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2021 GMC Yukon Review: Big Capability, Plus a Diesel Option

The redesigned 2021 GMC Yukon offers three engines, two body lengths and substantial towing capacity—but the right figures depend on its configuration.
Entry513 Date Time4 min MechanicCarCody Team
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The redesigned 2021 GMC Yukon pairs three rows of seating with a choice of two V8s or a torque-rich diesel, and comes in standard and longer Yukon XL versions. Its abilities depend on the exact engine, body length and drivetrain: for example, GMC’s brochure lists up to 8,400 pounds of towing for a specific 2WD 5.3L Yukon, while the diesel is notable for its EPA-estimated fuel economy and low-rpm torque. The trade-off is a large vehicle whose space and capability vary substantially by configuration.

What changed for 2021?

The 2021 Yukon was redesigned, sharing its platform with the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban. It gained an independent rear suspension, and GMC added the AT4, an off-road-oriented trim. The lineup comprises the standard-length Yukon and the longer Yukon XL, each with three rows. Car and Driver reports seating for up to eight; second-row captain’s chairs reduce capacity to seven, so confirm the seating layout on the individual vehicle.

Which engines are available?

All three engines pair with GM’s Hydra-Matic 10L80 10-speed automatic. GM lists SAE-certified output as follows:

Engine Output 2021 availability
5.3L V8 355 hp, 383 lb-ft SLE, SLT and AT4
6.2L V8 420 hp, 460 lb-ft Standard on Denali
3.0L Duramax diesel inline-six 277 hp, 460 lb-ft SLE, SLT and Denali; not AT4

GMC says the diesel reaches peak torque at 1,500 rpm. Its low-rpm torque and stronger EPA fuel-economy figures distinguish it from the gas engines, while the 6.2L V8 supplies the highest horsepower. Check a specific vehicle’s VIN and equipment: availability and package content can vary.

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How much room do the Yukon and Yukon XL offer?

The XL adds 15.2 inches of overall length and 13.2 inches of wheelbase. That translates into more room behind every row, as well as 1.8 inches more third-row legroom.

Dimension or capacity Yukon Yukon XL
Wheelbase 120.9 in 134.1 in
Overall length 210.0 in 225.2 in
Third-row legroom 34.9 in 36.7 in
Cargo behind first row 122.9 cu ft 144.7 cu ft
Cargo behind second row 72.6 cu ft 93.8 cu ft
Cargo behind third row 25.5 cu ft 41.5 cu ft

The standard Yukon is shorter; the XL is the more useful fit when regular third-row passengers or cargo behind them are priorities. The extra space comes with a longer vehicle, so consider where it will be parked and driven.

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How much can a 2021 Yukon tow?

GMC’s brochure gives these maximum ratings for gas-engine configurations. They are configuration-specific ceilings, not ratings for every Yukon:

Body and engine 2WD maximum 4WD maximum
Yukon, 5.3L V8 8,400 lb 8,200 lb
Yukon, 6.2L V8 8,200 lb 8,000 lb
Yukon XL, 5.3L V8 8,300 lb 8,000 lb
Yukon XL, 6.2L V8 8,100 lb 7,900 lb
Diesel Yukon or Yukon XL Not stated in the brochure table Not stated in the brochure table

Passengers, cargo and accessories can reduce the amount a vehicle may tow. Edmunds reports that a 4WD 6.2L Yukon can tow up to 8,000 pounds, and likewise identifies the 8,400-pound maximum with the 2WD 5.3L Yukon. Before towing, confirm the rating and limits for the specific vehicle in its owner’s manual and official trailering guidance; do not transfer a gas rating to a diesel.

