I took delivery of a 2022 Yukon Denali on February 9, 2022. My journey started in May 2021; I ordered a 2021 Yukon Denali with the 3.0L Duramax, but supply chain/production issues delayed that through September/October 2021. After some communication with the dealership, more on that later, I elected to change the order from the 3.0L to the 6.2L gas version around October 2021. My order was pretty maxed out (i.e., $WD, tech package, max towing package, safety package, panoramic sunroof, etc.). The only feature that I didn't put in my order was rear-seat entertainment. Right or wrong, family size is two (2) right now, with no immediate plans to grow, and by the time I had backseat passengers with enough cognition to even make use of the RSE I figured the tech would be outdated and/or there would be aftermarket options available. My dealership (Sewell GMC - Dallas) has been fantastic from start to finish; constant communication and updates regarding the process. The best thing they did for me was allow me to switch my order to gas and then placed me at the top of their list for 2023 orders so I can then trade this 6.2L in for the exact same vehicle, save for the engine, whenever that comes in (Q4 2023 or Q1 2024). They do their orders a little different than others, best I can tell from browsing the forum, in that they don't "place" the order under they get their allocations. Said otherwise, they have an internal wait list of sorts that they go down and "plug in" when they receive allocations; they allegedly do this so they have control over the features in their vehicles and don't have de-featured vehicles delivered to them that customers turn down. Also, no deposit required. I really can't say enough nice things about my experience with Sewell.
The goods on the 6.2L:
- No issues (yet!) with any of the functionality and/or performance
- I never thought I would say this, especially in Texas, but the heated steering wheel is a game-changer; a small, but awesome convenience during Texas' uncharacteristic cold spells of late
- Air-ride is awesome and I enjoy cranking it up an extra inch; I feel like I'm driving a bus compared to my old vehicle (even in comparison to my wife's 2019 Denali)
- Adaptive cruise should be a foundational feature on any car built moving forward; provided for very low stress and easy driving on both highways (where I notice it less) and stop-and-go residential traffic. In the latter, I really enjoy being able to sit back and really on focus on staying in my lane while the car accelerates and brakes. Plus, when you come to a stop, say at a stop light, all you have to do it tap the gas and it gets back into "follow" mode. It's awesome.
- There is no much passenger space including the third row. On several occasions I have packed the thing with seven (7) full-size adults and everyone is extremely comfortable. All opined that they would have no issues with taking a long trip (e.g., 12+ hours to Colorado) in any seat.
- I have a dog, so have the GMC protection package throughout, and absolutely love that the vehicle was build on a truck frame. The second and third row seats, when folded down, form a flat and continuous platform where the pre-2021 models has that awkward hump between the second and third rows. My Labrador absolutely appreciates being able to lay at his leisure when being transported around.
- Apple CarPlay (wireless) works perfectly; it is very intuitive and provides for easy access to music, podcasts, audible, and maps. I love being able to place my phone on the wireless charger in the console and then forget about it.
- The Bose speakers are top-notch, especially after playing with some of the audio setting and changing the tuning, etc. for my liking.
- The 360 camera is a necessity and I rely on it for all parking, etc. It makes finding, parking, and maintaining a single space, for a vehicle of this size, so easy; easier than in my previous sedan which only had a backup camera.
- Rear camera mirror took some getting used to, but I now never use the "traditional" rear-view mirror. The rear window is small and doesn't really provide enough view to use the traditional rear-view anyways, so the feature is appreciated and, in my opinion, necessary.
- I love the HUD; directions from Apple Maps are displayed on the HUD, incoming calls, etc. Basically everything you need to require less attention diversion during your drive.
The bad:
- Auto-stop kind of sucks, but have just developed the habit of deactivating right after pushing to start the vehicle. It has turned a one-step, pre-drive process into a two-step, but it's fine now.
- This thing inhales gasoline. I put premium in, after some research suggesting the same due to knocking at lower octane, but will be short lived once I trade this in for the 3.0L. When I fill up it tells me the range of a full tank is about 300 miles (have been doing about 70/30, city/highway so far), which isn't great. Nevertheless, a short-term issue for me.
- A characteristic of air-ride, I guess, but every time I get out of the vehicle and turn it off it "farts" a little. Oh well!
Hope others are enjoying this rig as much as I am and interested to hear about your loves/complaints as well.
