2021 GMC Yukon Review

　　

2021 GMC Yukon Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　The Yukon is one of the few truck-based SUVs still around. But being truck-based can't be an excuse for being behind the times. The previous-generation Yukon offered plenty of towing capacity but came up short in refinement, versatility and features. This year's redesigned 2021 Yukon has addressed many of those shortcomings.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 GMC Yukon SLE 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 10A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$213/mo  for Yukon SLE

　　Yukon SLE

　　SLE 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 10A) - $51,000 MSRPSLE 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 10A) - $54,000 MSRPSLT 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 10A) - $58,000 MSRPSLT 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 10A) - $61,000 MSRPAT4 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 10A) - $65,100 MSRPDenali 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 10A) - $68,600 MSRPDenali 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A) (Most Popular) - $71,600 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　A GMC design brief could have very well read "bigger is better" because the new Yukon is 6.1 inches longer than its predecessor. That's opened up more legroom for rear passengers — three 6-foot-tall passengers can sit in tandem without feeling cramped. The increase in length also benefits cargo space. Fold down the second- and third-row seats and you've got a pretty massive 122.9 cubic feet at your disposal. A lower load floor helps make loading big items easier than last year too.

　　The Yukon also gets an independent rear suspension for the first time. Compared to the old Yukon, which had a traditional solid-axle rear suspension, the new Tahoe rides much more smoothly over bumps and around turns. GMC is also offering an air-ride suspension system that provides 4 inches of ride-height adjustment. It also allows you to switch the Yukon from a low, easier passenger-access mode to an off-road mode that adds 2 inches of ground clearance over the standard ride height.

　　As before, a more car-like three-row crossover SUV such as the Kia Telluride will be easier to drive and get you better fuel economy. But all of these upgrades add up to a large SUV that is without a doubt fully competitive with the excellent Ford Expedition. Check out the categories of our Expert Rating below to get our in-depth take on the new Yukon's performance, comfort and more.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.6

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the Yukon drive? The Yukon Denali, which is what we tested, is the only model in the lineup powered by a 6.2-liter V8. The engine produces gobs of power, and the Denali's 6.6-second sprint to 60 mph is among the segment's quickest. The 10-speed automatic transmission, though smooth and pleasant enough in everyday driving, takes a few beats to shift into a lower gear when you put your foot down. We also noticed that the transmission treats pushes of manual gear selector buttons more like suggestions than commands.

　　The Yukon's substantial weight and top-heavy design sabotage any chance of praiseworthy handling. It's something you have to accept with a vehicle this large. On the upside, the brakes make it easy to stop smoothly, and the light steering effort is perfect for navigating a crowded Costco lot. The Denali isn't as capable off-road as the AT4 trim, but its air suspension and two-speed transfer case will get you out of some tough spots.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Yukon? The new independent rear suspension design works wonders for the Yukon's ride quality. That combined with the adaptive dampers and air suspension makes it ride only slightly busier than a car-based SUV. Another highlight is the quiet cabin. The Yukon is essentially a giant brick cutting through the air, yet wind noise is barely noticeable. The climate system is noteworthy, funneling large amounts of air to all three rows.

　　Seat comfort is less impressive. The bolsters up front are flat, and the seats lack the extensive adjustments found in competing SUVs. Some of our drivers started to get uncomfortable after just a few hours of driving. The second-row seats are flat as well, and none of the seats in the third row feel remotely sculpted to the human body.

　　

Interior

7.5/10

　　How’s the interior? All three rows now have enough headroom and leg space for adults. The Yukon is also easy to get in and out of — provided you have enough clearance to swing the big doors out. The large door openings, tall roof and sliding second-row seats make third-row access a cinch. Front sightlines are pretty good, though the thick rear pillars obscure your view somewhat. The available 360-degree camera system is terrifically useful in parking spots.

　　The controls up front are a mix of virtual buttons and chunky physical knobs and switches. Some are easy to discern without taking your eyes off the road, while others are grouped and located in odd places. The driver's seat offers plenty of sliding and height-adjustment range, but a lack of additional seat adjustments makes it hard to find an ideal driving position.

