As GM Authority was first to report in May 2020, the all-new 2021 GMC Yukon introduced a new illuminated GMC grille emblem. Today, we’re taking our first real-world look at the optional feature.
The photos you see here are of a 2021 Yukon AT4 we recently tested. Our tester’s Summit White paint already provides a nice contrast to the red GMC badge during the daytime. But when the sun falls, the illuminated badge announces the model’s arrival in an entirely more eye-catching fashion, providing a bright glow in the center of the vehicle.
It’s also worth noting that it’s somewhat possible to see the backlighting on the GMC badge during the day, though it’s most noticeable at night.
The illuminated GMC grille emblem can be purchased as a stand-alone, LPO (dealer-installed) accessory. This items is assigned RPO code RN2 and is available for SLT, AT4 and Denali trims, but not the base SLE trim.
Alternatively, the backlit emblem is also offered as part of the Illumination Package (RPO code RGL) that’s optional on the 2021 GMC Yukon as well as on its extended-length counterpart, the 2021 GMC Yukon XL, which is 15 inches longer.
The Illumination Package is likewise dealer-installed and consists of the grille emblem and a separate illuminated mirror emblem. Unlike the grille emblem, the illuminated mirror emblem (RPO Code S3I) is not available as a standalone feature, and can only be ordered as part of the package. The Illumination Package costs $535 and is also available on the SLT, AT4 and Denali trim levels, but not for the base SLE.
The Yukon and Yukon XL were both completely overhauled for the 2021 model year, now in the fifth generation of their nameplates. Features of the new model, whose reveal you can watch here, include available four-corner Air Ride Adaptive Suspension, up to nine cameras, a 15-inch diagonal multi-color Head-Up display and the most powerful engine in the full-size SUV segment.
That engine is the 6.2L V8 L87 gasoline EcoTec3 motor, rated at 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. GMC also offers the 5.3L L84 V8Â as the base engine from the same family, which produces 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, or the 3.0L I6 LM2 turbodiesel Duramax, which makes 277 horsepower and the same 460 pound-feet of torque as the L87. All three engines drive either the rear wheels or all all four via GM’s 10-speed automatic transmission.
Like the 2021 and newer Chevy Tahoe and Suburban as well as the 2021 Cadillac Escalade , the 2021 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL are based on the GM T1 platform and are built at the GM Arlington plant in Arlington, Texas. A different variant of the T1 platform underpins the 2019 and newer Chevy Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, while yet another variant supports the 2020 and newer Chevy Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD.
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Comments
Very Cool. Need one for the back too, lit up with break lights.
Silverado should be a GIANT bow tie, across the entire front of the truck. Same in the back as an extra break light.
$535?? Give me a break.
The lit GMC emblem in the grill looks pretty neat, but do I really need to pay GMC an extra $400-$500 to advertise for them? The two big red GMC’s, three chrome “Denali”s, and one chrome “Sierra” on my truck, is enough advertising for GM.
If I had to drive around with the huge GMC plastered all across my grill and then be expected to have it back lit at night, I would send GM an invoice for a minimum of $535 for my advertising efforts . I’ve always thought that symbol was way too large for the vehicles in the first place.
I bought a 2014 GMC Sierra off the lot, it’s absolute garbage. After endless phone calls and visits to the dealership the truck still remains not working properly and the company would not stand behind it. Buyer beware! I was a devoted GMC man but they have now lost a customer for life.