General Motors is once again refreshing its lineup of full-size SUVs. With the Cadillac Escalade recently getting a refresh a short while back, the company is now focusing its attention on the 2025 GMC Yukon which is also getting updates of its own to help the big SUV stay in the game when it comes to attracting tech-savvy family buyers.
Yukon falls in step with rest of the brand
The exterior styling of the GMC Yukon gets reworked to help the brand fall in lock step with other models like the Acadia and the Terrain. The front end gets new grille designs and updated headlights with the front bumper design also being tweaked. The rear end gets much of the same with revamped taillights, squared-off exhaust tips, and a new rear bumper helping to add polish to the overall rugged look. The range-topping Denali Ultimate gets new badging that actually incorporates the topography of Mount Denali itself into the lettering though you’ll have to look very carefully to spot this clever easter egg. These models also get 24-inch wheels with the bigger hoops also getting Magenride dampers and an air suspension to help smooth out ride quality.
As is the case with other recent GMC updates, the Yukon eliminates the SLE and SLT trims with the Elevation model now being the new base model. This new bottom rung is joined by an all-new AT4 Ultimate model with these models getting much of the Denali Ultimate’s luxury features but in a more trail-ready package.
Yukon interior packed with more tech than ever before
Slip inside the 2025 Yukon and you’ll find that the interior has been heavily updated. A new 16.8-inch portrait-style touchscreen infotainment system dominates the center stack. This screen originally made its debut on the Sierra EV and runs on Google’s Android Automotive software with Google Maps being the default navigation system while Google Assistant is responsible for all voice commands. Super Cruise will continue to be available but a new Night Thermal imaging system joins the options list and second row passengers get 8-inch screens.
A new “Executive Package” is also available on both flavors of Ultimate with the second-row passengers getting the same heated/cooled/massaging seats as the front occupants to help passengers feel coddled on longer road trips. The Yukon also promises to continue offering plenty of cargo capacity with the second and third-row seats still having the ability to fold down to help swallow large amounts of cargo.
Performance is largely unchanged
The flurry of updates didn’t extend to the powertrains and as a result, not much has changed with the 5.3 and 6.2-liter V8s continuing to soldier on unchanged. The 3.0-liter diesel engine is still offered on the Yukon (despite being axed in the Cadillac) with GMC saying that it managed to squeeze more power out of it for a revised total of 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque. These are small gains, but look for the beefed-up muscle to be noticed by a small percentage of customers especially those that like to tow with their Yukons.
GMC didn’t reveal pricing for the 2025 Yukon just yet, but confirmed that the model will go on sale later this year. The refreshed Yukon and Escalade are also forming a potent one-two punch in the SUV segment with the two now benefitting from a more defined dividing line between the all-out luxury offered by the Cadillac and the balance of technology and capability that the Yukon brings to buyers.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.