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  • 【Upgrade Material】-1:Holthly heavy duty car cover adopt 10 Layers of composite material. 2:The thickened polyethylene surface makes the cover 100% waterproof and breathable, while enhancing UV resistance to ensure durability in extreme weather conditions such as intense sun, rain, and snow. 3:The interior’s thickened cotton enhances the cover’s strength, improving its tear-resistance and scratch-resistance.
  • 【Perfect Fit】— Holthly has conducted experiments to obtain a customized car cover specifically designed for GMC Yukon (2006-2026). The custom-like fit of the full cover not only enhances the -aesthetics of your vehicle but also provides superior wind resistance, thereby prolonging the lifespan of the hood. It offers enhanced and long-lasting protection for your car.
  • 【Product Details】 -1.The Holthly car cover features three pairs of reinforced windproof straps to keep it securely in place, even in high winds.2.A spacious storage bag is included for easy folding and transport in your trunk.3.Double stitching along the edges ensures greater durability.4.Six reflective strips are added to enhance visibility and help prevent accidental collisions at night.
  • 【All Seasons Protection】- Holthly thick weatherproof car cover provide overall protection of vehicle from all-weather elements in spring, summer, autumn and winter four seasons: dust, snow, industrial contamination, bird droppings, leaves, pollens, acid rain, uv light, hot sun, rainstorm,etc.
  • 【Warm Reminder】- 1. Please clean the car surface before you use the cover to prevent scratches. 2. In order to better adapt to your car, some models do not have a mirror pocket, please observe the first image shown. 3. Holthly is committed to providing perfect after-sales service. If you have any problems, please reach us at any time, and we will make our best to solve them at the first time.

How is the ride and capability hardware configured?

GM lists passive-damper independent coil springs on SLE and SLT. AT4 and Denali have Magnetic Ride Control, with Air Ride Adaptive Suspension available alongside it on those trims. These differences matter when comparing equipment: trim name alone does not establish that an individual vehicle has every available suspension feature.

What is the diesel’s fuel economy and range?

Car and Driver reports EPA estimates of up to 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway for diesel Yukon configurations. It lists 5.3L gas models at 16 city, 20 highway and 18 combined mpg; figures for 6.2L models vary by body and drivetrain. For a sense of real-world variation, Edmunds tested a 4WD Denali rated at 16 mpg combined by the EPA (14 city/19 highway) and recorded 18.4 mpg on its 115-mile, highway-heavy route. That is one vehicle on one route, not a promise for other Yukons.

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GMC claims a maximum highway range of up to 765 miles on a full tank for the diesel Yukon XL. This is the manufacturer’s maximum-range claim, not an EPA range guarantee or an expected result for every driver. GMC describes the diesel as using an aluminum engine block and high-pressure injection; those are manufacturer descriptions of the engine’s design.

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What did reviewers find on the road?

Car and Driver recorded a 6.0-second 0–60 mph run in a loaded Denali with the 6.2L V8 and returned 20 mpg in its 75-mph highway test of that Denali. Both figures describe the publication’s test vehicle and conditions. They are useful points of comparison, not universal performance or economy figures for the Yukon lineup.

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How should you choose a 2021 Yukon?

Start with the job the SUV needs to do, then verify the vehicle’s actual specification rather than selecting by trim badge alone.

  • Need room for people or cargo behind the third row? Compare the XL’s larger third-row and cargo measurements with the standard Yukon’s shorter body.
  • Prioritize fuel economy and low-rpm torque? Look at SLE, SLT or Denali diesel examples; the diesel was not offered on AT4.
  • Need a specific towing capacity? Match the rating to body length, engine and drivetrain, then account for occupants, cargo and accessories.
  • Want a particular suspension setup? Check the vehicle’s equipment for Magnetic Ride Control or the available Air Ride Adaptive Suspension rather than assuming it is included.
  • Comparing alternatives such as Ford Expedition or Chevrolet Tahoe? Compare like-for-like body length, third-row and cargo room, engine, drivetrain, towing rating and equipment. A rating from one competitor configuration does not characterize its entire lineup.

For diesel-specific fuel guidance, the 2021 Yukon owner’s manual directs owners to “Fuel for Diesel Engines” in the Duramax diesel supplement. Consult that supplement rather than inferring a fuel requirement from the engine’s output or range claims.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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