---
title: "2018 GMC Yukon Denali Gets 10-Speed Automatic Transmission"
description: "The new transmission is expected to improve the full-sized SUV's gas mileage and performance."
date: "2017-05-24"
modified: "2017-05-24"
authors:
  - name: "Max Goldberg"
    job_title: "Associate Editor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/max-goldberg.md"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/10623/2018-gmc-yukon-denali-gets-10-speed-automatic-transmission"
categories:
  - "GMC News"
  - "News"
  - "News by Brand"
tags:
  - "GMC"
  - "luxury"
  - "suv/crossover"
  - "Update"
  - "Yukon"
  - "yukon denali"
---

# 2018 GMC Yukon Denali Gets 10-Speed Automatic Transmission

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2017/05/2018-gmc-yukon-denali-hero.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

GMC has announced the 2018 [GMC Yukon Denali](<https://www.thedrive.com/video/6484/the-2016-gmc-sierra-denali-and-yukon-denali-are-alaska-tough.md>) will be receiving upgrades befitting the luxurious, full-sized SUV. On the outside, the most noticeable change will be an improved grille. The chrome grille has been redesigned for enhanced airflow to the radiator and will incorporate active aero shutters that close on the highway to optimize efficiency and reduce drag.

On the inside, customers will now be able to opt for real wood trim and other minor interior updates. Still, the GMC Yukon Denali will be slightly less ostentatious than the [Cadillac Escalade](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/2644/critics-notebook-2016-cadillac-escalade-platinum.md>).

However, the real upgrade to the GMC Yukon Denali is the wonderful 10-speed automatic transmission that was co-developed between Ford and GM. The smooth-shifting transmission can already be found in the [Chevrolet Camaro ZL1](<https://www.thedrive.com/article/9472/10-speed-2017-chevy-camaro-zl1-only-needs-8-gears-to-hit-180-mph.md>) and is expected to improve performance as well as efficiency.

The GMC Yukon Denali will still be powered by the 6.2-liter V8 producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. According to GM, the updated model will go on sale this fall.

## Author
Before working at *The Drive*, Max Goldberg raced the streets of Westchester in an ambulance as a licensed Emergency Medical Technician. He has boundless enthusiasm.

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://instagram.com/maxems>)

## More

- [2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate Gets Awfully Close to Escalade Turf](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/2023-gmc-yukon-denali-ultimate-gets-awfully-close-to-escalade-turf.md>)
- [2017 GMC Yukon Denali XL Is a Super-Sized SUV That Drives With Purpose](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/12241/2017-gmc-yukon-denali-xl-is-a-super-sized-suv-that-drives-with-purpose.md>)
- [2021 GMC Yukon Denali Review: One of the Best SUVs, But Is It Really a Better Buy Than a Tahoe?](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/39396/2021-gmc-yukon-denali-review-one-of-the-best-suvs-but-is-it-really-a-better-buy-than-a-tahoe.md>)
- [2021 GMC Yukon Quick Drive Review: Walking on Air](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/31896/2021-gmc-yukon-quick-drive-review-walking-on-air.md>)
- [The 2016 GMC Sierra Denali and Yukon Denali Are Alaska Tough](<https://www.thedrive.com/video/6484/the-2016-gmc-sierra-denali-and-yukon-denali-are-alaska-tough.md>)
- [2025 GMC Yukon AT4 Ultimate Review: The Ultimate SUV, But Still Not Worth $102K](<https://www.thedrive.com/car-reviews/2025-gmc-yukon-at4-ultimate-review.md>)
- [Almost One-Third of All GMC Models Sold Are Denalis](<https://www.thedrive.com/article/17668/almost-one-third-of-all-gmc-models-sold-are-denalis.md>)
- [2022 GMC Yukon AT4 Finally Adds 6.2L V8 Option With 420 HP](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/42109/2022-gmc-yukon-at4-finally-adds-6-2l-v8-option-with-420-hp.md>)