The New 2023 GMC Yukon Denali: Comprehensive Review And Mountain Drive

We take the new 2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate to the street, dirt and trail to see if this is the big SUV to buy in 2023.
#GMC #GMCYukon #offroad
CONTENTS
00:00 - Introduction
00:37 - Features
13:25 - Driving Impressions and 0-60 MPH test
20:10 - Off-Road Test
22:25 - Road Trip to High Steel Bridge
29:20 - Ariel Rider Grizzly All-Terrain e-Bike
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[@tigerjeebs5048]

Interestingly,I paid about the same for my first house roughly 17 years ago. The house has doubled its value. I’d be all in for these cars if they did the same.

[@ALMX5DP]

lol I’d love if vehicles appreciated in value like houses. Here those have gone up in value by nearly 50% since just 2018 or so. Crazy how the housing market works.

[@K03sport]

so, you want cars to double value in 10-15 years. say hello to a $45 minimum wage and price inflation abuse like what is going on in the current housing market....

[@tigerjeebs5048]

@@K03sport you were so close to catching my point. Nope. I dont want that. Cars are too expensive.

[@paulm6481]

I mean cars are not a good investment. Don’t purchase for that reason.

[@mattnorman5241]

gm aint worth shit

[@garrettdraper3609]

Some of the best reviews I watch come from your channel. They’re extremely thorough, well planned out and not rushed (unlike some others..), and include so many great shots!

[@seadawg4278]

This rig screams, “Road Trip!”. Great Review and video.

[@SATXrattlesnake]

Great review! I would like to thank GMC for making these vehicles and reminding me how poor I really am

[@alexandratauber9003]

This is the best review I have ever seen so thank you! You are the ONLY person to speak the truth about the ride of this Ultimate. I was just about to purchase this SUV. (I currently have a 2018 Yukon Denali XL. I have been driving the same SUV for 22 years.. every 3 yrs buying a new one fully loaded.) I took the Ultimate for a test drive and was like Whaat?? I so wanted to love it. It felt so wobbly and clumsy. No tightness hugging the gentle curves of the road. All of the other reviews just raved about the car and I was like why am I not feeling that?? I felt like they were paid advertisers. You are the only person who speaks about the wobbly feeling of the drive, I noticed it right away on my test drive. It also felt bigger and more boxy.. clearly a result of the design bc the dimensions are the same. Even if you could get past that, surprisingly the Bose sound system is horrible. Sounds like literal tin. Not clear or robust at all, not equally distributed no matter how you play with the balance, treble, bass, etc.... and I am not an audiophile, just a mom with 3 college aged kids who does a ton of driving ( approx 1,000 miles of highway driving per week.) I think with the extra speakers in the Ultimate the sound is too diffused.. but again I am not an expert, I just love listening to music when I take long road trips. Thank you for your incredible review and for being honest! It was great to feel validated. I am keeping my 2018 Denali XL even though it has 163,000 miles. Even the interior is better in mine than the regular XL. I have leather wrapped everywhere.. the dashboard, the side panels... beautiful wood trim.. not the black and white fake plastic looking zebra print in the new XL's. I don't understand why someone would pay almost 100 K and have cheap looking black and white faux wood in the regular XL's? I guess GM is trying to save money with all of the new technology but they should reconsider the materials they use in the interior. Finally, I agree with your review of the Ultimate's infotainment system. It's easy in some ways and complicated in other ways that don't make sense. Yours is the only review people should watch... the most beautiful camera work and scenery as well to boot!

[@drewchill304]

Wow I'm obsessed with this review! Thank you!

[@reserva120]

some of the best intro music out there.. well done sir.

[@youtubecarspottersguide1]

you just helped me cross off gmc Yukon /chevy tahoe off my list

[@jnb9458]

I was thinking, “I wonder where he’s at. That place is beautiful.” Then you said Skykomish River. I’m like 2 hours south of you. Must be summer cause it’s beautiful here in the summer. Thanks for the review. Been going back and forth on this or a High Country Suburban.

[@mickeybrumfield764]

Ryan seems to have the aptitude and talent for e-bike riding.

