2021 GMC Yukon Road Test and Review

Full-size SUV fans, rejoice. The redesigned 2021 GMC Yukon (and its corporate cousin, the Chevrolet Tahoe) is a better SUV than its predecessor in most of the ways that count. By stretching the SUV’s wheelbase and switching to an independent rear suspension design, the new 2021 Yukon has a much larger interior than before. Cargo space is significantly greater, and passenger comfort is dramatically improved for the second- and third-row seats.

Engines carry over from before, and some fuel economy ratings drop for 2021. However, a new turbodiesel six-cylinder power plant is coming soon, promising excellent fuel economy and potentially better towing capacity. With its V8 engines, the Yukon can’t match the best SUVs in the class when it comes to tugging a trailer. GMC also significantly upgrades the Yukon’s infotainment and driving assistance technologies, improves the SUV’s ride and handling characteristics, upgrades the four-wheel-drive system, and adds a new off-road-focused AT4 trim level for 2021. Are you intrigued? Read on to get more 2021 GMC Yukon prices, specifications, and insights.

As was true before, the 2021 GMC Yukon and even bigger Yukon XL come in SLE, SLT, and Denali trim levels. Base prices range from $50,700 to $72,395, plus a destination charge of $1,295.

New for 2021, the Yukon AT4 ($66,095 to $68,795) is ready for off-road duty. In addition to standard 4WD, the AT4 has 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, a revised front end that provides a 32-degree approach angle, skid plates, and a head-up display with an off-road inclinometer. A Magnetic Ride Control adaptive suspension is standard, and upgrades include GMC’s new Active Response 4WD with an electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD) and the company’s new air suspension. For this review, we tested a 2021 GMC Yukon Denali equipped with the Ultimate Package, which adds a slew of extra-cost upgrades. Additionally, GMC charged extra for metallic paint, and the test vehicle had the new-for-2021 power sliding center console with added storage. The price tag read $83,720, including the $1,295 destination charge.

Grilles, wheels, and the amount of shiny trim differentiate the various Yukon trim levels. The Denali sparkles the most, its intricately detailed grille glinting like the diamond ring of a gold digger. And with the optional Ultimate Package and its huge, polished, multi-spoke 20-inch wheels, you can’t help but take notice.

Denalis also get a different dashboard that looks more upscale than what you’ll find in the SLE, SLT, and AT4 versions. Combined with authentic wood and real aluminum trim, perforated leather with bespoke stitching, and appealing two-tone interior color combinations, the GMC Denali looks and feels like luxury. Mostly. Controls and displays are laid out in a logical, intuitive fashion. GMC supplies knobs and buttons for the primary stereo and climate functions and a handful of shortcut buttons for the infotainment system. A digital driver information center separates analog gauges, and the technology user experience is instinctual if you’ve ever used a modern smartphone.

After hours of driving, the Yukon Denali’s driver’s seat became uncomfortable, fostering fidgeting and a wish for a massaging seat option. And though GMC applies padding to the upper door panel and center console sides, their shapes are unfriendly to arms and legs. Heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel, improve comfort on hot and cold days.

Second-row passengers also enjoy heated seats, as well as captain’s chairs that slide forward and back and also have an available power fold-and-tumble feature for easy access to the third-row seat. Third-row passenger space and comfort are significantly larger compared to the previous Yukon. With a lower cabin floor, the seat provides good leg support. With this year’s longer wheelbase, there is more legroom. Now adults can ride back there without complaining (too much). Dramatic improvement also characterizes the cargo space. Behind the third-row seat, you’ll find 25.5 cubic feet of volume (41.5 in the Yukon XL). Behind the second-row seats, the Yukon supplies 72.6 cubic feet (93.8 in the Yukon XL). A maximum of 122.9 cubic feet is available behind the front seats (144.7 in the Yukon XL).

Every 2021 Yukon has a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system running the latest version of GMC’s infotainment software, which employs over-the-air update capability to remain current. With clean graphics and an intuitive user interface, it’s a good system to use.

Standard features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, GMC Connected Services including a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, SiriusXM satellite radio, and up to eight USB ports. You can upgrade with navigation and a 14-speaker Bose premium audio system, though the latter really ought to produce richer sound than it does. A dual-touchscreen Rear Seat Media System moves away from DVDs in favor of USB-connected, HDMI-connected, and streaming content. Screens are 10.6 inches across, and rear passengers can share content between them or watch individual programming. After some trial-and-error, my kids figured out how to use the system, and now there’s probably no going back to DVDs. GMC also offers an impressive head-up display for the Yukon, measuring 15 inches across and providing plenty of data for the driver to reference quickly. 

