In production since 2014, the fourth generation of the GMC Yukon will bow out at the end of the 2020 model year. The GMT K2XX platform will be replaced by the T1XX for the 2021 GMC Yukon, including the XL Denali spied by the carparazzi this time around.
The prototype looks bigger than ever before, a behemoth of a full-size SUV with independent rear suspension despite the body-on-frame architecture. The Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Suburban will borrow the setup, along with the 10-speed transmission co-developed with the Ford and utilized in the Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500.
Production-spec headlamps and taillamps are easily seen through the camouflage, and the same can be said about the imposing grille and Continental-wrapped alloy wheels with six lug nuts. Four tailpipes paired at each extremity of the rear bumper, fixed running boards, and the aerial are also featured in the following photo gallery of the Yukon XL.
Considering what Chevrolet and GMC did to the Silverado and Sierra, the T1XX underpinnings of the full-size SUV could be paired to more aluminum alloys than steel in order to shed a few pounds. Production will be handled by the Arlington plant in Texas, which has received $20 million from General Motors for re-tooling the U.S. facility.
While the next-gen Escalade is expected to feature the Blackwing V8 and an all-electric option, GMC is expected to soldier on with the small-block V8 that produces 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque in the outgoing model. The most notable difference would be Dynamic Fuel Management instead of Active Fuel Management, a system that’s programmed to shut off up to seven cylinders in order to save fuel.
With seating for up to nine people and a maximum towing capacity of more than 8,500 pounds when properly equipped for the job, the 2021 GMC Yukon promises to be an interesting choice in the segment. It won’t be cheap, however, not when the current gen retails at $49,600 from the get-go.
Production-spec headlamps and taillamps are easily seen through the camouflage, and the same can be said about the imposing grille and Continental-wrapped alloy wheels with six lug nuts. Four tailpipes paired at each extremity of the rear bumper, fixed running boards, and the aerial are also featured in the following photo gallery of the Yukon XL.
Considering what Chevrolet and GMC did to the Silverado and Sierra, the T1XX underpinnings of the full-size SUV could be paired to more aluminum alloys than steel in order to shed a few pounds. Production will be handled by the Arlington plant in Texas, which has received $20 million from General Motors for re-tooling the U.S. facility.
While the next-gen Escalade is expected to feature the Blackwing V8 and an all-electric option, GMC is expected to soldier on with the small-block V8 that produces 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque in the outgoing model. The most notable difference would be Dynamic Fuel Management instead of Active Fuel Management, a system that’s programmed to shut off up to seven cylinders in order to save fuel.
With seating for up to nine people and a maximum towing capacity of more than 8,500 pounds when properly equipped for the job, the 2021 GMC Yukon promises to be an interesting choice in the segment. It won’t be cheap, however, not when the current gen retails at $49,600 from the get-go.