When you have $100,000 to spend on a vehicle and you demand the absolute best in American luxury and capability, General Motors has two very distinct answers: the GMC Sierra 2500 HD Denali Ultimate pickup truck and the GMC Yukon XL Denali Ultimate SUV.
These aren't just high-trim vehicles; they are the pinnacle of what GMC offers. They represent the "Mac Daddy" of the lineup, designed for those who want pavement princess looks backed by serious towing capability or family-hauling comfort.
We got a close-up look at both of these beasts to see what separates the ultimate truck from the ultimate SUV.
The Pinnacle of Pickups: GMC Sierra 2500 HD Denali Ultimate
The Sierra 2500 Denali Ultimate is designed for the buyer who needs heavy-duty towing capacity but refuses to compromise on luxury.
Exterior Presence The front end is dominated by the unique Denali Ultimate grille. It features a distinct "window tint" chrome finish—a dark coating over the brightwork that gives it a menacing, premium look. While the model shown in the video featured upgraded BFG KO3 tires, the truck comes standard with impressive 22-inch OEM Denali wheels that really set the truck off.
Functionality is key here. The factory power running boards are arguably the best in the business, deploying at the perfect height for easy entry and tucking away cleanly when doors close. The bed features carpeted wheel well liners which significantly reduce road noise on the highway, and the MultiPro tailgate offers an integrated step for easier bed access.
Interior: Alpine Umber Luxury Stepping inside, the smell of genuine leather hits you immediately. This isn't "pleather"; it’s full-grain Alpine Umber leather that feels like a true luxury vehicle. A signature touch of the Ultimate trim is the topographical map of the Denali mountain range—complete with coordinates—laser-etched into the seats and wood trim throughout the cabin.
The technology is immense, featuring a massive center screen, a heads-up display, and a digital rearview mirror camera. However, it’s important to note that while advanced, the HD trucks do not yet offer GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving due to the complexities of heavy-duty towing capabilities.
The Ultimate Family Hauler: GMC Yukon XL Denali Ultimate
If your priority shifts from fifth-wheel towing to moving people in absolute comfort, the Yukon XL Denali Ultimate is the answer.
The SUV Advantage: Ride and Tech While it shares the same "tint finish" chrome aesthetic and Alpine Umber interior theme as the truck, the Yukon XL offers distinct advantages in comfort and technology.
Because it is built on a 1500 chassis and utilizes GM's Magnetic Ride Control, the Yukon XL rides like an absolute dream compared to the stiffer suspension of the 2500 HD truck. It is powered by the proven 6.2L V8, providing the most horsepower and torque available in the lineup, highlighted by a fantastic-sounding factory quad exhaust.
Unlike the HD truck, the Yukon Denali Ultimate does feature Super Cruise, allowing for hands-free driving on compatible highways. It also steps up the luxury with a massive panoramic sunroof and an even more immersive Bose Performance Series sound system with speakers built right into the front headrests.
Massive Utility This is the "XL" model, meaning cargo space is abundant even with the third row deployed. The rear cabin is set up for passengers, featuring dual HDMI-input screens mounted on the seats (note: these are streaming/media inputs, not DVD players) and second-row captain's chairs that slide and fold for easy third-row access.
Which $100,000 GMC Is Right For You?
Both vehicles feature massaging, heated and cooled seats, real wood trim, and the stunning topographical interior details that define the Denali Ultimate trim.
GMC has strong customer retention because they rely on proven powertrains like the Duramax Diesel in the 2500 and the 6.2L V8 in the Yukon.
The choice comes down to your lifestyle. If you need to tow a massive camper or horse trailer, the Sierra 2500 HD is the luxury workhorse you need. If you need the ultimate road-trip machine for a large family with cutting-edge tech like Super Cruise, the Yukon XL is unrivaled.
To see an in-depth walkaround of both these incredible machines, check out the video below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpuAPeAy8sI