[@batgele2796]

Great review, Ryan. Did you notice the lower arms of the rear suspension hang only about 6 inches above the road? It rides great but it looks like someone unbolted the rear suspension. I’ve seen videos where rocks get stuck under the lower arms because they hang so low. Poor poor design choice from usability/aesthetics pov, i get that this generation independent suspension freed up a ton of cabin space.

[@drivingsports]

The control arms do hang way down.

[@luish777]

$98,000 OUCH!! ITS GETTING CRAZY

[@justinkimble4654]

All cars are getting crazy! Folks quit paying it would go down on prices. But it's the power of "Financing" and "Credit".

[@mattnorman5241]

poor people will justify buying this pos

[@Deetroiter]

I remember old pickup trucks had a view that you sat up high and could look out downwards and see everything. I wish manufacturers would quit this trend of high dashboards and small windows, almost like you’re sitting in a bathtub and trying to look out.

[@madlucio70]

I love your reviews. They are really thorough and informative. I want to ask a serious question. Why do manufacturers list these crazy tow weights for vehicles these days? Yes, of course the powertrain and frame of the vehicle can successfully tow the listed weight under perfect conditions, but if you want to be safe then you should never tow more than the curb weight of the vehicle for long distances. This Denali is somewhere around 7,200 lbs curb weight and they list a tow weight of 8,200 lbs. If an 8,000 lb trailer starts to shimmy at highway speeds and your vehicle is only weighing in around 7,200 lbs then that is going to end very badly for the driver and perhaps others around them on the road. This is combined with the fact that I rarely see people towing decent sized trailers on the highway at less than 100kmh.

[@drivingsports]

Not unusual. Trailer brakes keep the trailer from shimmying.

[@joelcrow]

I rented one of these (an AT4 actually) and was SO IMPRESSED by how comfy the ride was and literally a 5 hr drive "felt like" only 3 hrs. I hate the infotainment as well as the button gear shifter, but otherwise its on par with my Mercedes in every way...except for price, the GM is like twice as expensive ironically

[@naf2579]

The official one kid to pickup mom car.

[@disophisis]

I like how the whole panel in the back flexes when you press the buttons and open the power socket flap. Definitely $100k of quality there.

[@G-Rated]

What a nitpicking *hater.* The $100k quality may not apply to the protective thin plastic coverings for buttons in the cargo compartment to be constantly rubbed, bumped, and hit by cargo. I suppose the covering should have been made out of stainless steel and GMC charge $190,000 like the Germans. Oh wait, they use flimsy plastic in the rear too.🙄

[@M0HAK0]

Very nice looking vehicle. Impressed by the premium features.

[@Tommaso77777]

Nice Review 👍 Can you comment on the reliability compared with the Sequoia? Also , wondering if I can fit comfortably in the third row? Im 6'7" , & stay in the rear with my kids! Wife loves to drive & insists I sit in the rear. Thank you very much 🙏

[@lomanchun]

Great tablet review

[@johnreno8909]

fantastic car. with diesel trim is best choice. the rims must be 20-inches for softer ride.

[@sonataq14]

Great review. 10 days ago I ordered the Yukon XL Denali Ultimate with super cruise and some extra options. Tax, title and options comes to $120K. Now that it's ordered I have to wait for it. And so the wait begins.

[@mattnorman5241]

get your money back

[@sonataq14]

@@mattnorman5241 Get my money back? And do what with it? Buy something smaller…. No thanks.

[@mattnorman5241]

@@sonataq14 you paid 6 figures for a pos couldve gotten a benz bmw audi for that price even a bentley bentayga 2018 or 2019 v8

[@sonataq14]

@@mattnorman5241 Not everone in the world needs to be your walking clone, and pick the same vehicle that you want. I bet you can't even afford these vehicles, which is why your jealousy is showing.

