The 2021 GMC Yukon full-size SUV is bigger, roomier, and has more trailblazing capability than ever before when upgraded with the American automaker’s AT4 trim.
The off-road-oriented AT4 badge debuted on the 2019 Sierra pickup to critical acclaim. The first ever Yukon AT4 gets bold front fascia, a four-corner adaptive suspension that can raise the body an extra two inches off the ground to achieve a 32-degree approach angle.
A host of other features designed to help drivers conquer harsh terrain in comfort and style include:
- Two-speed transfer case
- 20-inch Goodyear all-terrain tires
- Traction Select System with off-road mode
- Hill Descent Control
- Skid plates protecting key areas of the underbody
- AT4-exclusive leather appointed seats and stitching
- Unique Jet Black interior color theme with Brandy accents
- Heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats and heated second-row outboard seats
Of course, the Yukon is also available in GMC’s longstanding luxury-oriented Denali trim. These top-end models get a totally exclusive interior with a swankier control panel and seats, authentic wood accents and hand-stitched leather. Up front is a larger, more detailed version of the signature Denali Galvano chrome grille and a C-shaped LED “light blade” that illuminates daytime running lamps.
Other key features of the Yukon Denali include:
- High Definition Surround Vision camera
- 15-inch-diagonal multicolor HUD
- Rear Pedestrian Alert
- Fourth-generation Magnetic Ride Control
- Premium available options, including 22-inch wheels, panoramic sunroof, Air Ride Adaptive Suspension and Active Response four-wheel drive
There are three power plants are available: a revised version of GMC’s 6.2-liter V8 that delivers 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, a 3.0-liter inline-six turbo-diesel, and a new standard 5.3L V8. All three engines are mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and are operable via a push-button gear selector.
The Yukon is also larger overall, gaining 6.1 inches of overall length, over 10 more inches of third-row legroom. and over 28 cubic feet of extra cargo space compared to last year’s model. The same is true of the hulkier Yukon XL, GMC’s roomiest SUV, which gained just under an inch of length, 2.2 inches of third-row legroom, and 23 extra cubic feet cargo space.
Automatic emergency braking is standard on all models, while a rear camera mirror, pedestrian alert system and GMC’s HD Surround Vision Camera—which displays a bird’s eye view of vehicle on the driver’s display while in reverse—are available as options.
New trailering features designed to help improve the “hitching experience and driving confidence when towing a trailer,” as GMC puts it, include trailer profiles, trailer tire pressure/temperature monitoring, and Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert.
Prices for the 2021 GMC Yukon will be announced before it goes on sale this summer.