GMC Yukon Denali 2025: Australian Pricing and Specifications

By Jeff Gibbs

The GMC Yukon Denali is set to make its Australian debut in mid-2025, with orders now open. Priced from $169,990 before on-road costs, the Yukon Denali marks GMC’s entry into the local large SUV market, distributed through GMSV.

Positioned as a premium eight-seat SUV, the Yukon Denali competes with the likes of the Nissan Patrol, Lexus LX, and BMW X7. GMSV highlights the Denali as the only eight-seat SUV in Australia featuring a V8 engine, though the Nissan Patrol Ti also offers this combination.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Yukon Denali is powered by a 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8, generating 313kW of power and 624Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and features GMC’s Dynamic Fuel Management for improved efficiency via cylinder deactivation.

The part-time four-wheel-drive system supports towing “in excess of 3500kg,” though exact figures are not confirmed. With a 91-litre fuel tank, the Denali is tailored for long-distance capability.

High-End Features and Specifications

The Yukon Denali arrives in high-spec trim, offering luxury and advanced technology as standard:

• 16.9-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 11-inch digital instrument cluster and 15-inch head-up display
• 14-speaker Bose sound system
• Heated and ventilated front seats, heated leather steering wheel
• Panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, and wireless phone charging
• LED headlights, DRLs, and tail lights
• 24-inch alloy wheels

Comprehensive Safety Package

Although not ANCAP-tested, the Yukon Denali includes advanced safety features:

• Adaptive cruise control, forward collision alert, and front/rear park assist
• 360-degree camera, lane change alert with blind spot monitoring
• Trailer sway control, rear cross-traffic alert, and pedestrian detection systems

Pricing and Availability

The GMC Yukon Denali is available in a single grade, priced from $169,990 before on-road costs. First deliveries are expected in the second quarter of 2025.

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2025 Isuzu D-MAX Blade Review: A New Tough Truck Contender

By Jeff Gibbs

In Australia, the performance landscape has shifted from the era of sports sedans to tough trucks, and the 2025 Isuzu D-MAX Blade is the latest to join the fray. Developed as part of a factory-approved local program by Walkinshaw Automotive, the Blade brings a fresh take on Isuzu’s trusted platform. But with a $76,990 drive-away price tag and flagship status, does it live up to the expectations?

Pricing and Competitors

The D-MAX Blade is priced to compete with premium tough trucks, such as:

• Ford Ranger Tremor: $69,690 + ORCs
• Toyota HiLux GR Sport: $74,310 + ORCs
• Nissan Navara Pro-4X Warrior: $68,765 + ORCs

Compared to Isuzu’s lineup, the Blade is $9,000 more than the X-Terrain and $4,000 more than the LS-U+ donor car once on-road costs are factored in. While Isuzu Ute Australia labels the price as introductory, it hasn’t provided a timeframe for the offer.

Design and Features

Exterior Enhancements

The Blade stands out with a bold redesign, featuring:

• A grille with an integrated 112W light bar.
• Fender flares, tubular side steps, and a sports bar.
• A distinctive sticker kit for added flair.

Mechanical Upgrades

Walkinshaw’s upgrades include:

• 35mm Monroe twin-tube dampers for a smoother ride.
• 17-inch Goodyear all-terrain tyres for improved traction.
• 29mm lift kit, providing a modest 4mm clearance increase due to a thicker bash plate.

While these changes refine its off-road abilities, the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine and six-speed automatic transmission remain untouched.

Interior and Technology

The Blade inherits the LS-U+’s comprehensive equipment list, including:

• A 9.0-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Dual-zone climate control and a powered driver’s seat.
• Tyre pressure monitoring, autonomous emergency braking, and a tub liner.

However, due to the modifications, the Blade doesn’t retain the LS-U+’s five-star ANCAP rating.

