2021 GMC Yukon review
GMC Yukon highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Comfortable ride
- Interior is improvement on previous model
- Cargo space is ample
Cons
- Handling is poor
- Tough to maneuver in parking lots
- Fuel economy is below average
Mileage (EPA estimate)
14 city, 19 highway, 16 combined
Pricing for current inventory
From $48,998*
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2021 GMC Yukon delivers as an upscale full-size SUV
GMC redesigned the Yukon for 2021, adding some refinement to the truck-based three-row SUV. The 2021 Yukon is six inches longer than its predecessor, adding a bit of leg room for third-row passengers, or cargo capacity when the second and third rows are folded down. GMC also classed up the interior of its SUV, giving it some breathing room from its corporate cousin, the Chevrolet Tahoe.
The Yukon still drives like a truck with a backpack on. Unlike more car-like crossovers like the Kia Telluride, it can be a chore to drive around town and in parking lots, but its hefty towing capacity may make up for it. The GMC SUV comes in a handful of trims, from the pricey Denali to the off-road friendly AT4 all the way to the more economical SLE.
All GMC Yukon years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each GMC Yukon generation from 2012 to 2026
What is new for the 2021 GMC Yukon?
- The Yukon is available in a new trim called the AT4.
- The SLT Standard Edition trim has been discontinued for 2021.
- Yukon trims have been upgraded with Turbo Diesel Engine as standard equipment this year.
- Panoramic Sunroof and Adjustable Suspension features are now available as options on select trims.
- The SLE trim now comes with Automated Cruise Control, Heated Steering Wheel, Parking Sensors, and Navigation System as standard equipment.
- The SLT trim now comes with Fold-Away Third Row and 20 Inch Plus Wheels as standard equipment.
2021 GMC Yukon trims
Curious how GMC Yukon trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesSLE:
Includes a ten-speed automatic transmission, Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability, a 10.2-inch touchscreen, front and rear camera, and more.
SLT:
Adds 20-inch wheels, wireless charging, a nine-speaker Bose sound system, heated front seats, leather seat surfaces, and more.
AT4:
Adds off-road essentials like horizontal recovery hooks, increased front approach angle, skid plates, hill descent control, and more
Denali:
Adds to SLT an exclusive appearance package, a high-definition surround-view camera, authentic wood interior trim, a 14-speaker Bose sound system, and more.
GMC Yukon photos
What We Like:
Storage: There is more than 25 cubic feet of storage available behind the third row; folding the second and third rows down gets you more than 120 cubic feet of storage. That's more than the Ford Expedition and Toyota Sequoia. The Yukon can also tow up to 8,000 pounds when properly equipped, making it a solid hauler in its own right.
Technology: Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are standard, and the Yukon boasts plenty of places to plug in your devices for charging. Otherwise, the SUV's tech features are functional if not flashy. The Yukon offers a handful of driver aids but many aren’t standard, so check the features list of individual vehicles carefully.
Interior: The extra length of the Yukon makes its interior a comfortable, or at least spacious, place to spend your time. While it's nice, and an upgrade on the Tahoe, it's not fancy when compared to more refined SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz GLS or BMW X7. Think “functional luxury” and you’re on the right track.
What Needs Improvement
Fuel Economy: The Yukon gets an EPA-estimated 16 mpg combined. That's worse than the Ford Expedition (EPA-estimated 19 mpg combined) and quite a bit worse than the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7 (EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined).
If towing is important to you, that sacrifice might be worth it.Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2021 GMC Yukon, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
The Chevrolet Tahoe has all the size and space. The 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe is available with two engine choices and a six-speed automatic transmission. A front-wheel-drive 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe with the 5.3L V8 engine can tow up to an estimated 8,600 pounds when properly equipped.
This gives you a lot of options if you're looking for a capable people-mover or you’re looking to take a small caravan or boat away on a trip.There are three trims available to buy: LT, LS, and Premier. The base-level LS trim includes features like Android Auto™, Apple CarPlay®, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a six-speaker audio system.
