On April 30 Cars.com had an interesting story by Aaron Bragman titled "Can the Mammoth GMC Yukon Denali Get Good MG With a Diesel Engine?" I like headlines with questions. The word "mammoth" adds a dimension of intrigue. If he left that word out of the title it would not be the same. with the word inserted it suggests, "Can something this massive get good MPG?"
Bragman begins with a little background that many of us are familiar with. 40 years ago GM offered diesel engines in its big SUVs. More recently, diesels are back, this time with a turbo-diesel 3.0-liter Duramax six-cylinder engine as an option on some of its vehicles. Included in the 2021 catalog are the Chev Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon/Yukon XL.
"Diesels are often renowned for their stump pulling torque," he writes, as well as their "fuel-sipping frugality." For this reason, Bragman has set up some tests to see how well these attributes hold true in the latest and greatest Yukon.
Before heading into the meat of the matter, we're treated to a description of the interior. Like many of the latest pickups and SUVs by all the manufacturers, efforts have been made to make these machines as comfortable as a dream. More spacious, more luxurious. And under the hood we have a diesel power plant that delivers 277 horsepower with 460 pounds-feet of torque driving a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.
What Bragman is intending to do here is take the Yukon for a long drive that will involve city, suburban and open highway routes, then compare his results with what the EPA has rated the vehicle at. Before sharing his ride with us, he spells out the expectations with a specificity that lets us know where things stand. This is not his first rodeo. He has a standard 200 mile loop that he drives, and a standard procedure of having the tire pressure set at the manufacturer's recommendations, windows closed and climate control with A.C activated. There are no segments where he does drag racing and his speed is maintained within 5 mph of the posted limits.
Unfortunately, one variable that he has no control over did interfere in his first attempt. Wind gusts up to 45 mph were on and off again to such an extent that he had to abort the mission. The second attempt took place on a placid, sunny day, with satisfying results.
The Results
Even with its massive weight (5800 lbs) the Yukon Denali 4WD delivered impressive number. The EPA rated it to get 22 mpg but Bragman's results were significantly better. While highway cruising his trip computer showed he was getting more than 30 mpg. The overall numbers when tallied showed he had achieved 27.9 mpg on the 206 mile course. When he refilled the tank, the fuel economy appeared to be 26.9 mpg which was 5 mpg better than its EPA rating.
To Bragman's big surprise, the diesel engine option is $1500 less than the V-8 for this Yukon. Fuel economy savings and a better price as well? What's there not to like?
Well, there are a couple tradeoffs, he says in his closing paragraph. You still know it's a diesel engine there because of the noise. Not a bad big-rig clatter, but something that you can notice. Also, since diesel fuel is currently more expensive at this time, the fuel economy comparison isn't entirely apples to apples. Nevertheless, 65% better fuel economy makes up for a lot compared to the V-8 engine.
Bottom line: There is much to like in the 2021 Diesel-powered GMC Yukon Denali.
Read the full story here: https://rb.gy/of5t4m
For us Diesel guys who desire the extensive driving range and capability of a diesel engine, the new Duramax® 3.0L Turbo-Diesel I-6 is available for Yukon trims SLE, SLT and Denali.
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