Earlier this year, General Motors lifted the curtain on the all-new GMC Yukon and GMC Yukon XL, debuting the next-gen SUVs in a special media event in Vail, Colorado. Now, we’re getting a look at the 2021 GMC Yukon Denali on the streets in the following GM Authority Live Photo Gallery.
For those who may be unaware, the Denali is the range-topping trim level for the Yukon nameplate, and includes a number of defining features that work to set it apart from the rest of the lineup.
Up front, we see the GMC Yukon Denali’s characteristic Galvano chrome grille, which is both larger and more detailed with the latest next-gen vehicles. Flanking the large grille section is a set of C-shaped headlamps, which come with LED lighting elements for the daytime running lamps and primary forward illumination. LEDs are also used for the fog lamps, which are located in the lower corners of the front bumper.
Moving over to the profile view, we see the 2021 GMC Yukon Denali gets chrome outlines for the door handles and windows, while additional polished trim is used for the lower styling line and badging. Deployable running boards are tucked under the body. Sizable alloy wheels fill the corners, and the wheelbase now measures in at 120.9 inches, and increase of nearly five inches compared to the previous 2020 model year.
Finally, the rear end bookends the front with C-shaped tail lamps, once again with LED lighting elements. More polished trim can be found on the hatch and lower fascia, while a trailing roof-edge spoiler is up top. Quad exhaust tips provide an outlet for spent gasses from the naturally aspirated 6.2L L87 V8 engine, which is equipped as standard on the Denali. Output is rated at 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, which is routed to the wheels via the new GM 10-speed automatic transmission.
Are you a fan of the new 2021 GMC Yukon Denali? Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and make sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more GMC Yukon news, GMC news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
Send me one, you can have my 2019 Denali, I’ll think I will trade up.
Love the extra 7 inches overall in length, I was thinking about getting one and did not know whether to go with standard or XL version. The extra 7 inches solve this dilemma. I do not need the third row but the extra room the independence suspension along with the extra 7 inches in overall length solve this. This might hurt the sales of the XL because if you have no need for the third row, the standard length is super great now.
Just a quick comment about the 3rd row seating. I had a 2007 without the third row. At trade in I got dinged $2,000 for the lack if a third row seat. If that is not an issue for you that’s fine, just a heads up.
I may be interested in leasing one in September when my 2018 Terrain Denali is up.
I’m glad GM moved to an IRS, but in that photo the rear ground clearance looks significantly compromised
At one time, Denalis were favored by uber rich people who wanted something less flashy than Escalade. In the immortal words of Inspector Clouseau, “Not any more.”
That’s a lot of face. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing, but the Slade’s face seems a bit plain compared to it’s slightly downmarket cousin.
Overall it’s nice … but rear end GMC Terrain design language isn’t great.. it’s OVER-designed. Big C shaped tailights that needlessly extend onto the tailgate? and why 4 tailpipe outlets …who’s designing these? The Terrain is one of the most over designed goofy looking vehicles in recent memory .. Body lines for the sake of body lines. Less is more.
“Less is more” yet y’all are the same people complaining about the Escalade’s exterior not being enough.
They put more thought into the Yukon’s exterior this time around and is considered “over-designed”. Quad exhaust tips are “too much”.
Y’all will complain for the sake of complaining. No matter what GM does, y’all will find something to bxtch and moan about. Truth is all three of these vehicles are tremendous improvements over their outgoing interior and exterior designs. The Cadillac Escalade is the perfect example of less is more. It received all of the exterior upgrades it needed without losing its signature look and boldness. Cadillac only changed what they needed to and took the exterior to the next level, didn’t change too much. It will still be identified as a Escalade from start but it’s worlds more opulent, modern, and sleek. Great job GM! Ignore the boomers and haters that are always looking to be unsatisfied.
Love the Escalade design. And yes, the Denali ain’t bad (love the front end and don’t really mind the whole thing) but…
GMC makes some weird design choices… terrain being overdone as my example… swoops & swooshes & angles and oddness of design choices on the terrain for no apparent reason. IMO overdone.
And yes, why quad exhaust tips? Not that those are bad by themselves and not a huge deal… but it just is one small example of form over function… why slap on frivolous, non functional stuff. There’s gonna be some of that but it’s almost like the designers have too much time on their hands and need to keep adding tweaks. GM designers do safe well, new designs not so great. Yes, less is more For GM IMO.
That’s alot of bling for the. Denali , but that’s what it’s all about . The new trend seems to be the bigger the grill the better and GMC did a good job with theirs .
Can’t wait until they do a black edition with a gloss black grill and the GMC logo sitting in it’s new place .
This Denali is a great looking SUV. It keeps a low profile, but with an overall Stately look!
Even the base Yukon model looks good.
The new 2021 Yukon Denali will be a great replacement for my 2017 Yukon Denali. I’ll make the switch sometime next year and I will get the 3.0 L Duramax diesel I-6. Love the new Yukon!!
I love that a straight 6 Diesel Denali is finally being offered. That smooth engine with Air suspension will make your ride like floating on a cloud. Does it come with ACC standard as well ?
Any Idea on when the order banks open up for this 2021 version? I want Diesel and Air suspension.. The whole meal deal? Could I get this by November?
I was considering trading my 2015 Denali in for a 21. Then I saw the drooping rear suspension!! Hideous. Ill find a new ’20 somewhere…..