The all-new 2021 GMC Yukon has finally dropped cover, bringing with it fresh styling that helps to visually identify the full-sizer as a next-generation vehicle. One of the Yukon’s standout design cues is the red ’ badge on the front grille, which is placed high on the grille insert, rather than centrally on the grille. Now, we’re shedding some light on this particular design decision.
Essentially, the decision comes down to the overall composition of the front end. Looking at the nose of the 2021 GMC Yukon, an observer will notice a number of prominent design elements, including the larger grille, the headlamps, C-shaped lighting signatures, the fog lamps, and lower fascia style lines. Each of these elements combine to create a cohesive design composition into which the red GMC badge must be placed.
The headlamps are particularly important, as they tend to be the first sight line for an observer. As such, red GMC badge is placed at the same height as the headlamps, thus creating a horizontal plane that immediately draws the eye. The GMC logo’s bright red coloring exaggerates the effect.
Previous-generation GMC Yukon
By contrast, the outgoing GMC Yukon generation places the logo centrally on the grille. However, it’s still located between the headlamps. What’s more, the older model has a much shorter grille than the new 2021 GMC Yukon, and the sight line is still relatively high. The shape and placement of the headlamps also plays a part in the logo placement.
This design logic is identical to the logo placement on the latest Cadillac models, as we covered previously. With the logo moved down on the grille, it would appear as though it’s “falling” off the nose of the vehicle, as outlined by several GM designers in an exclusive post from our sister publication, Cadillac Society.
Are you a fan of the styling for the 2021 GMC Yukon? Do you like the high logo placement, or would you prefer it moved more centrally on the grille? Let us know your thoughts, and make sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more GMC Yukon news, GMC news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
well the logo on current Gmc lineup isn’t centered too not just the Yukon
based on comments, how about asking the designers why their interiors are sub-par? i’d think that is a more pressing issue.
Yeah. Talking about a logo placement seems trivial to the quality of the interior of one’s ride. You know, where we spend the most time experiencing the vehicle.
Having said that, I think that with the new full-sized SUV’s, I’m hoping GM moves those interiors (with higher design and quality ) in the Chevy and GMC truck’s refresh.
Lately, and I could be wrong, but I think the dumbasses that run GM are finally figuring out, interiors matter.
Maybe Kia, and Hyundai, have shown them the way? Because, those Koreans have their game on, with good pricing, quality nice designed interiors, and standard features that GM charges for.
It amazes me that a company that has been around for as long as GM, would be allowed to lose market share it to a relatively new ( comparatively ) and foreign company making higher end quality products, for less money and a longer warranty.
New blood and leadership is needed in the, Ivory Tower.
Except Hyundai/ Kia doesn’t really have better quality by comparison. Dont let that warrant fool you either. After selling Hyundai/ Kia products for a few years, I can tell you a lot of horror stories where they flat out refused to honor warranties for stupid things like the owner putting an after market air filter in the air box, or saying that the owner abused the clutch, and they aren’t going to cover the ABS malfunction. WTF? The list goes on.
But I do agree that GM needs to upgrade their interiors in their vehicles, especially their high dollar trucks and SUV’s.
However, I have seen a few sites out there that have photos of the interiors of these two (four if including Chevy) that are actually exciting and definitely promising.
A minor detail. It doesn’t do any damage to the design, either way.
It is big. Does, GMC stand for, Get More Chrome?😂
Stands for Gay Man’s Chariot
40 % from the top and 60% from the bottom would be a better position for it, it’s definitely to high now and looks stupid.
Maybe you are correct. But, 👎 down votes are for Weenies.
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It’s a great looking full sized SUV, and looks clean and lean for it’s size.
Competition looks far bulkier.
More big grille stupidity. Just another reminder that GM is more of a marketing company than a vehicle manufacturer.
I only give thumbs up. No reason to give people a thumbs down just because you don’t agree.
I swear, I’ve seen many positive comments on this site getting a bunch of thumbs down .??? Mine included.
Insecure babies with no retort to explain their opposing opinion.
Sad, little creatures.
It look d like the pig from angry birds.
Article gives a choice if we like The comment or not agree with the comment or not. Either way we are giving our opinion. I see nothing wrong with that. I have close friends and we all have different or similar opinions on almost anything.
Expressing oneself nicely is great.
