GMC Yukon XL trim comparison
2024 GMC Yukon XL SLT vs Denali
The Yukon XL SLT starts at $67,900 while the Denali is $79,805. That $11,905 gap buys 6 meaningful differences.
This trim jump changes the engine from 5.3L V8 to 6.2L V8. Everything else is secondary to whether that powertrain difference matters for how you drive.
Start with the SLT if the 5.3L V8 already feels sufficient for the way you drive. Step up to the Denali only when the 6.2L V8 powertrain is the reason you are moving higher in the lineup.
If you are budgeting this move monthly, the jump from the SLT to the Denali is about $209/month on a 60-month loan at 6.5% APR with 10% down. That works out to roughly $12,540 more by the time interest is counted. The payment only makes sense if that different powertrain matters to the way you actually drive, tow, or live with the vehicle.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you are specifically shopping for the stronger powertrain, not just more trim content.
When both feel the same
Both the SLT and Denali share the same 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $11,905 for 5 measurable differences, which works out to about $2,381 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 6 specification differences, 1 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2024. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | SLT | Denali |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $67,900 | $79,805 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 5.3L V8 | 6.2L V8 |
| Horsepower | 355 hp | 420 hp |
| Torque | 383 lb-ft | 460 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed shiftable automatic | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 15 | 14 |
| Highway MPG | 20 | 19 |
| Combined MPG | 17 | 16 |
| Fuel Tank | 28.0 gal | 28.0 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 5,633 lbs | 5,780 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 134.0" | 134.0" |
| Length | 225.2" | 225.2" |
| Width | 81.0" | 81.0" |
| Height | 76.5" | 76.5" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 4/5 stars | 4/5 stars |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 6yr/100k | 6yr/100k |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2024 GMC Yukon XL SLT vs Denali Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the GMC Yukon XL lineup, the GMC brand hub, the Full-Size SUVs, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2024 Yukon XL Denali cost than the SLT?
The Denali starts at $79,805 compared to $67,900 for the SLT. That is a $11,905 difference, or approximately $209/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2024 GMC Yukon XL SLT and Denali have the same engine?
No. The SLT uses a 5.3L V8 (355 hp, 383 lb-ft), while the Denali has the 6.2L V8 (420 hp, 460 lb-ft). That is 65 more horsepower. Both pair with the same 10-speed shiftable automatic.
Do both the 2024 Yukon XL SLT and Denali come in 4WD?
Both trims start with RWD as standard. 4WD is typically available as a factory option on both. Check with your dealer for current 4WD pricing. This comparison uses the base RWD configuration.
Is the 2024 Yukon XL SLT or Denali safer?
Both share the same GMC Yukon XL platform with an overall 4-star NHTSA safety rating. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2024 GMC Yukon XL come with?
All 2024 GMC Yukon XL trims, including both the SLT and Denali, come with GMC's standard warranty: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2024 GMC Yukon XL Denali worth $11,905 more than the SLT?
The $11,905 buys the 6.2L V8. If that powertrain matters for how you drive, yes. If not, the SLT does the same job for less.
Which 2024 GMC Yukon XL trim gets better fuel economy, the SLT or the Denali?
The SLT is the more efficient of the two at 17 combined MPG, versus 16 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
What $11,905 Gets You
The Yukon XL Denali costs $11,905 more than the SLT. Whether that is worth it depends on how much you value the 6.2L V8 engine (+65 hp). Power and comfort matter differently to different buyers. Weigh them against your priorities.
SLT vs. Denali: Day-to-Day
The Denali comes with the 6.2L V8 instead of the SLT's 5.3L V8. That means 65 more horsepower and 77 more lb-ft of torque. That extra power shows up most clearly once you are out of town and asking more of the drivetrain. The cost of that extra capability is roughly 1 fewer combined MPG.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The Yukon XL SLT gets 1 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $154 per year or $770 over five years of ownership.
Summary
$11,905 more for the Yukon XL Denali gets you 5 real differences. At $209/month more, the question is whether those specific changes are things you will use regularly.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
GMC Yukon XL SLT
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the SLT best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
GMC Yukon XL Denali
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the Denali when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
As an Amazon Associate, TrimAtlas earns from qualifying purchases.
Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2024 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with GMC or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.