Whitehorse, Yukon – There's a lot of planning that usually goes into the locale of a vehicle launch. I'm sure there are many back and forths that eventually lead to a consensus. In the case of the fourth-generation 2015 GMC Yukon, I'm sure once the suggestion of travelling to the actual “Great White North” in the Yukon territories came up – there was a unanimous thumbs up.

What better place for the GMC Yukon, then what its name is derived from. The first drive program would see us drive mostly Yukon Denalis and one 5.3-litre V8 from Whitehorse to Dawson City. Surprisingly, the top-of-the-line Denali has represented 60 per cent of early sales, but that's expected to level off to a more realistic 30-35 per cent cut of the pie, but that's up still up from the more typical 15-20 per cent numbers in past years.

The Yukon, a full-size SUV isn't a dying breed, but it sits in a market that's slowing down. No longer is bigger better, but there's still a need for it in society. There's no alternative for people that need to haul, tow, or have large families. So what GMC has done is focus their attention on modernizing the Yukon by advancing its technologies and becoming more fuel-efficient in the process.

Initial Glance

The Yukon Denali isn't the cheapest thing in the yard, but it's not supposed to be, ranging around the $80K mark. But that's what makes the Denali special and separates the men from the boys. It doesn't have the same in-your-face presence like the Cadillac Escalade, but that's not what a Denali customer wants. They're the more subtle confident kind that don't feel the need to show off.

That confident, yet subtle customer will love what they've done inside. You're treated to a level of sophistication all around and it starts off with standard Denali running boards assisting your entry. The interior is decked out in wood trim that's surrounded by soft leather and the luxury of heated and cooled seats. The Denali is fitted with an eight-inch LCD touchscreen, a massive centre console that's filled with USB ports, as well as other technological fixings like a DVD system to entertain both back rows.

The second row is just as comfortable as the front for two more passengers, who are provided their own USB ports and plugs, as well as climate control. If you need cargo space, the second row flips down with a strap, while the third row can be lowered through a push button in the trunk. The Yukon creates an easy exit from the third row by flipping the second row seats down and pushing them forward. And let me tell you, if you're taller than 5'8”, you won't be able to stay in that row for long. However, the kids will have no such trouble and will be more than happy to sit back there and watch their favourite movie.

As for the exterior, the Yukon's chrome grille captures your attention and shows that you mean business. Don't get me wrong, it's not so in-your-face, but it gives out that tough vibe. The chrome grille is accompanied by LED headlights that slope back close to the hood. If you look closely inside, you will see the words GMC. And that to me is pretty cool.

Under the Hood
The Yukon Denali gets GMC's 6.2-litre V8 that produces 420 hp and 460 lb.-ft. of torque, while the regular Yukon receives the 5.3-litre V8 engine with 355 hp and 383 lb.-ft. of torque. Both are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission on this trip, but an eight-speed is brand-new and currently available.

The most impressive things about these new engines are its all-aluminum EcoTec3 system. General Motors has stacked its technology with the use of direct injection, variable valve timing and an active fuel management system that allows for half of the cylinders to be deactivated at certain times. So in layman's terms, that 6.2-litre engine seamlessly splits in half to become a 3.1-litre with the goal of saving a sizable amount of fuel consumption.

On the Road

The Yukon would be treated to city roads, highways, windy bends, some country terrain and on gravel roads that surround an actual mine. Yes, a mine, where they're still digging for gold and actually accumulating and profiting from it.

The 6.2-litre V8 is definitely strong off-the-line. However, it unexpectedly accelerated smoothly and without much noise. That's only the start of what you wouldn't expect, as the whole ride feels like you're driving smaller SUV, not one that towers over you. For the 6000 lbs. that it weighs, the Yukon handles curves and sharp corners like yesterday's dinner. This in large part is due to its new Magnetic Ride control system that has shock absorbers that make impacts with potholes and bumps less harsh.

One of the best attributes of the 2015 GMC Yukon is its exceptional fuel economy numbers. It rates at 16.2L/100 km in the city and 11.4L/100 km on the highway. Throughout the drive that was filled with a lot of highway driving, I was able to manage in the 13 range combined, which is better than other smaller SUVs.

In Summary

Pricing for the Yukon starts at $51,090, but keep in mind that's for the rarely-sold base 2WD version. The more popular 4WD goes for $54,390. As for the Denalis, they start at $73,540 and go up to $76,530 in the XL before options. The prices might seem to be up there, but keep in mind that all of these prices have slightly gone down from the previous-generation, especially in the middle SLT trim.

Considering the amount of new technology, interior refinement, safety features, new construction and new engines that have gone into the fourth-generation 2015 Yukon – it would seem that it maintain its stronghold on the competition, keeping its 33 per cent share of the full-size SUV market in tact. Not to mention if you need it to tow, it can be done, up to 8,100 lbs. Need anything more? I highly doubt it.