GMC is set to launch its luxury SUV, the 2023 Yukon Denali Ultimate, which might be a solid competitor to the Lincoln Navigator.
Compact SUVs and crossovers segment is high in demand because they have a smaller footprint than a traditional full-size SUV, thus, increasing practicality. However, conventional full-size SUVs have their set of enthusiasts. The 2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate is a full-size utility vehicle built for the premium class. GMC, known for making some of the best premium trucks and SUVs on the market, has several rivals, but perhaps its main competitor happens to be Lincoln, as they also deal in a similar segment.
With the 2023 Yukon Denali launch, GMC plans to take on the Lincoln navigator head-on. The Lincoln Navigator is a well-established vehicle in the premium SUV segment. With the Yukon Denali, GMC has taken things up a notch in technology and innovation.
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One of the best features of the Yukon Denali is its bold and imposing styling. This beast has a tremendous road presence, and its front fascia features a large chrome grill which is in line with other GMC offerings. The vertically stacked LED headlights and all LED fog lights to make the vehicle's front look much more appealing. Moreover, the vehicle's daytime running lights happened to be in a C shape that emphasizes the width of the car. Towards the side, 22-inch wheels are offered as standard, and they go well with the overall proportions. A chrome strip runs the entire length of the wheelbase beneath which lies the running board, which helps in effortless ingress and egress. The SUV’s design is fairly upright at the back, and the tail lights reflect the same styling as seen in the daytime running lights up front. Apart from this, a huge chrome bar sits right in the center of the tailgate housing the GMC badge. The lower half of the bumper also has a quad exhaust pipe, giving the vehicle a subtle sporty appeal.
Lincoln Navigator’s design, on the other hand, also happens to be upright and squared off, just like a traditional SUV. It is also offered in an extended wheelbase format which liberates a lot more room in the vehicle's interior and can seat up to seven or even eight passengers. Talking about the design, a Lincoln grille stands upfront, and beside it, quad beam headlamps illuminate the road upfront. The side profile is largely uncluttered and is adorned with optional contrasting black-colored alloy wheels giving the vehicle a sporty stance. The design is fairly contemporary at the back as it has a LED light bar running the entire width that looks great at night. Overall the Lincoln navigator and the Yukon Denali are neck to neck when it comes to their exterior design, but Denali just might have the upper hand as its styling is much more modern and refreshed for 2023.
GMC is set to offer a couple of engine options for the 2023 Yukon Denali. It is expected to be powered by a 6.2-liter V8 engine or a 3-liter turbo diesel engine. These machines will be mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission also found on other trims of the lineup. The V8 will be the preferred choice as it is much more powerful, with an output of 420 HP and 460 lb-ft of torque. Four-wheel drive will be offered as standard, and there is also the inclusion of air suspension, which will allow the users to raise or lower the ride height depending upon the terrain.
The Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, makes use of the tried and tested 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. The engine has a power output of 440 HP and a torque output of 510 lb-ft. Since this engine is found in many other vehicles in the lineup, the performance figure happens to be reasonably good. The Navigator can achieve the 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 5.3 seconds, and this is an impressive number considering the vehicle weighs north of 6000 lbs. The Navigator also uses a 10-speed automatic transmission and offers four-wheel drive as standard.
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The most appealing aspect of any interior happens to be its technology, and the Denali does not disappoint on this front. With a lot of space on the inside, the SUV is equipped with multiple screens, namely, a 10.2-inch infotainment system, a 12-inch digital driver display, and a 15-inch heads-up display which gives the driver all sorts of information needed while on the go. There is also an 18-speaker Bose sound surround system with speakers embedded in the seats for the ultimate music experience.
The Navigator comes with an extremely vivid 13.2-inch central touchscreen system that houses many functions like navigation and multimedia. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay can be accessed without the use of wires. A 14 speaker Revel audio system comes as standard, but an option is to upgrade to a whopping 28-speaker 3D surround sound system.
Besides the similarity between these two vehicles, the Denali Ultimate might just have the upper hand since it is the newer vehicle. With terrific modern-day design and technology, the SUV might just prove to be a solid competitor for the Navigator.
A silent soul who dares to dream, Vrushali Padia is passionate about writing ever since her college days and has written in diverse niches. She is now an Electronics Engineer and a Writer. When she is not writing, she's exploring.