After GM launched the 2021 Chevy Tahoe and Suburban configurators, you knew the 2021 GMC Yukon wouldn’t be too far behind. And you’d be right, since the Yukon and Yukon XL’s configurator site is now live. To get there, you may need to select “All Vehicles”, then go to 2021 models.
There are a couple caveats here, like the fact that some big options are notably absent. For example, you can’t (yet) build a 2021 GMC Yukon AT4 or a base SLE model. That said, we can still take a stab at building our own, at least as long as we keep that omission in mind.
Like the 2021 Chevy Tahoe and Subruban, the new Yukon switches over to GM’s T1 architecture, which also underpins the company’s newest Silverado and Sierra trucks. You still get the same two gas engines: a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower or a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower. Unfortunately, you can’t configure the 277 horsepower 3.0-liter Duramax diesel with its 460 lb-ft of torque either, but that is forthcoming. No matter which engine you choose, you’ll still get a 10-speed automatic transmission to go with it.
What about the price?
The headline figure, though, is the Yukon’s price. On the current configurator as of June 1, The 2021 model starts at $59,095 including GM’s $1,295 destination fee. That’s for a short wheelbase, 2WD SLT model with no package or standalone options. That’s $4,000 more than a Chevrolet Tahoe LT, also with rear-wheel drive, but importantly it’s no more expensive than a 2020 Yukon SLT. Opt for four-wheel drive, and you’ll add $3,000 to the base price, same as with the Tahoe.
If you want a 2021 GMC Yukon XL, you’ll spend $2,800 over the short wheelbase model (SLT), or $2,700 more with the Denali trim.
Currently, there are only two trims available on the configurator: SLT and Denali. No base SLE model is live (the 2020 Yukon starts around $51,895, so the base 2021 model will likely be around the same price), and the AT4 is not currently available.
2021 Yukon SLT (first available): $59,095
Starting with the SLT, the first choice you’ll have to make is with the engine and drivetrain. Right now, you can select 2WD or 4WD (+$3,000), and either a 5.3-liter V8 or 6.2-liter V8. Going with the bigger engine adds $10,500 to the MSRP, shooting the price up to $69,695.
As with Chevy, GMC offers nine colors, though Summit White is the only non-cost color available. Onyx Black (probably the Yukon that immediately springs to your mind thanks to its livery use) is a $195 option. Dark Sky Metallic (blue), Pearl Beige Metallic, Midnight Blue Metallic, Smoky Quartz Metallic and Satin Steel (gray) Metallic are $495. Cayenne Red Tintcoat is a $695 option, while the premium White Frost Tintcoat is $1,095. The SLT is available with two interior colors (both leather): Jet Black or Dark Walnut and Slate.
SLT Packages
The 2021 GMC Yukon offers 7 packages in the SLT trim. Some like the ProGrade Trailering System won’t hit your wallet, while the SLT Luxury Package will cost you a dear $3,595 (discounted from $3,995 as of June 2020). Mind you, up-sizing your wheels from the standard 20 inches to a set of 22s will set you back $2,995, so a package deal like that isn’t too hard to swallow.
All GMC Yukons come with a 10.2-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support as standard equipment.
Here are the package options you can choose with some highlights of each one:
- ProGrade Trailering System ($0): Integrated trailer brake controller; hitch guidance, trailer side blind zone alert
- Cargo Convenience Package ($440): Cargo net; organizer; shade
- Illumination Package ($535): Illuminated grille emblem; GMC puddle lights
- Max Trailering Package ($465): ProGrade package plus a heavy-duty radiator; two-speed transfer case (on 4WD models)
- Rear Media and Nav Package ($2,490): 10.2-inch infotainment system with navigation; rear seat entertainment system
- SLT Luxury Package ($2,030): Memory seats; power split-folding second and third row benches; heated steering wheel and mirrors
- SLT Luxury Plus Package ($3,595): SLT Luxury Package; Max Trailering Package and panoramic sunroof
SLT Standalone options
The 2021 GMC Yukon SLT offers seven different 22-inch wheel packages beyond the standard 20-inch polished aluminum wheels you get stock. All the wheel packages cost an additional $2,995.
You can get the panoramic sunroof as a standalone option for $1,500 without getting the SLT Luxury Plus Package. The illuminated GMC grille badge (if that’s your thing) costs $475 as a single option. Polished exhaust tips ($135) and wheel locks ($75) round out the extra-cost options, with all other features tied to the packages listed above.
2021 Yukon Denali: $69,695
If you step up to the Denali, you only get the 6.2-liter V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, as the configurator currently sits. Again, you can get it in two- or four-wheel drive variants, and you have the same color options (at the same prices) as the SLT. One more interior option you get with the Denali is a Teak/Light Shale arrangement, as well as the Jet Black Dark Walnut/Very Dark Ash Gray choices.
Denali Packages
At the top end, packages are much more expensive for the Denali than the SLT, but you do get more technology for your money. Like the SLT, though, you can still get the ProGrade Trailering System package as a no-cost option, as well as the Max Trailering Package and Cargo Convenience Package.
The Premium Capability Package adds adaptive air suspension to four-wheel drive models, as well as an electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD). The Denali Premium Package is currently on the configurator for $6,500, discounted from $7,000.
Here’s a package breakdown for the top-end Yukon:
- ProGrade Trailering System ($0)
- Advanced Security Package ($0): Inclination sensor; interior movement sensor; glass break sensor
- Cargo Convenience Package ($440)
- Illumination Package ($535)
- Max Trailering Package ($465)
- Advanced Technology Package ($1,780): Rear camera mirror; adaptive cruise control; Advanced Security Package
- Premium Capability Package (4WD only, $1,795): Adaptive Air Ride suspension; electronic limited-slip differential
- Denali Premium Package ($6,500): Power-retractable running boards; panoramic sunroof; 22-inch wheels
Denali Standalone options
The 2021 GMC Yukon Denali shares the same options as the SLT. However, you can also get the power-retractable steps as a $1,745 standalone option, without getting the Denali Premium Package. Front and rear splash guards are $195, while the illuminated GMC mirror emblem is $135.
The rear seat media system that’s available as a package on the SLT is a $1,995 standalone option on the Denali. A power-sliding center console will set you back $350, while a locking center console storage box costs $195 (though you can’t get it with the power-sliding center console). All-weather floor liners are available from $170 to $295, depending on how many rows you want to cover.
Fully decked out without any accessories, our 2021 GMC Yukon Denali came out to $87,235 fully built. How would you spec it? Let us know in the comments!
