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With a new Tahoe, Suburban and Escalade here with build and price pages available for all of them, how did everyone spec theirs?
Examples of configurations out there:
$56,065 GMC Yukon 4WD SLE
Faced with choosing between the Chevrolet Yukon, Cadillac Escalade, and GMC Yukon, I’m going with the Yukon. The exterior design appeals to my eye, I don't need the added length of the Yukon XL, and the 4WD SLE’s $54,995 base price is a good balance between the Tahoe and the Escalade. In SLE trim, it's an honest truck with just the right amount of plushness. Plus, as the configurator shows, the SLE doesn’t come with a bunch of annoying safety and collision nannies that I'd have to constantly turn off. I'd add Dark Sky Metallic paint for $495, a sort of grayish-blue hue that looks good on the beast and assures that no one will mistake my Yukon for a livery vehicle. Interior color options are limited to black and Dark Walnut/Slate, which appears to be a very dark brown. I’d go with the Dark Walnut, but in the interest of saving $250 and hauling an additional passenger, I’d swap out the two front seats for the 40/20/40 split bench.
The 355-hp 5.3-liter V-8 with the 10-speed automatic is a sweetheart combo in other GM products, so I will resist the temptation to move up to the Denali’s 6.2-liter monster. SLE versions come with 18-inch wheels, which admittedly appear a bit dinky compared to the 20-inch and 22-inch wheels, but I’ll keep them in hopes of enjoying the smoothest possible ride—save the sidewalls. SLEs come with a durable-looking fabric interior, and the 10.3-inch touchscreen is also standard. In fact, even the most basic SLE trim level is so well equipped that I really didn't feel the need to add much. Of the packages, I went for the Max Trailering package that bundles a two-speed transfer case, a hitch camera with guidance, a built-in trailer-brake controller, an enhanced radiator, and trailer blind-spot alert. It's a staggering value at just $565 and one that no one should pass up. For some reason, supposed-luxury-brand GMC doesn't offer a standard cargo cover. I can't think of a hatchback car that charges you for a cargo cover, but this behemoth wants $260 for a retractable cover. But that's really my only gripe. This is a lot of truck for an as-equipped $56,065. (SLE isn't yet available on the configurator, so the images are not entirely representative of my build.) — Tony Quiroga
$77,665 GMC Yukon 4WD Denali
I've always thought the GMC Yukon was the best-looking of GM's big SUVs, and this new generation is no exception. And there's only one way to spec a Yukon: a black Denali with all the available chrome (including costly $2995 chrome 22-inch wheels). The new Denali also differentiates itself with a unique dashboard layout, which looks nice, and it has the more powerful 6.2-liter V-8 engine with 420 horsepower. So you can say that your SUV shares its engine with the mid-engine Corvette (sort of). I also chose the $1780 Advanced Technology package with a few driver-assistance features. My standard-wheelbase Yukon totals $77,665. — Joey Capparella
$73,370 GMC Yukon XL 4WD SLT
I can already imagine hearing all the reasons why it's not practical for me to buy one of GM's full-size SUVs, especially this GMC Yukon XL SLT that I’ve spec'd out. Reasons include, but are not limited to: "You don't have kids"; "It's hard to park an SUV that's nearly 19 feet long on a college campus"; "You don't have $73,370 lying around in a bank account"; and my favorite, "We all know if you did have $73,370 lying around you wouldn’t spend it on an SUV." This is all make-believe, though, so hear me out. The Yukon sits between the plebeian Tahoe and the 1-percenter Escalade and is loaded with features, especially in the SLT trim, which comes standard with GM’s 5.3-liter V-8 and 10-speed automatic transmission. The XL’s added length is pretty great when you’re trying to fit all your friends in the back, and thanks to the added rear-seat legroom, nobody is getting the short end of the stick when they sit in the third row.