　　

Technology

8.0/10

　　How’s the tech? The Yukon offers a useful array of tech features and driving aids. The infotainment interface is graphically unimpressive compared to luxury rivals, but it gets the job done and responds quickly to inputs. The Bose audio system is impressive, with a wallop of bass that doesn't overpower instruments or vocals. You can connect to it through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both of which support wireless connections. Our Denali had seven seats, and between the USB ports and a wireless charging pad, there were enough power points for every occupant to charge simultaneously.

　　GMC doesn't fit the Yukon with many standard driving aids, and we cannot fathom why adaptive cruise control is only available on the top-level Denali trim. At least the systems all work pretty well.

　　

Storage

8.0/10

　　How’s the storage? A from-the-ground-up rethink of the Yukon pays dividends in the cargo area. Space behind the third row measures 25.5 cubic feet — roughly 50% more than the previous model. Fold all of the rear seats and you get a whopping 122.9 cubes of storage, which is more than what you get from the Ford Expedition, Toyota Sequoia or Nissan Armada. There are also many areas throughout the cabin offers for storing your small personal items, including a deep bin below the center stack and two-tier storage on every door. The optional sliding center console is useful for hiding small items, but it reduces underarm storage by splitting the cubby into two compartments.

　　Planning to use your Yukon to shuttle around small children? The second-row car seat anchors are immediately visible and easy to access, and the Yukon's gargantuan cabin ensures you'll have no problem fitting a set of child seats.

　　As for towing, the Yukon can pull up to 8,000 pounds when equipped with 4WD and the 6.2-liter engine; the Yukon's max tow rating of 8,400 pounds comes with rear-wheel drive and the 5.3-liter engine. This is more than car-based luxury SUVs can handle, but a comparable Ford Expedition can pull an additional 1,000 pounds.

　　

Fuel Economy

7.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The 4WD Yukon Denali, which we tested, gets an EPA-estimated 16 mpg combined (14 city/19 highway). The Ford Expedition Platinum is quicker in a straight line and is rated 3 mpg higher in all categories. The Yukon is a bit more efficient than the Toyota Sequoia and Nissan Armada. If you don't need the raw towing capacity, the turbocharged six-cylinders of the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7 are rated at 21 mpg combined.

　　Real-world results are closer than expected between the GMC and Ford rivals. The Yukon returned 18.4 mpg in our 115-mile highway-heavy test route. Meanwhile, the Expedition posted similar figures but is supposed to be more efficient based on its EPA estimates.

　　

Value

7.5/10

　　Is the Yukon a good value? It's difficult to rate the Yukon Denali on value. On one hand, it's more expensive than a similarly equipped Ford Expedition or Nissan Armada and it's priced almost the same as a Mercedes GLS or BMW X7. Both of these luxury SUVs are more refined and upscale, but they can't tow as much. As it stands, the Yukon Denali is an interesting middle ground between mainstream and large luxury SUVs. And as such, its interior materials are pretty nice without being awesome.

　　GMC's bumper-to-bumper warranty of three years/36,000 miles and powertrain coverage and roadside assistance for five years/60,000 miles are typical for the class. GMC covers the first scheduled maintenance visit.

　　

Wildcard

7.5/10

　　The Yukon is entertaining in a straight line — the 6.2-liter V8 is a muscular delight. But the reluctance of the transmission to shift when called upon saps some fun, as does the ultra-intrusive stability control system. That, plus the considerable amount of body roll, makes this less a joy to drive than one of its car-based luxury competitors.

　　This blocky SUV is charming in its own way, however. With its chrome-trimmed exterior, it looks like something Nick Fury would drive, so you feel pretty cool from behind the wheel. The boisterous V8 brims with personality, and features such as the power-retractable side steps and rear entertainment system are neat touches.

　　

Which Yukon does zzdcar recommend?

The midrange SLT should satisfy most Yukon buyers. It isn't substantially more expensive than the base model and adds upscale touches such as leather upholstery, ventilated front seats and a higher-quality audio system. Or if price isn't a concern, go big with the range-topping Yukon Denali. Aside from its more imposing exterior design and more powerful V8, the cabin gets a unique treatment that sets it apart from other Yukon variants.

