2021 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL Revealed

Lineup is headlined by more upscale Denali and first-ever AT4

The 2021 Yukon lineup is headlined by an all-new and more upscale Denali and the first-ever Yukon AT4, taking Yukon into the premium off-road space. Yukon reaches a higher level of precise craftsmanship and premium accommodations through a combination of advanced features and class-leading technologies, including:

• All-new interior design across the Yukon lineup, highlighted by a Denali-exclusive interior and a new, class-leading available Power Sliding Center Console.
• First-in-class, available, four-corner Air Ride Adaptive Suspension delivers exceptional ride comfort and, when 4WD LO is engaged, allows drivers to raise the body up to 2 inches (50 mm) for additional ground clearance when traveling off-road (late availability).
• An available nine camera views1, the most in the segment, increase driver awareness, including High Definition Surround Vision, Rear Camera Mirror and GMC’s ProGrade trailering system.
• Class-leading available 15-inch-diagonal multicolor Head-Up Display projects speed, navigation, safety features and other driver-centric information when properly equipped.
• The most powerful engine in the full-size SUV segment, an all-new 6.2L V8 with Dynamic Fuel Management (standard on Denali) delivers an estimated 420 horsepower, paired with a standard 10-speed transmission.
• All-new available Active Response 4WDTM System combines technologies including an electronic Limited Slip Differential, to continuously monitor road conditions and react to improve traction, handling and overall control.

2021 Yukon Denali

The 2021 Yukon Denali debuts a more confident stance and improved proportions enabled by its longer wheelbase and new chassis. As bold as the new exterior design is, the biggest stories are found inside the new Yukon.

For the first time, Denali models now have an exclusive interior – a completely new instrument panel, unique seats and a choice among four unique color themes, each with its own personality – outfitted with premium and authentic materials.

Each of the four color themes include authentic wood trim, with a fully natural look and texture. Leather surfaces are cut and stitched by hand in a unique Denali pattern.

Denali’s trademark Galvano chrome grille is larger and more detailed, with a precise dimensional pattern featuring over 10,000 individual reflective surfaces. Advanced lighting technology distinguishes the Yukon Denali from other SUVs. GMC’s C-shaped front lighting signature is conveyed through a prominent “light blade” that delivers uniform LED illumination for the daytime running lamps. LEDs are also used for the headlamps, taillamps, fog lamps and other illuminative elements, with lenses constructed from durable material with an almost crystalline quality.

As always, Denali offers the highest level of premium features and content in the new Yukon and Yukon XL. Highlights include:

• High Definition Surround Vision1 camera
• 15-inch-diagonal multicolor Head-Up Display
• Rear Pedestrian Alert
• Fourth-generation Magnetic Ride Control
• Premium available options, including 22-inch wheels, panoramic sunroof, Air Ride Adaptive Suspension and Active Response 4WDTMSystem

The Yukon’s new first-class interior features a Power Sliding Center Console, available on Denali, AT4 and SLT. The main storage console between the driver and passenger seats can slide back up to 10 inches (254 mm), offering an expansive storage area that enhances overall storage flexibility and organization.

When the console slides back, drivers gain access to an open space for a purse or bag, and an additional hidden drawer underneath the console’s main storage bin, which provides secure storage and additional peace of mind.

First-Ever Yukon AT4

Yukon AT4 provides premium off-road inspired design cues to match its strong capability. The first-ever Yukon AT4 features a unique front fascia that both visually carries the rugged all-terrain look and supports off-road capability. Coupled with the available four-corner Air Ride Adaptive Suspension, the AT4 can raise and offer an additional 2 inches (50 mm) of ground clearance. When at this maximum height, the Yukon AT4 offers a nearly 32-degree approach angle for added off-road capability. AT4 provides a contrast to Denali’s chrome-oriented look around the exterior, with trim characterized by body color or dark accents throughout, as well as a pair of red recovery hooks, similar to the Sierra AT4.

Key features of the AT4 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

The heart of the new Yukon is its all-new Active Response 4WDTM System, a combination of technical systems including: auto two-speed transfer case, Traction Select, chassis controls and a new electronic Limited Slip Differential. Coupled with the new multilink independent rear suspension, the Yukon offers the ride sophistication and isolating characteristics typically associated with smaller vehicles but scaled for the capability requirements of GMC’s full-size SUV customers.

The available four-corner Air Ride Adaptive Suspension offers ride-height adjustments of up to 4 inches (100 mm) total, as well as an automatic self-leveling feature. Drivers can raise the body up to 2 inches (50 mm) for additional ground clearance when driving off-road.

In higher speed highway driving, the system automatically lowers Yukon’s ride height ¾ inch (20 mm) to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. A driver-selectable setting enacts a 2-inch (50 mm) drop to aid passenger entry and exit when the vehicle is parked. The self-leveling feature helps with comfort and control, particularly when the vehicle is loaded with cargo and when trailering.

Magnetic Ride Control, a technology pioneered on exotic sports cars, enables both precise body control and handling capability. It is one of the fastest-reacting damping systems in the industry, using sensors to continually read the road and alter the damping rate of the shocks almost instantly. It reacts much faster than traditional shock absorbers to reduce bouncing, body roll and vibrations that can often resonate in a large SUV.

The available electronic Limited Slip Differential manages torque laterally across the vehicle for increased confidence on the road. The eLSD has the ability to preemptively manage axle torque and vehicle behavior based upon multiple vehicle inputs. If wheelslip is detected on either side, eLSD reacts quickly to shift power to the wheel with better traction. With cues taken from sports cars, the eLSD offers unmatched handling characteristics with an improved level of performance not seen before in a full-size SUV. On the Yukon, this new eLSD has the ability to engage the differential, offering the capability customers need in a more refined package. In 4WD LO, the eLSD operates at locking torque to prevent wheelslip in off-road conditions.

2021 Yukon Interior

The 2021 Yukon grows even more in terms of usable space for customers. With a nearly 5-inch-longer (127 mm) wheelbase and 6.1 inch (155 mm) increase in overall length compared to the current model, it offers 41 percent more third-row legroom and 66 percent greater cargo volume behind the third row.

On the Yukon, space gain is achieved efficiently – the increase in overall length is less than 3 percent, while maximum cargo room increases by 30 percent. Yukon XL retains its crown as GMC’s roomiest SUV for both passengers and cargo, benefitting from a 4.1 inch (104 mm) increase in wheelbase. The result is an increase in both passenger and cargo space, with only a fractional change (less than 1%) to Yukon XL’s overall length. Both vehicles now have a lower, flatter cargo-loading floor allowing easier access to cargo space.