2021 GMC Yukon Prices, Reviews, and Pictures

Average

This newest and improved 2021 GMC Yukon is an appealing pick for a large SUV. With a comfortable ride and roomy interior, you no longer have to make as many concessions if you need a big truck-based SUV for towing. It's also relatively easy to drive, especially when equipped with its suite of useful tech features. But the loaded-up trim levels, such as the Denali, are seriously expensive. Similarly priced big SUVs from Mercedes and BMW are more refined and fuel-efficient.

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Appraise My 2021 GMC Yukon

Pros

New independent rear suspension benefits ride and cargo capacity
Longer wheelbase increases passenger comfort
Redesigned interior is substantial improvement over the outgoing model
Newly available diesel-powered engine

Cons

Hard to maneuver in parking lots and city streets
Driver seat lacks adjustability
Ponderous handling
Not much different than the less expensive Chevrolet Tahoe

What's new

The GMC Yukon has been fully redesigned for 2021
This marks the first year for the Yukon's fifth generation

Overview

Written by automotive expert Cameron Rogers

4/15/2021

The Yukon is one of the few truck-based SUVs still around. But being truck-based can't be an excuse for being behind the times. The previous-generation Yukon offered plenty of towing capacity but came up short in refinement, versatility and features. This year's redesigned 2021 Yukon has addressed many of those shortcomings.

A GMC design brief could have very well read "bigger is better" because the new Yukon is 6.1 inches longer than its predecessor. That's opened up more legroom for rear passengers — three 6-foot-tall passengers can sit in tandem without feeling cramped. The increase in length also benefits cargo space. Fold down the second- and third-row seats and you've got a pretty massive 122.9 cubic feet at your disposal. A lower load floor helps make loading big items easier than last year too.

The Yukon also gets an independent rear suspension for the first time. Compared to the old Yukon, which had a traditional solid-axle rear suspension, the new Tahoe rides much more smoothly over bumps and around turns. GMC is also offering an air-ride suspension system that provides 4 inches of ride-height adjustment. It also allows you to switch the Yukon from a low, easier passenger-access mode to an off-road mode that adds 2 inches of ground clearance over the standard ride height.

As before, a more car-like three-row crossover SUV such as the Kia Telluride will be easier to drive and get you better fuel economy. But all of these upgrades add up to a large SUV that is without a doubt fully competitive with the excellent Ford Expedition. Check out the categories of our Expert Rating below to get our in-depth take on the new Yukon's performance, comfort and more.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Average

7.6

out of 10

We drove the 2021 GMC Yukon on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Performance

7.5/10

How does the Yukon drive? The Yukon Denali, which is what we tested, is the only model in the lineup powered by a 6.2-liter V8. The engine produces gobs of power, and the Denali's 6.6-second sprint to 60 mph is among the segment's quickest. The 10-speed automatic transmission, though smooth and pleasant enough in everyday driving, takes a few beats to shift into a lower gear when you put your foot down. We also noticed that the transmission treats pushes of manual gear selector buttons more like suggestions than commands.

The Yukon's substantial weight and top-heavy design sabotage any chance of praiseworthy handling. It's something you have to accept with a vehicle this large. On the upside, the brakes make it easy to stop smoothly, and the light steering effort is perfect for navigating a crowded Costco lot. The Denali isn't as capable off-road as the AT4 trim, but its air suspension and two-speed transfer case will get you out of some tough spots.

Comfort

7.5/10

How comfortable is the Yukon? The new independent rear suspension design works wonders for the Yukon's ride quality. That combined with the adaptive dampers and air suspension makes it ride only slightly busier than a car-based SUV. Another highlight is the quiet cabin. The Yukon is essentially a giant brick cutting through the air, yet wind noise is barely noticeable. The climate system is noteworthy, funneling large amounts of air to all three rows.

Seat comfort is less impressive. The bolsters up front are flat, and the seats lack the extensive adjustments found in competing SUVs. Some of our drivers started to get uncomfortable after just a few hours of driving. The second-row seats are flat as well, and none of the seats in the third row feel remotely sculpted to the human body.

