2025 GMC Yukon First Look: This Great Full-Size SUV Just Got a Great Makeover

Not everything has changed, though. In an age when many SUV makers are moving to 6-cylinder turbos, GMC hung on its beloved V8 and diesel engines: A 5.3L V8 that delivers 355 HP and is standard on the Elevation and AT4 models; a 6.2L V8 engine that delivers 420 HP that is standard on Denali and optional on the AT4

Buyers have expressed a need for diesel and GMC listened; it’s now option on all trims, including the AT4 and new AT4 Ultimate models. The Duramax turbo diesel delivers 305 HP and is available on all trims.

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Calling to mind the same design language used in their best selling Sierra, the Yukon’s upgraded look adds the GMC family appearance package. Clean, eye-catching good looks. In this case, the broader footprint and wider grille bring a more muscular and less curving stance from the previous generation. The sweeping lines, clear badging and those distinctive C-shaped LED head and tail lights anchor the GMC Yukon as a modern classic and deliver a regal look.

Read: 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X: Want to Feel Like Queen of the Road? Truck Yeah!

Even in its base form, the Yukon speaks the language of luxury. With premium materials and touch points dressed in opulent textures, fine stitching, and smart details, the cabin feels comfortable, elegant, and refined. The GMC Yukon feels luxuriously appointed throughout the vehicle, not just in the front where the driver sits.

This model year raises the bar for multimedia with a gorgeous new 16.8-inch touchscreen display, an available 8-inch rear climate control screen and a performance sound system with Bose in-seat speakers embedded in the first and second rows. 

Zigging when other SUVs are zagging, GMC’s revamped SUVs all feature new vertical touch screen that measures 16.8-inches diagonally. Planted at the center of the dashboard, the new screen is customizable with easy access to maps, audio controls, and helpful vehicle diagnostics. Everything is within easy reach, and you don’t have to swipe through a bunch of screens to get to your commonly used functions.

Building on an already fantastic sound system, the 2025 GMC Yukon makes good use of GMC’s partnership with Bose to create an elevated sound experience with a concert quality system. In the Denali trim you get the Bose Performance Series comprised of 22 speakers, and super cool, stainless steel speakers embedded in the sides of front seats and executive seats in the second row.

For families or buyers who opt for it, there’s also a second row entertainment system with wireless headphones. While many carmakers have moved away from this in recent years, GMC recognizes that if buyers want this, they should be able to have it.

Denali is the pinnacle for GMC trucks and SUVs, the but within that, the ultimate standard is Ultimate. Available on the 2025 Denali and now in the AT4, the Denali features unique wheels, exclusive interior wood trim and new for 2025, center row executive-style captains chairs.

The AT4 line, which has a cult following of its own for its burly, lux-rugged exterior and off-road capability, takes it up a notch in the Ultimate. It will feature skid plates for off-roading, 20″ wheels, adaptive suspension for up to 2″ more ground clearance and its own plush interior with leather seating and Ash wood trim.

Advanced driver and safety technology go hand-in-hand with most driver’s definitions of true luxury. Expanding on the previous generation’s list of standard safety and assistance features, the 2025 Yukon’s list now includes a low-light assistance system called Night Vision, rear cross-traffic braking, intersection automatic emergency braking, and front and side pedestrian and cyclist alert and braking.

The 2025 Yukon also comes with Super Cruise hands-free driving. It’s available as a 3-year subscription and then a monthly or annual subscription after that.

From air vents in the 3rd row to easy-reach charging ports and in-cabin LED lighting, the details are where the 2025 Yukon shines. For this model year, the design team used the dash line and other interior lines to create an open, welcoming cabin that feels spacious and generous in proportion. Wood accents warm up the space and two-toned, pebbled leather adds a durable, yet luxurious touch to the interior. Smart pockets, plenty of cupholders, space dividers and household outlets mean life can keep going inside the vehicle or out.

And for a truly elevated Denali experience, buyers can also opt for rear heated massaging seats.

Also a new proximity-controlled lift gate means no more digging around keys with your hands full or kicking furiously beneath a tailgate hoping to find the sensor. Once set via vehicle settings on the touch screen, just get close, watch for three flashes of the taillights and boom, open trunk.

Inside, the Yukon has 25 cubic feet of space behind the 3rd row and an enormous 123 cubic feet behind the front seats.

“We’re raising the bar on what our customers expect from GMC’s flagship,” said GMC’s Global Vice President Duncan Aldred. A bold, new look with more truck-like characteristics and a luxe interior is the place to start; advanced features like rear executive seating and entertainment and the new AT4 trim are what we expect from GMC.

GMC hasn’t announced pricing and won’t until closer to production, which is slated to start at the end of 2024. Current prices, however, start at just under $60,000 and range to about $100,000.

And its why for years Yukon has been one of my hands-down favorite SUVs. The combination of space, power, comfort and ease of use cannot be beat, but when I heard that a refresh was underway, I was excited to see what they could do to make it better. Because they always do.