When America’s GMC Yukon Denali and Toyota Tundra went off-roading, the results were shocking
Published on Oct 30, 2025 at 4:24 AM (UTC+4)
by Callum Tokody
Last updated on Oct 29, 2025 at 5:24 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
When the road turns to dirt and mud, the 2025 GMC Yukon Denali and Toyota Tundra i-FORCE MAX line up to show how far luxury and power have come.
The Yukon Denali has a 6.2-liter V8 engine rated at 420hp and 460lb-ft of torque, matched with a body-on-frame chassis and a curb weight of around 5,600lbs.
The Toyota Tundra i-FORCE MAX combines a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 hybrid system producing 437hp and 583lb-ft of torque with strong towing capability.
This off-road test explores how those figures translate into real-world control when the surface changes from pavement to trail.
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The GMC Yukon Denali shouldn’t work, but it does
The GMC Yukon Denali uses a traditional ladder-frame construction that supports its size and weight.
Its height-adjustable air suspension allows drivers to raise or lower the ride height for different surfaces, while a two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential help distribute power where it’s needed most.
The active four-wheel-drive system reacts quickly to changing grip, keeping the vehicle composed on loose gravel, sand, and light mud.
Ground clearance sits at about eight inches, giving the 2025 GMC Yukon Denali room to manage uneven terrain, though the 24-inch wheels and low-profile tires limit how far it can push into technical trails.
Even so, the Denali performed with control and consistency.
It climbed over rough sections with little wheelspin, absorbed washboard surfaces through its adaptive suspension, and kept the cabin calm and quiet.
Despite its road-oriented setup, the GMC Yukon Denali handled light off-roading better than expected.
The air suspension provided excellent damping over rocky sections, and the torque-rich V8 ensured steady traction across softer ground.
Steering remained predictable, and throttle response was smooth.
The result was a composed SUV that never felt unsettled, even when conditions deteriorated.
The 2025 GMC Yukon AT4 trim remains the better choice for heavier off-road use, but the Denali’s performance in this test confirmed that it’s more than just a luxury SUV.
It proved that refinement and control can work together without overcomplicating the experience.
The Toyota Tundra had a lot to prove
The Toyota Tundra i-FORCE MAX has a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 hybrid powertrain that produces 437hp and 583lb-ft of torque.
The hybrid assistance delivers immediate low-end power, which helps the truck pull through deep mud or loose sand without hesitation.
The 10-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, and the selectable terrain modes, including Mud, Sand, Rock, and others, adjust traction and throttle mapping for specific surfaces.
The TRD Pro version tested featured off-road suspension tuning, skid plates, and a locking rear differential for tougher climbs.
Its coil-spring suspension provides more comfort than the older leaf-spring setup while keeping the truck balanced under load.
The Toyota Tundra feels heavy and deliberate, but never clumsy.
Its hybrid torque makes up for the size, keeping it stable and responsive when navigating steep or uneven ground.
The Tundra’s performance was more mechanical than polished, but that worked in its favor.
It maintained grip where many trucks would struggle, and the drivetrain felt durable and unbothered by constant strain.
It’s a truck built for utility first, but its hybrid system gives it the punch to feel modern and composed in the process.
In the off-road test, both vehicles lived up to their identities.
The 2025 GMC Yukon Denali offered a composed, controlled experience that made even rough trails feel manageable.
The Toyota Tundra i-FORCE MAX showed how modern hybrid torque can transform off-road performance.
The Denali prioritized comfort and precision. The Tundra focused on grip and power. Both were impressive in their own right, built for drivers who see different meanings in the word ‘capable.’
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Callum Tokody is a content writer at Supercar Blondie, where he covers the latest in the automotive world with a focus on design and performance. Callum has a background in automotive journalism and has contributed to a range of publications in Australia and the UK. Outside of work, he’s a design enthusiast with a soft spot for anything with a V8 and a good story.
