thats had Got to be a small buyer group though

[@daweigo6851]

Very different buyers

[@StephenFogarty2023]

@@KBWarrioR2018 I agree But For many years now SUV sales have dominated the market Higher seating position in SUV The feeling of being in a large solid & safe vehicle Even if u will never tow, or go off road, your vehicle has this capability The Carnival is a fantastic vehicle But A “people mover” isn’t cool v an SUV 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@KBWarrioR2018]

@StephenFogarty2023 most sensible and real world answer. Thanks

[@WaleedMuhammad-yj2rx]

Nice car❤❤❤❤

[@josefbuckland]

Shame you didn’t park it at woolies so we can see it in a spot.

[@eddisisic1345]

I’m getting it

[@Signaturelux37]

Watched the whole video. I was so excited that I was going to book this rig, but at the end, it's a nope! 5 years is the standard warranty these days for that expensive SUV, but it's only 3 years! What? 😮

[@therightcar]

I agree. It’s a big risk on ownership and I raised it with GMSV at this event.

[@berndd5278]

Who cares about a factory warranty...that is just a promise from the manufacturer. Your consumer rights last a lot longer, since you can argue on a $200k that anything except wear and tear should last around 10 years otherwise not fit for purpose. Warranties these days are just a marketing tool.

[@mordeth1964]

It may be the biggest, but guaranteed it will be far from the best.

[@therightcar]

What’s your pick of the mega trucks?

[@chandrachurniyogi8394]

didn't know GMC made RHD variants of its U.S. market SUVs . . .

[@therightcar]

It doesn’t. The car will be brought to Australia in LHD, then remanufactured to be a RHD rig.

[@intrusivethought]

Awesome until you need to enter a car park

[@KBWarrioR2018]

Nightmare

[@patrickcrowe3090]

You won't struggle to park it in car parks because this is a length shorter than the Yukon XL and Suburban and it's the same as the Chevy Tahoe.

[@intrusivethought]

@@patrickcrowe3090 this is in australia - we don't have any of those cars here and our parking spaces are not the same size.

[@Lee-in-oz]

And add $50k for the conversion and a friggin petrol🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@stephencooper3583]

It's weird that GM chose to sell the GMC Yukon in Australia instead of it's 'twin' the Chevy Tahoe. As I understand, you guys already have the Chevy Silverado and Corvette. I would've thought they would go with the same brand, since Chevy already has a presence. But on the plus side, the Yukon is a bit more upscale than the Tahoe. In the U.S., GMC kind of sits between Chevy and Cadillac. So the Yukon is more premium than the Tahoe... but of course you have to pay more for it. The Denali is the most expensive trim of all (on par with the Cadillac Escalade), but hopefully they also give you guys the more affordable trims as well. I would NOT take a Denali off road. This is the luxury trim... too damn nice to get dirty - like going hiking in a tuxedo. 😆 Wait to see if they port over the AT4 package instead. That one is specced for offroad and has features like skid plates, offroad tires, tow hooks, etc. It should cost significantly less too.

[@therightcar]

The way GM is approaching the market is odd. But surely there is method to the madness. Like, they prefer this to the Escalade too?

[@skitz2813]

Oh great another American car that I need to look out for while I'm driving an 80 odd tun road train! Because some of but not all who drive these things believe they are bigger then me 😂

[@faheemabbas3965]

As an American, I am surprised that GM even thinks that they can sell these full-size SUVs of theirs in Australia of all places.

[@therightcar]

There are potential buyers for it. Maybe not many, but it’ll sell - the ancient Nissan Patrol is selling in record numbers!

[@StephenFogarty2023]

@@faheemabbas3965 Why not ? Australia is a very large country Like the USA.. Many people driving big distances around the country etc Huge numbers of people tow, Caravan etc, and need something that can comfortably handle 3.5 t, and above. Particularly when u r travelling around Australia. Walkinshaw have remanufactured to RHD, over 20,000 Rams, here in Australia, in recent years. With full factory support. Silverado ( also remanufactured by Walkinshaw ) sells in good numbers. Ford F150 ( plagued by recalls and issues since being available at start of 2024 ) is selling well. Not remanufactured here, by Walkinshaw… Toyota Australia have confirmed the go ahead of Walkinshaw remanufacturing Tundra to RHD. Customer deliveries as of early 2025. This segment will grow to be 20,000 annual sales, per year, in Australia by late 2025, and beyond…

[@Peter-ev2kr]

Why? We like big cars in Australia.

[@dallasfrost1996]

If there were to be somewhere else outside of the U.S & Canada where these large vehicles would sell, Australia & New Zealand would be among the top choices. Australian's & New Zealander's love pickup trucks, SUV's, & V8 engines as well. If size is the issue, Australia & New Zealand already have full-size American pickup trucks (Ram's & Silverado's). The Yukon (non XL) is noticeably shorter than those full-size pickup trucks, which may make it a more appealing option.

