This week, we’re getting behind the wheel of the 2021 GMC Yukon – Big Red’s thoroughly-redesigned full-size SUV. Built on the GM T1 platform shared with General Motors’ full-size pickup trucks – the Chevrolet Silverado and the GMC Sierra – and blessed with a new independent rear suspension, the Yukon boasts improved ride quality and enhanced handling characteristics. The model we’ll be driving is the rugged Yukon AT4.
Our 2021 GMC Yukon AT4 tester is equipped with the 5.3L L84 V8 engine (part of the EcoTec3 engine family) that features automatic engine start/stop and Dynamic Fuel Management to save some fuel. It’s managed by the GM 10-speed automatic transmission, which sends the V8’s 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels.
It also includes the AT4 Premium Plus Package that rounds up the features found in various individual option groups, such as the Premium Capability Package With Active Response 4WD System, the Max Trailering Package, the Technology Package and the Rear Media And Nav Package, along with a panoramic power sunroof, power-retractable assist steps, a power-sliding front center console and power-release, second-row bucket seats.
All that means this particular AT4 is equipped with the Adaptive Air Ride Suspension and the Magnetic Ride Control suspension system, the HD Surround Vision camera system, and all the hardware and software needed for towing safely and easily. The rig allows for a maximum towing capacity of 8,200 pounds (8,400 pounds in 2WD models).
We also get the GMC’s Active Response 4WD system that incorporates the AutoTrac two-speed transfer case, Traction Select drive mode control, StabiliTrak as well as an eLSD to optimize traction.
The 2021 GMC Yukon AT4 we’re driving is painted in Summit White – the only no-charge hue of the SUV’s ten-color palette. The cabin is dressed up in Jet Black, with perforated leather upholstery and brown contrast stitching.
Base price for the 2021 GMC Yukon is set at $51,995, which includes the destination freight charge, while an optioned-up Yukon XL Denali tops $86,345 before digging into the accessory catalog. Our AT4 rings in at $75,960 with options.
The Yukon AT4 will only stay with us for a very brief 24 hours. During this time, we’ll be looking at the overall quality, fit and finish, plus initial driving impressions. If you want to know more about the new 2021 GMC Yukon beyond the spec sheet, ask your questions in the comments section below, and we’ll start replying promptly as part of this GM Authority interactive review.
Ready… set… go!
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Comments
Actually I feel this central infotainment screen is easier to look than Denali’s sitting lower.
Not so clear info out there, will the at4 be available with the 6.2L?
Thx
It will, but not the 3.0L diesel. The front end design won’t allow the 3.0L diesel.
No to the 6.2L.
The 2021 GMC Yukon AT4 is available only with the 5.3L L84… at least for the time being.
To reiterate, the 6.2L nor 3.0L Diesel are offered on the Yukon AT4 for the 2021 model year.
My humble apologies Alex. I could have sworn I read that from another publication. And my apologies to you Jay for the mis-information
How many skid plates does the AT4 offer? I believe the z71 only offers one.
Hello Retodd1454,
At first glance, the AT4 doesn’t seem to have any extra underbody protection than the other Yukon trim levels, or the Z71 editions of the Tahoe and Suburban. When the 2021 Yukon was revealed, GM’s press material indicated “skid plates protecting key areas of the underbody,” but now, GMC only talks about one skid plate mounted low on the front bumper.
We’ll reach out to GM for clarification on this one, but the AT4 is more focused as an “off-road appearance” variant than a true off-road-ready vehicle.
Have you confirmed it will have standard skid plating? Doesn’t the Sierra AT4 have full in skid plates?
Why they dont put a true rear locker?
Hello Rosado,
As its name implies, the Yukon AT4 is more of an “all-terrain” SUV with a rugged appearance, not a true, hardcore off-road machine. A rear locking differential likely wouldn’t be very useful in this application. Very few AT4 owners will likely head off the beaten path, but prefer the “active lifestyle” look of the Yukon AT4.
I believe it is locked in 4 low. Auto locking in 4 hi and limited slip in all other applications. Active Response 4WD System.
The 2021 GMC Yukon AT4 tester is equipped with the 5.3L L84 V8 engine; does the V8 make a real difference over the 3.6L V6 and what type of real-world mileage are you experiencing?
Hello omegatalon,
The Yukon 4WD with the 5.3L L84 V8 has city/highway/combined ratings of 16/20/18 mpg, and that’s exactly what we observed during our brief drive, around town and on the open road.
