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2024 Kia Soul Review2021 GMC Yukon: A Fine Land Yacht
Longer and fancier with new levels of handling refinement and powertrain options, the 2021 GMC Yukon will haul it all, with style to spare.
What’s New for the 2021 GMC Yukon?
Riding on General Motors’ new T1 platform, the 2021 GMC Yukon kicks off the fifth-generation of this full-size SUV. Fresh sheet metal sits on a Yukon that stretches 6” in length versus the last model along with independent rear suspension for the first time. The AT4 off-road sub-brand joins the Yukon lineup for 2021, as does a Duramax diesel engine option.
Top dog Denali models are further distinguished with trim-exclusive looks and features including a unique dashboard layout. The four-wheel-drive (4WD) system also gets an upgrade with a new, optional Active Response mode that automatically transfers torque to the wheels with the best traction.
2021 GMC Yukon AT4 – media.gmc.com | Shop 2021 GMC Yukon on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
3 engine options including a turbodiesel
Denali is full of high-end features
More ride comfort with adaptive air suspension
Plenty of third row legroom
Tahoe offers much of the same for a lower price
SUV segment just got bigger, better, and fancier
2021 Yukon Specs
- 355 horsepower from base engine
- 383 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 26 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 123 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- 12.6″ dual rear-seat entertainment display
- Handy rear seat occupant reminder
- Hitch View lets driver see hitch status
- Duramax gets 100,000-mile coverage
2021 GMC Yukon Powertrain
For 2021, the Yukon adds a Duramax turbodiesel option producing 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission, previously only available with the big V8, is now standard across the lineup including the diesel. Base V8 motors have 5.3 liters of displacement producing a healthy 355 horsepower and 383 torques. The big, Denali-only 6.2-liter V8 makes a heady 420 horses and 460 lb-ft of twist.
On the handling front, 2021 GMC Yukons are fitted with a multi-link, independent rear suspension for the first time. This should dramatically improve on road manners and can be further enhanced with an optional adaptive air suspension and Magnetic Ride control. The air suspension will automatically self-level for ease of loading and lower at highway speeds for improved aerodynamics. The magnetorheological dampers can modify their fluid viscosity, in real-time based on road conditions, for a truly magic carpet-like ride.
Towing & Payload
All 2021 GMC Yukons come with a 2” hitch receiver and 7-pin wiring harness but you’ll need the Max Trailering package to pull an advertised 8,400 pounds. Payload ranges from 1600 to 1800 pounds and the backup camera comes with hitch guidance lines to assist in lining everything up. Optional tech like surround vision and hitch view camera angles offer high-def visuals of what’s happening at the hitch level and side-to-side.
2021 GMC Yukon Fuel Economy & MPG
Tipping the scales at nearly 3 tons, “fuel sipping” the 2021 GMC Yukon is not, but there are measures in place to boost fuel efficiency as much as possible. Dynamic fuel management is GM’s cylinder deactivation technology in use on both V8 motors along with active front grille shutters and idle stop/start on all models.
The smaller V8 achieves 15 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway in either drivetrain configuration. The 6.2-liter version only loses 1 mpg in the city figure, highway efficiency is the same. Predictably, the diesel motor is the fuel-economy winner with 21/27 mpg city/highway estimates on 2WD Yukons and 20/26, respectively when equipped with 4WD.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Six inches in added length for the 2021 GMC Yukon mean rear seat, especially third row, passengers will have room to stretch out. Both rear rows fold flat, offering a cavernous 123 cubic feet of storage volume and upper trim levels feature power-operated seat folding. All models have tri-zone HVAC controls and acoustic laminated glass but you’ll need an SLT or above for leather upholstery and ventilated seating. Denali trim packs exclusive amenities like real wood trim, second row captain’s chairs a unique stitching pattern.
Entertainment & Technology
A 10” touchscreen is the infotainment nerve center for all 2021 GMC Yukons with wireless phone mirroring software and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Navigation is available as are premium Bose audio systems, a multicolor HUD, an array of USB ports and 120V receptacles. The Rear Media System features two, 12.6” touchscreens mounted on front seatbacks with a pair of wireless headphones, and the ability for rear passengers to interact with navigation routes.