[@flatf3057]

you'd be surprised the uptake the larger american SUV/Trucks have seen here, we seem to love them in aus

[@jonathanfgh1]

The plastics mouldings of the centre console looking from the back seat, looks abit "rough around the edges" RE fit and finish. American quality ? And a less than generous 3 year warranty ? No thanks.

[@therightcar]

Pre-production. But proof will be in the product. Agree on the warranty though.

[@spiro5327]

Did you remind everyone to ring that bell 🔔 ? 😊

[@therightcar]

Dingaling 🫶🏻

[@Thebeastclub01]

Is That a RHD !❤

[@G-Rated]

Mud flaps ruined the exterior. Beautiful SUV! Love those wheels. 🔥💨

[@MichaelSmith-px1ev]

This is will be not far off the Range Rover price once converted.

[@therightcar]

You reckon?

[@TheMowogman]

They need a diesel option.

[@Dazza-u4c]

I like a V8 like the next guy, but not one that is prone to eating cams and lifters.

[@robertstojcevski1098]

Where the hell are you going to park that, need an entire lot all to yourself lol

[@therightcar]

I’m assuming you will have a big driveway at your big house in the burbs, and you might head to the big Costco to go shopping.

[@robertstojcevski1098]

@@therightcar all the while towing a petrol bowser

[@Leftyintollerable]

Absolutely shocking name for the car.

[@lawsondog3554]

Pretty

[@alexwood8982]

So they destroyed our car industry and now they want to send their crap to us!

[@therightcar]

Haha well I think the economic realities of making cars in Australia for minimal profit destroyed the car industry here. They can buy these cheap, bring them here, pay higher labour costs than ever to reinvent them, then sell them for huge profits because Australians clearly don’t get scared of mega debt.

[@JayMcK-yj8ht]

Lump of Detroit

[@therightcar]

I’ve been called worse

[@PSjustanormalguy]

Coming to a private school drop-off near you

[@anasevi9456]

car reviewers: _"chinese cars are soo silly and cheap. And they don't perform so well against alternatives that cost 30% more"_ Meanwhile GMC, Dodge and Ford against cars that cost half as much.

[@anthonybugge5220]

It's no lexus quality now is it.

[@deltaforceshuttles3749]

I don’t get it, you wanna tell me this is better than what was already being made in this country 10 years ago? And the added cost of importation taxes and right hand drive conversions / this country is f$@$&ing stupid!

[@letsgo2510]

American style cars are fine, but, in my opinion, 4x4 petrol cars are just are waste of money if you want to travel Australia's remote area's as this is a big attraction. More and more of this fuel is becomming unavalable in these remote area's. The other issue here is it is not ideal and downright stupid to carry 60 t0 80 litres of a very inflamable liquid due to there high fuel usage. If American car manufacturers could come to grips with the fact that most of Australia is remote and deisel fuel is king, these cars would do a lot better in the sales area because they are fine cars indeed.

[@mighty_bunny]

They even sell the Yukon, including the Yukon Denali, with the Duramax diesel engine in the US/Canada. I think there could be an audience for it here too.

[@nicko9799]

Are you forgetting that Hybrids exist? Hybrids close the gap dramatically on mileage that you get out of a tank compared to diesel And thanks to the electric motor you get the torque pretty much instantly when you need it.

[@peterstaggs1956]

Plenty of Ram 1500’s, Silverado 1500, Nissan Patrols and motor cycle riders in outback not having a problem with petrol supply. It’s expensive anywhere in remote Australia- about $3-50 per litre. Plenty of old banger petrol cars in communities. When were you last out there?

[@ambkfim1901]

I have the duramax version and it’s next level with performance for a baby diesel.

[@markandkim66]

City slicker comment right there. I have no problem travelling “outback Australia” with my petrol V8 patrol.

[@tonybennett638]

Don't be silly 🤪

[@Seeker_of_sense]

These glued on touch screens look so tacky and cheap.

[@mick00000000002]

Thanks no join. Sales . Change job as sales man .

[@anthonybugge5220]

Plenty of hard scratchy plastic. Typically of a GM product

[@jpsabbey]

It will be a major flop!...👎

[@velboone6041]

Lies...The Yukons have always been big sellers....Yall get in these comments saying anything... 🙄

[@velboone6041]

Shut your hatin ass up....The Yukons have ALWAYS been big sellers especially the Denali...

[@jamesclune2987]

GM RUBBISH 🗑 😂

[@anthonybugge5220]

Ewwww piano black scratchy plastics

[@darrenicon5172]

Another flop here just like the Suburban did American car makers are stupid if they think that will sell here it will be an orphan in no time.🤣🙆‍♂️🫣

[@therightcar]

Ha!