The 2021 GMC Yukon Denali Bridges the Gap Between Tahoe and Escalade | MotorWeek Road Test

While there are some words in our automotive lexicon that are unnecessarily ambiguous, when it comes to GMC, we all know what the word Denali means. It says you’re getting the best that GMC has to offer. So, let’s find out how that applies to GMC’s latest Yukon full-size suvs.
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[@tomh507]

John Davis is a legend and I hope he lives forever.

[@jeremiahanthony5521]

John Davis still got it ✅

[@MrGahandsome]

He’s actually hot …Like, I would

[@JD-kr3xu]

Yah he does! Guy's a str8 up legend!

[@zoidzoid87]

He never lost it either. He's iconic Big John!!

[@irfanbrkanic3474]

He is still better than 99% of youtubers. Old school 👍

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

0-60 in 6.1 sec! That's very impressive for a giant brick!

[@Viper81766]

60-0 in 110 feet is impressive also .

[@BIGGIEDEVIL]

96 miles an hour on the quarter mile is insane for such a giant vehicle

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

@@BIGGIEDEVIL i agree 👍

[@hellkitty1014]

That 6.2 just pulls and pulls for days. GM had to limit the speed to 99mph.

[@berto1014]

@@hellkitty1014 It's not limited to 99mph. At least mine isn't. I haven't pushed it all the way, but I definitely exceeded 105 mph - with plenty of power to spare.

[@brianbfree2328]

The Yukon always seemed to be the Goldielocks of the trio! I love the design and amenities it offers. I had an 01' SLT in pewter metallic with beige leather and it was a great vehicle! I hope this 21' proves to be just as or more reliable as the 01'.

[@jmin8400]

IDK. Them GMT800s can survive a nuclear apocalypse.

[@mister62085]

When the Tahoe is to country and the Escalade is to Worldstar the Yukon fits right in the middle

[@STPhoto555]

Lol... Worldstar 😂

[@DevPack]

This is the best looking compared to Suburban and Escalade, but the interior of the Escalade is another level.

[@omarbryant7930]

Right, the perfect mix would be the Denali exterior and the Escalade interior

[@normt430]

The Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, the GMC Yukon and Yukon XL, and the Cadillac Escalade account for 50% of all large SUV sales in the US. GM makes 340,000 of them every year and exports about 80,000 to 31 countries. They’re made in GM’s plant in Arlington, Texas, which is said to be the most profitable assembly plant in the world. We estimate they generate $20 billion in revenue for GM and about $4 billion in profits. Autoline Daily.

[@kevinr5187]

And they say something like 30% of them are sold to Texans like Me. Guess what I got one! Woo Hoo!!!!!!

[@normt430]

@@kevinr5187 they are good trucks and hold their value well. We just picked up a 2005 Hummer H2 and it is a beast!

[@rickreid81]

John Davis still has the Magic!

[@MethodMan..]

John Davis, BIG HEARTED THANK YOU for what you've done and will do.

[@mcmac9565]

wow..im new to this channel and ive been binge watching the old reviews for the past few days and i just saw this current one..i cant believe John Davis is still hosting..the man is a legend! big respect.

[@777jones]

You make us so happy, John Davis. - USA

[@weirdshibainu]

I remember when 0-60 in 6 seconds was Corvette territory

[@drivedb7]

Wasn't that long ago. That still seems fast to me lol

[@weirdshibainu]

@@drivedb7 Yeah, its quick and even more so for something as large as a Yukon.

[@hiyoutube8013]

Right but when 4 spd was the norm🤮

[@dr.lyleevans6915]

Mid 90’s I guess. C5 which debuted in 97’ did mid to high 4’s. C4’s, 83’-96’, varied, with some running high 6’s

[@jamesengland7461]

Yep, right up to 91 before the LT1 engine came out in 92.

[@mikerodgers3754]

We have the Yukon XL denali duramax diesel and love it. Road trip from western WA to Boise and got 31 mpg on the highway doing upper 70s. Around town we are getting about 23 mpg. It's our 3rd Yukon and we are very happy. Plenty of power with the diesel and still peppy and quiet.

[@hellkitty1014]

No doubt this is the Goldilocks of the GM triplets. Since the GMT 800 trucks, GMC has successfully carved out a lane all its own for the Denali. This one perhaps picks up where the last generation Escalade left off, with far better polish. I feel the GM 6.2 is the best big truck engine, and this one returning 18.2MPG for something that weighs 5700lbs is remarkable. And there is only a

[@brentmassingale2161]

"A bargain at $52K?!!" Oh my have the times changed!!😳

[@normt430]

Esclade easily doubles that!

[@brianbfree2328]

And for that you won't drive a Denali off the lot. It'll probably be an SLE😂

[@arevee9429]

Wonder what a fully loaded Denali goes for? Pushing 100K?

[@brianbfree2328]

@@arevee9429 I've seen listing for used ones at CarMax between $86-89k🤯🤯🤯

[@arevee9429]

@@brianbfree2328 Used car prices are through the roof now.

[@christopherbero3388]

John Davis…please please never stop…you are one of the originals and the best! 🚙🛻🚗

[@velboone6041]

The Yukon is the most handsome of the trio.... What a good looking SUV....

[@josegiraldi]

Independent rear suspencion, very nice!

[@Name-kd5jj]

This dude has been reviewing cars since before your parents were born. Hell probably you grandparents too. He's an unrecognized legend.

[@dohc1067]

In the past I felt the Escalade was the best looking of the trio...now the Yukon definitely is. It may not have all the technology of the Escalade, but it is cheaper and easier on the eyes, just my opinion.

[@user-hv8vu8dg9x]

That power sliding console sold me! Getting one tomorrow ;)

[@cadillacdevile]

Yukon has always hit the sweet spot in exterior styling 😎 they all have gotten a bit chunky about the belt line, but I am sure it will grow on me 😀

[@arevee9429]

A beast, but with some impressive numbers. Good for GM for managing to keep a least a few nameplates successful over the long run. And this trio (Chevy, GMC, Caddy) certainly falls into that category. I do miss the lights that went up the fenders. Time marches on . . .

[@michaelpounds2411]

The front end of it looks like a old ford truck..seriously..if the would have went to the classic front look on the front end it would have been the dream ride

[@jiggity76]

Love Motorweek! Been a fan for years. The Yukon Denali has a gorgeous interior and excellent drivetrain. The new exterior design along with the other GM full size SUV's/Trucks is atrocious though. Shame it ruins the beautiful interior design.

[@ElChasco_official]

0:44 the badge isn't well installed?

[@Littleathquakes]

lol of course. It’s a GM product

[@grantgeorgia7168]

Good eye

[@dr.lyleevans6915]

It’s on purpose. It was off centered in the late 90’s too

[@westoncharm7467]

That power center console is absolutely insane. Forget a Denali exclusive. It's exclusive period!

[@LawrenceMarkFearon]

I want to like the Denali. Desperately. But feel completely alienated by the push button gear shifter.

[@gregoryschaiberger3573]

That looks like the very dark ash gray/mocha interior. Beautiful.

[@jtckentucky3481]

Come on JD for the 40th anniversary break out some of those 80s-90s neon/pastel windbreakers!!

[@paulm6481]

Absolute perfection. This is my choice of the three. Pity they are so expensive and hard to find. In Atlanta if you find one there is about 10,000 market adjustment up. Magnificent beast better than a S class. They nailed it.

[@sunshine48213]

Now it is but when i bought mine i paid 77600 out the door..with every bell and whistle..i was super excited..even had the the power console

[@JJPMustang]

0:36 I think they should have centered the GMC logo better. It looks “off” placed higher up towards the belt line IMO

[@torranceowens5644]

Yes it is off center

[@TJC450]

@@torranceowens5644 they did it in the early 00s on the Sierra

[@chaoszombie9995]

Its a handsome beast.. but my only reserves are costs of repair for things like that center console..

[@ahighervibe4086]

It's like A power seat...simple

[@keelay1977]

Holy edit at 11 seconds in. 😂

[@jeepthing98]

Reminded me of TV versions of Smokey & The Bandit when Fred Flintstone took over for Jackie Gleason

[@DaBrute]

Man, that thing is pretty quick for a house

[@razvandobos9759]

I’d get this

[@coreysmith2774]

Pretty sad when GM wants 52k for a base model. No wonder you see more crossover SUVs from Japan and Korea on the road today.

[@2steaksandwiches665]

They have a winning formula and net GM like 15 grand per model.

