First Look: 2025 GMC Yukon – When You Need Something for Both Work and Play

There are a handful of bigger vehicles out there, but you’d be hard-pressed to find many that can do more, whether for work or play. And for the upcoming model year, GMC has made some welcome updates to the full-size Yukon SUV. No crossover this, Yukon remains a classic body-on-frame design that’s rugged enough to tackle serious trails, haul hefty trailers or, if you prefer, carry up to eight passengers in relative luxury for a night on the town. Here’s a look at what’s new with the 2025 GMC Yukon.

First introduced in 1991, the GMC Yukon is one third of a trio of full-size General Motors SUVs that also includes the mainstream Chevrolet Tahoe and the more luxurious Cadillac Escalade. Like the others, the fifth-generation Yukon gets a mid-cycle refresh for the 2025 model year.

As you’d expect, there are the requisite exterior tweaks, with some welcome interior updates, as well. Much of the focus for 2025 is on new and upgraded technology. Buyers can opt for the infrared-based Night Vision system, along with the latest version of General Motors’ hands-free Super Cruise system.

For the new model year Yukon carries over its powertrain line-up – which should be fine with most buyers. That includes a beefy 6.2-liter V-8. But, for those who want maximum grunt, there’s a 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel that delivers even more torque and better fuel economy. A 5.3-liter V-8 is also available on some packages.

Rounding out the line-up

“Following the all-new GMC Acadia and next-gen GMC Terrain, the addition of the updated 2025 GMC Yukon completes GMC’s reimagined SUV lineup,” said Duncan Aldred, global vice president, Buick and GMC. “We’re raising the bar on what our customers expect from GMC’s flagship and the addition of the AT4 Ultimate trim fuses ruggedness and capability with craftsmanship and refinement.”

Buyers looking for a trail-ready version of the GMC Yukon that doesn’t sacrifice the more luxurious elements found in the top-line Denali package are in for good news this coming year, the automaker adding a new “Ultimate” package for the rugged AT4 trim. There’s also a new Elevation trim for buyers who want a bit more content than what the old base Yukon offered.

Updated design

As a mid-cycle update, the 2025 GMC Yukon sees only minor updates to the exterior design. There are no sheet metal updates; they’re limited to tweaks of the front and rear fascia. Each of the trim packages gets a unique grille, however, and there are optional upgrades, such as black edition. The headlamps on all models now are animated to welcome motorists as they approach the vehicle.

The interior also gets some modest tweaks, the stand-out feature a 16.8-inch vertically oriented touchscreen that comes standard on all models. Also standard: a digital gauge cluster. Buyers have the option of an additional 8-inch touchscreen that, among other things, handles climate control for rear seat occupants. The 2025 Yukon retains traditional controls on the instrument panel for key functions, notably climate control.

Some modest revisions in the cabin are meant to enhance storage space, such as the shifter’s move from the center column to the steering column.

New wheels are available this coming year; 20” standard on all but the Denali Ultimate which gets 24s.

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New technology

The most significant upgrades for 2025 come in the tech category. The Denali will now offer infrared-based Night Vision that can spot obstacles, such as deer or pedestrians, and display the image on the gauge cluster. It also will flash an alert in case of a potential collision.

The latest version of Super Cruise expands the amount of roadway on which it can operate hands-free. The system can now execute an automatic pass, where safe, around slower vehicles. And it can operate even while towing.

There are now more camera views available, including “transparent trailer,” where the system will display an image that essentially looks around a trailer while towing.

Drivetrain

Buyers have three powertrain options available:

• A 5.3-liter V-8 making horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. It’s standard on the Elevation and AT4 trims;
• A 6.2-liter V-8 delivers 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. It’s standard on all Denali packages and the AT4 Ultimate, and available on the AT4;
• A 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel punches out 305 hp and 495 lb-ft will be a late addition to the 2025 Yukon line-up.

All of those engines are mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel-drive is standard on AT4 models and the Yukon Denali Ultimate. It’s available on other trims.

Depending upon the powertrain, the 2025 Yukon will tow up to 8,400 pounds.

Availability and pricing

Fuel economy numbers will be released closer to the 2025 GMC Yukon’s official on-sale date.

Expect pricing to be released about that time, as well. Look for the 2025 update to start just over $60,000 and run to slightly more than $100,000 for a fully loaded Denali Ultimate.

The 2025 GMC Yukon Denali will be produced at the General Motors plant on Arlington, Texas and is “expected to be available” by the end of 2024.