The 2023 GMC Yukon is not introducing radical changes in the entire lineup. But, the company is going to revisit the main packages that make the full-size SUV so popular. A couple of high-end versions is getting updates. The Denali model is becoming even more luxurious, with the Ultimate upgrade. The price indicates that the Yukon Denali is already making the SUV a premium vehicle. On the other hand, off-road drive is becoming even smoother. The AT4 package makes the Yukon a serious rival to some prestigious SUVs that nearly closed the gap between utility and luxury.
Nevertheless, both AT4 and Denali are expensive upgrades. Most buyers are going to be happy with base versions of the SUV. For example, the SLT is considered as one of the best buys. Plus, you can also select a larger XL version if more space behind third row is needed. Engine options come to a couple of V8 petrol units and a diesel plant. Not bad at all. The 2023 GMC Yukon Super Cruise would be the perfect upgrade that will make the SUV a leader in this segment.
Future Plans
No big changes are expected in the upcoming SUV. The 2023 GMC Yukon will carry over most of the options from its predecessor. Meaner off-road and premium versions are small upgrades, having in mind how big the lineup is. The latest generation debuted last year, so there is no need for some radical moves. Plus, General Motors is bringing a couple of electric vehicles to the GMC lineup. Hummer is an EV and it gets both truck and SUV versions. So, in the future, Yukon could also be electrified. A close sibling to the XL version, Chevy Suburban, is coming in the heavy-duty variant, based on the Silverado 2500 truck. Yukon, its mechanical twin, could go the same way if that happens.
Powertrains and Specs
No big changes will happen under the hood of the 2023 GMC Yukon. Engineers trust the lineup of large V8 petrol engines. Still, in the foreseeable future, we might see a switch to the turbocharged V6 plants for the full-size SUV lineup. That is something Ford did a long time ago, and now Toyota also launched the I-Force drivetrain. Speculations say that Nissan is also preparing smaller blocks for its future big rigs.
A 5.3-liter engine is an entry-level option. It cracks 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. Part of the Denali package is a 6.2-liter unit with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. You can also optionally upgrade some other packages with massive power outputs. A 10-speed automatic transmission sends power to the rear or all wheels. The maximum towing capacity of the SUV is 8,400 pounds.
2023 GMC Yukon Diesel
A 3.0-liter Duramax engine is also one of the available options for the 2023 GMC Yukon. Interesting, the company made it an optional upgrade for the high-end packages. Experts recommend a combination of the oil burner and AT4 upgrades. It makes the Yukon almost unstoppable. The engine delivers 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. This configuration increases the maximum towing capacity to 9,300 pounds, making the Yukon one of the best haulers in the full-size SUV segment.
2023 GMC Yukon AT4
The AT4 package is one of the best upgrades if you plan to take your ride off the road. Air suspension is standard, and that is something that makes an adventure more comfortable. Of course, the 4WD is also there, enhanced with the Active Response System. General Motors also offers traction select modes. Various other modifications are also worth of mention, such as increased approach angle, unique wheels and tires, recovery hooks, hill descent control, and many others.
GM is a leader in innovations. Recently, we saw the MultiPro multi-functional tailgate available for their trucks, as well as the trailering camera system. Hummer EV introduced a few more advanced technologies, suitable for an off-road drive. Fans would also like to see the upcoming Yukon with the Extract Mode. It increases the ride height, although the AT4 already gains extra ground clearance. Also, the Crab Walk draws a lot of attention. However, this seems a bit too much for an SUV.
2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate and Super Cruise System
General Motors made a statement when the Super Cruise automatic drive system was introduced. However, limited number of vehicles are offering this feature. Of course, in the future, more SUVs are going to add the Super Cruise system, and one of them is this big rig. But, you will need the 2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate trim to have a chance to use this state-of-art option.