GMC Acadia
The GMC Acadia is a great midsize crossover that seats up to seven and comes with lots of cool features. The 2017 model year started the Acadia's second generation and the SUV got a bunch of upgrades. Choose from the standard 193-horsepower 2.5L four-cylinder, or opt for the 3.6L V6 which is good for 310 horsepower. Both powertrain options are available with all-wheel drive. Start with the 2019 Acadia base model SL/SLE-1 or move up the trim levels to the upgraded SLE-2 which adds standard features like an eight-way power driver seat, heated front seats, and a remote vehicle starter system. The All-Terrain trim adds standard AWD and then you can step up to the more luxurious SLT-1 and SLT-2, both with standard leather seating, or opt for the cool Acadia Black Edition or the top of the line Acadia Denali. The GMC Acadia lineup has something for everyone.
Buick Enclave
This midsize SUV boasts a classy and stylish exterior, and its roomy and quiet cabin offers a comfortable ride. The base trims of model years 2017-2019 are powered by a 310-horsepower, 3.6L six-cylinder engine. Designed to provide smooth ride, responsive handling, and ample cargo space, the Enclave is sure to impress. The 2017-2019 Buick Enclave comes with the following standard features:
19-inch wheels
Rear parking sensors
Eight-way power-adjustable driver seat
IntelliLink infotainment system
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Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the GMC Yukon an overall reliability rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks GMC Yukon 9th out of 16 among Fullsize SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the GMC YukonGMC Yukon features and specs
Curious how GMC Yukon trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
Denali 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- A/C Seat(s)
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- BOSE Sound System
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Head Up Display
- Heated Mirrors
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leather Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Rear View Camera
- Remote Start
- Running Boards
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Third Row Seat
- Tow Hitch
- Traction Control
- Turbo Diesel Engine
- Adjustable Suspension
- Automated Cruise Control
- Full Roof Rack
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Power Folding Third Row
- Quad Seats
- Rear Entertainment System
- Running Boards
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
3.0L
Horsepower
277
Torque (ft-lbs)
460
Engine type
Turbo Diesel
Fuel capacity
24
Wheelbase
120.9"
Overall length
210"
Width
81"
Height
76.5"
Leg room
F 44.5"/M 42"/R 34.9"
Head room
F 42.3"/M 38.9"/R 38.2"
Front tires
275/65R20
Rear tires
275/60R20
Seating capacity
7
Max towing capacity
770/8200 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2021 GMC Yukon FAQ
The 2021 GMC Yukon is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Denali: 15 MPG City and 20 MPG Highway
- Denali: 21 MPG City and 27 MPG Highway
- SLE: 16 MPG City and 20 MPG Highway
- SLE: 21 MPG City and 27 MPG Highway
- SLT: 16 MPG City and 20 MPG Highway
- SLT: 21 MPG City and 27 MPG Highway
- AT4: 16 MPG City and 20 MPG Highway
The GMC Yukon received a rating of 3 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the GMC Yukon as 8 out of 16 among Fullsize SUV
The 2021 GMC Yukon has received an average 4.8 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2021 GMC Yukon, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2021 GMC Yukon Reviews.
The 2021 GMC Yukon has a maximum towing capacity of between 8000 and 8400 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2021 GMC Yukon:
- AT4
- Turbo Diesel Engine
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Adjustable Suspension
- Parking Sensors
More about the 2021 GMC Yukon
Color options
Exterior colors:
Cayenne Red Tintcoat
Dark Sky Metallic
Midnight Blue Metallic
Onyx Black
Pearl Beige Metallic
Satin Steel Metallic
Smokey Quartz Metallic
Summit White
White Frost Tricoat
Interior details
Up to 41.5 cu-ft of rear cargo area (Yukon XL)
Three rows of seating for up to eight passengers
Wireless charging and phone projection
An available multi-color head up display
Heated and cooled second-row captain's chairs available
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Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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