This Is The 2021 GMC Yukon And Yukon XL
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The next-generation GMC Yukon and GMC Yukon XL debuted today in a special media event in Vail, Colorado. The overhauled flagship SUVs arrive with a fresh design inside and out, a raft of new technology features, more space in the cabin, and the addition of the Yukon AT4 trim level.
The Denali trim level also makes its return, this time with an exclusive interior design highlighted by a new Power Sliding Center Console. The Power Sliding Center Console is also offered on the AT4 and SLT trim levels, and enhances available storage.
Additionally, the Denali is equipped with unique seats and offered with four unique interior color theme choices, each of which is paired with authentic wood trim and leather surfaces.
Meanwhile, the off-road-ready 2021 GMC Yukon AT4 comes equipped with a unique front fascia and available four-corner Air Ride Adaptive Suspension with as much as two inches of additional ground clearance. The AT4 also gets a two-speed transfer case, 20-inch Goodyear all-terrain tires, Hill Descent Control, and skid plates, plus aesthetic differences pulled from the GMC Sierra AT4, such as dark body accents and red recovery hooks.
Even more rough stuff prowess can be had with the optional Active Response 4WD System, which combines a number systems into one. These include the transfer case, traction control, chassis control, and differential.
On the tech front, the 2021 GMC Yukon comes with upwards of nine camera views around the vehicle, and includes GMC’s ProGrade trailering system. There’s also an optional 15-inch diagonal Head-Up Display.
Three engine options are on deck. The naturally aspirated 6.2L L87 V8 engine is standard on the Denali, and produces 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the rest of the line comes standard with the naturally aspirated 5.3L L84 V8, while the 3.0L I6 LM2 turbodiesel Duramax joins the lineup as an option for the 2021 model year. Each engine mates to the new GM 10-speed automatic transmission.
Inside, look for more space for people and things, including an extra 2.2 inches of third-row legroom and an extra 23 cubic-feet of max cargo volume for the Yukon XL, as well as an extra 10.1 inches of third-row legroom and an extra 28.2 cubic-feet of max cargo room for the standard Yukon.
Under the skin, the 2021 GMC Yukon is based on the GM T1 vehicle platform, and now comes equipped with a multilink independent rear suspension.
We have a lot more to say about the next-generation 2021 GMC Yukon coming down the pipeline, so stay tuned. In the meantime, subscribe to GM Authority for more GMC Yukon news, GMC news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
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Car and Driver has a lot more photos of the Yukon(s) on their site.
Could you list the standard and Available powertrain options by Trim Level ? Thanks.
The 2021 Yukon with the push button tranny makes me nervous, as does the first year with Independent rear suspension. I don’t want to the first cowboy on this horse. Will watch and listen to the reviews.
In the meantime, I did need a new SUV, I got tired of waiting for the new Yukon, it was supposed to be a 2020. So, I bought a 2019 Yukon SLT a month ago with the Graphite Performance package. Got a 6.2 liter engine, 10 speed tranny, and more. Very happy with it. First American car I have purchased
Got a hell of a deal with the Employee pricing promo.:)
Why the hazard button in the Yukon AT4 is placed far away from the driver. Who made such “stupid” design decision?
It is not practical at all, it is rather weird.
Oh idk, maybe because it is something that is rarely used.
The gap between Yukon Denali and Escalade is getting closer and closer. The Escalade better be really special in order to separate itself from this Denali trimmed Yukon.
Looks great !!
I expect one of the primary “separations” between Denali and Escalade will be powertrain. Historically, GM has held back the “premium” engine (6.2’s, of late) from “lesser” (non-Denali/Escalade) models/trims, in an effort to make the Denali/Escalade appear more exclusive. The fact that you can now get the 6.2 in a “lowly” 2wd LS Tahoe screams to me that the Escalade will have an engine that is well above the 6.2 we see available in practically every other T1-series vehicle. That engine may well be a 6.2, but it will, at the very least, have a supercharger bolted on to it. It might also be a 32V DOHC with lesser displacement.
The AT4 looks fantastic. As does the Denali interior.
I want the Denali interior in the AT4….
Personally, it seems to me GM finally listened and did NOT come out with just a Suburban with different trim. Higher quality materials, better features show up on the Yukon, especially the AT4 and Denali.
Funny, no one here has mentioned this little tidbit I found at Motor Trend (at least not that I saw). Witness the “Hurricane turn” trick. https://www.motortrend.com/news/2021-gmc-yukon-hurricane-turn-spin-donut-feature/
These and the Chevy versions are looking very Ford like I hate to say. What has happen to GM styling??
Looks like a GMC to me.
I think the current version of the Expy started looking like a GM.
This styling theme is an extension of the prior generation Yukon-Tahoe which Ford virtually copied with the new Expedition. I think you have your argument backwards.
Automakers copy each other all the time. It’s nothing new. That’s why all vehicles follow the same trends all the time. That being said, I don’t see much of a similarity between the Ford and the GM. In fact the Ford’s front end has a slant to it. Where the GM is a simple straight up and down. Which brings me to a point that I don’t like at all. GM doesn’t have any protection for the front fascia. No bumper, no guards, not even anything standing out at the bottom to provide any type of protection. One little minor mishap, and the whole front end will need replacing, adding unnecessary costs for repairs. And it looks too naked to me also. For a vehicle that is priced close to 100 grand, there is no need to skimp.
Comment #1 “These and the Chevy versions are looking very Ford like I hate to say”
Comment #2 “That being said, I don’t see much of a similarity between the Ford and the GM”
So which is it?
Man the Yukon AT4 looks so good. That’s a great looking off-road package for the Yukon. Still being professional with some off-road capabilities. I’m am impressed.
I’m disappointed that GM made these vehicles larger and heavier than the previous generation. I’m also disappointed that they didn’t upgrade the engines with more power to at least offset the increased vehicle weight. Other than that it appears that they have come up with worthy successors.
Maybe I’m missing something – does the Yukon XL not have the badging on the rear hatch that reads “Yukon XL”, and just read “Yukon”?