2025 GMC Yukon Review: The Redesign That Changes Everything
ByMohan Sundar
2025 GMC Yukon Overview
The 2026 GMC Yukon is not a completely redesigned model. The major changes already arrived in 2025. For 2026, GMC keeps the same core features, including powerful V8 engines, multiple luxury trims, and strong towing capability, while making only a few small updates. The AT4 models now get gloss-black mirror caps, while the Performance Upgrade package adds metal sport pedals. Overall, the 2025 Yukon brought the biggest changes, while the 2026 model continues with the same design and features with a few minor improvements.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts
Details
Body style
Full-size, body-on-frame SUV (Yukon and long-wheelbase Yukon XL)
Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, Toyota Sequoia, Nissan Armada
Exterior Design and Styling
This is where the 2025 Yukon earns its “redesign” label. The grille grew taller and more upright, anchored by a large illuminated GMC badge. The C-shaped LED signature got sharper. Trim-level detailing still tells the different personalities apart:
Black grille surround, red tow hooks, skid plates, rugged off-road stance
AT4 Ultimate
All AT4 features plus unique badging and darker exterior trim
Denali
Chrome-heavy grille, unique 22-inch wheels
Denali Ultimate
Most formal front fascia, premium chrome detailing throughout
Dimensions and Size
Length, Width and Height
Dimension
Yukon (Standard)
Yukon XL
Overall Length
210.1 in
230 in
Overall Width
81.0 in
81.0 in
Overall Height
76.5 in
76.5 in
Curb Weight
5,600 to 5,870 lbs (by trim)
Slightly higher than standard Yukon
Wheelbase and Ground Clearance
Spec
Measurement
Wheelbase
121.0 in (120.9 in on some trim listings)
Ground Clearance
Varies by trim. AT4 sits highest thanks to its off-road suspension; Denali rides lower for on-road comfort.
Turning Diameter
39.5 feet
Boot Space and Seating Capacity
Configuration
Cargo Volume
Behind 3rd row
25.5 cu. ft.
Behind 2nd row
72.6 cu. ft.
Maximum (all rows folded)
122.9 cu. ft.
Capacity Spec
Detail
Seating capacity
Up to 9 passengers (Elevation with bench 2nd row); 7 to 8 on other trims depending on configuration
Rows
3
Interior Design and Comfort
Feature
Standard On
Available On
Heated front seats
All trims
—
Heated steering wheel
All trims
—
Heated 2nd-row outboard seats
All trims
—
Leatherette upholstery
Elevation, AT4
—
Full genuine leather
—
Denali, Denali Ultimate
Massaging front seats
—
Denali Ultimate
Ventilated front/2nd-row seats
—
Denali, Denali Ultimate
Larger infotainment touchscreen
All trims (new for 2025)
—
Open-pore wood trim
—
Denali Ultimate
Power-folding 3rd row
Most trims
—
Engine Specifications
Engine Type and Capacity / Power and Torque
GMC gives you three engines for 2025, and each one has a clear job to do.
Engine
Type
Power
Torque
Transmission
5.3L EcoTec3 V8 (base)
Gasoline
355 hp @ 5,600 rpm
383 lb-ft @ 4,100 rpm
10-speed automatic
6.2L EcoTec3 V8 (upgrade)
Gasoline
420 hp @ 5,600 rpm
460 lb-ft
10-speed automatic
3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel
Diesel inline-6
305 hp
495 lb-ft
10-speed automatic
Elevation and AT4 come standard with the 5.3L V8. Denali, AT4 Ultimate, and Denali Ultimate step up to the 6.2L V8 as their base engine. The diesel is optional across the lineup.
Transmission Options
Spec
Detail
Transmission
10-speed automatic (standard across all engines)
Drivetrain options
RWD or 4WD, depending on trim
Manual option
Not available
Performance and Driving Experience
Mileage / Fuel Efficiency
Engine
City MPG
Highway MPG
Combined MPG
5.3L V8
15
19
17
6.2L V8
14
18
16
3.0L Duramax Diesel
Higher than gas V8s
Best in the lineup, good for long-distance towing
—
Suspension, Handling, Braking and Tyres
Category
Detail
Suspension (Denali)
Comfort-tuned, adaptive damping available
Suspension (AT4)
Off-road-tuned, raised ride height
Handling
Predictable, but this isn’t a nimble vehicle at 5,600-plus lbs
Braking system
Four-wheel disc brakes sized for towing loads up to 8,400 lbs
Real-world dealer listings show meaningful savings off MSRP. A Denali with the 6.2L V8, for instance, has listed anywhere from around $77,000 to the low $90,000s depending on trim level and package content, and diesel-equipped Denali models have shown similar spreads. Your actual price depends heavily on region, dealer inventory, and incentives running that month.
Maintenance and Ownership Cost
Warranty Type
Coverage
Basic warranty
3 years / 36,000 miles
Powertrain warranty
5 years / 100,000 miles
Corrosion warranty
3 years / 36,000 miles
Ownership Cost Factor
Consideration
Fuel
Higher than mid-size SUVs; diesel helps on long trips
Tires
Larger wheels on Denali/AT4 mean pricier replacements
Brakes
Faster wear if you tow often and heavy
Routine service
In line with other full-size, body-on-frame SUVs
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Major redesign year: new styling, bigger screen
Fuel economy lags behind smaller SUVs
Genuinely spacious third row (long wheelbase)
Prices climb quickly with packages
Strong towing capacity (8,400 lbs)
Large footprint, harder to park in tight urban areas
Three distinct engine choices, including diesel
Diesel and 6.2L V8 add significant cost
Available Super Cruise hands-free driving
Some ADAS features vary by trim (night vision limited to top trims)
Competitors
Competitor
Key Differentiator
Chevrolet Tahoe
Mechanically similar, cheaper, less luxurious
Ford Expedition
Strong towing and tech, different driving character
Yes. 2025 is the redesign year, bringing new exterior styling and a larger infotainment touchscreen compared to the previous generation.
What is the difference between the 2025 and 2026 GMC Yukon?
2025 introduced the current generation’s styling and the bigger screen. 2026 carries over that same foundation with only minor trim tweaks, like gloss-black mirror caps on AT4 and small package updates.
How much can the 2025 GMC Yukon tow?
Up to 8,400 lbs in its most capable configuration, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Is the diesel engine worth it on the 2025 GMC Yukon?
If you drive long highway distances or tow often, probably yes. The diesel’s 495 lb-ft of torque and better highway mileage tend to justify the added cost. For mostly city and suburban driving, the base 5.3L V8 does the job fine.
Does the 2025 GMC Yukon have a hybrid option?
No. GMC sticks to gas V8 and diesel powertrains for 2025. No hybrid, no electric Yukon.
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