In addition to a rear-seat reminder system and GMC’s Teen Driver technology, which monitors how the SUV is driven when it’s away from home and then spits out a report card for parents to peruse, the new Yukon has numerous advanced driving assistance systems.

With SLE trim, you get the basics: a forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. This version of the Yukon also offers Safety Alert Seat technology that vibrates when the driver needs to pay closer attention and automatic high-beam headlights. Upgrade to the SLT or AT4 trim levels, and the Yukon adds blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. These features, plus the ones that are standard with SLE trim, comprise the GMC Pro Safety Plus technology suite. Denalis have all of this stuff. Options for the Denali include adaptive cruise control and an enhanced automatic emergency braking system that works at speeds above 50 mph. The test vehicle had it all, and it worked smoothly and accurately enough that I wasn’t inspired to turn anything off, which is as it should be. 

Most Yukons have a 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V8 engine. The Denali gets a standard 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8. Both pair with a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. Depending on trim level, drivetrain, and equipment, the 2021 Yukon tows up to 8,400 pounds, which is hundreds of pounds less than some competitors.

New for 2021, an Active Response 4WD system pairs GMC’s Autotrac 2-speed transfer case with Traction Select drive modes and an electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD). With 2WD, Auto, 4WD Hi, and 4WD Lo settings, Autotrac is ready for anything, and GMC says the eLSD helps put power to the wheel(s) with the most grip while improving the Yukon’s handling in dry and wet conditions. The Denali’s 6.2-liter V8 supplies impressive acceleration and a satisfying V8-engine rumble, while the 10-speed automatic works beautifully to make the best use of the power and torque. However, with 4WD, the fuel economy for this powertrain combination drops to 16 mpg in combined driving for 2021. I averaged 15.3 mpg during testing. Coming soon as an option on all but the Yukon AT4, which cannot accommodate it due to its front-end modifications, a 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline six-cylinder should get better fuel economy.

Vehicles equipped with an independent rear suspension typically ride and handle better than vehicles with a beam-axle suspension, and that’s true of the new 2021 Yukon. Additionally, the available next-generation Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 adaptive dampers and new-for-2021 Four-Corner Air Ride suspension almost eliminate the squat, dive, pitch, and roll that is typical of a big SUV.

You’ll want to stick with smaller wheels and tires with thicker sidewalls to enjoy the maximum benefits of the suspension upgrades. The Denali test vehicle sat on 22s wrapped in 275/50 tires, and on imperfect pavement, some shimmy and shake made it past MRC 4.0 and Air Ride and into the cabin. Aside from those ride quality disturbances, the Denali demonstrated remarkably good handling combined with excellent highway manners. In town, it expertly managed speed humps taken at up to 35 mph, and a tight turning radius helped to make the SUV more maneuverable. The steering is a bit too light, and brake pedal response is a bit too firm, but otherwise, the Denali is an impressive daily-driver and road-tripper.

GMC believes the new 2021 Yukon is a premium vehicle, a cut above its Chevrolet Tahoe cousin, and, in Denali trim, a cut below the mechanically identical Cadillac Escalade. The Denali model has, historically, accounted for more than half of all Yukon sales, appealing to people who want a luxurious SUV but who don’t want to pay the premium that accompanies a luxury brand.

This distinction is a narrow one, which means there is plenty of overlap with mainstream SUVs like the Ford Expedition and luxury SUVs such as the Infiniti QX80. Plus, Jeep is preparing a direct competitor to the Yukon, targeting the same premium buyer. And the all-new 2022 Jeep Wagoneer looks like it will be a formidable challenger.

Ultimately, whether the new 2021 Yukon proves successful is dependent on multiple factors, some of which are outside of GMC’s control. Cheap gas, a strong stock market, and a rebounding economy can only help GMC to sell a premium full-size SUV that can cost more than the median annual income of an American family.

As far as the product is concerned, the new 2021 Yukon has the right look, the right equipment, and the right capabilities to satisfy buyers in this segment. With its primary flaws resolved, all GMC needs to do now is improve the tow rating, add a front-seat massage option, and upgrade the quality of the sound system.