GMC Yukon gets more than just cosmetic updates for the next year

Straight after refreshing the Cadillac Escalade and Chevrolet Tahoe, General Motors has followed through with their close relative, the GMC Yukon.

Exterior changes boil down to mildly redone headlights, radiator grille and front bumper. Like before, their particular design depends on the trim level. Alloy wheels are now available in sizes up to 24 inches, but you can still get the standard 20-inch set if desired.

The old 5.3L and 6.2L V8 options retain their usual 360 and 426 PS (355 and 420 American horsepower; 265 and 313 kilowatts, respectively). The 3.0L diesel gets a healthy boost from 281 to 309 PS (from 277 to 305 hp; from 207 to 227 kW). It also benefits from a torque bump from 623 to 670 Nm (from 459 to 494 lb-ft). In all cases, the transmission is ten-speed auto and the drive is on all four wheels.

A peek inside reveals a revised dashboard with a 16.8-inch tablet-style multimedia display. An 8-inch display is provided for the rear seat occupants to set up climate control. For the first time on record for a GMC truck, the back row can be optioned with deluxe “captain’s seats” instead of a bench.

Trim-wise, the best audio system on the list now has as many as 22 speakers and the trimming materials are better all around, with an option for imitated wood accents.

GMC says some improvements have been made in the tech department as well. For one thing, the optional air suspension now lets you raise the ground clearance by around 50 mm (2 inches). ADAS algorithms have reportedly become smarter, and you now can opt for a heat-sensing night vision system. Last but not least, an added Trailer Assist package guarantees better visibility and should simplify maneuvering with a trailer attached.

The sales won’t begin until the end of the year.