[@mattnorman5241]

@@sonataq14 i have a porsche macan s gm is trash the gm ceo made 30 mil and the dealer laughing at your dumbass as soon as you pull off knowing you aint smart

[@sentiencepsn2714]

Think you hate the interface now, just wait a few years. GM has already announced they will be removing CarPlay in their future vehicles. Cadillac cue infotainment debacle, 2.0

[@Nate-zy5ce]

Solid review! A question. How do you think this with real snow tires would drive during snowstorms, on snow and ice, compared to say an F150 Tremor or Raptor pick up with either three peak severe winter rated All Terrains or also with real snow tires? Other than the road clearance advantage of the F150, I'm struggling with this question. Thanks.

[@vedder10]

Anyone considering a GM vehicle understand this. GM is quickly trying to phase out Android auto and Apple CarPlay in favor of their own software interface and services. You won't have an option to "opt" out of them selling your info. Not to mention we are talking about a car company trying to compete with long time software companies who make updates and enhancements a regular service. Good luck living with GM's system once you are locked in after the sale. Car companies are notorious for few and far between updates and bug fixes.

[@josemanuellopezlopez27]

Perfect review!

[@Freddy_Confetti]

Nice review

[@jacklo325]

Pretty cool video, you combined 2 into 1! When you said, drive normally, like a regular human in 2023, that means you should run red lights, going the wrong direction on 1 way? 😅

[@9ElevenCombatVet]

Excellent Review! Came across this channel via a google search. Really appreciate the honest views about all of the touch points of this vehicle. Are you planning to do one on the Escalade? I’m looking at both

[@drivingsports]

No ETA. They haven’t sent one our way yet.

[@9ElevenCombatVet]

@@drivingsports Ok I definitely appreciate the heads up. Thanks for replying as well!

[@paulm6481]

That is a really good looking SUV. You should not dirty it driving offroads man 🤣

[@zorilaz]

Nice SUV. Hopefully i will have one some day

[@robinswebmail]

I think the flashing lights on the steering wheel would drive me crazy!

[@Forestdawg1791]

I’m curious if you had the same road manner impressions on the Denali you tested a few years ago. Might just be an ultimate issue.

[@slabrankle9588]

Such conspicuous consumption! Such resplendent ostentation! Such magnificence and majesty! Who buys this sort of thing?

[@claytonw_cz]

Great review, thank you. Btw, is there any chance that you could stop saying "Heads Up Display" (as all other KZbin reviewers) and start using the correct "Head-Up display?

[@channelnamehere4065]

@12:00 if you don't like any of those things, wait until they bury the light controls into the screen. some ppl think that's next-gen sliced bread. real ppl think that's stupid. toyota's way of doing headlight controls is the best in the industry. prove me wrong.

[@kirksmith347]

How does the ground clearance change when the lower control arm in the rear doesn't even move? It hangs so low, how is that calculated?

[@drivingsports]

Center of the vehicle. Definitely the achilles heel on the Yukon if you want to go off-road with ti.

[@sarrum7696]

I've always liked these for some reason. But just the Yukon and the Taho.

[@mattnorman5241]

you got horrible taste

[@Uchoobdood]

Currently trying to talk the wife into getting one!

[@shaktishaker]

how does the internet work in this? is this automatic or some other membership you have to purchase?

[@drivingsports]

Most vehicles (like this GMC) offer an annual internet connection fee after an initial trial period.

[@1257wizard]

Hello, I own a 2021 Denali, why is that every reviewer NEVER uses the auto button to fold the second seats on the side just behind the seats@ 2:47 and don't you know the top of the consul SLIDE FORWARD to give you armrest when in the back position. and at 17:00 the truck doesn,t roll & polly, it rides like a dream ( two trips to Florida & 33k later)

[@skyhawk21]

Did it get stuck?

[@FireTrafficPolice]

I see what looks like Bose speakers in the driver seat headrest. Am I correct?

[@drivingsports]

Yes!

