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GMC YUKON MARKS THIRTY YEARS OF UNCOMPROMISING COMFORT WITH TRUE CAPABILITY

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Bold looks, commanding attitude and first-class refinement — GMC continues to redefine and reassert what those words represent with Yukon over the last three decades.

Today, Next Generation Yukon and Yukon XL are the latest versions of this stylish and boldly capable large SUV. This new model features greater differentiation than ever before, advanced class-leading available technologies and a first-ever Yukon AT4 for true off-road adventure.

Yukon’s DNA is rooted in GMC’s passion for engineering excellence, which has continued to reimagine this large SUV since it first launched in 1991. Each subsequent step forward has combined power and capability with amenities that distinguish true premium craftsmanship.

Let’s look back and see how Yukon large SUV began, and why it remains a symbol of sophisticated style, technological innovation and confident strength.

A LEGEND IS BORN

Since its debut in 1991 (1992 model year), Yukon has transformed the experience of highway cruising and off-road exploring.

This Yukon was designed to be the ultimate expression in large SUVs and engineered to deliver the latest in technology and refinement from GMC. At that time, Yukon was a two-door SUV that was available in trims SL and SLE. The rounded edges of the exterior and comfortable roomy interior gave a sense of expansiveness and sophistication. Meanwhile, under the hood was a powerful 5.7L V8 with 210 hp and 300 lb.-ft. of torque.

As the decade went on, Yukon continued to be recognized in the marketplace for its distinction as a true premium large SUV. Perhaps most notably, the 1990s marked the first instance of Yukon Denali. The public’s first glimpse of what Denali would be was in 1997. Unveiled as a one-off concept, the Yukon Denali show vehicle featured unique hood, fenders, grille, headlamps and foglamps. The refined interior included heated premium seats with a redesigned center console.

To no one’s surprise, the show vehicle went into production shortly thereafter. As the first GMC to proudly wear the Denali badge, Yukon continued to demonstrate GMC could uniquely deliver on first-class appointments and brawny power. It set new standards for a top-of-the-line experience, an attribute that remains a hallmark of Denali trucks and SUVs.  

YUKON ENTERS THE NEW MILLENNIUM

The early 2000s would see Yukon not only undergo multiple all-new designs, but also receive pioneering advanced technologies to elevate the driving experience.

The second-generation premiered as a 2000 model with significant new styling choices. This Yukon bid farewell to the two-tone paint, and instead ushered in more modern curved exterior and a single exterior color. The roomy interior featured a choice between front-row bucket seats or a bench with integrated middle seat.

Never one to settle, Yukon full-size SUV continued to evolve as a leader in design and technology. The third iteration of Yukon featured a more contemporary front fascia, hood and taillights. This new angular design expressed a bolder, modern appearance. Yukon Denali, meanwhile, set new standards inside and out. Denali’s enhancements to the exterior included bright work, chrome grille, and unique jeweled headlamps and taillamps. The interior included premium seating and a unique center console with wood trim that concealed the lid and cup holder pockets. The enhanced bright work included finished embossed sill plates that greeted passengers when any of the doors were opened.

The array of infotainment options in this Yukon addressed a growing customer need to match a high-connectivity lifestyle. For drivers and passengers, Yukon now included an available front center touch-screen navigation system and DVD system with a large flip-down screen for rear-seat viewing.

By 2015, GMC was ready again to redefine premium craftsmanship and introduce even more enhanced technologies. The all-new fourth-generation Yukon signaled how far it had come. This large SUV was not only capable and comfortable but loaded with innovations.

The new bold exterior was detailed with a chrome-accent grille matched to GMC’s signature C-shaped light-emitting diode (LED) light motif. The Denali trim elevated these elements by including a signature chrome grille and unique features like high-intensity discharge headlamps.

Inside, the quiet cabin included carefully selected ambient lighting choices. The Bose* sound system was a premium audio experience, depending on the trim level. Seating featured dual-firmness foam for exceptional comfort. The standard fold-flat third-row seats also allowed for additional cargo room.

