2021 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL arrive with Denali and AT4 trims

Just a few weeks after Chevrolet revealed the all-new versions of their full-size SUVs, the Tahoe and Suburban, GMC unveiled their all-new 2021 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL SUVs along with their upscale Denali variant. Also new is an all-new offroad-oriented AT4 variant.

The new GMC Yukon and Yukon XL take cues from the Sierra pickup truck for their design, such as the C-shaped headlamps and the LED DRLs. The outline of the grill remains the same but the detailing is different. The Yukon has never felt small except on the inside, so GMC has given it an additional 154 mm of length. This translates to added 267 mm of additional legroom at the rear. If you need more space, the Yukon XL variant should float your boat. The long-wheelbase XL grows over the current XL model by 24 mm, which adds 56 mm of legroom in the third row. Both the Yukon and Yukon XL get a sliding second row as well.

The GMC Yukon and Yukon XL come with three different engine options with no extra power than before — an updated version of the 6.2-litre V8 which offers 420 hp is pegged at the top of the range. A smaller 355 hp 5.3-litre V8 sits below it and accompanied by a 277 hp 3.0-litre inline-six turbodiesel engine. All the engines are mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

The power is channelled on to the road via an optional “Active Response” four-wheel-drive system. The system includes an updated version of GMC’s magnetic ride control, a new electronic limited-slip differential, and a multi-link independent rear suspension. With all of these, the Active Response system helps the driver lift the vehicle for additional ground clearance up to 50 mm.

The Denali, as usual, is the loaded-to-the-brim luxury variant of the Yukon and Yukon XL. The Denali variants are given distinctive exterior features like a large grill with a lot of chrome. The interior of the Denali is where most of the changes occur. The Denali variants get exclusive features like a completely new instrument panel, first-in-class power sliding centre console, unique seats, and a choice of four different colour themes. It also gets a 15-inch heads-up display, Air Ride adaptive suspension, Panoramic sunroof, Active Response 4WD and a 360-degree camera.

GMC’s off-road-oriented AT4 spec arrives in the Yukon range for the first time. The Yukon AT4 gets serious off-road chops like a traction-select setting with off-road mode, two-speed transfer case, Air Ride adaptive suspension, hill descent control, skid plates and an additional 50 mm of ground clearance. The exterior of the Yukon AT4 is detailed with exclusive elements like dark chrome accents and 12-spoke ally wheels shod with 20-inch Goodyear all-terrain tires. The interior of the Yukon AT4 also flaunts custom features like custom leather, jet black finish with brandy inserts, heated steering wheels, heated and ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats all standard.

Prices for the Yukon and Yukon XL are not out yet but should be announced closer to their showroom debut by summer of 2020. Expect a not-insignificant increase, similar to how rival Ford Expedition grew in both size and price.