2025 GMC Yukon: 313kW SUV aiming for best-in-class towing in Australia

General Motors Speciality Vehicles (GMSV) has confirmed new details of the new 2025 GMC Yukon Denali eight-seat SUV ahead of its Australian launch during the second quarter of next year.

Following the reveal of the substantially updated 2025 model for North America, General Motors’ local division has confirmed locally remanufactured versions of the full-size SUV will be powered by the same 313kW/624Nm 6.2-litre V8 petrol engine as the mechanically related Chevrolet Silverado 1500 pickup.

From launch the luxe Denali spec will be the sole trim level offered, with headline features including up to 13 camera views from the surround camera system; a 16.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system; wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; as well as seating for up to eight people.

UPDATE 1/10/2024, 10:10AM – We have updated this article with local imagery of pre-production vehicles.

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As for preliminary specifications, the GMC Yukon will offer up to 3480 litres of cargo capacity with the second and third rows of seating folded – which fold flat, according to the American-based firm – and there are three ISOFIX child seat anchor points throughout the rear rows.

General Motors is promising “best-in-class towing”, likely above the benchmark 3500kg offered by the likes of the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series as well as German luxury alternatives like the BMW X7. In North America the Yukon is rated to tow up to around 3800kg.

The new GMC Yukon Denali will go on sale during the second quarter of 2025, with full pricing and specifications to be detailed closer to launch.

All GMC Yukons sold in Australia will be converted to right-hand drive by Walkinshaw Automotive, the firm which also does so for the Silverado, the Ram 1500/2500/3500 and Toyota Tundra.

Based on the same platform as the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, the GMC Yukon sits between GM’s bread-and-butter Chevrolet brand and flagship Cadillac on the scale of luxury, and it’s expected pricing will reflect that when it arrives Down under.

Given the less luxurious Silverado pickup starts from about $130,000, it’s likely the Yukon will command a premium when it touches down here, potentially on par with the flagship Toyota LandCruiser 300 Sahara ZX which is priced from almost $146,000 before on-road costs.

It’s not known how many features from American’s range-topping Yukon Denali Ultimate will also be available in the Yukon Denali locally.

Equipment in the top-spec SUV includes a 16.8-inch infotainment touchscreen (confirmed for Australia), 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, wood interior trim, a 22-speaker Bose sound system, and air suspension.

The Yukon AT4 Ultimate – which sits below the Denali in North America– includes Magnetic Ride Control, full-grain leather upholstery and 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tyres.

There’s an impressive suite of safety systems available in North America, including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) – incorporating pedestrian and cyclist detection, junction assist and rear braking – blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera.

American buyers also get the choice of three engines across the Yukon range, consisting of petrol-powered V8s displacing 5.3- and 6.2-litres – and one 3.0-litre turbo-diesel six cylinder. Australia will get the larger V8 option exclusively from launch.

There are two main versions of the Yukon in the US, the base body style and an even larger XL.

Key rivals for the GMC Yukon Denali in Australia will include the dimensionally smaller Toyota LandCruiser 300 and Nissan Patrol; in addition to the likes of the BMW X7, Mercedes-Benz GLS and Range Rover.

Stay tuned to CarExpert for more information in the coming months.

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