All-New 2021 GMC Yukon AT4 and Denali Make Official Debut with Big Truck Looks! (Video)

The Yukon lineup is more diverse than previous generations

January 14, 2020

GMC redesigned the all-new 2021 Yukon inside and out.

After GM revealed the all-new 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, you knew its cousin, the GMC Yukon and Yukon XL would soon follow. Now, we finally get our first true look at the 2021 GMC Yukon, which adopts new styling in both the front and the rear. From the front, it’s taken on the look of the GMC Sierra. At the back, it has new taillights that share the Yukon’s lineage with GMC’s crossover range.

Not only does the 2021 GMC Yukon look different, but the new model is physically larger as well. GM stretched the wheelbase on both the Yukon and Yukon XL by over four inches, and made it larger in every other dimension as well:

Powertrains

As you’d expect, the 2021 GMC Yukon carries on with the staple 6.2-liter V8. The engine carries over from the previous generation, with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. As for the standard engine, GMC claims an all-new 5.3-liter V8 is on offer, with both it and the 6.2-liter unit featuring auto stop/start technology and GM’s Dynamic Fuel Management system. With DFM, the engines can run on anywhere from two to eight cylinders depending on demand, to improve fuel economy.

GM’s 3.0-liter Duramax inline-six turbodiesel also makes its way into the Yukon. The company does not specifically mention power, but it’s likely the engine manages the same 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, the latter figure matching the 6.2-liter V8’s output.

All engines mate up to a 10-speed automatic transmission. However, the 2021 GMC Yukon ditches the column shifter for a push-button gear selector mounted on the center stack, next to the infotainment screen.

New Yukon AT4 model

While the top-end Yukon Denali trim remains, the 2021 model does bring in the brand’s “AT4” off-road package. The 2021 GMC Yukon AT4 has a unique front fascia, as well as an additional 2 inches of ground clearance when equipped with the optional four-corner Air Ride Adaptive Suspension. When it is set to maximum height, the Yukon AT4 has a respectable 32-degree approach angle. Although, those wanting to tackle tougher terrain with this SUV should take into account its 120.9 inch wheelbase (134.1 on the XL).

Other additions with the 2021 GMC Yukon AT4 include a two-speed transfer case, 20-inch wheels wrapped in Goodyear all-terrain tires, and a Traction Select system with an off-road mode. Skid plates protect key parts of the undercarriage, while the AT4 also has Hill Descent Control. Bespoke seats, badging and a Jet Black interior set the AT4 apart from other models in the range. The AT4 package also comes with a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats and heated second-row outboard seats.

Comfort and Convenience

The 2021 GMC Yukon is the brand’s most luxurious SUV offering, but the company also aims to use technology to make it one of the most capable. A power sliding center console is available on the SLT, AT4 and Denali trims to improve storage, replacing the old Yukon’s party trick where you could raise the infotainment screen for some extra secret storage.

The Yukon Denali features a 15-inch diagonal multi-color display, as well as the brand’s nine-view HD Surround Vision camera. Magnetic Ride Control is also a highlight on the Denali, as are the 22-inch wheels and adaptive air suspension.

With the second and third rows folded, the 2021 GMC Yukon offers more than 20 percent more cargo room over the previous model. The standard Yukon has 28.2 cubic feet more than the old one (for a total of 122.9 cubic feet). As for the Yukon XL, you get 23 cubic feet more cargo volume, for a total of 144.7 cubic feet with the seats folded.

On sale this summer

GMC has not announced pricing yet for the new Yukon. However, the new model will go on sale this summer, and we should have more information by then. GM will build the 2021 GMC Yukon at its Arlington, Texas plant, where the company has built the model since 1998.

Check out the photo galleries below for more, and stay tuned to TFLtruck.com for more updates!