[@deus676]

I understand that American people like big cars whit a powerful engine and a lot of space inside, but this car is insanely clear,in addiction to three rows of seats, it also has huge trunk in the back for passengers luggage. 🤯😳

[@jamesholloway2284]

Great rig but i really cringe at the total cost of ownership here and the fact that it only comes with a 3/36 warranty. Not a great value proposition. 🙂98k? Pass. This is really luxurious but outside the reach of the main stream car buyer. For the money, I personally would steer towards german luxury brands with at least a 4/50,000 warranty. I like your content and reviews. Thanks Ryan!🙂

[@rosak9312]

Oh wow so great 👍 and very beautiful 😍❤️ and the engine 🚂🚒 very strong and powerful and very good design with the new 🆕 technology for the new 🆕 generation hument very easy to drive and comfortable ❤

[@user-wg2od4jy3y]

Bestttt car

[@jjlovelord]

GMC has the best looking SUV and Full size truck imho

[@mattnorman5241]

youre blind

[@Podcastforthewin]

My wife and i are going to be in the market for a suv that can hall out RV travel trailer. We’ve been debating between the ford expedition max, or the Toyota sequoia. Maybe even the Chevy Tahoe. What would you go with? We need something that’s gonna be comfortable for long drives, and feature rich.

[@drivingsports]

I'd probably get the Expedition for that scenario.

[@iggy-pg6gq]

I dumped my 2021 tahoe in November, only 33,000km, non stop issues with the diesel emissions system, and very questionable quality control.

[@fearhand12]

​@@iggy-pg6gq I don't think Chevy cares about their ICE powertrains anymore. They're all in on EVs

[@K03sport]

Ryan, now that you've shown the e-bike, you need to review the bike and put it through its paces and take us along with you....

[@drivingsports]

Right here for you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2fTY6SNismleZY

[@K03sport]

@@drivingsports... dang, got me 😕

[@theacn5308]

Apple has time limitations under parental controls. You can limit an app to certain time of the day or have the whole iPad lock itself at a certain time. Kids will need to ask parental permission, an option that they'll have on their screens, to go beyond those times. You'll get a notification about it, which you'll learn to ignore.

[@Rich-xq3uv]

Very nice but too fancy and too spendy for my liking. I'd be happy with the base model. I'd rather spend $60K for this mid-sized SUV than for a fully loaded compact cross-over like the Telluride/Palisades.

[@CalvinHikes]

Impressive. Chevy's getting people to pay $100,000 for their vehicles.

[@musa_8014]

Although the vehicle is very large, the distance between the rear 3rd sura seats is boring and I see it as important rear axle shock absorber holder legs are very close to the ground and touch the slightest bump and are likely to be damaged when looking at the rear from the back there are some material and design errors such as carrying helki in 2 hands but big vehicle will travel between cities instead of city with this thank you for the presentation.

[@timdehoogh8441]

if it cost 97k you better have a job that pays good.

[@justinkimble4654]

True I agree! Better to buy a good used one.

[@mattnorman5241]

its not worth buying gm

[@InuranusBrokoff]

Honestly, this is what I think consumers should be getting for 65-70k.

[@louiswatson6227]

I'm trying to decide between this vehicle and the Cadillac Escalade ESV can't tell much, you look like you were only moving around 20mi/hr but still a nice vehicle ....

[@Kiss__Kiss]

Behemoth of a vehicle. 100k? Ouch!! Although It has all the features(Sans the air suspension and 3rd row seat) my Audi sedan does. Seems like a comfy ride.

[@paulm6481]

This thing lords over your low rider Audi.

[@seanrobertson5887]

How many times in your career have you said "legs, torso proportionate" ? 😂 Kidding

[@drivingsports]

I aim for it in every review.

[@atmartens]

@@drivingsports the one time you don’t, a new person to your channel won’t know that your legs and torso are proportionate.

[@drivingsports]

@@atmartens we can’t let that happen.

[@4x4adventure_pl]

GMC trucks: Where you get a perfect blend of capability and style.

[@atmartens]

What’s wild to me is that the ride quality for these big trucks and SUVs would be so much better with a 17,18 or even 19 wheel and nothing above 20”. Yes, I get that it looks luxurious but at what cost? Easily flat tires? Rough ride quality? I’m bias because I live in the Midwest but I couldn’t imagine paying so much for something that’d ride so rough.

[@farzana6676]

They should include a no cost option to downsize.

