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Large and in charge: 2021 GMC Yukon
and Yukon XL

(L to R) 2021 GMC Yukon AT4 and Denali.

 

 

If a big and tall shop existed for SUVs, you'd find the 2021 Yukon and Yukon XL models front and center. You couldn't miss them, though, even if they ended up in the back. GMC's next-gen flagship large SUV line is headlined by an all-new and more upscale Denali and the first-ever, ride-higher Yukon AT4 targeted for off-roading.

The first-class Yukon features a high level of craftsmanship and premium accommodations through a combination of advanced features and class-leading technologies, including:

• All-new interior design across the Yukon lineup, highlighted by a Denali-exclusive interior and a new, class-leading available Power Sliding Center Console.
• A first-in-class, available four-corner Air Ride Adaptive Suspension that delivers exceptional ride comfort and, when 4WD LO is engaged, allows drivers to raise the body up to 2 in. (50 mm) for additional ground clearance when traveling off-road.
• Nine camera views available, the most in the segment, including High Definition Surround Vision, Rear Camera Mirror, and GMC's ProGrade trailering system.
• Class-leading available 15-in.-diagonal multicolor Head-Up Display that projects speed, navigation, safety features, and other driver-centric info.
• The most powerful engine in the full-size SUV segment. An all-new 6.2L V8 with Dynamic Fuel Management (standard on Denali) delivers an estimated 420 hp, paired with a standard 10-speed transmission.
• All-new available Active Response 4WD System that combines technologies, including an electronic Limited Slip Differential, to continuously monitor road conditions and react to improve traction, handling, and overall control.

The overall length of the Yukon is 210 in. (almost 5 in. longer than the 2020 model), with the XL version coming in at 225.2 in. (just over 4 in. longer than the 2020 model). Max cargo room is also markedly increased, with the Yukon providing 122.9 cu. ft (an increase of 28.2 cu. ft), and the XL -- GMC's roomiest SUV for both passengers and cargo -- gaining 23 cu. ft at 144.7 cu. ft capacity.

On both vehicles, access to the third row is easier than ever, thanks to new sliding second-row seats that improve ingress and egress. The second-row seat can slide 5.5 in. (140 mm), a first for Yukon passengers.

Yukon Denali
Denali, GMC's premium luxury sub-brand, has driven much of the brand's consistent growth in recent years by adding an elevated level of design and premium craftsmanship. Introduced on the 1999 Yukon, Denali has since grown to include all GMC product lines but has always been synonymous with Yukon. About 60 percent of Yukon buyers select Denali, making it an important consideration for the next-generation design.

The Yukon Denali boasts a more confident stance and improved proportions enabled by a longer wheelbase and new chassis. And for the first time, Denali models now have an exclusive interior. Each of the four color themes include authentic wood trim, with a fully natural look and texture. Leather surfaces are cut and stitched by hand in a unique Denali pattern.

The chrome grille is larger and more detailed than the 2020 version, with a precise dimensional pattern featuring over 10,000 individual reflective surfaces. Advanced lighting technology also distinguishes the Yukon Denali from other SUVs. GMC's C-shaped front lighting signature is conveyed through a prominent "light blade" that delivers uniform LED illumination for the daytime running lamps.

As always, Denali offers the highest level of premium features and content in the new Yukon and Yukon XL. Highlights include: the high-def Surrond Vision camera, the head-up display, rear pedestrian alert, fourth-gen magnetic ride control, and premium available options, including 22-in. wheels, panoramic sunroof, Air Ride Adaptive Suspension, and Active Response 4WD System.

The available four-corner Air Ride Adaptive Suspension offers ride-height adjustments of up to 4 in. (100 mm) total, as well as an automatic self-leveling feature. Drivers can raise the body up to 2 in. (50 mm) for additional ground clearance when driving off-road.

In higher speed highway driving, the system automatically lowers Yukon's ride height 3/4 in. (20 mm) to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. A driver-selectable setting enacts a 2-in. (50 mm) drop to aid passenger entry and exit when the vehicle is parked. The self-leveling feature helps with comfort and control, particularly when the vehicle is loaded with cargo and when trailering.

Magnetic Ride Control, a technology pioneered on exotic sports cars, enables both precise body control and handling capability. It is one of the fastest-reacting damping systems in the industry, using sensors to continually read the road and alter the damping rate of the shocks almost instantly. It reacts much faster than traditional shock absorbers to reduce bouncing, body roll, and vibrations that can often resonate in a large SUV.

First-ever Yukon AT4
Following the breakout popularity of the new Sierra AT4 pickup and the more recently launched Sierra HD AT4 and Acadia AT4, the new Yukon AT4 is all about rugged adventure. GMC will offer the new AT4 sub-brand across all product lines by the end of 2020.

Yukon AT4 provides premium off-road-inspired design cues to match its strong capabilities. The first-ever Yukon AT4 features a unique front fascia that both visually carries the rugged all-terrain look and supports off-road capability. Coupled with the available four-corner Air Ride Adaptive Suspension, the AT4 can raise and offer an additional 2 in. (50 mm) of ground clearance. When at this maximum height, the Yukon AT4 provides a nearly 32-degree approach angle for off-roading. The AT4 sports a noticeable contrast to Denali's chrome-oriented look around the exterior, with trim characterized by body color or dark accents throughout, as well as a pair of red recovery hooks, similar to the Sierra AT4.

Key features of the AT4 include a two-speed transfer case, 20-in. Goodyear all-terrain tires, Traction Select System with off-road mode, Hill Descent Control, skid plates that protect key areas of the underbody, AT4-exclusive leather appointed seats and stitching, jet black interior color theme with brandy accents, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row outboard seats.

Bring on the power
Yukon and Yukon XL drivers will have their choice of three engine options, highlighted by an all-new version of the 6.2L V8 engine, delivering 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, more than any competitor. The standard engine is an all-new 5.3L V8. The 5.3L and 6.2L engines feature stop/start technology and new Dynamic Fuel Management that enables the engine to operate on two to eight cylinders, depending on demand, to optimize power and efficiency.

Yukon's propulsion lineup expands for 2021, as drivers can also select an available all-new 3.0L inline-six turbo-diesel engine. The new diesel builds on GMC's expertise with Duramax turbo-diesels offered in Sierra, Sierra HD, and Canyon models.

All three engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and GMC's Electronic Precision Shift push-button gear selector. Yukon and Yukon XL are expected to be the most fuel-efficient full-size SUVs with the Duramax 3.0L turbo-diesel engine.

2021 GMC Yukon XL Denali.

 

 

The all-new 2021 Yukon and Yukon XL go on sale this summer, with production taking place at General Motors' Arlington, TX, assembly facility. Pricing will be released closer to production. To give you an idea, the 2020 Yukon Denali starts at $67,700. The Yukon XL currently starts at $69,500. Get new updates on the GMC site here.

Source: GMC

Published February 2020

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