Interior

7.5/10

How’s the interior? All three rows now have enough headroom and leg space for adults. The Yukon is also easy to get in and out of — provided you have enough clearance to swing the big doors out. The large door openings, tall roof and sliding second-row seats make third-row access a cinch. Front sightlines are pretty good, though the thick rear pillars obscure your view somewhat. The available 360-degree camera system is terrifically useful in parking spots.

The controls up front are a mix of virtual buttons and chunky physical knobs and switches. Some are easy to discern without taking your eyes off the road, while others are grouped and located in odd places. The driver's seat offers plenty of sliding and height-adjustment range, but a lack of additional seat adjustments makes it hard to find an ideal driving position.

Technology

8/10

How’s the tech? The Yukon offers a useful array of tech features and driving aids. The infotainment interface is graphically unimpressive compared to luxury rivals, but it gets the job done and responds quickly to inputs. The Bose audio system is impressive, with a wallop of bass that doesn't overpower instruments or vocals. You can connect to it through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both of which support wireless connections. Our Denali had seven seats, and between the USB ports and a wireless charging pad, there were enough power points for every occupant to charge simultaneously.

GMC doesn't fit the Yukon with many standard driving aids, and we cannot fathom why adaptive cruise control is only available on the top-level Denali trim. At least the systems all work pretty well.

Storage

8/10

How’s the storage? A from-the-ground-up rethink of the Yukon pays dividends in the cargo area. Space behind the third row measures 25.5 cubic feet — roughly 50% more than the previous model. Fold all of the rear seats and you get a whopping 122.9 cubes of storage, which is more than what you get from the Ford Expedition, Toyota Sequoia or Nissan Armada. There are also many areas throughout the cabin offers for storing your small personal items, including a deep bin below the center stack and two-tier storage on every door. The optional sliding center console is useful for hiding small items, but it reduces underarm storage by splitting the cubby into two compartments.

Planning to use your Yukon to shuttle around small children? The second-row car seat anchors are immediately visible and easy to access, and the Yukon's gargantuan cabin ensures you'll have no problem fitting a set of child seats.

As for towing, the Yukon can pull up to 8,000 pounds when equipped with 4WD and the 6.2-liter engine; the Yukon's max tow rating of 8,400 pounds comes with rear-wheel drive and the 5.3-liter engine. This is more than car-based luxury SUVs can handle, but a comparable Ford Expedition can pull an additional 1,000 pounds.

Fuel Economy

7/10

How’s the fuel economy? The 4WD Yukon Denali, which we tested, gets an EPA-estimated 16 mpg combined (14 city/19 highway). The Ford Expedition Platinum is quicker in a straight line and is rated 3 mpg higher in all categories. The Yukon is a bit more efficient than the Toyota Sequoia and Nissan Armada. If you don't need the raw towing capacity, the turbocharged six-cylinders of the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7 are rated at 21 mpg combined.

Real-world results are closer than expected between the GMC and Ford rivals. The Yukon returned 18.4 mpg in our 115-mile highway-heavy test route. Meanwhile, the Expedition posted similar figures but is supposed to be more efficient based on its EPA estimates.

Value

7.5/10

Is the Yukon a good value? It's difficult to rate the Yukon Denali on value. On one hand, it's more expensive than a similarly equipped Ford Expedition or Nissan Armada and it's priced almost the same as a Mercedes GLS or BMW X7. Both of these luxury SUVs are more refined and upscale, but they can't tow as much. As it stands, the Yukon Denali is an interesting middle ground between mainstream and large luxury SUVs. And as such, its interior materials are pretty nice without being awesome.

GMC's bumper-to-bumper warranty of three years/36,000 miles and powertrain coverage and roadside assistance for five years/60,000 miles are typical for the class. GMC covers the first scheduled maintenance visit.