[@dr.lyleevans6915]

@@2steaksandwiches665 Yep. Their Arlington, Texas assembly plant is literally the most profitable manufacturing facility on the planet

[@MY-pj8cd]

I do think it looks the best of the trio.

[@2steaksandwiches665]

Want one and actually need one for this family and uses but they are impossible right now to get. Thanks chip shortage

[@D.N.R.911]

This is the one I would choose.

[@alexyoung478]

Love these bring them to Australia 🇦🇺 🇺🇸

[@sasman6178]

John Davis the man!

[@MrBigjdub76]

Some funky audio there at the start

[@drivedb7]

Wait a tick.... Mason-Dixon Dragway?? Is this the end of the line for 75-80 Dragway?

[@deansapp4635]

I was thinking the same thing

[@normt430]

It is a step up from the weed infested old day strip.

[@OutlawFarmersRC]

75-80 is undergoing renovation to reopen. A friend posted some pics on Facebook last week.

[@drivedb7]

@@OutlawFarmersRC - That's great news! It'd be a shame to see 75-80 close completely and be demolished. It's a MW staple (and was in the intro for Test Drive 6 -- a game I spent wayyy too much time playing as a kid 😂).

[@F_T2D_Drew]

Yes

[@MSX98FMDnB]

2020s: The battle of big grills

[@noseefood1943]

Big heavy old tech gas guzzler

[@douglaschance2437]

That's nice. More retro reviews

[@kc0lif]

my favourite car host guy.

[@rustlesee]

What’s with the really low hanging rear suspension? Might have decent ground clearance in the middle, but that suspension is going to drag!

[@jamesengland7461]

It's better than the old style differential hanging down even further in the middle.

[@LeakyDiaper]

Are the bent pushrods standard, asking for a friend.

[@HeIaI]

You USA & Canada are lucky to have Tahoe High Country with 6.2L but we don’t get 6.2L on Tahoe (only 5.3L) we get only on Denali 😭

[@nothing9271]

You from Mexico

[@HeIaI]

@@nothing9271 no, I am from UAE 🇦🇪, we don’t get 6.2L on Tahoe only 5.3L cause we don’t have High Country Trim

[@nothing9271]

@@HeIaI you sad about that? try living in Brazil where cars and gas are super expensive

[@HeIaI]

@@nothing9271 I am ok with it and am sorry

[@nothing9271]

@@HeIaI I don't know if you're a religious or if you are a altruistic but I am asking you anyways pray for us because we have a crooked government And we are getting unemployed by the Millions

[@neofx22]

Nice interior. Too bad it's not in the Sierra or Silverado. Oh well maybe next year

[@carrosdiecast3650]

Amazing yukon!

[@zoidzoid87]

There is no way in hell that big ass truck moving that fast lol thats quicker than most average cars on the road. And yet the drivers always drive like they 75 years old in these.

[@ohioguy4326]

They drive them conservatively as they should, but if you come up at a stop light and and want to show someone who's boss you can.

[@tomh507]

Hahahaha "bargain Escalade or better Tahoe?" *Yes.*

[@YanilMiami305]

The only thing I dont like about the new Yukon is that Independent Rear Suspension. It makes it look weird from the back the rear looks to high with that Independent Rear Suspension

[@jamesengland7461]

Too high? That's better ground clearance without an ancient live axle hanging down in the way, and a much better ride.

[@YanilMiami305]

@@jamesengland7461 yeah it rides better but have you seen how high it looks compared to the generation it replaced? I compared both cause I have a 2014 and the new model sits about 4 inches higher it just looks weird to me

[@hiyoutube8013]

If you can afford one just pay the extra buck and get the Escalade the screens on those are insane

[@Littleathquakes]

it’s not always about the money. Maybe some people don’t want the attention the Escalade gets.

[@hiyoutube8013]

@@Littleathquakes I guess but the Denali screams look at me also

[@alp3781]

I love the new style. Must wait till they are aging a bit to get one. Just too much money for 4 wheels on a metal box. If you buy an air ride package, warning.......never get one without B 2 B coverage. If they go, boy ooooo boy. Not even bringing up the amount of electronics in that car.

[@dinocracchiolo2040]

I would be

[@jamaicasysbm2580]

Why don’t GMC make a Denali for the world market, but so smaller like the CRV or the Everest

[@worstnightmare9772]

How many lifters did you drop though

[@dr.lyleevans6915]

Do these LT’s have a problem with that? Haven’t heard that, but I’m more an out of touch LS guy myself

[@mesropmadzharyan6727]

Big mirrors .

