Which 2017 GMC Yukon Is Right for You?

a 2017 gmc yukon parked in a driveway

Few vehicles can multitask like a GMC Yukon. These full-sized SUVs can seat up to eight passengers, tow up to 8,500 pounds, and provide luxury that competes with a Cadillac Escalade. If you’re in the market for a 2017 GMC Yukon, this trim comparison can help you choose which one is right for you. Keep in mind that all trims can be two- or four-wheel drive. For this article, we’ll be discussing pricing on the two-wheel drive.

SLE

The SLE is the least expensive trim, but it has plenty to offer. It a starting MSRP of $51,230 and features the strong exterior you’d expect from a Yukon. It’s equipped with a standard 5.3-liter EcoTEc3 V-8 engine that’s capable of 355-horsepower and 383 pound-foot of torque. Fuel economy is, predictably, on the low end with returns of up to 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.

On the interior, the SLE features cloth seating with a 60/40 split second-row seat and a flat-folding split third-row bench. However, GMC does allow customers to upgrade the front-row seating to a 40/20/40 bench. With this extra seat, the SLE can accommodate for nine passengers, though a bit uncomfortably.

The SLE also comes with a 4.2-inch diagonal color driver information center in between the tachometer and speedometer. GMC’s IntelliLink system further installs an 8-inch diagonal color touchscreen in the center console where drivers can access their phone using Bluetooth connectivity. For premium sound, the SLE has a standard Bose premium sound system so you can listen to your favorite music wherever you go.

SLT

The Yukon SLT builds on the SLE’s features by adding some luxurious touches to make it more enjoyable for both drivers and passengers. Drivers may first notice that the SLT is equipped with a keyless entry and push-button start feature. No more fumbling with your keys to open the door. It also comes standard with a hands-free power liftgate. To activate it, you simply place your foot beneath a sensor under the rear bumper on the driver’s side.

The Yukon SLT also comes standard with leather-appointed seating, as well as heated and ventilated front seats and heated second-row seating. Power folding also comes standard on the third row. To make the SLT a little more luxurious, the interior features a heated steering wheel for colder days. It also has a wireless charging pad for electronics.

Finally, the SLT has several safety features which will help keep you and your passengers safe. These include low-speed forward automatic braking, forward collision alert, haptic safety alert seat, IntelliBeam headlamps, and lane keep assist. You can get all this for a starting MSRP of $60,125.

Denali

The Denali challenges the Cadillac Escalade at a lower cost of $68,665. On the exterior, the Denali is distinct with a unique honeycomb grille, standard HID headlamps, accented door handles and roof rails, and 20-inch polished aluminum wheels. To climbing aboard easier, the Denali also has optional power-retractable assist steps which deploy when needed.

The interior of the 2017 GMC Yukon Denali receives the same luxurious treatment with burnished aluminum accents and an eight-inch IntelliLink navigation touch screen. The audio also improves significantly with the addition of Bose Centerpoint surround sound audio. As if that wasn’t enough, the Yukon Denali also utilizes active noise cancellation to isolate exterior sounds. There’s even a customizable driver display in the dash.