Safety Features
Standard ADAS on the new Yukon include automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking and forward collision alert but blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist and rear cross-traffic alerts require a package or higher trim levels. A surround vision feature displays a bird’s eye view of the Yukon exterior in high-definition and all models are equipped with rear seat reminder and Teen Driver software.
2021 GMC Yukon Trims & Pricing
SLE – $52,695
Though SLE is considered base Yukon trim, it comes nicely equipped with the 355-horse, 5.3-liter V8 power plant, 18” wheels, body-colored trim and LED lamps in the headlights, taillights, fogs, and daytime-running lights. The Duramax diesel is an option for about $1000 as are 22” rims. Rain sensing windshield wipers and heated exterior mirrors are standard equipment as is acoustic laminated glass and tri-zone climate controls. Cloth upholstery is on hand with power-adjustability for front row occupants.
A 10” touchscreen sprouting above the HVAC controls handles Apple and Android software that features wireless connection. Dual 120V receptacles, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and OnStar capability are all included as well. For $645, the ProGrade Trailering System adds an integrated trailer brake controller, hitch view tech, and heavy-duty radiator. The Performance Upgrade package features an upgraded air intake and cat-back performance exhaust system for $2295.
SLT – $59,695
Moving up to a Yukon SLT unlocks the $1100 White Frost Tricoat paint option and standard 20-inch rims. Chrome trim spruces up the exterior and the liftgate gains hands-free operation with programmable height. Inside, leather seating can be selected in black or a dark walnut/slate scheme while driver and front passenger seats are climatized with 12-way adjustability.
A Bose 9-speaker stereo system is a step up over the standard 6-speaker setup and the Pro Safety Plus lineup of ADAS is included. Back seat occupants will appreciate the $2490 Rear Media package with its dual, 12.6” monitors mounted to front seatbacks. That package also adds navigation and the SLT Premium group brings a panoramic sunroof, HD surround vision, heated middle row seats, and more for about $3500.
AT4 – $66,795
Blending off-road ability with Denali luxury, the all-new AT4 trim sports all-terrain tires and a unique front fascia with skid plate and red recovery hooks. GM’s slick Magnetic Ride Control smooths out the bumps on and off paved surfaces while the Autotrac 2-speed transfer case features an automatic 4WD mode.
The interior features an automatic heated steering wheel, power-folding second and third row seats with perforated leather upholstery in an AT4-exclusive jet black and brandy accented design. The $9145 AT4 Premium Plus package nets max trailering kit, the Active Response 4WD system, power-assist exterior steps, and adaptive air suspension.
Denali – $68,670
Denali models are set apart as the only trim offered with the bigger, 6.2-liter V8, though the diesel is also available. Polished stainless steel, quad exhaust tips are trim exclusive as is the satin chrome bright work. Unique leather seating colors with real-wood trim and Denali-only “fractal” stitching further the upmarket vibe inside.
Unlike other trims, the Denali’s touchscreen is embedded in the dashboard for a higher end look. A 15” HUD, 14-speaker Bose CenterPoint stereo and HD surround vision exterior camera view are all standard. For just over $10,000, the Denali Ultimate package piles on with 22” rims, air suspension, panoramic sunroof, backseat media system, and a whole lot more.
Warranties
Bumper-to-bumper coverage of the 2021 GMC Yukon is good for 3 years or 36,000 miles as is corrosion protection. Powertrain components coverage and roadside assistance has a 5 year/60,000 mile term and one complimentary maintenance visit is part of the deal. The Duramax diesel engine has a separate warranty for 5 years or 100,000 miles.
What we think
2021 GMC Yukon Denali – media.gmc.com | Shop 2021 GMC Yukon on Carsforsale.com
With its increased size and tremendous levels of available opulence, the 2021 GMC Yukon has everything you need to haul people, cargo and a fair amount of trailering in style, but watch out for an oversized carbon footprint.
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