Obviously, the 3.6L LFY V6 isn’t available in GM’s full-size SUVs, but if we look at the Chevrolet Traverse which features this engine, which is the company’s biggest crossover, it boasts city/highway/combined ratings of 17/25/20 mpg with the AWD setup. Given the Yukon’s size and extra power (355 hp vs. 310), the fuel consumption difference isn’t all that big.
That being said, the Ford Expedition 4WD and its twin-turbo, 3.5L V6 manages a combined 20 mpg versus the Yukon’s 18.
That’s pretty disappointing MPG on an all new more aerodynamic SUV with a more advanced cylinder shutdown system especially considering I have seen 22-23 MPG with previous generation Yukon 4×4 loaded up models and plenty of Expedition 4X4 3.5 EB models in both current and older styles. Mileage should be going up or at the least staying the same with such advances in tech not dropping!
can a full sheet of plywood fit with the rear seats down?
AT4’s are slow to arrive in our area (MPLS) I was hoping for both Magnetic ride and adaptive air ride but none so far on the ground have the air-ride.
Should I wait, is it worth it?
what does the air ride dial do if there is no air ride? they all have the dial albeit not seemingly split.
Hello Bob,
the load floor in the Yukon measures a tad over 48 inches in width, from the tailgate to the first-row seatbacks. However, the floor length is about seven feet long in the regular-wheelbase Yukon, so it isn’t possible to fit a 4×8 sheet of plywood and close the liftgate. With an extra 15 inches in overall length, the Yukon XL should be able to handle it.
Is the premium plus package truly worth the extra 8-9K??
Hello Laurie,
The AT4 Premium Plus Package includes several other less costly option groups, so choosing it adds almost every available comfort and convenience feature to the SUV. That said, if we don’t have kids and the rear-seat entertainment system is irrelevant, we should skip the Premium Plus Package. It’s worth noting that those dual rear-seat touchscreens cannot be removed.
However, given the vehicle’s sheer size, wide front pillars and oversized outside mirrors, which cut down on frontward visibility, we strongly recommend the Technology Package which includes the HD Surround Camera and Rear Pedestrian Alert systems.
How does it perform off-road with a load of gear and people? Not rock crawling but over rugged terrain that requires skid plates and clearance. Make it prove it’s as good as advertised. There are enough mall crawlers already. Thanks!
Hello Eric,
Unfortunately, we only had the Yukon AT4 in our hands for 24 hours as GM is getting as many journalists behind the wheel as possible, for the time being. We didn’t hit the trails with a full load of passengers and gear.
That said, the AT4 isn’t a true off-roader, but more of an “all-terrain” vehicle as its name suggests. It includes a two-speed transfer case, hill descent control, a front skid plate mounted low on the front bumper, tow hooks and all-terrain tires, and extra ground clearance is available at the turn of a knob, as long as we opt for the Adaptive Air Ride Suspension.
In short, the AT4 isn’t simply a mall crawler, and likely won’t break a sweat driving up the cottage trail. But it’s no mountain goat.
Eric,
The research and videos I have seen put an AT4 Equipped with the G96 Rear end as a pretty descent off road vehicle. The G86 is a standard mechanical limited slip vs the G96 being an electronic limited slip. The addition of the electronic limited slip seems to offer better off road capability. Check out TFL on YouTube for their review of the AT4 in an off road environment.
What are your thoughts on the materials used on the door panels? This is an area where I find GM typically cheaps out compared to other automakers at this price point.
Hello Harrison,
In the Yukon as well as in the Tahoe and Suburban, the door materials and dashboard in general is dressed up in quality materials where our arms and hands will rest or touch. The lower portion of the interior is composed of harder, rougher plastic, as our feet will be kicking and scraping these areas. They’re also the areas that will get dirty more quickly, so more durable materials are the way to go here.
That said, there’s no felt lining in the door-mounted storage pockets or chromed door sill plates as found in some German luxury crossovers and SUVs, if that’s what we’re looking for.
Other than the obvious exterior design differences, what are the differences between the Z71 and the AT4?
Hello Keith,
Under the skin, there are no differences between the Yukon AT4 and the Tahoe/Suburban Z71. Pretty much the same features like Hill Descent Control, bumper-mounted skid plate, tow hooks and all-terrain tires.
One notable difference is that the Adaptive Air Ride Suspension is optional in the Z71 editions, and standard in the AT4, but that’s reflected in the GMC’s higher base price.
I don’t want to know anything.
Hello Shockandawe,
Sounds good. Have a nice day!
What AT4 will arrive to Saudi Arabia ?
When AT4 will arrive to Saudi Arabia?
