We’ve been piecing together styling updates for the upcoming next-generation 2021 GMC Yukon, providing analysis based on spy photos of a recently-spotted prototype. And now, we have new information on what’s hiding underneath the camouflage.
The current GMC Yukon features a C-shaped tail lamp design inside a vertical cluster, but the all-new 2021 model will have a totally new cluster, with a vertical part and two new horizontal parts that run into the liftgate.
According to sources that have seen the future product, the 2021 GMC Yukon will have C-shaped tail lamps. However, these new C-shaped units will look different than the C-shaped tail lamps used on the current Yukon. Instead, of having the C-shaped element inside a vertical cluster on the body like the current model, the tail lamps on the new model will be more distinctive, featuring a vertical section along the outer portion of the tail lamps (similar to the current model), followed by two sections running horizontally into the liftgate. The top horizontal section of the new tail lamp will be longer than the bottom section.
The overarching aesthetic will be similar to that of the current, second-generation GMC Terrain and the 2020 GMC Acadia facelift.
The 2021 Yukon will offer tail lamps similar to those of the 2020 GMC Acadia, pictured above.
The new tail lamps on the 2021Â GMC Yukon will provide the model with further differentiation from other GM full-size SUVs, namely the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The C-shaped lamps will also help establish a unique GMC styling motif with further C-shaped lighting cues offered across other GMC models.
The current GMC Terrain also features C-shaped tail lamps. The compact crossover will be updated for the 2021 model year with a C-shaped tail lamp design similar to that of the 2020 Acadia refresh.
These new updates are part of a major GM product revamp, with every one of its full-size SUVs being overhauled for the 2021 model year. In addition to a revamped look, the 2021 Yukon will also feature a new interior, the latest infotainment systems, a lower curb weight, and a new independent rear suspension setup. Under the skin, the 2021 Yukon will run on the GM T1 vehicle platform, the same platform as the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado and 2019 GMC Sierra.
Similar next-gen updates will be applied to to the Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Cadillac Escalade / Escalade ESV, though the Chevrolet models will be further differentiated from the GMC, as will the Cadillacs.
The new C-shaped tail lamps can be seen peeking out ever so slightly from beneath the camouflage of this 2021 GMC Yukon XL prototype.
The new tail lamps are meant to deliver exceptional levels of detail to the new full-size SUVs, which GM Authority was first to report on. Along with full-size pickup trucks, full-size SUVs are a huge cash cow for General Motors, which has become ever more reliant on the U.S. market after withdrawing from Europe and seeing reduced returns in China.
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Comments
That “old” Yukon looks a heckuva lot better than the new design on those two. I hope GM does not screw up these good looking, class leading trucks.
The old Yukon looks soo bland now. I love the direction these new trucks are taking. The Terrain has always been a favorite of mine design wise for GMC.
I hope to god that the Escalade still retains the massively tall rear lamps. You can spot one at night from a mile away.
This is great news. About time GMC distinguished itself from Chevrolet’s SUV designs.
Yes Chevy guy you are right take a good looking truck or car and make it look worse I hope the backend doesn’t look like a Acadia or terrain Those two vehicles resemble a jeep a Subaru or some other Asian vehicle
I have got to get me one of those!! C-shaped tail lamps!!
This a great design direction I Hope GM continues with this. GM SUV look better every generation. This generation should be no different