　　

2021 GMC Yukon models

The 2021 GMC Yukon is a large three-row SUV that typically seats seven to nine passengers, depending on configuration. It is sold in four trim levels: SLE, SLT, AT4 and Denali. Most Yukon models are powered by a 5.3-liter V8 (355 horsepower, 383 lb-ft of torque). Two other engines are also available:

　　The Denali exclusively has a 6.2-liter V8 (420 hp, 460 lb-ft). Later in the model year, GMC will offer an optional turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel engine (277 hp, 460 lb-ft). All engines are paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and four-wheel drive is optional except on the AT4, where it's standard.

　　SLE

　　The base SLE trim kicks things off with:

　　18-inch wheels Keyless entry and ignition Eight-person seating configuration (2-3-3) 10.2-inch touchscreen Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto compatibility Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)There are several options for the Yukon SLE, including:

　　GMC Pro Safety Plus package Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot) Rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while in reverse) Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position) Max Trailering package Trailer brake controller (helps you adjust the brakes on your trailer) Heavy-duty cooling system Two-speed active transfer case (4WD models only) Tire-pressure monitoring sensors for trailer Nine-passenger seating configuration (3-3-3)SLT

　　The midgrade SLT comes standard with:

　　GMC Pro Safety Plus package 20-inch wheels Hands-free liftgate Heated and ventilated front seats Leather upholstery Nine-speaker Bose audio system Wireless charging padAs with the SLE, a number of options are available for the SLT. These include:

　　Rear Media and Nav package Navigation system Rear-seat entertainment system with dual 12.6-inch display screens SLT Luxury package Driver-seat memory settings Heated steering wheel Heated outboard second-row seats Power-folding third row Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Yukon and its surroundings for tight parking situations) Max Trailering package Additionally, the blind-spot monitor extends to cover a trailer, if attached Seven-passenger seating configuration with second-row bucket seats Tire-pressure monitoring sensors for trailerAT4

　　The AT4 is the Yukon's off-road-oriented trim and is offered in 4WD only. Features unique to the Yukon AT4 include:

　　Unique front fascia to improve the Yukon's approach angle Dark gray wheels with all-terrain tires Front tow hooks and skid plate Heavy-duty air filterOn top of SLT equipment, the AT4 also adds:                                 

　　Adaptive suspension dampers (better ride and handling capabilities) Hill descent control Two-speed active transfer case Driver-seat memory settings Heated steering wheel Heated outboard second-row seats Power-folding third rowOptions for the AT4 include:

　　Technology package Rear cross-traffic alert system can now detect pedestrians Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Yukon and its surroundings for tight parking situations) Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield) Premium Capability with Active Response 4WD package Air suspension (can raise or lower the ride height of the vehicle) Electronic limited-slip differential AT4 Premium Plus package Max Trailering package Rear Media and Nav package Technology package Premium Capability with Active Response 4WD package Panoramic sunroof Power-retractable side steps Max Trailering package Tire-pressure monitoring sensors for trailerDenali

　　The Denali includes all non-unique AT4 features, though the two-speed active transfer case is reserved for 4WD models. Further additions include:

　　6.2-liter V8 Technology package Navigation system 14-speaker Bose audio systemEven the top-trim Denali doesn't include every feature available for the Yukon. Optional extras include:

　　Advanced Technology package Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Yukon and the car in front) Digital rearview mirror (can display an image from the rearview camera in the mirror) Advanced security system Denali Deluxe package Advanced Technology package 22-inch wheels Rear-seat entertainment system with dual 12.6-inch display screens Denali Premium package Advanced Technology package 22-inch wheels Panoramic sunroof Power-retractable side steps Denali Ultimate package Denali Premium package Max Trailering package Rear-seat entertainment system with dual 12.6-inch display screens Air suspension (rear-wheel-drive models only) Premium Capability with Active Response 4WD package Max Trailering package Tire-pressure monitoring sensors for trailer

　　

2021 Yukon Highlights

Trim: SLESLTAT4DenaliSLE

　　

Base MSRP	$51,000
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	18 MPG
Cost to Drive	$213/month
Seating	8 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	25.5 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles