Test drive: 2021 GMC Yukon Diesel
The 2021 GMC Yukon Diesel combines the traction force of a V8 with cross-fuel economy, but is already approaching the end of the road, according to Fox News Autos editor Gary Gastelu.
GMC’s newest SUV may also be the latest of its kind.
The 2021 Yukon is now available with a diesel engine. It is the same 3.0 inline six-cylinder turbo engine offered in the Sierra pickup and an alternative to the 5.3 and 6.2 liter V8s that are also available on both trucks.
The point is that General Motors recently announced plans to become a fully electric automaker by 2035, so it is unlikely that it will add new internal combustion engines to the line before that happens, let alone diesel. It is not yet clear how long the current ones will go on sale, but the first of the brigade of battery-powered trucks will arrive later this year in the form of the GMC HUMMER EV.
So, why bother with a Yukon diesel now? Well, the market has made it very clear that not everyone is ready for the switch to electricity, especially long-distance ones, for which this type of engine is particularly suitable. According to the Diesel Technology Forum, sales of diesel SUVs and pickups increased by 28% in 2020.
The 277 hp engine has the same torque rating of 460 lb-ft as the 6.2-liter V8 on the Yukon Denali and offers a combined EPA fuel economy of 23 mpg on two-wheel and 22 mpg with traction trucks on four wheels, thanks largely to the Yukon’s 10-speed automatic transmission.
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That’s 30 percent better than V8s and highway ratings are 27 mpg and 26 mpg, respectively, which puts the Yukon in a three-tier crossover country and allows it to cover 648 miles between refueling. The extended-length Yukon XL can make 756 miles, courtesy of its larger fuel tank.
As vital to its intended customers, the Yukon Diesel can tow up to 8100 pounds with two-wheel drive and 7800 pounds with four-wheel drive, which is 200 to 300 pounds more than the V8s are capable of in their standard configurations. However, gas trucks can be equipped with an optional maximum tow package that gives them an advantage of 200 to 400 pounds.
The Yukon Diesel starts at $ 52,990, which represents a $ 1,000 premium over the 5.3-liter V8. In the top-of-the-line $ 68,195 Yukon Denali, diesel costs $ 500 less than the 6.2-liter V8 finish. Even with the higher price of diesel, the annual fuel savings range from $ 200 to $ 850.
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The diesel definitely sounds like one with the hood open, but it’s mostly low-key. It is a little chuga-chuggy in traffic stops and goes, but calm down on the open road until you step on the diesel pedal. You may not have spark plugs, but your responsiveness and willingness to accelerate are electrifying when you have them.
As with the Chevrolet Tahoe / Suburban and Cadillac Escalade, which are also available with diesel, the 2021 Yukon is brand new and features a fully independent suspension. Its ride quality is several levels of refinement above the previous model and that’s before you add the optional computer-controlled dampers and adjustable air suspension system.
The Yukon also gets an interior with a panel design completely unique to Tahoe, which helps to differentiate it to justify its $ 1,700 higher price. In addition, the two mainly share a rich feature set that includes an electric center console that slides back to create extra storage space and reveal a secret compartment; a complete set of electronic driver aids with adaptive cruise control and assistance to maintain the lane; head-up display; and 360 degree high definition camera.
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A Yukon AT4 off-road model is also available with a special 4×4 system, protection plates, tow hooks and off-road tires, but only comes with the 5.3-liter V8, so you’ll have to plan more trips short overland than diesel could provide.
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2021 GMC Yukon Diesel
Base price: $ 52,990
As tested: $ 82,245
Type: 4-wheel drive SUV, 7 passengers, 4 doors
Engine: 3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder inline diesel
Power: 277 hp, 460 lb-ft
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Fuel economy: 20 cities / 26 hwy