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This Is The 2021 GMC Yukon Denali

The all-new 2021 GMC Yukon has arrived, dropping cover this week in a special media event in Vail, Colorado. The next-gen full-size SUV was revealed in two trim levels, including the new off-road-ready GMC Yukon AT4, as well as the plush and luxurious GMC Yukon Denali. Now, we’re taking a closer look at what the Denali trim has to offer compared to the rest of the lineup.

Like the other of 2021 Yukon models, the latest GMC Yukon Denali features fresh exterior styling. The new look is complemented by the Denali’s characteristic Galvano chrome grille, which is now bigger and more intricately designed than before. There’s also a ton of chrome found elsewhere in the body, which stands in contrast to the AT4’s darker accents. In the corners, we find the Denali offers optional 22-inch wheels.

The new Denali also comes with advanced lighting technology, such as C-shaped front lighting signatures with LED daytime running lamps. LEDs are also used for the headlamps, tail lamps, and fog lamps.

One of the most noteworthy differences between the 2021 GMC Yukon Denali and the rest of the lineup is the range-topper’s exclusive interior design. As we covered previously in an exclusive story, the Denali comes equipped with a central infotainment screen that’s integrated directly with the dash, as opposed to the stand-up screen found elsewhere in the lineup.

The new GMC Yukon Denali also boasts unique seats, plus four unique interior color themes. Upscale materials are used throughout, such as authentic wood trim, as well as leather surfaces which are cut and stitched by hand in a unique, Denali-specific pattern. Up top, the Denali is offered with panoramic sun roof.

On the tech front, the 2021 GMC Yukon Denali Tech offers a High Definition Surround Vision camera, 15-inch diagonal multicolor Head-up Display, and Rear Pedestrian Alert. The new Power Sliding Center Console is also on offer, providing additional storage in the cabin.

As for the greasy bits, the Denali is equipped as standard with the naturally aspirated 6.2L L87 V8 engine, which is tuned to produce 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the rest of the line gets the naturally aspirated 5.3L L84 V8 as standard.

The new GMC Yukon Denali also offers fourth-generation Magnetic Ride Control and Air Ride Adaptive Suspension, not to mention the new Active Response 4WD System.

GMC says 60 percent of Yukon buyers opt for the Denali trim level, so it makes sense that GMC went all out on the tech and premium touches with the overhauled 2021 GMC Yukon Denali. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section, and make sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more GMC Yukon news, GMC news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.

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Jonathan is an automotive journalist based out of Southern California. He loves anything and everything on four wheels.

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Comments

  1. You missed very key details like the electric sliding center console which slides back exposing another storage compartment/vault.
    And also the ‘hurricane steering’ which essentially let’s the Yukon spin on a dime like a tank

    I don’t believe those features were outlined in the press release.

    Reply
    1. Lexus LX and Toyota LC have had this feature for 5+ years on their vehicles. It just locks the inside rear wheel when turning. Hardly innovative.

      Reply
  2. The integrated screen in the dash looks great and creates a much cleaner visual. When I see a stand up screen it makes me think it was an afterthought.

    Reply
  3. Awesome that it’s pictured in snow. Thanks to vehicles like this snow will soon become a thing of the past.

    Reply
    1. That’s why i always make sure to leave my escalade idling to help get red of the snow

      Reply
    2. But not the battery power vehicles that rape and strip the Earth for their metals, then those metals go into create short life span chemical cells, those cells then go on to be recharged possibly by coal or NG.
      There is no sure bet eco friendly solution right now. So do everyone a favor and kindly shut up with that uneducated crap.

      Reply
    3. Some places will get more snow due to climate change. Also, GM is really going to go big with EV’s with the new Detroit Truck Plant and building an Electric Escalade.

      Reply
    4. What do you think is paying for the development EVs?

      Full size SUVs are their most profitable lineup, and sales are being used to fund the development of your cute little EV.
      I guess money doesn’t exist in your world.

      Reply
    5. Environmentalists will always find something to whine about. This week, it leaks that their greatest antichrist is returning as an EV, and yet they STILL complain. You just can’t please these people…and that’s the entire point.

      Reply
  4. I like the light colored interior. Not a fan of Denali grills but lots of pluses.
    I hope the 2021 Sierras all get that choice of light colored interiors also.
    The choice of Cardinal Red exterior would also be a plus.
    They don’t talk much about the new Google Assistant on 2021 vehicles which sounds like a big plus which I would like to read a lot more about.
    Hopefully with that comes wireless connection to all connections including Car-play. Waiting for more information on how all the Google and the Infotainment system will all work together.

    Reply
    1. I believe 2020 Equinox has wireless Carplay and AA so this damn well better lol
      Google Assistant is an excellent native feature. Best mobile assistant hands down

      Reply
  5. Really like the Denali interior…is GMC going to update the GMC Sierra 1500 Denali to this interior anytime soon? Thanks

    Reply
  6. Maybe it is just me, but why would you have a beige and brown dash colors, with a white interior that is white on doors and seats? Are the designers color blind? Other than that, very appealing interior.

    Reply
    1. Lol are you colour blind? The seats are a light tan as is the lower portion of the dash and the lower door panel

      Reply
      1. For myself, I really like the rich black interior including the headliner like the Escalade Platinum.

        Reply
      2. No, the picture makes it look tan. I bought one based on the photo because no dealer within 50 miles had one on the lot. It is cream, not even beige. I hate it. Way too light for this type of vehicle. No one wipes their feet getting into a Yukon. If it weren’t a lease, I would have refused delivery. As it is, I only have to put up with it for 3 years. It should have been at least as dark as a saddle tan. The only other option is black. Too hot and too ugly, but good at hiding dirt. So my alternative is looking at another brand. Sad option for a GM employee.

        Reply
  7. I really like the surround vision camera’s. Will they have a recorder option so we are not going third party for dash cam?

    Reply
  8. I wonder if you can flat tow it behind a Motorhome?

    Reply
    1. I believe you can as long as you disconnect the battery

      Reply
  9. For years logos have been centered on grills for a reason…it looks better. Spent all that time on the 10,000 surfaces and ruined it with the logo placement. I guess they wanted the logo to be visible when fording rivers on the way to the grocery store.

    Reply
  10. When building online there is no option to order a block heater with the 6.2L V8 engine, it defaults to the diesel. Anybody know why? It gets mighty cold up north.

    Reply

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