GMC Yukon Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

GMC didn't consider to build an SUV that couldn't cope with some off-road abilities, and the AT4 version was the most capable from the Yukon range.

While most of the Yukon buyers chose the Denali trim level, the carmaker considered that it might offer something even better for those with a sense of camping trips. The AT4 version was radically changed when compared to the regular version of the full-size SUV.

The Yukon AT4 featured the same LED headlights as its siblings, but instead of the chromed grille, it sported a massive black big enough to serve as a gate. The engineers raised the lower part of the bumper and installed a genuine shield under the engine compartment. Thus, they helped the big SUV achieve a 32 degrees angle of approach. A set of two, effortless to spot, red tow hooks reminded the owner that the big rig might get stuck.

Inside, the AT4 was available with seating for seven, even though the SUV was based on the Yukon's regular wheelbase. The dashboard featured multiple buttons for the driver and its side passenger. An important novelty for the car was the push-button transmission selector, with two holes for the R and D positions. A wide touch-screen took the most of the center stack, while the HVAC controls found their spot angled at the bottom of it.

GMC offered the AT4 version with the same choice of engines from the rest of the range: a 5.3-liter for the base model and a 6.2-liter for the full-options. A 3.0-liter turbodiesel supplied by Cummins might be considered as well.

The 2015 Yukon Denali was based on the same chassis as the Chevrolet Tahoe, but the Denali version was the luxurious vehicle that could defend the American company to fight against the Mercedes-Benz GLS.

The war between unibody and body-on-frame cars was not over in 2014 when the 2015 Yukon Denali appeared on the market. There were a lot of fans for vehicles built the old-school way, with a big V8 under the hood and a steel-ladder chassis underneath the car. And for those, GM offered a great vehicle. Great, first of all, from the size perspective.

The flat front mesh-grille with a 3D effect and chromed pins were in trend when the car was launched. The big, tall, headlights were matching the size of the luxurious SUV from the GM. The C-shaped LED daytime running lights inside the headlights made a special appearance on the road. From the side, it still looked like an old, overweight, full-size SUV from GM.

Inside, there were up to seven seats available, but an option for six seats with center captain seats was available. The instrument cluster featured a mix of two analog dials and a center, configurable, TFT display. The infotainment unit was Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible.

For a better ride, the car was equipped with adaptive dampers and magnetic ride control that could enhance the comfort or help to keep the car better planted on the road.

The Yukon was the alternative offered by GMC for those families who needed something between Chevrolet Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade.

With its huge experience in building large SUVs and pickups, GMC offered the Yukon a very wide choice of trims and options. It could have been offered as a basic, six-passenger vehicle with minimal features, with luxurious features in the form of Denali, or as a hybrid vehicle. It was the large SUV that could suit most needs on that market segment.

The 2008 Yukon showed a completely new front fascia compared to its predecessor, with one-piece headlamps and a broad mesh-grille between them. The Hybrid version featured a unique, slatted one to distinguish it from its siblings. GMC installed a smaller additional grille on the front apron between the fog-lights. On the sides, depending on the options, the carmaker installed side steps for easier ingress and egress from the car. In the back, the big tailgate was opened in one piece for the Hybrid or with a twin system that allowed the user to open only the glass area for the rest of the range.

With the proper trim level, the Yukon's interior could have been mistaken with a premium vehicle. GMC offered-it with cloth upholstery for the base versions, but on the Denali trim-level, the customers could find leather-wrapped seats, wood-trims on the dash and door panels, power-operated second-row seats, and a touch-screen navigation system. The last row could have been removed in the seven-seat configuration and left behind if someone would need a larger trunk.

The Tahoe featured the best-in-class fuel economy due to its cylinder deactivation system. Despite the fact that a 6.0-liter V8 powered its hybrid version, the Yukon could get a 10.2 l/100 km (23 mpg-US) on the highway.

In 1999, GMC introduced the second generation for the Yukon and its sibling Chevrolet Tahoe and brought important upgrades.

With an increasing demand for the full-size SUVs on the market, GMC charged with full power to get more sales than anyone else and the Yukon/Tahoe brothers got a lot of attention. The carmaker already conquered half of that segment, but Ford and Chrysler were ready to launch their products.

The Yukon was the stylish, more luxurious brother of the Tahoe. It wasn't Cadillac-grade luxurious, but it certainly was above the workhorse Chevrolet. Its dual headlight system with rounded edges and the wide and black grille that sported the red letters of the GMC badge made good impression. It was shorter, narrower, and with a shorter wheelbase than its predecessor, and as a result, it shaved some weight. In the back, the customers could choose between a traditional tailgate with a flip-up window or a pair of side-hinged cargo-doors (fridge-doors).

Despite offering a shorter wheelbase, the 2000 Yukon offered a bigger interior space. A nine-seat was offered as an option with adequate room for the third-row passengers. At the front, the customers could choose between bucket seats or a bench with an integrated child seat in the middle. GMC priced-it just below the recently introduced Cadillac Escalade. I

Under the hood, GMC installed the 4.8-liter V-8 engine on the standard version. The full-option model featured a 6.0-liter V-8 engine. They were paired to a four-speed automatic transmission.