GMC Yukon: The Underdog SUV Finally Gets Its Glow-Up

Overshadowed by its siblings,
the unfortunate SUV, the GMC Yukon
heralds significant changes?

The Korean car market has recently seen a significant increase in full-size SUV lineups. The most representative models are undeniably the Chevrolet Tahoe and the Cadillac Escalade. These two vehicles belong to the same GM brand. They share some specifications, such as platform and powertrain, and are well-known as sibling vehicles.

However, another sibling vehicle to the Tahoe and Escalade is not sold in Korea. It is the GMC Yukon. The GMC brand, positioned between Chevrolet and Cadillac in terms of power, has a model similar to that of the Tahoe and Escalade. It is often overlooked by consumers and seen as an unfortunate vehicle. But the Yukon is currently preparing for a facelift, and its test car has even been spotted recently.

The exterior design changes
Do not appear to be significant

Last November, Chevrolet unveiled the facelift of the Tahoe and Suburban. Following them, GMC is now preparing for a facelift for Yukon. Recently, a test car running on overseas roads was spotted. Although most parts of the spotted test car are covered except for the middle of the side, the general design can be inferred from the visible shapes.

The exterior does not differ significantly from the previous model. The shape of the lamps and grille, wrapped not in the film but in a cover, retains the existing style. The rear is largely the same as before, except for the taillights, which have changed to a complete surface-emitting form. The side, utilizing the same body, looks identical to the previous model.

The interior design
follows the style of the Acadia

Contrary to the surface, the interior design has undergone significant changes. Looking at the photos of the recently spotted test car, the first thing that catches the eye is the vast display that fills the center fascia. A vertical display has been installed, similar to those applied in the latest Mercedes-Benz models, such as the C-Class or S-Class. Below it, a dial button for volume control and a touch-type air conditioning button have been added. The air vent on the center fascia has been moved down and changed to a slim vertical form. The parts of the driver’s instrument panel have also been changed.

This design is almost identical to the third-generation Acadia that was previously unveiled. Since it shows a design almost similar to the Acadia except for some details, the interior of the Acadia can be said to be the interior of the Yukon facelift.

The release of the facelifted model
Scheduled for the second half of 2024

Aside from the design, hardly any specifications have been revealed. Only the addition of 5G network functionality to support the new infotainment system has been reported. In terms of powertrain, an improved LZ0 Duramax diesel engine will be equipped by improving the existing LM2 Duramax diesel engine. Gasoline models will continue to use the existing 5.3-liter V8 L84 Ecotec 3 and 6.2-liter V8 L87 Ecotec 3 engines.

Production of the facelifted models will begin in November this year. Therefore, it is expected that after being unveiled around November, sales of the vehicles will start in earnest around December. A long-body model, the XL, will also be released. Likely, the release will not occur in Korea, where the demand for full-size SUVs is not yet significant.