To start, then, my Yukon XL SLT is already $61,795. Time to add $11,575 worth of options. My first option is all-wheel drive, which costs a thumping $3000. Next on the list is my exterior color choice of Midnight Blue Metallic, which costs $495. Another exterior option I'd add are the 22-inch black wheels with chrome inserts, because they look pretty cool and will distinguish my ride. My interior will be the basic Jet Black, which looks fine on this SUV. I added the SLT Luxury package ($2030) solely because it adds HD Surround Vision, which I consider a must on a vehicle of this size. I also chose the Rear Media and Navigation Package ($2490) and the Max Trailering package (only $565), which brings in helpful towing features plus a two-speed transfer case. When the dust settles, I’ll have a well-equipped people and stuff hauler for $73,370. Not that I need one, anyway. — Mihir Maddireddy
Examples of configurations out there:
$56,065 GMC Yukon 4WD SLE
Faced with choosing between the Chevrolet Yukon, Cadillac Escalade, and GMC Yukon, I’m going with the Yukon. The exterior design appeals to my eye, I don't need the added length of the Yukon XL, and the 4WD SLE’s $54,995 base price is a good balance between the Tahoe and the Escalade. In SLE trim, it's an honest truck with just the right amount of plushness. Plus, as the configurator shows, the SLE doesn’t come with a bunch of annoying safety and collision nannies that I'd have to constantly turn off. I'd add Dark Sky Metallic paint for $495, a sort of grayish-blue hue that looks good on the beast and assures that no one will mistake my Yukon for a livery vehicle. Interior color options are limited to black and Dark Walnut/Slate, which appears to be a very dark brown. I’d go with the Dark Walnut, but in the interest of saving $250 and hauling an additional passenger, I’d swap out the two front seats for the 40/20/40 split bench.
The 355-hp 5.3-liter V-8 with the 10-speed automatic is a sweetheart combo in other GM products, so I will resist the temptation to move up to the Denali’s 6.2-liter monster. SLE versions come with 18-inch wheels, which admittedly appear a bit dinky compared to the 20-inch and 22-inch wheels, but I’ll keep them in hopes of enjoying the smoothest possible ride—save the sidewalls. SLEs come with a durable-looking fabric interior, and the 10.3-inch touchscreen is also standard. In fact, even the most basic SLE trim level is so well equipped that I really didn't feel the need to add much. Of the packages, I went for the Max Trailering package that bundles a two-speed transfer case, a hitch camera with guidance, a built-in trailer-brake controller, an enhanced radiator, and trailer blind-spot alert. It's a staggering value at just $565 and one that no one should pass up. For some reason, supposed-luxury-brand GMC doesn't offer a standard cargo cover. I can't think of a hatchback car that charges you for a cargo cover, but this behemoth wants $260 for a retractable cover. But that's really my only gripe. This is a lot of truck for an as-equipped $56,065. (SLE isn't yet available on the configurator, so the images are not entirely representative of my build.) — Tony Quiroga
$77,665 GMC Yukon 4WD Denali
I've always thought the GMC Yukon was the best-looking of GM's big SUVs, and this new generation is no exception. And there's only one way to spec a Yukon: a black Denali with all the available chrome (including costly $2995 chrome 22-inch wheels). The new Denali also differentiates itself with a unique dashboard layout, which looks nice, and it has the more powerful 6.2-liter V-8 engine with 420 horsepower. So you can say that your SUV shares its engine with the mid-engine Corvette (sort of). I also chose the $1780 Advanced Technology package with a few driver-assistance features. My standard-wheelbase Yukon totals $77,665. — Joey Capparella
$73,370 GMC Yukon XL 4WD SLT
I can already imagine hearing all the reasons why it's not practical for me to buy one of GM's full-size SUVs, especially this GMC Yukon XL SLT that I’ve spec'd out. Reasons include, but are not limited to: "You don't have kids"; "It's hard to park an SUV that's nearly 19 feet long on a college campus"; "You don't have $73,370 lying around in a bank account"; and my favorite, "We all know if you did have $73,370 lying around you wouldn’t spend it on an SUV." This is all make-believe, though, so hear me out. The Yukon sits between the plebeian Tahoe and the 1-percenter Escalade and is loaded with features, especially in the SLT trim, which comes standard with GM’s 5.3-liter V-8 and 10-speed automatic transmission. The XL’s added length is pretty great when you’re trying to fit all your friends in the back, and thanks to the added rear-seat legroom, nobody is getting the short end of the stick when they sit in the third row.
To start, then, my Yukon XL SLT is already $61,795. Time to add $11,575 worth of options. My first option is all-wheel drive, which costs a thumping $3000. Next on the list is my exterior color choice of Midnight Blue Metallic, which costs $495. Another exterior option I'd add are the 22-inch black wheels with chrome inserts, because they look pretty cool and will distinguish my ride. My interior will be the basic Jet Black, which looks fine on this SUV. I added the SLT Luxury package ($2030) solely because it adds HD Surround Vision, which I consider a must on a vehicle of this size. I also chose the Rear Media and Navigation Package ($2490) and the Max Trailering package (only $565), which brings in helpful towing features plus a two-speed transfer case. When the dust settles, I’ll have a well-equipped people and stuff hauler for $73,370. Not that I need one, anyway. — Mihir Maddireddy
