GMC is GM’s truck brand for consumers looking for a little more from their pick-up truck or SUV.

The division sports a lineup of pickups and crossovers, as well as a large-and-in-charge Yukon SUV, all of which have been critical to powering GM to record sales and profits in the US.

GMC also has a high-end sub-brand, Denali, which offers all the capabilities of the standard GMCs (especially towing capacity) with an extra dose of styling and near-luxury amenities and materials.

Denali has helped GMC become very competitive outside of GM’s traditional midwestern and southern truck markets — such as in the Pacific Northwest.

Now GMC has updated the Yukon Denail, one of its most important models. According to the carmaker, half of its Yukon sales are Denails, adding roughly $US15,000 to the sticker price for the nearly $US50,000 base SUV. For GM, that means fat profits from this full-size, three-row vehicle.

The new 2018 Yukon Denali hits showrooms in the fall and features a revamped front grille, some interior tweaks including premium woods, and a new 10-speed automatic transmission to assist in better performance and presumably a bump in fuel-economy for the big 6.2-litre V8 engine (EPA estimated haven’t come in yet).

According to GMC, the new SUV will be “offered in Yukon and Yukon XL models, with the XL featuring a 14-inch-longer wheelbase … for increased third-row legroom and more than double the cargo room behind the third-row seat.”

GMC can’t really afford to get this vehicle wrong because it’s been such a stalwart in the lineup for decades.

“Yukon Denali has always matched style with substance, and the enhancements for 2018 advance that legacy,” said GMC head Duncan Aldred in a statement. “The foundational elements of exclusive design, premium touches and uncompromising capability have made Yukon Denali an icon for nearly 20 years.”

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