[@umerabdulrehman1912]

Amazing

[@wardellward]

Are u kiddin me u gotta put high test in this truck naw im not feelin it

[@mathewparrett]

its got the same engine and transmission as they've had for the past 25 years

[@Lrules364]

They ran out of ideas years ago. Fun fact: when you're buying one of these, its just the cheaper option for the loaded escalade.

[@nashgover2095]

So true

[@normt430]

The rebound in Cadillac Escalade sales during the fourth quarter represents a strong performance following the 56 percent drop in Q3 2020. As such, the ‘lade remained the best-selling model in the full-size luxury SUV segment, with a dominant 45 percent segment share, meaning that the Escalade almost outsold all rivals combined, including: Lincoln Navigator (see Lincoln Navigator sales), which came in second place with 5,042 deliveries for a 24 percent segment shareInfiniti QX80, which took third place with 4,832 deliveries and 23 percent segment shareLexus LX, which came in last place with 1,636 deliveries and 9 percent segment share. GM Authority

[@normt430]

Almost Half of 2021 Cadillac Escalades Have Sold for over $100K The redesigned 2021 Escalade starts at $77,490 for the base Luxury trim, but GM reports that 43 percent of buyers paid more than $100,000 for theirs. "[The] all-new Cadillac Escalade retook market leadership in its segment in Q4," GM stated in its 2020 fourth-quarter sales report. It sold 9454 Escalades in that time, including 2020 models. GM also said the Escalade's fourth-quarter retail deliveries were up 19 percent. Car & Driver

[@Lrules364]

@@normt430 Thats nice, but this is still just a Cadillac with GMC badges on it. Ive been working on them my whole life. Nothing sets them apart. They're all the same. And thats not counting how many dealers paid the premium to get them to the sales floor, or customers who actually bough them. Besides, that 9k number is pathetic compared to the ones they used to sell just a decade ago. Maybe it has something to do with the outrageous pricing, or the unreliability. Either way, the trio of badge jobs won't be staying very much longer.

[@normt430]

@@Lrules364 not any more with 2021 models. They only share the bones as they are assembled in the same place but the Esclade is on another level. Almost Half of 2021 Cadillac Escalades Have Sold for over $100K The redesigned 2021 Escalade starts at $77,490 for the base Luxury trim, but GM reports that 43 percent of buyers paid more than $100,000 for theirs. "[The] all-new Cadillac Escalade retook market leadership in its segment in Q4," GM stated in its 2020 fourth-quarter sales report. It sold 9454 Escalades in that time, including 2020 models. GM also said the Escalade's fourth-quarter retail deliveries were up 19 percent. Car & Driver

[@dflet03]

Needs a lift and 37's

[@yoymon1265]

Too bad the price on all 3 is so outrageous

[@carycary3822]

Probably lots going for it, but disappointingly poor fuel economy. And I wonder if the V8 rumble is that annoyingly loud noise (mmmOOOOO!) I hear from trucks pulling away from neighborhood spotlights these days? Just so much noise pollution. I’d much rather a muted exhaust that wouldn’t disturb people’s sleep and relaxation. Pipe in fake noise into the cabin, if you must.

[@mtnbiker014]

If only the Yukon Denali offered Super Cruise…..

[@kimulinoah6046]

Luxury

[@ularsach]

Cool

[@rprtr720]

Looks like a Hyundai Palisade in the rear end.

[@scottschlossberg3137]

After the test the transmission took a 💩

[@PTAldridge]

Just get the tahoe, that's all you need

[@Courtney1992]

You can have this or a Tesla 👀

[@tomsmith1869]

Not ..

[@michaelheffernan7528]

Scotty Kilmer says stay away from GM

[@edlore4948]

Under priced compared to competition foreign or domestic. American cars nowadays have equaled or surpassed them all . 🤌🏼

[@randomrahul5221]

What's wrong with the thumbnail?

[@Motorweek]

It wasn't right so we had to correct it and it takes awhile for KZbin to recognize the right one.