[@colejarvis666]

Anybody remember looking at vehicles like "oh hey it runs and is a good price"? These days we have people crying about a $95,000 vehicle not being perfect because the massage seats. 😂. I didnt get those in my car because its just another problem and thing to fix. I love my car and will put a chip in it when i want to start racing. 👍

[@nelauren]

I believe the reason Google Maps is giving you coffee shops that are not close to you is because the GPS coordinates are based on the location of the cell tower antenna and not your SUV.

[@ericbarry3639]

There are many reason why google didn’t share closer coffee shops, both comments are given are not correct .

[@mikefoehr235]

The cargo capacity is 122 cubic inches...rather puny isn't it.

[@user-vs7ec1wz5d]

Does the light bar on the steering wheel top blink all the time or is it from your camera? The massage system seems to be extremely hard to use as you say by having to use your left hand to control it. Sounds like it rocks and rolls like a whale in the corners. For almost $98,000.00 GMC needs to step up their game!

[@drivingsports]

The blinking isn't visible to he human eye. Only picked up by cameras.

[@GrenadierMichael]

Surely the cargo space measurements you gave were cubic FEET not cubic inches. 🤣

[@drivingsports]

Centimeters. This is an SUV for ants.

[@LatersOnTheMenjay.]

And off-road test? My mom's Miata could have tackled that.

[@2012bigPerm]

7:47 I would be surprised if any of this shit consistently works. It's been a couple of decades and we still can't get expresso shops correct. I find it funny that we have been conditioned to pay more and more for this shit that isn't really very good after all this time. I surely can't imagine anything nefarious happening. I mean would Google purposefully not show you a business so that it could direct you to a paying advertising customer? Nah, that would never happen with GPS too....

[@Estrelaaaaa]

The main issue (with other minor issues) is that, it is too big for daily driving😢

[@brianbuhman8361]

I think they should have made it even bigger.

[@paulm6481]

There is an extended length version too.

[@brianbuhman8361]

It was sarcasm

[@cybernessful]

@@brianbuhman8361 too late dude, you wanted a bigger one - you are getting the bigger one!

[@whommee]

Seems like all the problems you complain about are "OE" Operator Error.

[@maryjohughes6455]

ZACH SAM

[@lilmoris1]

That suspension ground clearance is horrible

[@joshsmith2045]

The seats on the $98,000 yukon are the exact same as my new $60,000 leather suburban seats just a different covering. honestly they are not that comfortable, too firm and flat. On a long 3 plus hour trip its very noticeable. I rented a new expedition for an 8 hour trip and the seats were very comfortable. That being said I actually like the GM suvs better and why I own one

[@josephs8364]

I rented a 23 expedition a month ago and loved it. The seats were very comfortable. And the power it had, it ate up hills and small mountains like nothing.

[@mattnorman5241]

you need to get rid of that pos

[@BeFearless_.1]

Only $97,745?

[@K03sport]

exactly. a few grand more gets you in the Porsche camp. what's a few grand among friends. Also, why not just get a Chevrolet High Country and save the brand tax.

[@haroldbeauchamp3770]

No worries. These will be available in your local buy here, pay here lots at 60% off MSRP in about 5 years. As long as you don’t mind the 28” chrome rims, marijuana residue, and subwoofers in the trunk. 😂

[@mattnorman5241]

​@@K03sport might as well get the porsche oh i forgot gm people cant afford a porsche

[@sudhikonsagar2541]

Can you please do an offroad capability of Mahindra Roxor ??

[@Nasir222swab]

Alot of Noice in cabin on road

[@oBraveHeart]

Wish they’d improve the behind. It isn’t appealing at all.

[@kenpirr3246]

Nice truck...dash is dated and needs a refresh....wagoneer blows it away.

[@yasermc4434]

Never really liked the yukon idk why it just felt a bit dumb but the old 08 models were great

[@paulm6481]

No worries they don’t miss you. You can’t find these on dealer lots. They are sold sight unseen.

