Whether you’re looking for reliability, safety, or tow power, the GMC Yukon and Yukon XL are hard to beat. The new Yukon takes from the Chevy Suburban and Tahoe with its superior mechanics but boasts a unique design. With several engines to choose from, a bigger cabin, and more cargo space, the 2021 Yukon earned the Editor’s Choice Award. Let’s take a closer look at the 2021 GMC Yukon and its features.
GMC Yukon Trims
The Yukon is one of the last three-row SUVs to use a truck as its base. This monster of a vehicle seats up to nine passengers depending on the model. You can choose between four trim levels, including SLE, SLT, Denali, and AT4. All but the Denali use a 5.3-liter V-8 engine with 383 pound-feet of torque and 355 horsepower.
The Denali has a 6.2-liter V-8 with 460 pound-feet of torque and 420 horsepower. The late-year models will have an optional turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 diesel engine with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Every GMC Yukon has a 10-speed automatic transmission. Although rear-wheel drive is standard in all models except the AT4, four-wheel drive is optional.
Performance
For the first time, GMC is offering the Yukon with an AT4 model specifically designed for off-roading. The AT4 comes standard with 20-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, a two-speed transfer case, underbody skid plates, and the option to add air suspension for up to two inches of additional ground clearance. Car and Driver found that a loaded Yukon Denali had a zero-to-60 mph time of 6.0 seconds and a much improved braking performance over last year’s model.
Fuel Economy
Although not the most fuel-efficient car on the market today, the 2021 Yukon does better in the city than the 2020 model. The 5.3-liter V-8 engines are the most fuel-efficient gasoline engines offered by the Yukon. The smaller engines earned a rating of 16 mpg city, 20 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined. The turbocharged diesel engines are more fuel-efficient, with ratings of 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.
Safety
Although the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety haven’t yet released their rating for the 2021 Yukon, GMC uses several new driver-assistance options to ensure a higher safety standard. These features include emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, lane assists, lane-departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alerts.
Warranty Coverage
The Yukon has a competitive warranty when compared to other full-size SUVs. Most notably, the first maintenance visit is free for all Yukon models. Warranty features include powertrain warranty coverage for five years or up to 60,000 miles, limited warranty coverage for three years or up to 36,000 miles, and a complimentary maintenance visit in the first year.
The 2021 GMC Yukon is a reliable powerhouse of an SUV. Its safety features, performance, and fuel economy are nearly unmatched for its size. If you’re in the market for a new top-of-the-line SUV, the 2021 Yukon is one of the best options available. Contact Us at Randy Wise Buick GMC located in Fenton, Michigan to Schedule a Test Drive and make the GMC Yukon or Yukon XL your next full-size SUV today!
Image via gmc.com.