- the gmc yukon and yukon xl are new for 2021 and add the at4 off-road trim that gmc has been rolling out across its lineup.
- the all-new yukon now offers an optional turbo-diesel engine, and while the available v-8 gas engines are mostly carryover from 2020, they feature upgraded cylinder-deactivation technology.
- gmc's yukons now have independent rear suspension, which lowers the floor and increases third-row and cargo space.
you can always expect a new gmc suv to look imposing. starting with the grille, a gmc intends to make its presence known, and the 2021 yukon and yukon xl do just that.
the all-new yukon and yukon xl are bigger by almost every measure, starting with the wheelbase that's stretched by more than four inches on both models. even larger gains are made in the interior of both suvs, thanks to the move to an independent rear suspension, a change also seen on the 2021 chevrolet tahoe and suburban. this setup allows for a much lower floor, adding space in the second and third rows as well as in the cargo area. the yukon sees an increase of 11 cubic feet behind the third row, and the xl (pictured below) gets 2 cubic feet more cargo space as compared to the 2020 models.
as more manufacturers add off-road options to their vehicles, gmc continues to expand its off-road-oriented at4 trim (pictured above). the at4 option has been rolled out across the gmc lineup, first with the sierra, just this week on the 2021 canyon, and now on the 2021 yukon. that leaves only the terrain without it, but fear not: gmc announced today that it will get an at4 model, too.
in at4 guise, the yukon is undeniably rugged-looking, with sharp lines in front and tough visual cues from its skid plates and red tow hooks. it has an optional adaptive air suspension system which offers up to four inches in ride-height adjustability. with the air suspension, the at4 yukon adds up to two inches of ground increase and achieves an approach angle of 32 degrees. further enhancing the off-road capabilities of the new yukon and yukon xl are an electronic limited-slip differential and magnetorheological dampers.
a 10-speed automatic transmission is now standard on all yukon trim levels, replacing the six-speed that was standard on the outgoing model. both v-8s have the same power ratings as before; the base engine is a 5.3-liter v-8 that produces 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, and a 420-hp 6.2-liter v-8 is optional. what changes is that these new engines have added a more advanced cylinder-deactivation system that can operate on two to eight cylinders to maximize efficiency. as seen in the new suburban and tahoe, gmc adds a turbo-diesel 3.0-liter inline-six engine for 2021, which we assume will make the same 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque as it does in the chevy suvs.
gmc has refined the top denali trim for the 2021 yukon with changes to the interior and exterior to better exude the luxury denali buyers are looking for. the 2021 yukon denali gets a different interior setup featuring special wood, leather trim, and unique color scheme options. it also receives features such as a 15-inch head-up display, rear pedestrian alert, and the optional adaptive air suspension. the imposing denali grille gets subtle changes as well, making it bigger and more detailed than the outgoing version.
for all the changes the new yukon sees, it's still a gmc from bumper to bumper. it's big and it's spacious, undeniably able to haul whatever you need to, kids or otherwise. pricing is yet to be released, but since it's a gmc, all of that space will come at a premium.
