Crossovers might be selling
like hotcakes, but GMC is committed to full-size SUVs and they’re showing that
resolve by unveiling the all-new Yukon and Yukon XL. Set to go on sale later
this year, the Yukon is instantly recognizable as it’s front fascia closely
echoes the Sierra. The SUV features a prominent grille
which is flanked by C-shaped headlights with integrated LED daytime running
lights. Further below, there are vertical fog lights and a more aerodynamic
front bumper.
Continuing to the rear, the
Yukon has an evolutionary body with more prominent character lines. The model
also adopts a rakish C-pillar, sculpted doors and a relatively flat roof. To help distinguish it from the Chevrolet Tahoe
and Suburban, designers added L-shaped taillights which mimic those on the
Arcadia.
While the models look pretty
familiar, they’ve grown in size. The standard Yukon is 155 mm longer and gains a 124 mm larger wheelbase. Thanks to the extra
length, the SUV has an additional 257 mm of third row legroom.
Furthermore, cargo capacity climbs 798 liters to 3,480 liters overall. The Yukon XL is also larger than before, but the
differences are less noticeable. Length climbs by 23 mm, while the
wheelbase grows 104 mm. Third row legroom is up 56
mm, while there’s a massive cargo capacity of 4097 liters.
Moving into the cabin, drivers
will find an improved interior with higher quality materials. Highlights
include a 10-inch infotainment system, an 8-inch digital display in the
instrument cluster and a 15-inch head-up display. Customers can also get a
panoramic glass sunroof and a rear seat entertainment system with two 12.6-inch
touchscreen displays.
The standard Yukon has an
interior that echoes the Tahoe and Suburban, but the Denali is different as it
has an exclusive cabin with unique seats, a more luxurious dashboard and
authentic wood trim. The Denali, AT4 and SLT can also be equipped with an
optional sliding center console. It
slides back up to 254 mm to provide drivers with an open space for
a purse or a bag.
Under the hood, the Yukon
comes standard with a 5.3-liter V8 engine that produces 355 hp and 519 Nm of torque. It features cylinder deactivation
technology and is connected to a new ten-speed automatic transmission. Upgrading
to the Denali rewards buyers with a 6.2-liter V8 that develops 420 hp and 623 Nm of torque. Customers can also opt for a newly
available 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel engine that produces 277 hp and 623 Nm of torque. Besides the updated engine lineup,
the Yukon can be equipped with an Active Response 4WD system. GMC didn’t say much about it, but it can work
with the newly available electronic limited slip differential.
Sticking with the performance
theme, the Yukon and Yukon XL feature an all-new independent rear suspension
that promises to dramatically improve comfort and driving dynamics. The ride
can be further enhanced by an Air Ride Adaptive Suspension and Magnetic Ride
Control.
While the Yukon isn’t a
hardcore off-roader, that hasn’t stopped GMC from introducing a new AT4
variant. It features skid plates, a
two-speed transfer case and Goodyear all-terrain tires. Other items include hill descent control and
a traction select system with an off-road mode.
The
Yukon can be equipped with an assortment of driver assistance systems. These
include Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian
Braking and Rear Pedestrian Alert. There’s also Lane Change Alert with Side
Blind Zone Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, and Front and
Rear Park Assist. The 2021 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL will go on sale this summer,
and pricing will be released closer to launch.