2022 GMC Denali

Posted on Oct 2, 2022 in AUTO REVIEW

absolutely AUTO REVIEW  | By Steve Kursar –

For 2022, General Motors GMC Denali brand raised the bar in the very near luxury segment. Denali customers tend to be extremely loyal to the brand that delivers beautifully finished interiors that don’t overwhelm the senses with glitz. It’s the brand to choose if you’re looking for understated elegance without the bling.  And, for 2022, GMC pushed the bar even higher with their Denali Ultimate vehicles that bring self-driving ease to those long Texas highway drives.

The GMC Sierra 1500 pickup and its SUV counterparts, the Yukon and Yukon XL, are mainstays here in Texas.  We like driving trucks and large SUVs because of all the tasks they allow us to accomplish.  Also, these are tough body-on-frame vehicles that are engineered from the ground up to take a lot of punishment and to last for years.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali with a base MSRP of $67,895, is powered by a standard 355 hp, 5.3 liter V8 engine mated to a ten-speed automatic transmission. Both a 277 hp, 3.0 liter turbo-diesel and a 420 hp, 6.2 liter V8 are available options.  The diesel engine is a particular favorite for owners who tow trailers on a regular basis.

For an extra $15,000 or so, you can get yourself into a new trim introduced for this model year, a 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate.  The 6.2 liter V8 engine is standard with the turbo-diesel as an available option.  The Denali Ultimate trim features unique exterior styling cues, along with exclusive interior trim and features.  The Denali Ultimate’s Alpine Umber interior builds on the already luxurious Denali cabin, with full-grain leather appointments and open-pore Paldao wood trim. The wood’s darkened finish creates a distinctive color blend, while the unique graining adds particular attention to detail.

And, if you’re brave enough to take the Sierra Denali Ultimate off-road, you can be confident that capability is enhanced with standard Magnetic Ride Control, standard Air Ride Adaptive Suspension, standard Active Response 4WD system with electronic limited-slip differential and Auto Track two-speed transfer case.  It’s posh and uber-tough at the same time.

For large SUV buyers, the GMC Yukon and Yukon XL both get Denali Ultimate for their 2023 model year which should make them quite sought after.  Both Yukon models will include all the same standard features that make the Sierra Denali Ultimate so special.  They could become the latest need-to-have Texas luxury item.