Used 2021 GMC Yukon XL

The 2021 GMC Yukon and long-wheelbase Yukon XL are completely remade, with more room, more features and more muscle, but surprisingly not much more in the way of pricing. For families looking for the biggest SUV they can find, the new Yukon easily fills the bill. It has a massive interior and, thanks to its new independent rear suspension, a 3rd- row seat that can now comfortably accommodate two adults.

There’s a new AT4 model with real off-road chops including an available Active Response 4-wheel-drive (4WD) system and air suspension. A power operated center console that can slide 10 inches fore and aft is optional on the SLT, AT4 and Denali. Speaking of which, the Denali returns with even more luxury features including its own unique dashboard and interior. Under the hood, the Yukon offers two GM stalwarts, those being the 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter gasoline V8s, and one new edition: a 3.0-liter diesel.

For 2021, the GMC Yukon tackles its size and heft with an independent rear suspension and an available advanced 4-wheel-drive system for enhanced traction in foul weather. Steel springs are replaced with magnetically controlled shock dampeners on the Denali trim, which also offers a 4-corner Air Ride Adaptive Suspension that not only softens the ride, but can raise and lower the vehicle when placed in 4WD Lo, providing additional ground clearance when needed.

Power for the Yukon and Yukon XL comes from a 5.3-liter V8 good for 355 horsepower. The Denali trim gets a 6.2-liter V8 with a class-leading 420 horsepower, while an optional Duramax 3.0-liter turbodiesel will be offered later in the year. The same engine found in the GMC Sierra 1500 pickup, the Duramax puts out 277 horsepower and an even more important 460 lb-ft of torque. The Yukon’s max tow rating remains at 8,400 pounds

The available Active Response 4WD system includes an electronic limited-slip differential. The AT4 off-road version takes it a step further, with a 2-speed transfer case, skidplates, a 32-degree approach angle, GMC’s Traction Select System with off-road mode and underbody skidplate protection.

After hours behind the wheel testing a Yukon Denali, we were thoroughly impressed with how comfortable this big SUV has become. With its commanding view, guttural V8 and smooth ride, you are king of the road. The suspension really does quell just about anything pavement throws at it. Power is strong and instantaneous, and the 10-speed trans is so smooth you forget it’s there. You feel its size in parking lots, but that’s just physics.

The 2021 full-size GMC Yukon and Yukon XL SUV see vast improvements over last year’s models, with a more detailed and luxurious cabin, more interior room and a vastly bigger cargo hold. Depending on the model and configuration, the Yukon can hold up to eight passengers.

The SLE, SLT and AT4 models all share the same dash that includes a big 10.2-inch tablet-style touch-screen infotainment setup and push-button gear selector. The Denali trim gets its own unique dash with more contours and open-pore wood accents, unique front seats and the touch screen incorporated into the dash.

The Yukon’s available rear captain’s-chair seats can slide fore and aft, as well as fold flat or tumble forward. The Yukon’s 3rd-row seat is vastly improved, with more legroom that makes it comfortable for two adults over longer drives. A new independent rear suspension allows for a flat load floor and impressive cargo space, especially in the extended-length Yukon XL, which, with all the seats folded, offers 144 cubic feet for whatever you need to haul.

There’s a familiarity to the new Yukon’s exterior, paying homage to its predecessor while simultaneously offering a fresh, new look. Up front a massive grille varies its design, using black horizontal slats for the AT4 model and trademark Galvano chrome mesh for the Denali. LED daytime running lights, LED headlights and LED fog lights complete the look.

From the side, the styling remains reserved, with minimal chrome accents and relatively slab-sided sheet metal complemented by vast expanses of flush side glass. Wheels range in size from 18 to 22 inches. Around back, the wide rear hatch now incorporates a separate flip-up glass panel for easier access.

NINE CAMERA VIEWS
While the 2021 GMC Yukon comes standard with front and rear vision cameras, it can be equipped with up to nine electronic eyes, comprising a rearview camera, bird’s-eye 360-degree surround-vision system and a GMC Pro-Grade trailering system that virtually eliminates the trailer from the driver’s field of view.

AIR RIDE ADAPTIVE SUSPENSION
This optional system allows the 2021 Yukon SUV to feel as if it’s floating on air. The system places adaptive air springs at all four corners, allowing it to automatically adjust ride stiffness regardless of load weight. The system can raise or lower the vehicle by up to two inches and works in conjunction with the magnetic-ride-control shocks for improved cornering.

The 2021 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL are available in SLE, SLT, AT4 and Denali trim levels. The SLE comes with more features than the base Chevy Tahoe LS, but it’s also pricier. The new Yukon sports a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, front and rear cameras, tri-zone automatic climate control, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration and an infotainment system controlled by a 10.2-inch touch screen.

Standard driver assists include forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, automatic high-beam headlights and follow-distance indicator.

There’s a lot of optional equipment on the 2021 GMC Yukon’s menu. Moving to the AT4 trim brings an advanced 4-wheel-drive system, 2-speed transfer case, skidplate protection and heated and ventilated front seats. The Denali ups the ante with more luxury including high-definition surround-vision camera, 15-inch head-up display, hand-stitched leather surfaces on the dash and door panels and magnetic ride control.

Among the more intriguing options are adaptive cruise control, a panoramic moonroof, lane-change alert with side blind-zone alert, Air Ride Suspension, navigation, 2nd-row captain’s chairs, 22-inch wheels and an upgraded Bose audio system.

The 2021 GMC Yukon offers a pair of familiar engines touting numerous improvements, and one new offering that many may find quite appealing. The standard engine is a 5.3-liter V8 good for 355 horsepower. The luxury flagship Denali comes with a 6.2-liter V8 pumping out a robust 420 horsepower. Both engines now feature an advanced cylinder-deactivation system that can run on any given combination of cylinders, from two to all eight, depending on demand.

The third and newest option is a Duramax 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine, the same one found on the GMC Sierra pickup. With 277 horsepower and a stump-pulling 460 lb-ft of torque, this engine combines power and fuel efficiency previously unknown to the Yukon. Regardless of engine, all 2021 Yukons use a 10-speed automatic transmission. Two-wheel drive (2WD) is the regular setup; 4-wheel drive (4WD) is optional in all trims.

5.3-liter V8
355 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
383 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/20 mpg (RWD & 4WD), 16/20 mpg (RWD & 4WD XL)

6.2-liter V8
420 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
460 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/20 mpg (RWD), 14/19 mpg (4WD), 14/20 mpg (RWD XL), 14/19 mpg (4WD XL)

3.0-liter inline-6 turbodiesel
277 horsepower @ 3,750 rpm
460 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/27 (RWD & RWD XL), 20/26 mpg (4WD & 4WD XL)