GMC Yukon Denali’s trademark chrome grille is bigger and more detailed on the all-new 2021 model. (Manufacturer photo)

GMC Yukon Denali’s trademark chrome grille is bigger and more detailed on the all-new 2021 model. (Manufacturer photo)

2021 GMC Yukon Denali full-size SUV lives up to its namesake

All-new version is larger, has a new turbo-diesel option, and a rugged AT4 model has been added.

GMC’s Yukon is entirely redesigned for 2021, representing the fifth-generation version of this premium full-size SUV. Changes include a size increase, extensive interior styling revisions, tech and mechanical upgrades, a turbo-diesel engine option, new transmission, and a new trim level.

The 2021 Yukon is available in SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali trim levels. AT4 is the new model, supplying appearance add-ons and special features for rugged terrain capability. Rear-wheel drive is standard and four-wheel drive optional on SLE, SLT, and Denali. The AT4 comes only in 4WD configuration.

Base pricing with the destination charge included starts at $51,995 for the 2WD SLE, $59,095 for the SLT, $66,095 for the AT4, and $69,695 for the Denali. Four-wheel drive is an extra $3,000.

Yukon is GMC’s flagship, and Denali is the flagship’s flagship. It’s the model most endowed with premium components, and now for the first time, Denali has an exclusive interior with a completely new instrument panel, unique seats, and a choice among four unique color themes. (To be clear, “unique” here means not used in the other Yukon models.) Every color theme includes authentic wood trim with a natural look and feel, and hand stitched upholstery.

The 2021 GMC Yukon Denali’s exclusive interior includes authentic wood trim and hand stitched seats. (Manufacturer photo)

The 2021 GMC Yukon Denali’s exclusive interior includes authentic wood trim and hand stitched seats. (Manufacturer photo)

My test vehicle was a 2021 GMC Yukon 4WD Denali, whose base price including destination and 4WD surcharges is $75,695. Fit for a queen, it had an $11,255 Denali Ultimate Package option, bundling a rear seat media system, power retractable side steps with perimeter lighting, a panoramic sunroof, 22-inch wheels, five trailering-related features, adaptive suspension, adaptive cruise control, advanced security and braking systems, and enhanced camera functionality.

The Denali name comes from the mountain in Alaska, the highest peak in North America. Looking at the SUV’s imposing front-end, I was reminded of another natural wonder, the El Capitan vertical rock formation in Yosemite National Park.

Yukon Denali’s trademark Galvano chrome grille is larger and more detailed on the 2021 model. It has a precise dimensional pattern with more than 10,000 individual reflective surfaces. Another distinguishing feature is Denali’s exterior lighting. The C-shaped front lighting emits through a “light blade” delivering uniform LED illumination for the daytime running lights. Headlights, taillights, and fog lights are also LED.

My Denali tester’s engine was a capable 6.2-liter V8 producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. It’s a Denali exclusive. Other trims come with a 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V8. A 277-horsepower 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel is available for SLE, SLT, and Denali. It makes 460 lb-ft of torque.

Fuel economy ratings for the 6.2-liter V8 are 14 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, and 16 mpg combined.

Power retractable running boards and 22-inch wheels are standard on the GMC Yukon Denali. Every 2021 Yukon model comes with a new 10-speed automatic transmission. (Manufacturer photo)

Power retractable running boards and 22-inch wheels are standard on the GMC Yukon Denali. Every 2021 Yukon model comes with a new 10-speed automatic transmission. (Manufacturer photo)

Every Yukon model now comes standard with a new 10-speed automatic transmission with pull- and push-button gear changing operation. The control panel is located on the dashboard. You push a button for Park, but pull a button for the other gears. Sounds weird, but it works well.

Denali has seating for up to eight people, with loads of room all around, even in the third row. Comfort levels are high for passengers in the first two rows, but more like medium for third-row riders if they are full-sized adults.

Present-day essential connectivity and infotainment features are included, all of them as standard equipment. Denali’s system includes a 10.2-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability, navigation, wireless charging, Wi-Fi, and 14-speaker Bose audio. The system is comprehensive but easy to grasp, and its controls conform to the great GMC tradition of using buttons and knobs. Anyone too superior to appreciate that can always use the touchscreen.

A 360-degree surround view camera is practically a necessity for an SUV of this size, and Denali’s is excellent. I came to think of it as Mary’s Little Helper.

Two non-glamorous features, power folding third-row seats and power running boards, were very much appreciated during my test week. Yukon Denali is tall and massive, inside and out, so extra assistance is welcome.

The optional new adaptive suspension system graces the 2021 Yukon with a nice smooth ride, even on pavement seemingly intended to jounce passengers on purpose.

2021 GMC YUKON 4WD DENALI

Base price, including destination charge: $75,695

Price as driven: $87,795

Mary Lowry is an independent automotive writer who lives in Snohomish County. She is a member of the Motor Press Guild, and a member and past president of the Northwest Automotive Press Association. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturers as a one-week loan for review purposes only. In no way do the manufacturers control the content of the reviews.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

What’s Up columnist Andrea Brown with a selection of black and white glossy promotional photos on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Free celeb photos! Dig into The Herald’s Hollywood time capsule

John Wayne, Travolta, Golden Girls and hundreds more B&W glossies are up for grabs at August pop-up.

Rodney Ho / Atlanta Journal-Constitution / Tribune News Service
The Barenaked Ladies play Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville on Friday.
Coming events in Snohomish County

Send calendar submissions for print and online to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your… Continue reading

Edmonds announces summer concert lineup

The Edmonds Arts Commission is hosting 20 shows from July 8 to Aug. 24, featuring a range of music styles from across the Puget Sound region.

Big Bend Photo Provided By Ford Media
2025 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend Increases Off-Road Capability

Mountain Loop Highway Was No Match For Bronco

Cascadia College Earth and Environmental Sciences Professor Midori Sakura looks in the surrounding trees for wildlife at the North Creek Wetlands on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 in Bothell, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Cascadia College ecology students teach about the importance of wetlands

To wrap up the term, students took family and friends on a guided tour of the North Creek wetlands.

Mustang Convertible Photo Provided By Ford Media Center
Ford’s 2024 Ford Mustang Convertible Revives The Past

Iconic Sports Car Re-Introduced To Wow Masses

Kim Crane talks about a handful of origami items on display inside her showroom on Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Crease is the word: Origami fans flock to online paper store

Kim’s Crane in Snohomish has been supplying paper crafters with paper, books and kits since 1995.

The 2025 Nissan Murano midsize SUV has two rows of seats and a five-passenger capacity. (Photo provided by Nissan)
2025 Nissan Murano is a whole new machine

A total redesign introduces the fourth generation of this elegant midsize SUV.

A woman flips through a book at the Good Cheer Thrift Store in Langley. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Pop some tags at Good Cheer Thrift Store in Langley

$20 buys an outfit, a unicycle — or a little Macklemore magic. Sales support the food bank.

The Mukilteo Boulevard Homer on Monday, May 12, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘Homer Hedge’: A Simpsons meme takes root in Everett — D’oh!

Homer has been lurking in the bushes on West Mukilteo Boulevard since 2023. Stop by for a selfie.

Sarah and Cole Rinehardt, owners of In The Shadow Brewing, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 in Arlington, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
In The Shadow Brewing: From backyard brews to downtown cheers

Everything seems to have fallen into place at the new taproom location in downtown Arlington

Bar manager Faith Britton pours a beer for a customer at the Madison Avenue Pub in Everett. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Burgers, brews and blues: Madison Avenue Pub has it all

Enjoy half-price burgers on Tuesday, prime rib specials and live music at the Everett mainstay.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.