Wildcard

7.5/10

The Yukon is entertaining in a straight line — the 6.2-liter V8 is a muscular delight. But the reluctance of the transmission to shift when called upon saps some fun, as does the ultra-intrusive stability control system. That, plus the considerable amount of body roll, makes this less a joy to drive than one of its car-based luxury competitors.

This blocky SUV is charming in its own way, however. With its chrome-trimmed exterior, it looks like something Nick Fury would drive, so you feel pretty cool from behind the wheel. The boisterous V8 brims with personality, and features such as the power-retractable side steps and rear entertainment system are neat touches.

For sale near Ashburn, VA

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2021 GMC Yukon
Denali 4dr SUV
$29,996
good price
$4,140 below market
- 153,960 miles
- 7 Seats, 14 City / 19 Hwy MPG
- 29 mi away
- AWD/4WD
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Woodbridge, VA
2021 GMC YUKON DENALI – SUV • 4 WHEEL DRIVE • AUTOMATIC • 6.2L ECOTEC3 V8 WITH DYNAMIC FUEL MANAGEMENT • GASOLINE • 13-19 est.VIN: 1GKS2DKLXMR106074 ...
Features and Specs:
16 Combined MPG (14 City/19 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
1GKS2DKLXMR106074
Stock:
CU8447
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
New Listing
2021 GMC Yukon
Denali 4dr SUV
$49,600
good price
$5,354 below market
- 50,049 miles
- 7 Seats, 14 City / 19 Hwy MPG
- 61 mi away
- AWD/4WD
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in White Marsh, MD
Koons Volvo Baltimore is a Volvo dealership located in Baltimore, MD 21162, serving drivers throughout the greater Baltimore area. The dealership focu...
Features and Specs:
16 Combined MPG (14 City/19 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
1GKS2DKL2MR137447
Stock:
KWVTMR137447
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
Listed since:
10-08-2026

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2021 GMC Yukon trim level differences

The 2021 GMC Yukon is a large three-row SUV that typically seats seven to nine passengers, depending on configuration. It is sold in four trim levels: SLE, SLT, AT4 and Denali. Most Yukon models are powered by a 5.3-liter V8 (355 horsepower, 383 lb-ft of torque). Two other engines are also available: Compare the 2021 GMC Yukon trim levels in-depth.

Which Yukon trim does Edmunds recommend?

The midrange SLT should satisfy most Yukon buyers. It isn't substantially more expensive than the base model and adds upscale touches such as leather upholstery, ventilated front seats and a higher-quality audio system. Or if price isn't a concern, go big with the range-topping Yukon Denali. Aside from its more imposing exterior design and more powerful V8, the cabin gets a unique treatment that sets it apart from other Yukon variants.

GMC Yukon Reviews

Owner Reviews

2.9

66 reviews

5(41%)

4(4%)

3(6%)

2(5%)

1(44%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Do not buy

James Johnson , 12/22/2020

2021 GMC Yukon Denali 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A)

I've had my 2021 Yukon Denali Xl since Nov. 3rd & I've driven it maybe 2weeks. It's been in the shop longer than I've had to enjoy it. Some kind of electrical problem that they can't figure out... got it back this past Saturday, after over 3weeks in the shop. Couldn't wait to get back in it & enjoy...Woke up Monday & it wouldn't start again... the same problem... talk to a few tow truck …

Lemon

Joe Lemaitre , 04/28/2021

2021 GMC Yukon SLT 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 10A)

Purchased 2021 Yukon xl last October. Took it in for recall the download made the engine control module fail..No parts available stayed in the shop for three weeks. Driving on busy highway the other day it died ...had to be towed to the shop. That’s been nearly two weeks . Again no parts.. nobody really interested at dealership on fixing. Should have keep the 2017 suburban.