The technologies of this Yukon included standard and available safety features to help drivers and occupants. Depending on the trim, these included Forward Collision Alert*, Lane Departure Warning* and Rear Cross Traffic Alert*.

Fourth-generation Yukon also marked GMC’s introduction of available Magnetic Ride Control, an innovation that refined the overall ride experience. This advanced, real-time technology uses sensors to continually read the road and alter the damping rate of the shock absorbers. It’s just one more way this GMC Yukon stood out from the competition.

2021 AND BEYOND

Today, the 2021 Next Generation Yukon is bigger, bolder and a step above in every way.

For this latest version, GMC brings more differentiation to Denali than ever before. The interior features four available color themes, each of which has a unique coordinating authentic wood accent. The front dashboard has a Denali-exclusive design, with an integrated center infotainment* screen that evokes a seamless, sophisticated cabin appearance. The buttons and controls are tastefully adorned with chrome accent surrounds for a premium feel.

Among the many impressive technologies found in this Next Generation Yukon is the available Rear-Seat Media System with two 12.6-inch diagonal LCD touch-screens. These high-definition screens are mounted to the back of the front seats and are viewable from the second and third rows. Passengers can entertain themselves by connecting a compatible streaming device, game console, tablet or smartphone via USB* or HDMI ports.

In the front row, the class-leading available power-sliding center console gives you innovative, useful storage. With the touch of a button the console can slide back up to 10 inches for easy access. Once in the rearward position, it opens to reveal a space between the front-row seats that’s large enough for a purse or bag. It also makes the back cupholders and rear console controls more accessible to second-row passengers. There’s even a hidden storage drawer that can be secured when Yukon is in Valet mode.

Under the hood of Yukon Denali is a standard 6.2L V8 engine that offers a best-in-class 420 hp and 460 lb.-ft. of torque. This powerful engine features Dynamic Fuel Management system for optimum power and efficiency. The system allows an engine to turn cylinders off when driving in situations that don’t require full power, like cruising on the freeway.

Meanwhile, the available first-in-class four-corner Air Ride Adaptive Suspension delivers cloud-like ride comfort. The system automatically adjusts the stiffness of the suspension via variable-rate air springs, offering a more comfortable ride regardless of whether the vehicle is lightly or heavily loaded.

This Yukon large SUV continues to offer advanced technologies for the road too. The available class-leading up to nine camera views* help with the challenges from driving situations like towing a boat or maneuvering in tight parking lots. The class-leading available 15-inch diagonal multicolor Head-Up Display will help keep a focus on the road. The system projects key vehicle information on the windshield like imbedded navigation, music, speed and more.

The 2021 model also marks the introduction of Yukon AT4 — engineered to be the ultimate expression for genuine off-road capability. However, rest-assured this rugged capability does not come at the expense of premium comfort and style. The exterior also has a dark chrome finish grille, gloss black front bumper and signature red recovery hooks* that communicate a muscular attitude.  

Once inside, Yukon AT4 envelops its driver and passengers in standard leather-seating surfaces in the first and second rows. The Brandy accent stitching and color-coordinated cutouts, as well as unique AT4-logo-embroidered head restraints give an athletic feel.

For confidence in slick or off-road conditions, the available Active Response 4WD™ system helps you answer the call for adventure. It automatically and seamlessly detects the wheels with the most grip and then sends the torque where it’s needed most.

Plus, when off-roading the Air Ride Adaptive Suspension is ideal for allowing drivers to select ride height for additional ground clearance. With properly equipped models, Yukon can be raised 1 inch in “Increased Ground Clearance” mode or 2 inches when in “Maximum Ground Clearance” mode.

ALWAYS POWERING FORWARD

Past, present or future, Yukon will always champion first-class aesthetics with functional capability to keep drivers comfortably in command. Visit the Yukon page to learn more about Yukon SLE and SLT, Yukon AT4, and Yukon Denali.

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