[@mattnorman5241]

they never was great

[@mattnorman5241]

​@@paulm6481 poor people going broke buying these

[@Cjdergrosse]

For those that don't want a Caddy, but want to spend 100k on a gussied-up Tahoe/Yukon

[@asahelkish5809]

Sounds more like an advertisement

[@jacobshort5378]

$97k hard pass.

[@justinkimble4654]

Easy pass not worth 100,000

[@mattnorman5241]

its not worth even that

[@javierpalomares2892]

the design of these large SUVS is ironically impractical. I am almost laughing over how he had to get a tow hitch bike rack to carry the bike whereas it would easily fit inside my much smaller element

[@ShadowBend]

Or mini van. Alot of people sleep on mini vans but the way they are packaged is terrific. Many years ago we moved a John Deere garden tractor in a '98 Ford Windstar. We couldn't have done the same with the '03 Ford Explorer that replaced it.

[@ALMX5DP]

I’d think the bike could also fit inside this Denali, though being a press vehicle and wanting to film the various parts of the interior along the route might have simply made more sense to bring it via the hitch caddy. Certainly there are more practical vehicles if you don’t need the towing, ground clearance or four wheel drive but this combines everything into one package.

[@drivingsports]

Also, the bike it rather heavy. Not easy to lift up into an SUV. (and when done riding, who wants to wrangle a dirty bike into the cargo area?) Bonus: we got to show the hitch camera while driving.

[@haroldbeauchamp3770]

Your Element can’t tow a camper and haul 7 people in comfort while having additional space for gear.

[@javierpalomares2892]

@@haroldbeauchamp3770 true. you have a point there.

[@kieunguyen-yf5hc]

the Bad news is. Usually GMC become rust buckets 7-10 years into ownership

[@ericbarry3639]

Rolly ride , lol . Couldn’t be further from the truth.

[@lifelong5425]

Silly vehicle

[@taman809]

looks like land cruiser 😅

[@mohad6622]

😂😂😂😂 20c$ R.c can do better off road than your driving capability 😅

[@robertlibby9716]

Too bad their quality sucks and their riddled with problems. The Escalade is a real garbage can.

[@ALMX5DP]

What new expensive vehicle isn’t these days?

[@robertlibby9716]

@@ALMX5DP Toyota, Lexus, Honda and Acura. Subaru seem okay too. And BMW and Mercedes are pure crap.

[@ALMX5DP]

@@robertlibby9716 most of those are not expensive by todays standards so I wasn’t really considering them. Lexus for sure has a good reputation still, not sure about Acura though I’m sure it’s largely fine. My point was about these $80k+ offerings.

[@robertlibby9716]

@@ALMX5DP And for 80+ you expect quality and get none. My next rude will be a Toyota 4Runner Limited that I'll add a few thing to like a 24 gallon auxiliary tank and better tires.

[@ALMX5DP]

@@robertlibby9716 I’m just implying that this vehicle isn’t necessarily unique within the same category and price-point. It’s not for me either, but it will largely be fine for the first or second owner which is all OEMs really design for.

[@TheMerriell]

Android Auto is better

[@cybernessful]

8:05 because the cafes closest to you didn't pay Google for ads:)

[@valderith]

Follow me to an adventure of poverty and debt - driving sports tv!

[@jacklennon6447]

Hello I go to Toroweap Overlook Between Nissan Pathfinder and Nissan Frontier crew cab vehicles. Which vehicle is suitable for off-road or long-distance driving? Thank you

[@socalpilotjin3720]

6.2 is too much. 5.2 is best.

[@justinkimble4654]

100,000 that 6.2 needs to be in there.

[@victordasilva5255]

It’s all shit

[@user-oi4ke7us3l]

sorry friends but it is very cheap materials and useless SUV, even the towing is 8000 lol for such a big car. DODGE DURANGO 8700 LB TOWING LOL.

[@Grenka81]

So cheap quality

[@jordanricker4948]

Cubic... inches? 😂 129 cubic feet is GIGANTIC.

[@justinkimble4654]

Not worth 100,000

[@joulypink9996]

Regálamela 😊❤

[@kohsman313]

Off road test my ass 😂

[@drivingsports]

Yeah, limited.