Yukon Guinea Pig

john, 04/16/2021

2021 GMC Yukon Denali 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A)

Bought a 2021 Yukon XL Denali with auto leveling suspension. 87 miles and car dropped 2" on passenger side. Been in the shop for 20 days and still not fixed. I should have known better than to buy a new design with COVID on top. What good is a $85,000 vehicle if you can't trust you'll make it down the road on your next trip? Hoping for 30 days and lemon law to kick in. Do not buy this …

Never ending problems 2021 GMC Yukon Denali !

Nancy, 04/16/2021

2021 GMC Yukon Denali 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A)

Bought my 2021 Yukon Denali on October 2020. It’s already been to the service 5 times and on Monday it’s going back . They even kept it there almost 30 days one time . Had electrical problems which included the electrical harness and the module and one part was not available. After over 20 days they got the part only to find another electrical part was not working. This also caused …

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2021 Yukon Features & Specs

Trim:

SLE

Est. Market Value	$34,644
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	18 MPG
Cost to Drive	$289/month
Seating	8 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	25.5 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

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Reliability

The 2021 GMC Yukon has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and no recalls.

Recalls

There are no recalls for the 2021 GMC Yukon

Warranty

3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 6 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Free maintenance Warranty: 1 years / unlimited miles

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GMC Yukon vs. GMC Yukon XL

As the name suggests, the GMC Yukon XL is a larger version of the Yukon. The extra room is all in the cargo area, which increases from 25.5 cubic feet in the Yukon to 41.5 cubes in the Yukon XL. This is the only key difference between the two vehicles.

Compare GMC Yukon & GMC Yukon XL features

GMC Yukon vs. Chevrolet Tahoe

The Chevrolet Tahoe is essentially Chevy's version of the Yukon. The two vehicles are mechanically similar, and trim levels more or less match up between the two vehicles. The Tahoe is less expensive, but the Yukon gives off a slightly more luxurious vibe.

Compare GMC Yukon & Chevrolet Tahoe features

GMC Yukon vs. Ford Expedition

The Yukon has some truly tough competition in the Ford Expedition. The Expedition is priced to rival the Tahoe, and it undercuts a similarly equipped Yukon by thousands. The Expedition is notable for its quick acceleration and adult-friendly third-row seat.

Compare GMC Yukon & Ford Expedition features

Safety

Our experts like the Yukon models:

Forward Collision Alert: Warns you to take action to avoid colliding with a vehicle or other object in front of the SUV.
Lane Keep Assist: Alerts you when the SUV drifts out of its lane and delivers steering input to keep the vehicle in its lane.
Safety Alert Seat: Generates vibrating pulse patterns in the seat cushion to alert you to potential collisions on the left or right side of the car.

Research other Yukon years

FAQ

Is the GMC Yukon a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2021 Yukon both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.6 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2021 Yukon gets an average rating of 3 stars out of 5 (based on 66 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Yukon has 25.5 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a GMC Yukon. Learn more

What's new in the 2021 GMC Yukon?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 GMC Yukon:

The GMC Yukon has been fully redesigned for 2021
This marks the first year for the Yukon's fifth generation

Learn more

Is the GMC Yukon reliable?

To determine whether the GMC Yukon is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Yukon. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Yukon's 3-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2021 GMC Yukon a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2021 GMC Yukon is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2021 Yukon and gave it a 7.6 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2021 Yukon gets an average rating of 3 stars out of 5 (based on 66 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2021 Yukon is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2021 GMC Yukon?

The least-expensive 2021 GMC Yukon is the 2021 GMC Yukon SLE 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 10A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $51,000.

Other versions include:

SLE 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 10A) which starts at $51,000
SLE 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 10A) which starts at $54,000
SLT 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 10A) which starts at $58,000
SLT 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 10A) which starts at $61,000
AT4 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 10A) which starts at $65,100
Denali 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 10A) which starts at $68,600
Denali 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A) which starts at $71,600

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What are the different models of GMC Yukon?

If you're interested in the GMC Yukon, the next question is, which Yukon model is right for you? Yukon variants include SLE 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 10A), SLE 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 10A), SLT 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 10A), and SLT 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 10A). For a full list of Yukon models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more