GMC Yukon: The Escalade can boast to be one of the finest family luxury SUVs there are, but those gargantuan 24-inch wheels might make off-road excursions a bit overwhelming. Well, in comes the revamped 2025 GMC Yukon, maintaining a middle ground between luxury and ability. Sure, you can still spec for large wheels and luxury features, but for those of you adventurous in spirit but unwilling to sacrifice luxury, this is where GMC’s most imaginative AT4 Ultimate trim comes in. The variant perfectly combines Denali luxury with AT4 off-road credibility, which might just as well be GM’s most well-arranged full-size SUV.
The Yukon, which launched together with the Chevrolet Tahoe and Chevrolet Suburban back in 2020 and shortly before the Cadillac Escalade, went through noteworthy changes for 2025. The introduction of the new Elevation trim means that the SLE and SLT are phased out, but two new high-end variants make their very first time on the line-up: Denali Ultimate and AT4 Ultimate. One full week spent flying around the countryside in the AT4 Ultimate only pointed out the obvious–Yukon is here to rewrite the book of Premium adventure SUVs.
Exterior Design: Bold Meets Classy
Pros:
- More aggressive styling than the Escalade
- Funky AT4 and AT4 Ultimate interior
- Denali Ultimate is subtly luxurious and classy
Cons:
- Oversized for tight city-parking spaces
- Pricey paint colors
The 2025 Yukon has gotten a more precise, sharper design that includes sleek headlights and very distinct grilles for each trim. Elevation rides on smooth 20-inch Satin Graphite wheels, while off-roaders have primarily been kept in mind by refinishing the Talos Bronze wheels on an All-Terrain 20-inch tire set for the AT4 and AT4 Ultimate trims. The Denali and Denali Ultimate are two trims with luxurious options. The Denali comes with a choice of 22-inch wheels, which are big, or massive 24-inch chrome wheels that can be bundled with the corresponding/matching bundle. At nearly 211 inches long — even longer in XL form — the Yukon remains a true full-size SUV.
Interior & Technology: Luxury, Refined
Pros:
- Cadillac-level luxury in upper trims
- Intuitive, Google-powered infotainment
- Tons of passenger and cargo space
Cons:
- No more nine-seat configuration
- The audio system could be better.
- Chevy’s horizontal screen layout feels more natural.
Starting mid-2022, GMC has moved the elevation one notch higher by removing the basic SLE and SLT trims and inserting the well-equipped Elevation trim. Inside, standard heated leather seats and higher-end finishes are standard fare, while upper trim levels get even fancier. Cloaked in Forest Storm leather and Obsidian Rush theme, the AT4 Ultimate bathes the inside in massaging seats, complemented by a veneer of wood. It must also be noted that Denali Ultimate brings in an exclusive full-grain leather and offers ventilated and massaging second-row seats, at an additional cost.
With the 2024 model, a Google-based 16.8-inch portrait touchscreen installed on the latest Yukon may be even more relevant for the driver, benefiting from new wireless technology for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Rear passengers can enjoy optional dual 12.6-inch entertainment screens and rear climate controls. Audio ranges from a standard 10-speaker Bose setup to an 18- or 22-speaker system in the Denali Ultimate.
Power meets performance versatility.
Pros:
- There are several engine options, including the diesel that boasts of being torque-y.
- AT4 trims provide you with legitimate off-roading hardware.
- Super Cruise, hands-free.
Cons:
- Fuel economy is still a nipper.
- This isn’t the best of lists in the segment of powerful SUVs.
The three engines in the Yukon are unique and can’t be compared: there’s the 5.3-liter V8 in this SUV, there’s a 6.2-liter V8, and then there’s a 3.0-liter Duramax Diesel. Each of the engines above is associated with GM’s fine 10-speed automatic transmission. It generates an astonishing 420 horsepower and propels this enormous SUV from 0 to 60 mph in around 6.4 seconds, thanks to the high torque generated by the 6.2-liter V8 engine fitted on the AT4 Ultimate.
Nothing close to the quickest in the class, but good response and smoothness. Ride quality, which is hard to improve even by air suspension, is really good, and Super Cruise offers a degree of semi-autonomous comfort. Very few are in its league in terms of ability, but the Yukon handles very well for its size.
Fuel Economy Ratings (2WD/4WD):
- 5.3L V8: 15/20/17 mpg (city/hwy/combined)
- 6.2L V8: 14–15/18–20/16–17 mpg
- 3.0L Diesel: Up to 21/26/23 mpg
Pricing: A Luxurious Leap
By eliminating its lower trims and focusing on more premium offerings, GMC has moved the Yukon decisively upmarket. The 2025 Elevation starts at $67,200, with options like the Duramax diesel ($4,265), 4WD ($3,000), and the XL body style ($3,000) adding more cost. Climb the trim ladder, and you’ll find:
- AT4: From $74,200
- Denali: From $77,500
- AT4 Ultimate: From $95,800
- Denali Ultimate: From $101,800
While the top-tier Yukon trims can exceed the Escalade’s starting price, they often pack in Escalade-like features for significantly less. The AT4 Ultimate combines raw functionality with a more polished interior.
Conclusion
The car has finally developed an individual unique identity within GM’s SUV segment, and the niche is 2025 GMC Yukon: It’s no longer only a middle child between the Tahoe and the Escalade; in fact, it’s really at the same level as the buyers who want to possess both luxurious and off-road grit. Therefore, if you are someone who wants the best of both worlds in a full-size SUV, check out the Yukon AT4 Ultimate, as it might fit the bill perfectly for you.
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