Performance and Capability

Off-Roading

Building on the D-MAX’s established off-road credentials – such as a ladder-frame chassis, rear diff lock, and low-range gearing – the Blade’s upgrades deliver:

• Better grip from all-terrain tyres.
• Improved ride comfort from Walkinshaw’s tuned dampers.

Though the 4mm clearance gain is negligible, the Blade performs adeptly on challenging terrain, handling climbs and descents with ease.

Practicality

The Blade retains the D-MAX’s:

• 3,500kg braked towing capacity, ideal for work and recreation.
• A healthy 896kg payload, ensuring it’s still practical for heavy-duty use.

Ownership and Support

As a factory-approved product, the Blade enjoys the same after-sales benefits as the D-MAX lineup:

• Six-year/150,000km warranty, covering Walkinshaw’s additions.
• Seven years roadside assistance.
• Capped-price servicing at $449 per service (five years or 15,000km intervals).

Verdict: Does It Deliver?

The 2025 Isuzu D-MAX Blade builds on Isuzu’s reputation for reliability with enhancements that cater to off-road enthusiasts and style-conscious buyers. While it lacks dramatic mechanical changes, the tweaks to suspension and tyres, combined with a rugged design, make it a standout in its segment.

However, the premium price may deter those expecting significant performance upgrades. For buyers who value local engineering, bold aesthetics, and proven off-road capabilities, the Blade is a solid choice. But for others, the standard D-MAX models may still hold strong appeal.

In essence, the D-MAX Blade blends style, practicality, and local flair, making it a worthy contender in the tough truck market.

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NAB Cuts Rates Ahead of RBA, Offering Relief to Borrowers

By Robert Heyward

National Australia Bank (NAB) has pre-empted the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) by slashing its basic variable home loan rate by 40 basis points to 6.44%, marking its first cut in a year. The move could save new customers on a $500,000 loan approximately $126 per month and is likely to intensify competition in the home loan market as the holiday season approaches.

Competition Heats Up Among Lenders

The cut is seen as a strategic response to growing rivalry between banks, particularly as Commonwealth Bank (CBA) and ANZ increasingly offer low-rate, digital-only loans.

Rachel Wastell, a personal finance expert at Mozo, called the move “an early Christmas present” for new borrowers.

“NAB’s cut is substantial, equivalent to nearly two RBA cuts, and it’s refreshing to see a big four bank make this move without forcing borrowers into digital-only products,” she said.

Market Trends and Big Four Movements

Data from Canstar highlights a trend of rate cuts for new customers across the lending market, with 63 reductions recorded since July.

Among the big four banks:

• CBA reduced select new customer rates in August.
• NAB previously cut its Tailored Home Loan rate by 78 basis points in April.

NAB’s 6.44% rate is now the lowest branch-access variable rate among the big four, although ANZ (6.14%) and CBA (6.19%) offer lower rates exclusively through digital-only options for refinancing, not new customers.

Sally Tindall, Canstar’s data insights director, noted that while new customers benefit from these reductions, existing borrowers often feel left out.

“Existing NAB borrowers should use this as an opportunity to renegotiate. Jump online, compare rates, and ask for a cut. Many lenders currently offer variable rates under 6%,” she advised.

Potential Savings for Borrowers

For new customers, NAB’s rate cut offers tangible savings:

• $189/month on a $750,000 loan.
• $251/month on a $1 million loan.

Wastell encouraged existing borrowers to consider renegotiating their rates ahead of the holidays.

“This could provide the relief many buyers and homeowners need as we head into Christmas,” she said.

RBA Rate Cuts on the Horizon?

The RBA has held rates steady at 4.35% for nearly a year, but analysts predict cuts are on the way as inflation cools. Major banks, including CBA and NAB, expect a reduction as early as December 2024 or early 2025, potentially giving borrowers a further boost.

With NAB’s latest move shaking up the market, it remains to be seen how competitors will respond and whether the RBA will deliver rate cuts in the coming months. For borrowers, now may be the time to lock in better deals.

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