Hello Mubar,
No on-sale date has been set for Saudi Arabia yet. The AT4 edition is now arriving in U.S. dealerships, so we’re assuming it might take another couple of months.
Here’s to the dumb question of the year, What is an AT4. I’ve seen a 3500 AT4 but have no idea the meaning of the term.
I’m sure there are a lot of you out there that are a lot smarter than me and I would sure like an explanation for the term AT4.
Hello OLDGMER,
There are no dumb questions here. The Yukon AT4, much like all AT4 editions of other GMC products, is an “all-terrain” or “trail-ready” edition that stands out with its more rugged appearance in addition to a few unique features. In the case of the Yukon AT4, it receives a specific front bumper with an integrated skid plate, red tow hooks, all-terrain tires, a two-speed transfer case and Hill Descent Control.
So, basically, AT4 means All Terrain 4WD. Or something like that.
What is the payload shown on the driver door sticker? What is the tongue weight limit shown on the hitch label?
Hello Steve,
We dropped off the Yukon about an hour before you sent your question. We’ll try to get that info from GM.
When will this hit the lots?
Hello Natalie,
Many Yukon AT4s are in transit, and some units have arrived on dealer lots in the United States.
The ones with sliding consoles?
We checked the options list of dozens of Yukon AT4s in transit, and none of them are equipped with a power-sliding center console. Units that have arrived at dealerships do not have this feature, so it might not be in production just yet.
My 1964 Pontiac Catalina Safari (full size Station Wagon) could carry a 4×8 foot sheet of plywood flat on the floor with the rear seats folded down and the tailgate closed. Even some mid sized vehicles could also do it in the 1960’s before the downsizing. Which new model GMC Yukon XL or Chevrolet Suburban or any other “full size” SUV or pickup could do likewise ?
Hello Norbert,
The Yukon’s load floor from the liftgate to the front seatbacks measures a little over 48 inches in width. However, the floor length in the regular-wheelbase Yukon is about seven feet long. The Yukon XL is approximately 15 inches longer in overall length, so technically, a 4×8 sheet of plywood will fit in the extended-wheelbase Yukon XL as well as in the Suburban.
Wondering when the adaptive rear suspension and sliding middle console will be out on the lots?
Hello Natalie,
Units equipped with the Adaptive Air Ride Suspension are arriving on dealer lots as we speak. As for the power-sliding center console, we’ve searched through dozens of Yukon AT4 models in transit, and none of them seem to include it yet.
I would like to see and Option with Premium Cloth Suede Inserts all around. Including dash, headliner and pillars
Hello Greg,
We like your suggestion. However, there are no plans for suede or suede-like upholstery or accenting in the GMC Yukon for now. Let’s hope GM designers and product planners read this and take notes.
Anyone have an idea on the long term durability of the air ride? Expensive to replace when they fail later.
Hello Gary,
Unfortunately, it’s a little early to determine that. Once these SUVs are out on the road and get through their first winter, we should get an indication of their short-term durability.
Is the G80 locker gone?
Yes, the GMC AT4 has a G96 ELSD (electronic limited slip). It seems to perform way better than the G86 mechanical limited slip in the Tahoe.
The Tahoe Z71 has a mechanical rear slip differential….as the Yukon AT4 has a electronic rear slip differential…. does this give the AT4 the advantage in regards to traction in rough conditions ???
Yes! The Tahoe seems hit and miss with the mechanical LSD vs AT4’s ELSD.
How many car seats fit across second row 60:40 split bench
I’m being told that at the present time that you Connot get the Yukon AT4 with the 6.2 engine is this true
That’s true… AT4 only comes with the 5.3
Any idea why GMC changed their mind on not putting the 6.2L engine in th eAT4? Earlier reports were that the AT4 would come standard with the 5.3L engine and the 6.2L engine as an option.
To be completely honest, I drive these vehicles quite often as a dealer and the 10 spd transmission is a game changer when it comes to power. I don’t notice a huge improvement in power for the 6.2L vs the 5.3L. There is not a lack of “go” power at all on the 5.3L. Most people in most situations will not notice the difference.
Except for all the shifting? It’s just undersized. Even Toyota uses a bigger V8.
Have you driven one? The shift points are super smooth and if you don’t like it shifting, you can put it in Tow haul mode to remove the overdrive gears.
Is anyone here in a position to recommend Bridal and Wedding Lingerie? Thanks xx
What are the biggest tires I can run on a 2021 Yukon xl AT4. Factory is 275x60x20. Discount tire said they don’t show it can go any bigger in their system.