2021 GMC Yukon is the fancy Chevy Suburban we won't get
The Yukon is the upscale Suburban and Tahoe we secretly want
Last December, Chevrolet officially launched the all-new 2021 Tahoe and Suburban. Both models featured a radical redesign, giving the big SUVs an entirely new and bolder look. More importantly, they are no underpinned by a new platform called the GM T1 architecture and now has independent rear suspension.
Fresh off their global debut, the American automaker has now revealed the more upscale version of the Tahoe and Suburban – the 2021 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL.
Similar to their Chevrolet counterparts, the biggest change to the Yukon is the new platform and independent rear suspension. As a result, both models are also a lot bigger than their predecessors. The wheelbase on both the standard Yukon and Yukon XL grows by more than 100mm each. As a result, there's also more interior space for legroom and cargo.
Styling-wise, the design changes on the Yukon and Yukon XL are a lot more subtle as compared to the Tahoe and Suburban. The GMC SUVs still look similar to their predecessors. In fact, some might even be fooled into thinking that the 2021 models are only a minor refresh. Up front, a large bold grill is flanked by new C-shaped LED headlights. The rear gets new C-shaped taillights as well to complement the front end. To distinguish itself from the rest of the range, the top-of-the-line Denali trim gets new 22-inch 12-spoke wheels and additional exterior elements.
New for the 2021 model GMC Yukon is the AT4 trim level. Compared to the Denali which gets more bling and chrome, the AT4 has a more rugged appeal. It has a different grill paired with dark chrome accents all around, a skid plate, and red tow hooks. Rather than having large 22-inch wheels, smaller 20-inch units have been fitted with all-terrain tires. The adaptive air-ride suspension comes standard on the AT4 and offers an additional two inches of ground clearance.
Despite being the same vehicle underneath, the interior is unlike that of the Chevy SUVs. A 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto sits front and center. There are also loads of features available too including a 15-inch heads-up display. In Denali trim, there's a different dashboard configuration and features special wood and leather trims.
Under the hood, the GMC Yukon and XL are available with three engine options: an updated 6.2-liter V8, a fresh 5.3-liter V8, and a brand-new 3.0-liter inline-six turbodiesel. All three are mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. These engines are also the same ones found in the Tahoe and Suburban.
There's no word on pricing just yet. Since it they are a GMC though, expect it to be a bit pricer than the Chevrolet models. However, it won't be the most luxurious or most expensive three-row SUV in GM's lineup. That title is reserved for the all-new Cadillac Escalade which has yet to be launched. Needless to say, the GMC Yukon and Yukon XL won't be offered here. But, you can probably get your hands on one from private importers.
