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2021 GMC Yukon And Yukon XL Towing Capacities

General Motors is about to start production of its completely overhauled line of full-size SUVs, namely the Chevrolet Tahoe, the Chevrolet Suburban, the GMC Yukon and the Cadillac Escalade.

In the case of the 2021 GMC Yukon, here are the standard and maximum towing capacities for all its powertrain choices. What’s the difference between the two, you may ask? Simply put, the maximum rating applies when buyers check the Max Trailering Package (RPO code HNT).

2021 GMC Yukon & Yukon XL Max Trailering Package Availability
Trim Level: SLE SLT AT4 Denali
Max Trailering Package (NHT): A1 A2 A3 A4
Advanced Trailering Package (ZL6): A5 A6 A6 A6

Max Trailering Package (NHT) includes (ZL6) ProGrade Trailering System and (V03) extra capacity cooling system. Availability notes:
1. Also includes (NQH) 2-speed active transfer case on 4WD models.
2. Included with (PDP) SLT Luxury Plus Package. Also includes (NQH) 2-speed active transfer case on 4WD models.
3. Required with (Z6E) Premium Capability Package with Active Response 4WD. Included with (PEH) AT4 Premium Plus Package.
4. When (R6I) Buildable Order Confirmation is ordered, requires (PDK) Denali Premium Package and (UW9) Rear Seat Media System or (PCL) Denali Deluxe Package. Included with (PEC) Denali Ultimate Package.

ProGrade Trailering System (ZL6) includes (PZ8) Hitch Guidance with Hitch View, (JL1) trailer brake controller and (U1D) In-vehicle Trailering App. Availability notes:
5. Included and only available with (NHT) Max Trailering Package.
6. Included and only available with (NHT) Max Trailering Package. Also includes (UKV) Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert.

The new-generation GMC Yukon and Yukon XL are built on the GM T1 platform and equipped as standard with the L84 5.3L V8 that produces 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, while the optional L87 6.2L V8 generates 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet. Also available later in the model year will be the Duramax turbo-diesel LM2 3.0L I6, good for 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. All three engines are connected to the GM 10-speed automatic transmission, in either 2WD or 4WD configuration.

2021 GMC Yukon L84 5.3L V8 Standard Trailering Capacity (lbs.)
2021 Yukon 2015-2020 Yukon L83 5.3L V8 Difference
Driveline Standard Tow Rating Axle Standard Tow Rating Axle 2021 vs. 2015-2020
Yukon 2WD 7900 3.23 6500 3.08 +1400
Yukon 4WD 7700 3.23 6300 3.08 +1400
Yukon XL 2WD 7800 3.23 6300 3.08 +1500
Yukon XL 4WD 7500 3.23 6000 3.08 +1500
2021 GMC Yukon L84 5.3L V8 Maximum Trailering Capacity (lbs.)
2021 Yukon 2015-2020 Yukon L83 5.3L V8 Difference
Driveline Max Tow Rating Axle Max Tow Rating Axle 2021 vs. 2015-2020
Yukon 2WD 8400 3.23 8500 3.42 -100
Yukon 4WD 8200 3.23 8200 3.42 0
Yukon XL 2WD 8300 3.23 8300 3.42 0
Yukon XL 4WD 8000 3.23 8000 3.42 0

The 2021 GMC Yukon’s standard towing ratings have increased by a significant 1,400 to 1,500 pounds, which means many buyers won’t need the Max Trailering Package anymore. In all cases with the 5.3L V8, the package only adds 500 pounds of extra capacity.

2021 GMC Yukon L87 6.2L V8 Standard Trailering Capacity (lbs.)
2021 Yukon 2015-2020 Yukon L86 6.2L V8 Difference
Driveline Standard Tow Rating Axle Standard Tow Rating Axle 2021 vs. 2015-2020
Yukon 2WD 7700 3.23 N/A 3.23 N/A
Yukon 4WD 7500 3.23 N/A 3.23 N/A
Yukon XL 2WD 7600 3.23 N/A 3.23 N/A
Yukon XL 4WD 7400 3.23 N/A 3.23 N/A
2021 GMC Yukon L87 6.2L V8 Maximum Trailering Capacity (lbs.)
2021 Yukon 2015-2020 Yukon L86 6.2L V8 Difference
Driveline Max Tow Rating Axle Max Tow Rating Axle 2021 vs. 2015-2020
Yukon 2WD 8200 3.23 8400 3.23 -200
Yukon 4WD 8000 3.23 8100 3.23 -100
Yukon XL 2WD 8100 3.23 8100 3.23 0
Yukon XL 4WD 7900 3.23 7900 3.23 0

Overall, the Yukon’s max towing capacity dropped from 8,400 to 8,200 pounds in the 2021 model, and it still trails its cross-town rival Ford Expedition, which boasts a maximum rating of 9,300 pounds. It also ranks below the Nissan Armada (8,500 pounds), but above the Toyota Sequoia (7,400 pounds).

We should note that towing capacities for the turbo-diesel 3.0L engine are not yet available. However, we did report on the 2021 Cadillac Escalade’s tow ratings, which include the oil-burning inline-six.

GM will start shipping the first units of the 2021 GMC Yukon in June, and the SUV should arrive in dealerships shortly thereafter, ranging in price from $51,995 to $75,395 before options. GM’s full-size SUVs boast slightly higher fuel economy in city driving, but are a tad less efficient on the highway.

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Mike is a seasoned automotive journalist that loves both old-school muscle cars and environmentally friendly EVs.

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Comments

  1. I’m looking at one of two possible purchases. One, a 2020/1 GMC Sierra Denali 2500 Duramax, or a 2020/1 GMC Yukon Denali XL. I plan to tow a 2020/1 25′ Airstream Globe Trotter with whichever I go with.

    Reply
    1. I bought a new 2016 Yukon Denali 2WD to pull my new 2016 23 Flying Cloud. Outstanding TV. Went to FL Keys from TN. No issues except Airstream was to small. Got back and traded for a new 27 FB Flying Cloud. Loved it until we saw the new Globe Trotter. Traded our 2016 27FB Flying Cloud for a new 2019 27 Globetrotter Twin. We finally have exactly what we want. But time to trade for a new TV. And I’m trading for a new 21′ Yukon Denali 2WD.
      Correct, close on limits but with a WDH, GMC’s new air ride adaptive suspension, not an issue. And we have a great ride when we get to any destination.

      Reply
  2. Sierra yes, Yukon no… it’s too close to your weight limits…

    Reply

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