A new image has surfaced over the weekend that seems to show the 2021 GMC Yukon Denali. As the Yukon is set to be completely overhauled for the 2021 model year, some publications – we won’t name any names – have gone so far as to state that this is the all-new model. But we’re here to tell you that it is not.
Current-generation 2019 GMC Yukon
The image features a front fascia, including the prominent (and functional) front hood scoop from the 2020 GMC Sierra HD, as well as the side mirror from the all-new 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali. The rest of the vehicle, including the side profile, is identical to that of the current, K2-generation GMC Yukon. Alas, this is a rendering, rather than the real thing. Let’s take a closer look.
For starters, the body of the vehicle in question is identical to that of the current GMC Yukon. Meanwhile, the actual 2021 GMC Yukon will have an all-new body as part of its 2021 redesign. That should serve as the first hint that this isn’t the upcoming all-new model.
Next-generation 2021 GMC Yukon Prototype
Second, take a close look at the lighting of the front end, which seems quite different from the hue adorning the rest of the body. As we have seen time and time again with our own renderings here at GMA, things like this are difficult to draw up in a realistic form. Speaking of the front end, the front grille pattern and overall treatment does not line up with what we’ve seen in spy shots. In addition, the grille surround of the image in question does not fold far enough into the hood, thereby making it impossible to deliver the “clamshell-style” hood and grille treatment that the all-new Yukon will deliver.
Next-generation 2021 GMC Yukon Prototype
Third, there are several issues with the side mirror, including the way it’s attached to the door in the image. Look at the pedestal-style mount, which is attached to two creased surfaces on the front door. That’s not the way it will be attached in the actual production-intent model. Instead, the mounting point of the wing mirror mount will be the negative crease on the door. In addition, the mirror itself will have a completely different shape than the unit seen in the image, which was taken straight off the all-new T1 Sierra half-ton.
Next-generation 2021 GMC Yukon Prototype
Outside of those items, the air intake on the hood of the image is also very suspect. The 2021 GMC Yukon will not have such a feature, as evidenced by spy shots we’ve shown you over the past few months, and according to GM Authority sources familiar with future GMC product plans.
We’ve also heard from insider sources that the all-new GMC Yukon will have an intricately-styled front and rear fascias that will differ quite a bit from those seen on the all-new Sierra. In addition, sources have also told us that the 2021 Yukon will have an interesting and intricate design between the C- and D-pillars. Clearly, the image seen does not meet any of those characteristics.
But the final nail in the coffin of this image is its actual description. We traced back the photo back to an Arabic Instagram account and translated the caption accompanying the image. It reads, “GMC Denali imaginary design.”
So, there you have it. This is not the 2021 GMC Yukon Denali, but rather a rendering.
The actual 2021 GMC Yukon, initially believed to launch for the 2020 model year, should be revealed in the near future, and is expected to launch in the first or second quarter of the 2020 calendar year. It will ride on the GM T1 platform (shared with other GM full-size SUVs and pickup trucks) and finally introduce an independent rear suspension configuration that is expected to improve ride and handling, as well as space in the cargo area and the third row.
Until then, subscribe to GM Authority for more GMC Yukon news, GMC news, and ongoing GM news coverage.
Comments
Of course it’s not real. GM couldn’t make it look that good. The current generation is an abomination of Mansory proportions.
That might be your option yet GM has sold nearly half a million current Gen Yukons. There isn’t another manufacturer that comes close to delivering sought after fullsize SUV’s. Ford is still miles behind and the current designs they’re selling are ripoffs of that “Mansory” styling and proportions.
You have no idea what Mansory is, do you? Mansory is a European tuning company. Their trademark is overdone exterior styling, that to many eyes is flat out gaudy, at stupid high prices. Thats how I feel about the current Yukon. The styling, especially the headlights, is overdone, the chrome grille is gaudy. The Tahoe is about a million times better looking. And I’d bet that the only reason GMC sells as many Yukons as they do is the availability of the 6.2, which until recently couldn’t be had on the Chevy. Thats why I bought one in 2012.
I’ll never praise Fords styling. The Expedition isn’t awful, but the Navigator is even worse than the Yukon.
My other Mansory comparison was price, which with this generation has gotten ridiculous. My loaded 2012 AWD Denali stickered for $64k. A new one can hit $80k. I don’t see $16,000 in improvements. In fairness Ford did the same thing, and I can’t see how they justify it either, especially the Navigator Black Labels $100k sticker. I guess there are some people dumb enough to buy them, but for my 6 figures, I’m buying German. X7 M50i or GLS560.
When the Yukon is selling by the boatload and outselling all other models in the segment except for the Tahoe and Suburban duo, the negativity of someone like Mike L is totally irrelevant. Clearly his views are not representative of the views of the masses. Oh well.
Toyota sells about the same number of Prius’s and no one ever considered them “stylish”. Lets face it the American consumer is dumb as a rock.
I give GM great credit for hiding much of what these new full sized SUVs will look like. We’ve seen some shots of the dash, the independent rear suspension and some lighting details, but not much else.
For now, give those fake photos to the competition.
We may not get a reveal until the L.A. Auto show.
With the current models still selling well, GM doesn’t want an early reveal to harm the outgoing versions.
100% photoshopped lol! Headlights, fog lights, grill and lower chrome bumper piece are all from the 20 Denali HD. Always makes me laugh how easily some are fooled.
I love the way the current Yukon Denali looks. Make the LT2 a standard option, update the interior, and give it a rear locker so that it can tackle the rocky roads up to Superior National Forest.
Nice detective work, Alex.
The current GMC Yukon is a great looker already.
And you can tell that’s not the new one by the wheel wells. They aren’t some off rounded shape but the ones that’s been out for umpteen years. That’s a given.
That’s like with the recent rendering of the next generation Tahoe that was shown with the same Front-End of the Silverado 1500, this cycle of false reveals happens all of the time prior to the real vehicles accurate exterior appearance, we can move on from this and just wait a few more months for the real thing already!!