The 2025 GMC Yukon introduces several small, yet significant, upgrades that make it a more sophisticated, luxurious, and stylish full-size SUV compared to its predecessor. The former SLE and SLT trims have been replaced by a more formidable Elevation trim. On the high end, the Denali Ultimate has become even more opulent, offering an alternative to competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator, now featuring an executive seating option in the second row. The Ultimate enhancements are also available in the off-road-focused AT4 variant.

The durable 3.0-liter Duramax diesel engine is offered across the range and has received updates. Additionally, all models of the 2025 Yukon come with improvements in style, technology, and safety features. Each trim presents distinct characteristics, so let’s delve into this closely related model to the likewise refreshed 2025 Chevy Tahoe and 2025 Escalade.

AT4 Receives Exciting Upgrades

It’s apparent that many consumers seek true capability in their full-size SUVs, and GMC has made significant enhancements to the adventure-oriented Yukon AT4.

The inaugural AT4 Ultimate will feature 20-inch wheels paired with a four-corner adaptive air suspension, capable of increasing the vehicle’s height by two inches for enhanced off-road clearance. True to AT4 models, red tow hooks and a skid plate will provide underbody protection. The high-gloss finishes on the front end have been swapped for a more understated matte design, giving it a rugged rather than flashy appearance. Notably, the GMC logo is now a matte red, while a satin nickel finish adorns the grille. To create a sense of added height, the lower front section remains gloss black.

Inside, the Obsidian Rush interior boasts three rows of black full-grain leather complemented by embossed textures, red stitching, and Ash Burl wood accents. Stainless-steel speaker grilles contribute to a sleek modern aesthetic that aims for a blend of ruggedness and luxury.

While the Denali Ultimate may be more extravagant than ever, the AT4 Ultimate offers considerable value within the new Yukon lineup. It comes equipped with premium interior materials and the exclusive Terrain drive mode for the AT4, which introduces one-pedal driving for improved off-road handling. Additionally, drivers can opt for the Duramax diesel engine, now producing 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque. The larger 6.2-liter V-8 is standard, while the 5.3-liter V-8 remains the entry-level engine in the base Yukon models. The availability of the diesel engine is a notable enhancement, especially for those keen on the AT4’s towing capacity.

Denali Ultimate: The Pinnacle of Luxury

Does “ultimate” have different interpretations? For GMC, it certainly does. While the Escalade remains the top choice in the GM three-row lineup, the Denali is a strong contender. It remains at the pinnacle of the Yukon range, exclusively offering mammoth 24-inch eight-spoke machined wheels. These wheels are quite large, but the Yukon’s stature accommodates them without appearing disproportionate. The denser 6.2-liter V-8 is standard across this model.

The Yukon Denali boasts standard 16-way power heated and ventilated massaging front seats; the Ultimate can also be ordered with similar seating for the second row as part of the new Executive Seating package. GMC’s claim as a premium brand is underscored with the luxury of massaging rear seats.

While indulging in a massage, passengers can enjoy 8.0-inch entertainment screens mounted in the back of the front seats, enabling web access, music, and streaming services. These features come standard on the Denali Ultimate but are also available in other trims. For an enhanced audio experience, there’s also an option for up to 22 premium Bose speakers, including those located in the headrests of the front and Executive second row seats. The interior color scheme is referred to as Warg Savage—a unique name that fits well with its upscale brown tones.

In contrast to the rugged AT4, the Denali’s front design features width-enhancing elements and grille detailing that adds an elegant touch.

The Denali features a sleek black grille trim along with a secondary insert that showcases a bold tin-over-chrome finish. While it has some shine, it’s not as shiny as traditional bright chrome surfaces.

Completely Redesigned Interior

The 2025 Yukon showcases an entirely revamped interior. GMC aimed to enhance the usability of space, considering the vehicle’s size during the redesign. Similar horizontal design elements were utilized to visually widen the SUV’s front, with the trailing edge lowered by almost an inch to boost forward visibility, effectively making the panel smaller.

An 11.0-inch display provides ample space for vehicle information without feeling crowded, featuring details from the Super Cruise hands-free driving assist system, which now includes trailering capabilities across all trims for the first time. The impressive 16.8-inch center screen feels just right for the Yukon, especially if you’re a fan of large displays.

The traditional pushbutton shifter has been removed to make way for the larger screen, replaced with a column-mounted shifter—something GMC indicates was a customer preference. This adjustment creates a cleaner look for the center stack. The column shifter operates electronically; pushing up puts it in reverse and down into drive, while pulling it toward you selects park. This could take some adjustment as most vehicles typically feature a button at the end of the shifter for park, but it offers more space compared to prior designs. Physical controls are still available for essential functions, and there’s a lined storage compartment above the screen for items like sunglasses.

A Gentle Giant

The new Yukon brings an expanded range of standard safety features, which now includes automatic braking for pedestrians and cyclists, rear cross-traffic alerts, side alerts for cyclists, and intersection emergency braking. There’s also an option for night vision that uses thermal cameras to detect pedestrians, animals, and other obstacles in dark conditions, providing alerts in the head-up display or instruments.

Now, with Super Cruise available on all trims and mapped routes expected to extend over 750,000 miles, the Yukon can practically drive itself on highways. Super Cruise is compatible with trailers, and there are additional trailering technologies for 2025. It boasts a maximum towing capacity of 8,400 pounds and includes five new features to make towing simpler: blind-zone steering assist, transparent trailer view, trailer reverse trajectory, trailer tire health monitoring, and jackknife alerts.

Eager to Own One?

Pricing details for the 2025 Yukon are not yet available. We anticipate slight increases due to the incorporation of new features and streamlining of the lineup, with more information expected to be available when the vehicles arrive at dealerships later this year. By then, it will align with other newly updated GMC models like the Acadia and Terrain. As America’s enthusiasm for SUVs continues to thrive, the updated 2025 Yukon is likely to remain a favored option for those seeking spaciousness, style, and premium features.