2025 GMC Yukon: Australia-bound huge American SUV teased

The full-sized GMC Yukon SUV is coming to Australia in 2025, and the American brand has teased the refreshed model we’re expected to get.

GMC has released a single image of the Yukon’s front end ahead of a reveal later in 2024.

The Yukon is confirmed for a launch in Australia either late in the first quarter of 2025, or during the second quarter.

This suggests we’ll get the facelifted model, rather than the one currently on sale in North America.

The teaser image shows a slimmer headlight assembly in the shape of the number six with daytime running lights in the shape of the letter C; we can also make out a subtly revised grille.

The Yukon teased here is the off-road-oriented AT4, which we won’t be getting in Australia.

Instead, GM Specialty Vehicles (GMSV) has only confirmed it will import left-hand drive versions of the luxurious Yukon Denali, which will be remanufactured to right-hand drive in Melbourne.

Except the 2025 Yukon facelift to feature a similarly large interior overhaul to the related Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban.

The Chevrolets adopted a new, larger 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and also features an 11-inch digital instrument cluster.

The updated Yukon will have a different look inside than its Chevy counterpart, however, as GM continues to increase the visual differentiation between Chevrolet and GMC models.

To that end, the Yukon is set to adopt a portrait-oriented touchscreen, aligning it visually with the Sierra EV. Spy photos have revealed a considerably larger screen than the 10.2-inch unit in the current Yukon.

The Yukon measures 5334mm long, 2057mm wide excluding the mirrors and 1943mm tall on a 3071mm wheelbase, while the Yukon XL – GMC’s equivalent to the Chevy Suburban – is 5720mm long on a 3406mm wheelbase.

For context, a Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series is up to 5015mm long and 1990mm wide on a 2850mm wheelbase.

The Denali nameplate debuted 25 years ago as a flagship for the Yukon line, though an even fancier Denali Ultimate trim was launched for 2023.

Both models currently feature a naturally aspirated 6.2-litre petrol V8 engine producing 313kW of power and 624Nm of torque or an optional 3.0-litre turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder engine with 206kW and 624Nm, with both mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Yukon Denali models are rated to tow up to 8200lbs (3719kg) depending on specification in the US.

It’s unclear if there will be any mechanical changes with the update.

GM’s Magnetic Ride Control is currently standard on the Denali, with adaptive air suspension optional on the Denali and standard on the Denali Ultimate.

Also standard on the Denali at present are a head-up display, wireless phone charger, power-sliding centre console, a 14-speaker Bose sound system, heated and ventilated front seats, and 20-inch alloy wheels.

The Denali Ultimate also includes as standard semi-automatic parking assist, an 18-speaker Bose sound system, massaging front seats, a panoramic sunroof, digital rear-view mirror, power-retractable side steps, and 22-inch alloy wheels.

It also features a unique Alpine Umber interior colourway with laser-etched Paldao wood trim.

Both models have a suite of standard safety equipment including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera, with the Denali Ultimate gaining reverse AEB.

With the updated Yukon, GM is debuting the GMC brand not only in Australia, but also in New Zealand and China.

It won’t be sold in standalone GMC showrooms like fellow GM brand Cadillac, which is also due here late this year.

Instead, the GMC Yukon will be sold in the same GMSV showrooms as the Chevrolet Corvette and Silverado.

MORE: Everything GMC Yukon

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