New for 2016
The GMC Yukon got a complete redesign last year, so this year's changes are subtler, such as a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot (available from OnStar®) and wireless charging capabilities.
The Strong, Silent Type
In a sea of crossovers, the 2016 GMC Yukon stands out. A truck-based SUV, the Yukon is both powerful and spacious, offering plenty of towing capacity, as well as room for passengers and cargo alike. And it does so remarkably quietly, too, with GMC's engineers paying special attention to reducing road noise in this year's Yukon.
Powertrains and Performance
You'll find a 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V-8 beneath the Yukon's hood (in the SLE and SLT trims), an engine capable of pumping out a hefty 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque when paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. In the Denali trim, you get a 6.2-liter V8 instead, one that produces 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque.
No matter which engine you choose, however, you can rest assured that your Yukon can deliver a heaping helping of strength if you need it to, with a max towing power of 8,500 pounds. In terms of fuel efficiency, the 2016 Yukon takes advantage of a few different technologies, including Advanced Direct Injection and Active Fuel Management™ to get you 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.*
Features and Trims
The 2016 GMC Yukon is a full-size SUV that is available in three trims, SLE, SLT, and Denali, as well as regular and XL versions. (The XL is 20 inches longer overall). It can seat up to nine passengers and has a starting MSRP of $48,315 ($51,015 for the XL version).**
Even at the entry level, you'll still find that the Yukon has plenty to offer. Standard features include a rear view camera system, Rainsense™ front wipers that automatically adjust themselves based on rain severity, tri-zone automatic climate control, a 110v 3-prong household style outlet, and more.
Moving up a trim nets us a wide variety of enjoyable features, like a power-tilt and telescoping steering wheel, second-row power release fold-and-tumble seats (exclusive in the Yukon's segment), heated and cooled front seats and heated second-row seats, keyless entry, and push-button start, not to mention a wireless charging storage tray that lets you charge your device a cord.
At the top tier, the Yukon Denali gets genuine Java Burl poplar wood inlays, a heated steering wheel, power-adjustable pedals, exclusive Denali-specific grille and chrome accents, available power–retractable illuminated assist steps, a magnetically controlled adaptive suspension, a reconfigurable digital instrument panel, a trailer-brake controller, and more.
Available and optional features abound on all trims, including adaptive intelligent cruise control, power-folding third-row fold-flat bench seats, power programmable hands-free rear liftgate, and keyless entry. Additionally, the Enhanced Security Package offers window sensors that can detect a break-in, ultrasonic motion detectors in the overhead console, an inclination sensor that will detect an illegal towing, a liftgate shield, and a special siren that sounds unlike a regular car horn, all of which combine to give any Yukon owner peace of mind.
And don't forget about tech options, either. GMC understands how much we rely on our personal devices these days, so in addition to the 8-inch-diagonal Color Touch Radio screen with natural-language voice recognition, the Yukon can also integrate with your smartphone, has Bluetooth® phone and audio streaming capabilities, and can even handle Apple CarPlay®.
Design
The 2016 Yukon's exterior is equal parts stylish and functional, from its innovative hidden rear wiper, which helps reduce drag, to its chrome-surrounded fog lamps. Chrome accents are present elsewhere outside the vehicle, making an appearance in the GMC grille and in the available 22-inch wheels.
Inside the vehicle, you'll find quality materials and a spacious interior capable of comfortably seating nine passengers. (And plenty of room for their gear, too: 15.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 51.7 behind the second row, and 94.7 with both rear rows folded.) Adding to the comfort of your ride, the interior of the Yukon is quiet. GMC engineers paid special attention to the 2016 Yukon's design to lessen road noise, relying on triple-sealed doors, acoustic-laminated windshield and front-door windows, textile liners in front and rear wheel houses, and more.
Safety
In addition to comfort and style, GMC designed the 2016 Yukon with driver safety in mind. Not only does the SUV come with a reinforced steel safety cage and the industry’s first Front Center Airbag (which helps protect the driver and the front passenger), the Yukon also comes with brake rotors coated in GMC's exclusive corrosion protection and a Safety Alert Seat that vibrates to let you know where hazards are coming from.
Additionally, the Yukon SLT and Denali come with an array of advanced safety technologies, with everything from front and rear park assist to lane keep assist and rear cross traffic alert. It's not exactly an auto-pilot, but it's pretty darn close.
Bottom Line
At the end of the day, the 2016 GMC Yukon is the perfect SUV for anyone that needs to haul a lot, and who wants to do so in comfort and style. Whether that means taking your eight best friends to the movies, four tons of lumber to the work site, or your daughter's soccer gear to practice, the Yukon can help you get it done.
For more information, or to schedule an exhilarating test drive of this ruggedly powerful machine, please visit 3Birds Template or contact us online today.
*EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving conditions and habits.
**The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. See your GMC dealer for details
Image: GMC
