We just got our first official look at the next-generation 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and 2021 Chevrolet Suburban last night at the big reveal event in Detroit, but now we’re getting a preview of another full-size GM SUV – the next-gen 2021 GMC Yukon.
This particular prototype appears to be the standard-length Yukon model, as opposed to the extended-length Yukon XL. What’s more, the prototype 2021 GMC Yukon appears to be the range-topping Denali trim level, and provides our first look at the new front and rear fascias without the heavy camouflage padding.
Most notable are the new front and rear lighting elements, which are finally out in the open sans the traditional mesh coverings.
These new 2021 GMC Yukon spy photos also give us a chance to compare the latest GMC and Chevrolet design treatments.
2021 Chevrolet Suburban
2021 GMC Yukon prototype
Placed side by side with the recently unveiled 2021 Chevrolet Suburban, we find the 2021 GMC Yukon sports a more squared-off fascia design, whereas the new ‘Burban utilizes extra curves and creases. The central grille section also looks wider on the Chevy.
2021 Chevrolet Suburban
2021 GMC Yukon prototype
Moving around to the profile and rear, styling between these two is much more similar, with the same rear hatch design, quad exhaust tips, and similar taillamp shapes as well. That said, different inner taillamp graphics help to differentiate between the 2021 GMC Yukon and 2021 Chevrolet Suburban.
Of course, it goes without saying that this prototype could look quite a bit different once the camo comes off.
In addition to new exterior styling, the next-generation 2021 GMC Yukon will also sport a redesigned cabin space, new infotainment tech, and a new independent rear suspension. Part of the package will be a switch to the GM T1 vehicle platform, the same architecture used to underpin the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe, not to mention the upcoming all-new Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV.
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Comments
I love that we’re getting so many leaks about the triplets. Since Mark Ruess said they all have different interiors I wonder what the Yukon’s will be. The false interior spied in the Escalade a while ago was supposedly from the Yukon, but it debuted in the Tahoe/Burban. It’ll be interesting to see the differentiation.
Those headlights are sexy!
I read that. I really dig the Tahoe interior though and would be fine with a “material upgrade” approach. Just not something weird.
Lower curb weight? Didn’t Chevy confirm Tahoe and Suburban gained 50-200lbs depending how it’s optioned due to growing in size. Same will ring true for Yukon
That would be in its most base form. Likely due to the same changes made to the trucks like mixed metal use, advanced frame engineering, etc…
You’re absolutely correct, Andrew. Like the new Tahoe and Suburban, the Yukon will be heavier than the previous K2 generation. My apologies for the error.
Harshest critics are internet heroes
Even with the camouflage on it, the front end already looks better than the new Suburban/Tahoe. Love it.
And the new Tahoe/Burb is pretty good looking itself!
Go read some comments outside of GM Authority. 100% of them are negative regarding the looks.
@David Cross go back to 2013 when the Tahoe came out with the last generation, it was the same situation and guess what it became a hit as time went on.
The Escalade will not be my cup of tea this time. I am more focus on the Suburban or Chevy. The Escalade B-pillar has too much chrome.
The only negative comments I saw were in regards to the new Z71 front end. The normal Suburban/Tahoe design seems to be getting most positive comments. Then again, there will always be outspoken people that would had ANY design GM unveiled simply because they hate GM. Jalopnik for example is heavily biased in favor of brands like Toyota and Honda. You’ll never see them call the predator faced Lexus ugly. Even with the horrendous looking Supra, they either defend its looks or at a minimum, go out of their way to avoid calling it ugly.
GMC has the most Appealing exteriors among any SUV. Hopefully, the interior also lives up to the hype.
GMC’s new truck designs are just sexy, I hope that the Yukon interior is a “truck-ish” one, maybe with still a column shifter, but it probably won’t. Still looks awesome!
It looks like it doesn’t have the Sierra’s angled wheel openings. I’m surprised.
I think they made a mistake ever making the bodies different. I think they made a mistake making the trucks different from the Suburban etc. It looks like they’re trying to bring everything back in line like it was for decades and I applaud that. Different front clip, interior differences are the only changes. The reason I think it’s good is it seems they’ve been throwing different sheet metal designs out there just because they had to make them different and it usually turned out bad. Usually Chevy got the short end of the stick. I think the GM Sierra got the short end with the wheel well shape on the truck this time. Just picking 1 great design is the best route. It always was.
That would have really created a major design flaw for that SUV’S appearance, it’s a good thing that they didn’t go there with that option.
That is going to sell like cold, canned beer on a Troop Ship.
Yukon AT4 with the 3.0 Diesel and Z71 Air Suspension please.
I was really excited until I looked at the rear and saw that they are going to put those stupid “C” shaped tail lights like on the terrain. I really hate that design element.
I just hope they don’t put that ugly chrome strip on the rear hatch, like they did with Tahoe
I’m disappointed by that low-hanging rear suspension. I’m glad there will be an ample selection of older versions to last me out.
Why does that matter? Nobody takes these things off-road where it would get hung up on a big rock jutting out of the ground. Ford’s SUV’s have have low hanging IRS components for years without an issue.
Guess you have never been to a high school football game in Texas or Oklahoma. Always have parents pulling up to fences. Usually that is thru gutters, fields, and ATV trails.
Gosh. I wonder if it will have IRS. I know that the Tahoe has it but that’s a Chevrolet and this is a GMC. They are so different. I wonder how it will slot into the 15 trims for the Tahoe.
What is the point of the GMC brand, anyway, when they just make vehicles which are identical to Chevrolet? It should have gone away instead of Pontiac.
The cash cow that is GMC aint going anywhere.
GMC is supposed to be the luxury line of the truck an suv market but they fall short of that
Probably going to look like the 1/2 ton Sierra I thought they were going to be moving away from looking like the trucks with last years model
I see people that like the interior, but for me it’s 100% a no go. Having an in-dash screen, that isn’t in the dash is just a stupid design element. The “shifter” buttons are strange and in a weird place. It’s just butt ugly.
Anyone notice that the Denali trim has a different dash design than the spy shots of the basic Yukon SLT? If you look at the pictures of the Yukon SLT it has a similar navigation screen set up to the Tahoe – but the spy pictures of the Denali does not. Looking close at the area where the screen protrudes above the dash in the Tahoe and Yukon SLT…these pictures don’t have that.
Could it be that the Denali will truly be different than the Yukon SLT and Tahoe? One could hope!
Best view i have ever seen !