chrisbusnut
Member
I took delivery of a white frost metallic 2025 Yukon Denali Ultimate Duramax yesterday (trading in my 2024 Yukon Denali Duramax). This was an "in transit' unit to the largest GMC dealer in my area, and had not been pre-reserved/sold. Though I paid MSRP and got less than I would have liked for my trade, I'm really happy with it. Here are my impressions so far:
Positives
-LOVE the new dash. The large center screen is far superior to the old, much smaller screen. The driver's display, though it seems a bit smaller than the 21-24 versions, has the capability to display a lot more information.
-The steering column mounted shift selector is better than the push button setup on the 2021-24 (in my opinion). I was not a fan of the buttons, which seemed awkward and also took up valuable space on the dash. This is personal preference, obviously, as I know some people like the buttons. I've had several vehicles in the past with the column mounted selector, so the transition is no issue for me.
-The driver's display has the ability to display a map (either default Google map OR whatever navigation app you are using in Apple CarPlay). I use Waze in CarPlay, and was thrilled to see this capability.
-The CarPlay screen size on the large center screen is huge, which is terrific. I was expecting a much smaller CarPlay screen, as seen in other cars with large center screens, so I was thrilled at the large size.
-I really like the new Woodland Mahogany leather on the Denali Ultimate, versus the old Alpine Umber from the previous version (and on the current 1500 and HD Denali Ultimates). I have that interior on my 24 Sierra HD Denali Ultimate, and though it's very nice, it's a bit orange for my tastes. The Woodland Mahogany is more of a chocolate brown.
-The new 8" rear climate control screen is really cool.
-Really like the fact that the diesels get the quad stainless steel exhaust tips, versus no exposed exhaust on the previous model. I always liked the quad exhaust tips on the 6.2 equipped models, so am happy to see this.
Not-so-positives
-My vehicle came with Night Vision. The image displays on the driver's display, and is comically small. The eyes should be focusing on the road, especially in a scenario where visibility is limited, and having to look down at a very small image display seems a bit ridiculous for a $2,000 option. Hopefully GM will issue a software update that enlarges the image in the display.
-The driver's display, though it offers a bunch of different views, seems to have very limited customization capabilities. One of the configurations shows the round speedometer and tachometer, with an information "box" in between them. On my previous Yukon, I could scroll through different options on this center section to show the audio program currently playing, TPMS settings, current/average fuel economy and many more. On the new screen, I can't find a way to show anything but the time and very limited other info. I also can't figure out how to customize the other default screen options. This is a huge misstep for me. If you want to see data like TPMS, coolant temp and related engine readings, you are stuck looking at them on the center display, which means you have to choose between that and anything else you'd normally view on the center screen (like Apple CarPlay). GM needs to add more customization to these screens, especially since it was offered on the previous dash.
-My Sierra HD Denali Ultimate has a suede like headliner. Not so on the Yukon, which is a disappointment for what they are charging for these vehicles. Seems like a bit of a cheap out.
-I wish that GMC would offer the all weather mats with the snap in carpet insert for the Yukon, like they do for the Sierra Denali Ultimates. To me, those are so much nicer than just a plain rubber all weather mat.
Other observations
-There is no "Duramax" badging on the Denali Ultimate. Instead, the badge on the front fenders, forward of the front doors, simply says "Ultimate". With the quad exhaust tips, there's no way to tell it's a diesel, other than the engine sound, of course.
-I like the new steering wheel design and button layout, however it seems to lack some of toggle up/down right/left features that the old steering wheel had. This is specifically related to the driver's display, though, and goes along with the frustrations I stated above regarding lack of customization.
-The pedals have a metal-like trim on them, which I assume is specific to the Denali Ultimate. Nice touch.
-I can't tell any difference between the old LM2 and the new LZO. They sound the same, with the exception of a more rapid cranking on the LZO.
I'd love to hear other's opinions on the new design and features.
Positives
-LOVE the new dash. The large center screen is far superior to the old, much smaller screen. The driver's display, though it seems a bit smaller than the 21-24 versions, has the capability to display a lot more information.
-The steering column mounted shift selector is better than the push button setup on the 2021-24 (in my opinion). I was not a fan of the buttons, which seemed awkward and also took up valuable space on the dash. This is personal preference, obviously, as I know some people like the buttons. I've had several vehicles in the past with the column mounted selector, so the transition is no issue for me.
-The driver's display has the ability to display a map (either default Google map OR whatever navigation app you are using in Apple CarPlay). I use Waze in CarPlay, and was thrilled to see this capability.
-The CarPlay screen size on the large center screen is huge, which is terrific. I was expecting a much smaller CarPlay screen, as seen in other cars with large center screens, so I was thrilled at the large size.
-I really like the new Woodland Mahogany leather on the Denali Ultimate, versus the old Alpine Umber from the previous version (and on the current 1500 and HD Denali Ultimates). I have that interior on my 24 Sierra HD Denali Ultimate, and though it's very nice, it's a bit orange for my tastes. The Woodland Mahogany is more of a chocolate brown.
-The new 8" rear climate control screen is really cool.
-Really like the fact that the diesels get the quad stainless steel exhaust tips, versus no exposed exhaust on the previous model. I always liked the quad exhaust tips on the 6.2 equipped models, so am happy to see this.
Not-so-positives
-My vehicle came with Night Vision. The image displays on the driver's display, and is comically small. The eyes should be focusing on the road, especially in a scenario where visibility is limited, and having to look down at a very small image display seems a bit ridiculous for a $2,000 option. Hopefully GM will issue a software update that enlarges the image in the display.
-The driver's display, though it offers a bunch of different views, seems to have very limited customization capabilities. One of the configurations shows the round speedometer and tachometer, with an information "box" in between them. On my previous Yukon, I could scroll through different options on this center section to show the audio program currently playing, TPMS settings, current/average fuel economy and many more. On the new screen, I can't find a way to show anything but the time and very limited other info. I also can't figure out how to customize the other default screen options. This is a huge misstep for me. If you want to see data like TPMS, coolant temp and related engine readings, you are stuck looking at them on the center display, which means you have to choose between that and anything else you'd normally view on the center screen (like Apple CarPlay). GM needs to add more customization to these screens, especially since it was offered on the previous dash.
-My Sierra HD Denali Ultimate has a suede like headliner. Not so on the Yukon, which is a disappointment for what they are charging for these vehicles. Seems like a bit of a cheap out.
-I wish that GMC would offer the all weather mats with the snap in carpet insert for the Yukon, like they do for the Sierra Denali Ultimates. To me, those are so much nicer than just a plain rubber all weather mat.
Other observations
-There is no "Duramax" badging on the Denali Ultimate. Instead, the badge on the front fenders, forward of the front doors, simply says "Ultimate". With the quad exhaust tips, there's no way to tell it's a diesel, other than the engine sound, of course.
-I like the new steering wheel design and button layout, however it seems to lack some of toggle up/down right/left features that the old steering wheel had. This is specifically related to the driver's display, though, and goes along with the frustrations I stated above regarding lack of customization.
-The pedals have a metal-like trim on them, which I assume is specific to the Denali Ultimate. Nice touch.
-I can't tell any difference between the old LM2 and the new LZO. They sound the same, with the exception of a more rapid cranking on the LZO.
I'd love to hear other's opinions on the new design and features.
