Big, bold, and filled with premium materials, the 2025 GMC Yukon continues to be the rugged, upscale full-size SUV that can carry a large family.
The Yukon comes in two versions: the regular model with its standard wheelbase and the Yukon XL, which has a longer wheelbase. This tried-and-true formula makes it easy for up to eight people to travel to their favorite destination together. The Yukon models have impressive materials and upscale features that allow them to be smooth and comfortable, especially when compared to some of the pickup trucks they are based on.
How does GMC smooth out the ride?
Rugged and tough vehicles often make use of a solid rear axle setup, but this returns a ride quality that is extremely similar to what pickup trucks offer. The Yukon models make use of an independent rear suspension that goes a long way toward improving the ride and handling compared to previous models, which had the solid rear axle setup.
In addition to a smooth ride that’s more enjoyable, you can have either of the Yukon SUVs with plenty of great features that reach close to luxury levels of driving and comfort. This is especially true if you choose the Denali or Denali Ultimate trims.
2025 GMC Yukon Pros and Cons
Pros
- Thrifty and torque diesel engine option
- Luxury seating and quiet ride
- Plenty of towing tech
Cons
- Costs more than similar Chevy counterparts
- Urban parking options limited by its size
- Gas engines require a lot of fuel
Is there anything new?
This full-size GMC SUV has a few updates and changes for the latest model year. Some of these include a restyled front fascia with a new grille and headlight designs. The front and rear lighting elements can play animations, which isn’t important but can be fun. You can choose massive 24-inch wheels for this big SUV, which are standard on the Denali Ultimate but optional for the regular Denali model.
The trims have changed as well, adding the new Elevation model that replaces the SLE and SLT models. There’s also a new AT4 Ultimate trim that adds luxury features to the AT4’s off-road packaging. The Denali Ultimate has second-row executive seating and a 22-speaker Bose audio system to make it more luxurious than before. There’s also a new night vision feature with thermal object detection that shows objects on the vertical 16.8-inch touchscreen.
Three engines for full-size SUV power
The 2025 GMC Yukon lineup has three engines that all mate to a 10-speed automatic transmission for your driving needs. The base engine is a 5.3-liter V8 that produces 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, above that, you’ll find a 6.2-liter V8 that sends 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque to the wheels. There’s also a Duramax 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel 6-cylinder engine that produces 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque. The diesel engine has been improved with more power, making it the most torque-rich powertrain for the Yukon.
The Yukon can tow up to 8,400 pounds when equipped with the 5.3-liter V8 engine and set up in RWD. The other engines can two up to 8,200 pounds, making it easy to pull heavy loads with this big and impressive SUV. There’s also plenty of trailering tech, including the Transparent Trailer View which virtually removes the physical trailer from the camera view, ensuring you can see objects behind the trailer when attempting to position the trailer in a parking spot.
Check out that spacious cabin
Every version of the Yukon has a large cabin with room for seven or eight passengers, depending on how the middle row of seats is configured. The cargo space behind the rear seats is limited in the regular models, but the Yukon XL matches the Chevrolet Suburban for the cargo room behind the third row, which is impressive. This generous area gives you lots of room for everything you need to take with you during your time on the road.
You’ll find the vertically oriented 16.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system positioned in the center of the dashboard, regardless of the Yukon model that you choose. In addition to the Wi-Fi hot spot, you’ll have access to the connectivity desired using wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Which one should you choose?
Unless you must have the luxury-level features, the 2025 GMC Yukon can be great in the base Elevation trim. If you plan to go off-roading, you’ll want to choose one of the AT4 models, giving you the equipment necessary to tackle some of the toughest trails. Which Yukon will you drive?