[@randomrahul5221]

@@Motorweek Yeah now it's correct. 👍🏼😀

[@joseluisflores1536]

Yes! 😂

[@Balkanmotorsports]

John fukkin Davis

[@ronaldjoseph4425]

Where's the electric version. Come on you guys!! Work on those batteries...This truck could have solar panels to recharge it between charging for GOD sakes

[@rhar1044]

Don’t get the Tahoe. Has less interior space than an Enclave and lacks the panache of an Escalade. Just bulky for no reason and the Denali is overpriced by 30K.

[@normt430]

But seeing almost 35 mpg in the 3.0T diesel even best Toyota Sienna Hybrid.

[@wendell7173]

🔥🔥🔥👍

[@leonsilcott4895]

Hyundai😢 Nissan😢 G m c🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@cgreenfield6655]

That grill is awful

[@sc2603]

To bad the new transmission is a piece of crap good luck staying out of the shop

[@texan903]

Prices on these units have become totally outrageous, and to think that GM has eliminated nearly all sedans and affordable vehicles from their lineup only shows they're losing their way. Imports used to be somewhat more expensive but with dubious GM quality, a foreign make is the way to go.

[@W0RLDSSMALLESTVI0LIN]

Ford and Hyundai are one step ahead of everyone...and I'm specifically referring to the Maverick and Santa Cruz. Watch closely, the sales are going to be insane. And, I swear GM is purposely trying to go bankrupt...

[@drivedb7]

@@W0RLDSSMALLESTVI0LIN - GM will never go bankrupt. They'll just get bailed out (again).

[@jamesengland7461]

Actually, these big SUVs from Ford or GM are historically the most reliable and longest- lasting vehicles on the road. The smaller ones however...

[@texan903]

@@jamesengland7461 As reliable as they may be, most are impractical for day-to-day use, and these large units are out of the range affordability for many.

[@jamesengland7461]

@@texan903 millions of Americans afford and drive these daily and find them tremendously practical. If you were a Texan, you'd know this from seeing them everywhere.

[@andersonfirmino8925]

👏👏👏👏👏🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷

[@andersonfirmino8925]

👏👏👏🇱🇷🇱🇷🇱🇷

[@andersonfirmino8925]

Muito obrigado amigo curti bastante seleção ficou muito bom 👍👏👏👏

[@HeIaI]

Well you see it’s whether you like Denali or Tahoe it’s basically the same vehicle 😕

[@texan903]

Americans are willing to pay more for a name. Despite the obvious similarities between the Tahoe, Yukon, Escalade trio, people still pay a premium to impress people who don't like them.

[@dr.lyleevans6915]

@@texan903 No. features and options are wayyy different. Stop being a hater

[@texan903]

@@dr.lyleevans6915 Americans are willing to pay more for a name. Despite the obvious similarities between the Tahoe, Yukon, Escalade trio, people still pay a premium to impress people who don't like them.

[@MiroBG359]

CO2 emissions 😂

[@gestebu]

Plants and trees love CO2.

[@JDMHaze]

sorry but these are useless when tahoe/escalade exist... just gmc over saturating the market...

[@geoffmooregm]

Yet they sell every damn one and out sell all competitors combined. Just the Yukon/Suburban/Tahoe make up 62% of the market.

[@JDMHaze]

@@geoffmooregm That is because they sell them at significant discounts. And they typically struggle to get repeat buyers, due to reliability, but sales are sales I can't dispute that

[@geoffmooregm]

@@JDMHaze They actually make the highest profit of any GM vehicle sold. So if what you say is true it probably is a sales tactic to make people think they are getting a deal. But both dealers and GM make big money on the GM triplets. I can't speak to repeat customers but anyone like me who has a big family and tows a trailer needs this vehicle and there are only GM, Ford, Toyota and Nissan currently offering Full Size SUV's.

[@JDMHaze]

@@geoffmooregm That's correct, about the sales tactic, Ford does the same thing, which is why ford/lincoln price their vehicles quite high

[@daddyjankie]

Stupid ford keeps copying *GM Trucks*

[@MrSponge1985]

It’s face is ugly to me. To much grill and no bumper

[@milfordcivic6755]

Overpriced, oversized gas guzzlers only hauling the driver and a phone.

[@jamesengland7461]

So? That's what choice gets you, plus lots of room for people and cargo, and muscle for towing whatever you want to.

[@atlaslion5128]

This generation of those SUVs are so ugly tbh

[@O4L.]

These are the ugliest vehicles I’ve ever seen.