It’s half a logo too high. 2/3 up the grille is just right. Can’t they apply the golden ratio to a boxy suv?
I like it. It’s a change now all they need to do is backlit the GMC . A little more classy. As for the interiors I’m selling to wait and see. My hope is that they put good riding seats in the Suburban and Yukon.
Exterior, very good job GM. Interior about what I’d expect in this category. Could be better. But seriously, exterior well done… Looks meaner and leaner then before
I do like the looks of the new FS SMGM SUV. But the Chevrolet cousins are ugly.
Why oh why did Chevy Not do a major customer focus group and get more opinions in that face?
Also, why are the FS SUV’s using the same front end, face as their FS trucks? I mean, in 2005, they said that their new FS SUV’s were their own vehicle and platform and were not going to simply be a FS truck with an enclosed bed and third row seat. That is what set them apart, and also made their sales soar. So now it appears that the designers are getting lazy. Or did GM downsize and only have one design committee for GMC and one for Chevrolet?
As far as the interior goes, I agree with a lot of people not only on here, but from the sales floor. They need to step up their quality. Too many people complain about the material on the knobs rubbing or wearing off.
The FS Trucks need a major upgrade and redesign on their interiors. Again, a sloppy and lazy way to redesign the entire truck, but keep parts bin pieces used from last year model trucks. And I am a diehard GM fan from the late 1970’s, when I was a really young boy.
I am also in the market for a new 2500 or 3500 truck. I have narrowed it down to thr GMC Denali, or the Ram Limited. I can tell you that since I am sitting in the seat a lot of the time, I am definitely liking the Ram interior a little better than the Denali, and it isn’t necessarily about the huge touchscreen. I believe an 8 or 10 inch screen is fine. I just like the fit and finish as well as the materials used. Plus, they updated the rest of the truck, so the interior was also refreshed on a big scale. If I am going to be spending well into the $70 to 80 thousand dollars, I’d expect better materials. And again, I know I am not the only one saying this.
So, GM, I honestly hope you are reading these comments and taking it to heart. Take it as constructive criticism, not personal criticism. The interior in the current GMC Denali is nice, in the 2019 and older trucks. Time to give us something better, like you did with the towing and hauling performance.
I can only wait so long before I have to spend this money, so maybe a little tease with the 2021 truck interior.
I actually like the grill and logo placement.
The grille is beautiful, so instead of putting it there make a logo for the hood. Nothing big. Small like older Mercedes models. I’m sure the GM designers could come up with a cool idea!!
GM is following an industry standard of the bigger the grille the better . This new design looks better on some vehicles than others , but on the new GMC it looks in your face tough . Moving the logo higher up on the grill does make it look more balanced . I agree GM needds to stopping cheaping out on their interiors . The bean counters need to stay away .
It’s been a bad decision for years now that GM doesn’t care about theirmarket share anymore but is more interested in the TAP’s . Cadillac has been doing it for so long now that the division has overpriced their vehicles and sales are slumping , even in China .
It’s time for Mary to take her golden parachute and go .
The new grill is so tall, or big, because in these new 2500 and 3500 trucks, the diesel engine is so large, they had to make this truck so much bigger.
Since GM wants opinions I will offer mine …. I really like the Red Badge , and I like the high logo placement of it … I think it adds an aggressive look to the vehicle …. If others differ in their opinions , that is ok … To each his / her own …
The GMC looks a little high…would look a little better centered to the centerline of the headlights..overall not a huge deal. The antenna placement to save on the cost of wiring or whatever looks horrible though…no excuse for that at the prices they charge for these SUVs.
My whole issue with GMC is being forced to purchace (If you want any extras) the sunroof in which the GMC Acadia we purchased leaked so bad the amplifier for the stereo system exploded while traveling down the road.Unfortunately just out of warranty. Oh yea also making parts out of plastic so they can be bought over and over and over again like door handles.
That being said we went with a fully loaded Hyundia Santa Fe and didnt have to get the sunroof.
Sadly, I just think GM styling overall is terrible anymore.
Well, looks are subjective. I personally like most of the vehicles that GM has on the market today. The main exception though, the new Chevrolet Silverado, with that ugly face, and it is even more hideous on their 2500 and 3500 trucks. But at least their GM Sierra looks good. Well, to me that is.