Our First Look At The 2021 GMC Yukon XL SLE
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General Motors unveiled the 2021 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL back in January during a special media event in Colorado. The all-new flagship SUV enters its fifth generation with this latest ground-up overhaul, and arrives with a revised trim level cadence, redesigned interior, new suspension options, and a whole lot more. Much like the previous generation, the latest 2021 Yukon is once again offered in the extended-length XL body style, and now, we’re getting our first look at the 2021 GMC Yukon XL SLE out on the street.
2021 GMC Yukon
This is the first time we’ve ever seen the 2021 GMC Yukon XL SLE, in the real world or otherwise. Compared to the standard-length body style, the new Yukon XL adds 15 inches in overall length, measuring in at 225.7 inches versus the 210.7 inches of the standard-length model.
As a reminder, the SLE is the base model in the latest 2021 GMC Yukon trim level cadence. This particular example is also fitted with the base wheel package (RPO code UHN). These wheels measure in at 18 inches in diameter and 8.5 inches in width (45.7 cm by 21.6 cm), and include a six-spoke machined aluminum design with Dark Grey Metallic accents.
This is the only model that is equipped with 18-inch wheels. All other trims get either 20-inch wheels, or 22-inch wheels.
As we exclusively covered earlier this month, the 2021 GMC Yukon Start of Regular Production (SORP) was pushed back to June following delays resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The original SORP date was set in May. Moving forward, 2021 GMC Yukon production will begin with SLT and Denali trims, while Phase 2 will commence 13 weeks after SORP and will include SLE and SLT trim levels without restrictions. During this time, SLE trims will comprise five percent of the units produced.
What are your thoughts on the 2021 GMC Yukon XL SLE? Let us know 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.
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It’s great to see that the new Yukon is getting greater differentiation from the new Suburban and Tahoe, both inside (With the Denali trim’s exclusive interior) and outside with more distinctive looks, but is it really necessary to keep making clone vehicles? The Yukon is almost identical to the Suburban and Tahoe, both with suspension architecture and body structure. The Cadillac Escalade “While it obviously shares its underpinnings with the aforementioned vehicles.” better differentiates itself inside with a pure Cadillac specific interior with no Chevrolet carry over buttons, and outside with a more differentiated exterior design from the aforementioned Tahoe and Suburban.
Why would anyone complain about having more choices? I like the fact that if I wanted a 1500 truck that I could pick between chevrolet and gmc. Personally I like the Sierra more than the Silverado. If I was in the market for a midsize truck, I would take the Colorado over the Canyon. I think its great that GM gives us buyers a choice.
I’ve been reading about a potential class-action lawsuit pertaining to the transmissions in previous year models. Has that been addressed in the redesign?
Since 2019, GM’s 8-speed and 10-speed have had fewer issues than Ford’s 10-speed or Ram’s 2019+ redesigned 8-speed. Ram’s redesigned 8-speed in particular has been slamming into 1st, slamming into drive from park, grinding up internals, or getting stuck in 2nd when coming to a stop. ZF should have left the 8-speed alone.
But, but…! ZF is GERMAN! They KNOW what they are doing!
/ZF should have remained in the blimp business.
The 2021 GMC Yukno XL SLE has the looks; but the only problem is that it’s not much different mechanically than the 2020 GMC Yukon, if there was just the slightest chance to get a bit more performance would help sell the vehicle.
Independent rear suspension and a lot more rear legroom doesn’t cut it? How about an air ride suspension?
Headlights are super awesome, the taillights are horrible looking, and the wheel gap – hideous looking. Anything less then the 20″ wheel and the SUV just looks stupid. While the outside has a fresh new look, my opinion, it really looks cheap and comical. Spend upwards of $70k for that! Nope… I’ll keep my 2016 Yukon. GMC failed this time around… The Ford Expedition has more room and much more comfortable 3rd row seating, and priced better. GMC/Chevrolet designers really could have done a better job.
If you’re spending $70k on a base Yukon you shouldn’t be buying cars
Slightly rounded edge look. But still a rectangle box on a larger rectangle box . and 70k ? To funny. Waiting for korea to knock one off for 40k. Easy target .
I’ve see GMinsidelosers.com had shutdown and trolls came to ruin this site with the usual “buy the Kia” or Ford recommendations…..
They need to make the front end BIGGER!!!!!!!……NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ironically, the SLE with the 18″ wheels will probably be the best riding trim package. My wife’s Acadia Denali and my brother’s Sierra SLT with 20’s ride better than my XL Denali with 22’s and the overhyped magnetic ride struts. That also seized at under 100k miles. Lol
If the 22s are Bridgestone tires, change them out and both the ride quality and noise level will change very much for the better. I know from personal experience with a 2018 Tahoe.
“Trim level cadence”. Who even talks like that, aside from Road & Track / Car & Driver-style automotive writers with their ootsie-cutsie word-smithing?