Yukon 2021 GMC
Yukon 2021 GMC
2021 Yukon When it comes to big muscle with a family-engineered three-row , the 2021 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL will be hard to beat when they go on sale this summer. Redesigned from the ground up for 2021, the new Yukon borrows mechanics from the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban ,
But it goes its own way with a unique look and some new features. Three engines will be offered – two petrol V-8s and a six-engine turbodiesel – all mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission that is operated via a push-button selector from GMC. The cabin is more spacious and better-equipped than last year’s model and there’s more cargo space, too – all the better for family vacations, trips to Home Depot and back parties.
Yukon 2021
The all-new Yukon bows out for 2021 and rides on a new platform shared with the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, but wears a distinctive design. As with Chevys, the 2021 GMC Yukon will come with independent rear suspension, a first for General Motors’ large SUVs.
While the rugged, checkered-looking AT4, off-road equipment, luxury Denali and hand-stitched leather interior look the most appealing, it’s actually a well-appointed and affordable SLT. This mid-range model comes packed with the features most buyers are looking for, including leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, 20-inch wheels, a power tailgate and a host of driver assistance features.
2021 Yukon Engine, Transmission & Performance
Similar to the last generation Yukon, two V-8s will be offered: 355 hp 5.3 liter and 420 hp 6.2 liter. In addition to those gasoline engines, GMC will also offer a 3.0-liter turbodiesel inboard engine that delivers 460 lb-ft of torque and should be an option for buyers intending to tow heavy items.
All models come with a 10-speed automatic transmission that is operated by a push-button panel on the dashboard and will offer either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The off-road-oriented AT4 joins the lineup for the first time in 2021 and features a two-speed transfer case, 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, skid plates for the chassis, optional air suspension and capable of delivering up to the extra two inches of ground clearance.
2021 Yukon fuel economy
According to EPA estimates, the 2021 Yukon isn’t particularly fuel efficient, but it does perform slightly better in the city than the model it replaces. Equipped with the smaller 5.3-liter V-8, Yukins are the most efficient gasoline models with ratings of 16 mpg city, 20 mpg city, and 18 mpg combined. The turbo diesel will probably get the better ratings, but those numbers haven’t been released yet. We haven’t had a chance to put the new Yukon to the fuel-economy test on the 200-mile highway, but we’ll update this story with the results when we do.
Interior, comfort and cargo
Available in a variety of flavors—from the base-spec SLE to the luxury Denali—the Yukon and Long Wheelbase Yukon XL promise seating for up to eight passengers, although ordering popular second-row captain’s seats will cut total seating capacity to seven. Best-in-class Denali models offer a unique interior with a wood-clad instrument panel and hand-stitched leather upholstery.
A new electrically sliding center console is available on SLT, AT4 and Denali models and allows the driver to operate the center console back and forth on a 10-inch track to make room for a larger first-row load such as a briefcase or backpack and stow other small items out of sight in hidden compartments. Cargo capacity is large, especially on the larger XL model, which offers 145 cubic feet of maximum cargo space with all of its seats stowed. That’s more than its cross-city rival, the Ford Expedition Max (which has 121.5 cubic feet behind the front row of seats). When we get a new Yukon to test, we’ll pack it full of our own carry-on handbags to see how many fit it.
Information, entertainment and communication
All Yukon models come equipped with a large infotainment display with GMC’s latest IntelliLink interface. We found the system easy to use on other models but didn’t test it on the new Yukon. The SLE, SLT and AT4 models feature screens that stand tall in the center of the dashboards, but the Denali is shod in bright chrome and integrated into the dashboard for a more sophisticated look. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot will all be standard equipment; The Bose navigation system and audio system will be optional features.
2021 Yukon safety and driver assistance features
Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has released crash test results for the 2021 Yukon or Yukon XL. GMC claims that driver assistance features will be offered on more models and some will be standard equipment. Key safety features include:
Standard Automatic Emergency Braking with Forward Collision Warning
Available blind spot monitoring system with rear cross traffic alert
Lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist are available
