General Motors introduced a brand-new fifth-generation for the GMC Yukon nameplate back in January, showing off the overhauled SUV and posting a long list of improvements, upgrades, and revisions. Among these was the news that the latest Yukon would be offered with a turbodiesel engine, which, as GM Authority exclusively reported back in May, would have late availability. Now, GM Authority has learned that the start of regular production (SORP) for the 2021 Yukon diesel is set to kick off November 16th.
This no doubt comes as exciting news for those customers looking to snag a next-gen Yukon with an oil burner under the hood. GM Authority previously reported that the new Yukon diesel would be available to order starting in November, but has since learned that orders will in fact open up October 29th.
Next month, when the 2021 Yukon diesel finally starts rolling off the production line at the GM Arlington plant in Arlington, Texas, the SUV will see a gradual ramp-up in terms of production numbers.
The engine in question is the 3.0L I6 LM2 turbodiesel Duramax, which features dual-overhead cams and direct injection. The engine produces 277 horsepower at 3,750 rpm and 460 pound-feet of torque at 1,500 rpm.
Unfortunately, the diesel engine option is not offered on the new off-road-oriented 2021 GMC Yukon AT4, as the AT4’s unique front fascia obstructs the diesel engine intercooler and intercooler piping, similar to the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Z71.
Further engine options include a pair of gas units, namely the naturally aspirated 5.3L V8 L84, which makes 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, and the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 L87, which makes 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Both gas engines and the diesel mate to GM’s Hydra-Matic 10L80 10-speed automatic transmission.
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Comments
Have the accleration numbers been released yet for the diesel?
Yes! Great point?!? Where are the performance numbers for this power unit? Acceleration? EPA?
I have been waiting for them to put a diesel in the Suburbans or the Yukons since the introduction of the first Duramax back in 2001 funny thing is this new Duramax although smaller is producing almost the same horsepower torque that the original Duramax did during its introduction I’m super excited.
I understand the 3.0 is already orderable on the Tahoe/Sub… Is that true? S. Kerby
Surprised news we are all waiting diesel engine in Yukon
If production kicks off in 5 weeks, shouldn’t the EPA numbers be out now?
When will they be available to take them off the lot? Six weeks after production? Will this end up being a Christmas present to myself?
I’m hoping that it’s much sooner – like a day after Thanksgiving present to myself! 🙂
Where are the EPA numbers for this diesel powerplant in these SUVs?
As of 11/12, still cannot order Diesel. Any update for ordering the Denali?
As of 10/29 you can order A Tahoe Diesel.
I’m guessing the first batches of the diesel have been for press fleet cars / GM management. Can anyone in this forum provide insight as to when these will be on dealer lots. I’m not seeing any diesels within 250 miles!