OFF-ROADERS, GMC YUKON AT4 HAS ARRIVED!

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com

Just a couple months or so after driving the 2021 Yukon Denali, the folks at GMC dispatched over a Yukon AT4 for us to test. The rugged, all-terrain full-size SUV can lift up 2 inches for ground clearance as well as take a 32-degree approach angle off the road.

A 5.3-liter V-8 engine, coupled with a 10-speed auto gearbox, makes 355 horsepower @ 5600 rpm and 383 pounds-feet of torque @ 4100 rpm. An independent coil-over-shock front and a fresh independent rear suspension (out goes the traditional solid-axle) work well to eagerly tackle sharp, sudden curves on the road. The power rack-and-pinion electric power steering has a trusty feel. The Dynamic Fuel Management system deactivates four of the eight cylinders for fuel savings. Tow capacity is an impressive 8,200 pounds.

Up front, familiar C-shaped LED headlights flank a black chrome-accented grille while red tow/recovery hooks and skid plates are an instant giveaway that this is indeed an off-road machine. Also obvious are traditional vertical tail lamps and rear bar with GMC etching, body-color side moldings, fog lamps and a wider rear track. Step into the capacious cabin and you will realize there is no need to remove the third-row seat. Instead, press a button in the cargo hold and watch the bench fold. The second-row seat moves fore and aft 5.5 inches. That leaves you 122.9 cubic feet of space behind the first row with the two seats down. Also with wheelbase and length substantially up, third-row leg room increases another 10.1 cubic feet as does the cargo area behind the third row; and maximum cargo room grows by a gigantic 28.2 cubic feet. The two-gauge analog instrument cluster is well-lit and crystal clear. And the huge center console can swallow a laptop. Other notable niceties include tri-zone auto a/c, power tilt/telescopic steering column, 10.2-inch color touch screen for infotainment readings, 9-speaker Bose surround system, heated/cooled front seats, hands-free power lift gate and several USB slots.

Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag for rear rows, stability, hill descent and traction controls, four-wheel antilock brakes, rearview camera, rear-cross traffic, forward-collision and side-blind zone alerts, lane departure assist/warning, front/rear park sensors, auto-locking rear differential, two-speed transfer case, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights. Magnetic Ride Control adjusts the four-wheel independent suspension as per road conditions, resulting in a smooth but firm ride. It also keeps body roll to a minimum.

Off-road aficionados don’t have any reasons to grumble now. This long overdue AT4 model in the GMC roster should quench their thirst to venture out and off to the rough terrain. The powerful SUV is loaded with features and conveniences that should make the off-the-beaten-path trip a lot of fun instead of a challenge.

YUKON AT4

Tires: P275/55R20 all-terrain

Wheelbase: 120.9 inches

Length: 210 inches

Width: 81 inches

Height: 76.5 inches

Weight: 5,677 pounds

Fuel capacity: 24 gallons

Base price: $64,800

Price as tested: $75,455

Web site: www.gmc.com