2018 GMC Yukon: Which Trim is Right for You?
When it comes time to purchase a new car, many people focus solely on the make and model of their sought after new car and completely neglect to consider the various trims that give the car its style and personality. While it’s understandable that excited shoppers would overlook specific trims during initial browsing, it’s a mistake to overlook these differences, especially when narrowing down final choices.
After all, there can be a huge difference not just in price, but also amenities and creature comforts when you begin to compare a base model trim to a top-of-the-line trim.
In fact, if you’re considering purchasing the 2018 GMC Yukon, you should absolutely take a moment to research the difference between the SLE, SLT and Denali trims. You may decide that basic is best for you - after all, why not save some dollars but still enjoy a few little luxuries? Of course, you may also head right to the top of the class - why compromise on anything when you can have it all in the top trim? Or, you may find yourself somewhere in the middle - the best of both worlds.
We’ve broken down the highlights of each of the three trim levels offered in the 2018 GMC Yukon, so keep reading to find out which trim is right for you - and for your budget.
2018 GMC Yukon SLE - Better than Basic
Although it may be the base model trim, the 2018 GMC Yukon in the SLE trim is certainly not lacking in quality features. If you opt to buy the GMC Yukon SLE, you’ll enjoy the 8-inch GMC Infotainment system, which is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and even comes paired with a Bose premium audio system.
Additionally, you’ll appreciate the rearview backup camera (especially since the GMC Yukon is no small SUV, coming in at just under 17 feet long), as well as the parking sensors and the tri-zone climate control. And you’ll be riding on 18-inch aluminium wheels, powered by a 5.3 liter V8 engine that churns out up to 355 horsepower, offering an EPA-estimated 16 miles per gallon in the city and 23 mpg on the highway in rear-wheel drive.
While the 2018 GMC Yukon SLE may not come standard with advanced safety technology, it is possible to add low speed automatic braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning and forward collision alert technology to the base model - you’ll just have to pay extra for the peace of mind.
You may be asking yourself “should I stick with the base model? How do I know if it’s right for me?” Well, if saving money on your new SUV is a top priority for you, then the 2018 GMC Yukon SLE may be the perfect trim for you, thanks to its starting MSRP of $49,080 - over $8,000 more affordable than its counterpart, the SLT. Of course, if you’re looking for additional features and a little more pizazz in your Yukon, you may want to keep exploring your trim options.
2018 GMC Yukon SLT - Safety and Comfort Combined
The SLT may be more expensive than the SLE but it packs a major punch that might just make the price tag worth it to you - especially if advanced safety technology is important to you. Opt for the 2018 GMC Yukon in the SLT trim and you’ll be driving an SUV with rear cross traffic alert, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, forward collision alert and low speed forward automatic braking as standard features. Of course you’ll still enjoy the 8-inch infotainment system, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You’ll also still have the rearview backup camera guiding your way.
That’s not all though. The SLT also comes with a leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated twelve-way power-adjustable front bucket seats. In fact, even your backseat passengers will have the pleasure of heated bucket seats - and if you opt for the available rear seat entertainment package, they’ll really be riding in comfort. Finally, you won’t have to worry about having your hands full when you go to open the 2018 GMC Yukon SLT’s trunk, thanks to the hands-free power programmable liftgate.
Is the 2018 GMC Yukon SLT the right trim for you? While the biggest selling point of the SLT trim is its advanced safety features, you certainly cannot discount the value of heated seats and the convenience of a hands-free liftgate. If you live in a cold climate where heated seats are priceless, than for a starting MSRP of $57,130, the 2018 GMC Yukon SLT may be just the right trim for you.
2018 GMC Yukon Denali: Delight in the Details
Maybe you have a taste for the finer things in life. Maybe you spend an awful lot of time in your car - so much so that you want to be as comfortable as possible. Maybe you just want to go for the top-of-the-line trim because why the heck not? No matter your reason, if you’re willing to spend more than $66,000 on an SUV, you’d be hardpressed to find one more well-equipped than the 2018 GMC Yukon Denali.
Building off of the SLT trim, drivers of the Denali will enjoy the eight-inch infotainment system with included navigation. They will also be covered by the full suite of advanced safety features and will be able to keep their eyes on the road longer, thanks to the head-up display screen. And when it comes to actually driving the Denali, the 6.2-liter V8 engine is sure to pack a punch with its 420 horses pounding under the hood - but it’s nothing the 20-inch aluminum wheels can’t handle. Plus, thanks to Magnetic Ride Control, the Denali offers a more refined ride than you’ll find on many other SUVs.
You also won’t have to worry about your phone charger getting in the way of your coffee cup holder, since the 2018 GMC Yukon Denali comes equipped with wireless charging capability. You can also enable the 4G LTE hotspot so that you can stay connected, no matter where the road takes you.
If you’re looking for the best trim that money can buy, you should be look no further than the 2018 GMC Yukon Denali.
Take Your Time & Test Your Trims
Now that you are a little more familiar with some of the unique features of each of the three trims, don’t hesitate to head to your local dealership and check out the SLE, the SLT and the Denali in person; after all, you may not know what trim is actually right for you until you take each trim out for a test drive.
