If your idea of an SUV involves bringing people and their stuff along, and the idea of being limited is less appealing than the thought of having more space, you owe the new GMC Yukon a look. The three-row, full-size SUV offers a large amount of both passenger and cargo space, plus engine options to give it real pulling power, technology and the option for 4WD to suit those school runs in and around Rockingham, the NC road trips to further afield locations or the weekends that involve bringing along extra baggage on a trailer or a few sets of gear into the back end for a mountain biking adventure or other outdoor pursuits. Depending on which trim and options you choose, the new GMC Yukon can hold up to 8 passengers.
The Yukon’s choices for powertrain help buyers focus on what they value. For daily driving, the standard 5.3L V8 should more than suffice, though performance buffs may prefer the option of a more powerful 6.2L V8. The Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel offers an entirely different perspective on power. It achieves 305 horsepower, but what really stands out is its impressive 495lb.-ft. Of torque-just the thing to use for heavy loads or hauling items. If properly equipped, this setup can handle up to 8,400 lbs.
And that capability actually means some real benefits for the Rockingham driver. The Yukon can deal with daily commuting tasks and family-carrying needs but can still answer the call when it’s towing a camper, a boat, a utility trailer, or sporting goods. You’ll even find four-wheel drive options that add to the versatility on and off the road if the occasion calls for it.
With four unique trim levels available for the Yukon, there’s a trim suited for everyone. A heated front row and wheel, HD surround vision, and the availability of a diesel Duramax are expected on the base model, which GMC calls the “Elevation.” The AT4 goes more heavy-duty, offering all-terrain tires, a special higher front fascia (called a “high approach-angle front fascia”) and skid plates, along with four-wheel drive availability.
The driver searching for a more luxurious experience can climb up to the Denali or Denali Ultimate. Added touches of premium materials and new luxury technology enhance comfort. Equipment offered can range from a 16.8-inch Premium GMC Infotainment system all the way up to Super Cruise and Air Ride Adaptive Suspension features plus front massage seats.
The goal was not just to add a third row of seats in the Yukon but to make them practical. It is available with accommodation for 8 or 7 (captain seats). If passenger capacity is not required, then the third row could be flipped down for usable storage space. So it can be handy for cargo on family adventures and sporting events, as well as for groceries and materials work, and for a trip out of town.
Technology also assists with usability in everyday use. Information is served to a large central display screen, compatible with Google Built-in within the infotainment options; however, rear-seat entertainment screens can be fitted that will make those long trips for back-seat occupants much more comfortable. All of this works as an enhancement to the basic strengths of the Yukon: roominess, capability, and flexibility.
Finding a New GMC Yukon is made simple when working with Dieffenbach GMC, a dealership that can help Rockingham drivers browse configurations and find the right Yukon for them. We feature shopping, financing services, a trade-in appraisal process, and vehicle servicing, but team members are also available to help drivers searching for a specific configuration or trim that is on the way to the lot.
How is the GMC Yukon a step up from a midsize SUV?
The full-size Yukon’s advantages include the most seating of the GMC SUVs, the most passenger and cargo flexibility of the truck-based lineup, and a strong towing capacity. Three rows standard accommodate up to eight, depending on configuration, to handle larger families and carpools. V8 engines and the available Duramax turbodiesel are another differentiator for anyone who tows a recreational item. For drivers needing more people space or capability to tow, the Yukon represents a significant boost in function.
Which Yukon engine is best for towing?
The right engine comes down to the kind and frequency of trailer duty. The 6.2L V8 gives the power needed when raw horsepower and torque are most important. Another option for those towing often or driving great distances is the Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel (495 lb-ft), an available feature that offers a significant performance benefit when towing up to a rating of 8,400 lbs (configuration dependent) in properly equipped models. Dieffenbach GMC works with customers and their specific needs and towing requirements when comparing engine options for this truck-based vehicle.
Is the Yukon comfortable for long road trips?
Passenger space, seating flexibility, and technology give the Yukon comfort for trips and all-day cruising. It can accommodate up to eight in a three-row model, while available second-row captain’s chairs provide room for seven. Leather-appointed and available massage-equipped front-row seats, a panoramic sunroof, and impressive standard or available infotainment features with large touch screens enhance longer trips, while rear media systems keep rear occupants entertained on the road. These available amenities, coupled with flexible passenger and cargo hauling capacities, are ideal for large families that regularly travel.
What is the difference between a Yukon AT4 and a Yukon Denali?
Both AT4 and Denali GMC models are built as capable and premium full-size SUVs. The difference starts at the design prioritization for each of them. The Yukon AT4 is designed with adventure and off-road capability in mind, with standard features like all-terrain tires, an off-road-optimized front fascia and skid plate, and four-wheel drive, making the AT4 the truck for off-road enthusiasts. A Yukon Denali, meanwhile, aims to be the ultimate in upscale style and comfort by providing a smoother ride with Magnetic Ride Control and greater access to an available Super Cruise hands-free driving system, along with more premium appointments and the powerful 6.2-L V8.
What if a specific Yukon model isn’t available on your lot?
Inventory is limited by availability from manufacturer assembly plants. Customers seeking an exact model can reserve specific arriving vehicles by contacting your sales representative and requesting any details you’d like included in the reservation form, such as your preferred model, trim, color, or transmission, and other attributes. Let the sales team at Dieffenbach GMC in Rockingham, NC, work to find an arriving vehicle and secure this model with an upcoming order in an ideal color with specific features.
