GMC Yukon: Even though the Cadillac Escalade is the epitome of a full-size luxury SUV not everyone enjoys having 24 inch chrome wheel and worrying about damaging them on a dirt track. This is where the redesigned 2025 GMC Yukon comes in perfectly balancing luxury and tough capability.
Additionally GMC recently unveiled a trim for 2025 that completely alters the game:
AT4 Ultimate — the perfect blend of Denali luxury + AT4 off-road DNA.
If you’ve always wanted an SUV that can show up to a gala on Friday and hit the trails on Saturday, this might be the one.
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Exterior Design: Bold Meets Classy
Pros
- Aggressive, athletic design — more character than the Escalade
- AT4 and AT4 Ultimate get exclusive off-road wheels & styling cues
- Denali Ultimate looks elegant and premium
Cons
- Still very large for tight urban parking
- Premium paint colors can get pricey
The Yukon’s new exterior design is sharper and more distinctive. Each trim even gets its own grille:
- Elevation: 20-inch Satin Graphite wheels (clean and stylish)
- AT4 / AT4 Ultimate: Talos Bronze wheels with all-terrain tires
- Denali / Denali Ultimate: Optional 22-inch wheels — or massive 24-inch chrome wheels
At 211 inches long the Yukon is every bit a full-size SUV, especially in XL form.
Interior & Technology: Luxury, Refined
Pros
- Upper trims deliver true Cadillac-level luxury
- Google-based 16.8-inch infotainment system is intuitive and slick
- Huge passenger and cargo space
Cons
- No more nine-seat configuration
- Bose audio is good but not exceptional for a luxury SUV
- Chevy’s horizontal screen layout still feels a bit more natural
The Elevation trim already feels upscale, with heated leather seats and refined trim finishes. Move up to the higher trims and things get lavish:
- AT4 Ultimate: Forest Storm leather, Obsidian Rush interior theme, massaging front seats, wood trim
- Denali Ultimate: Full-grain leather everywhere, even optional ventilated & massaging second-row seats
Infotainment is a major highlight:
- 16.8-inch portrait touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Dual 12.6 inch rear entertainment screens
- Bose audio ranges from 10 speakers up to 22 speaker
Power meets performance versatility.
Pros
- Three strong engine choices, including a torque-rich diesel
- AT4 trims include real off-road hardware (not just cosmetic)
- Optional Super Cruise — hands-free driving on mapped highways
Cons
- Fuel economy is still average
- Not the quickest in the segment
Fuel Economy Ratings (2WD/4WD):
| Engine | Power & Detail | MPG (City/Hwy/Combined) |
|---|---|---|
| 5.3L V8 | Smooth and capable | 15 / 20 / 17 |
| 6.2L V8 | 420 hp — 0–60 mph in 6.4 sec (AT4 Ultimate) | 14–15 / 18–20 / 16–17 |
| 3.0L Duramax Diesel | Best torque and fuel economy | Up to 21 / 26 / 23 |
All engines are paired with GM’s excellent 10-speed automatic transmission.
The ride is surprisingly smooth for such a massive SUV especially with the available air suspension. Steering is confident and Super Cruise adds a next level comfort layer for long drives.
Pricing: A Luxurious Leap
The focus is now firmly on premium trims.
| Trim | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| Elevation | $67,200 |
| AT4 | $74,200 |
| Denali | $77,500 |
| AT4 Ultimate | $95,800 |
| Denali Ultimate | $101,800 |
Yes, the top trims cost more than an entry Escalade —
but they often offer similar features for thousands less.
Conclusion
The 2025 Yukon is no longer just the middle ground between Tahoe and Escalade. It now has its own identity:
- More sophisticated than a Tahoe
- More adventurous than an Escalade
If you want premium luxury without giving up the freedom to explore the AT4 Ultimate is the sweet spot.
2025 GMC Yukon AT4 Ultimate = Luxury + Adventure + Attitude
FAQ’s
Q1. Is the 2025 Yukon better than the Escalade?
A: If your priority is off road capability plus luxury the Yukon AT4 Ultimate offer more versatility than the Escalade. However the Escalade still win in pure luxury.
Q2. Which Yukon trim offer the best value?
A: The AT4 Ultimate hit the best balance between feature, rugged capability and price.
Q3. Does the 2025 Yukon still offer a nine seat configuration?
A: No GMC removed the nine-seat layout. The Yukon now seats seven or eight passenger depending on configuration.
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