Test drive: 2021 GMC Yukon Diesel
The 2021 GMC Yukon Diesel combines the traction of a V8 with a crossover fuel consumption, but is already at the end of the road, says Gary Gastelu, editor of Fox News.
GMC’s latest sport utility vehicle may also be the last of its kind.
The 2021 Yukon is now available with a diesel engine. It’s the same 3.0-liter turbo-in-six-cylinder offered in the Sierra pickup, and an alternative to the 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter V8s also available in both trucks.
The thing is, General Motors recently plans to become an electric car manufacturer by 2035, so it’s unlikely to add any new internal combustion engines before that happens, let alone diesels. How long the current one will be on sale has not yet been made clear, but the first of the truck brigade with batteries will arrive late this year in the form of the GMC HUMMER EV.
Why bother with a Yukon diesel now? The market has made it clear that not everyone is ready for the switch to electric, especially long-distance cars, for which these types of engines are particularly suitable. According to the Diesel Technology Forum, sales of diesel sport utility vehicles and pickups increased by 28 percent in 2020.
The 277 hp engine has the same torque of 460 lb-ft as the 6.2-liter V8 of the Yukon Denali and delivers a combined EPA fuel consumption of 23 mpg in two-wheel drive trucks and 22 mpg with four-wheel drive, thank you not a slight part of the Yukon’s automatic ten-speed gearbox.
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It’s more than 30 percent better than both V8s and the highway ratings are 27 mpg and 26 mpg respectively, placing the Yukon in three-row crossover countries and enabling it to cover 648 miles between fills. The long-length Yukon XL can reach 756 miles, thanks to its larger fuel tank.
Just as essential to its intended customers, the Yukon Diesel can tow up to 8,100 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, the gas trucks can be equipped with an optional maximum towing package that gives them an advantage of 200 to 400 pounds.
The Yukon Diesel starts at $ 52,990, which represents a premium of $ 1,000 more than one with the 5.3-liter V8. In the leading $ 68,195 Yukon Denali, the diesel is $ 500 less than the 6.2-liter V8 of the finish. Even with the higher price of diesel, the annual fuel savings range from $ 200 to $ 850.
THE GMC YUKON’S “HURRICANE TURN” MODE turns it in place
The diesel certainly sounds like one with the hood open, but is mostly inconspicuous. It’s a bit chuga-chuggy in stop-and-go, but stops on the open road until you hit the diesel pedal. It may not have spark plugs, but the response and willingness to revolve is exciting.
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 refinement levels higher than the previous model, and this is before you add the optional computer-controlled shocks and adjustable air suspension system.
The Yukon also gets an interior with a dashboard design that is completely unique from the Tahoe’s, which further helps to distinguish it to justify the price of $ 1,700 higher. In addition, the two mostly share a rich feature set that includes a powered center console that slides backwards to create extra storage space and reveal a secret compartment; a full range of electronic driver aids with customizable cruise control and lane keeping aids; head-up display; and high-definition 360-degree camera.
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An off-road-focused Yukon AT4 model is also available with a special 4×4 system, slide plates, towing brackets and tires, but it only comes with the 5.3-liter V8, so you’ll need to plan on shorter rural trips. than the diesel could possibly deliver.
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2021 GMC Yukon Diesel
Base Price: $ 52,990
As tested: $ 82 245
Type: 7-passenger, 4-door, four-wheel drive SUV
Engine: 3.0 liter turbo-inline 6-cylinder diesel
Power: 277 hp, 460 lb-ft
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Fuel consumption: 20 city / 26 hwy