2021 GMC Yukon Review

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.

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: