As much as the VIPs at GMC’s tailgate event outside Hard Rock Stadium on Monday night enjoyed a gourmet spread that included a charcuterie board, stone crab claws, jumbo shrimp and hearty slices of steak and chicken, it was the four-wheel attractions in Lot 15 that stole the show.
In the hours prior to the Miami Dolphins’ upset victory over the New England Patriots, a select group of attendees (including Lifestyle magazine) had an opportunity to learn about two representatives from GMC’s impressive line of 2018 vehicles—the Canyon Denali, its popular midsize truck; and the Yukon Denali, its five-star sport-utility vehicle.
Those who can identify more than the dip stick when popping the hood will find plenty of powertrain details to appreciate in both models (a 3.6-liter, V-6 engine in the Canyon; a 6.2 liter, V-8 engine rated at 420 horsepower in the Yukon Denali). But for the rest of us, it’s the bells and whistles that count—and the Yukon Denali, in particular, has so many mind-bending features that you start to lose count.
It starts, upon climbing into the spacious front cabin, with perforated, leather-trimmed driver and passenger seats that not only heat in cold weather (heated second-row seats are standard), but provide cool ventilation in warmer months—perfect for South Florida. From a simple storage standpoint, there’s a chamber larger than some overhead airline bins hidden under an arm rest that doubles as a wireless phone charger.
On the techie front, GMC’s 8-inch diagonal info-tainment system (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability) delivers everything from navigation and rear-seat reminder customization to an app that allows you to place an order at the nearest coffee shop—and have it ready for pickup by the time you reach the drive-through. The vehicle has so many USB ports and accessory outlets (including a 110-volt three-prong outlet) that half your neighborhood can power up their devices. Active noise cancellation, meanwhile, provides an interior atmosphere of calm (also perfect for the chaos of South Florida driving).
On the safety side, the 2018 Yukon Denali comes with standard forward collision alert, low-speed forward automatic braking, air bags in all rows, rear-vision camera, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-change alert and much more (adaptive cruise control also is available).
According to GMC’s product information, the 2018 Yukon Denali starts at $67,460 (with the XL version starting at $70,160). For details on all 2018 models that GMC has to offer, visit gmc.com.
