Special thank you to GMC for loaning us the 2021 GMC Yukon AT4 for review. All opinions are my own.
Across the market, SUV’s all have a common thread, but the most notable ones can multitask and outshine the competition. With the prices of larger options inching higher, year after year, I’m expecting our family SUV to do more. We put the 2021 GMC Yukon AT4 to the test to see if it could fit our family’s needs – from the daily drive to “Baby’s First Road Trip” – and we were pleasantly surprised to find each mile more enjoyable than the last one.
After several years of test driving large SUV’s, I’ve got a really good idea of how manufacturers are catering to new customers. Updated technology is added, enhanced driver safety features have been introduced and families are more connected than ever.
With our most recent addition to the family, we’re now hitting the road as a family of five. We need a vehicle that can cater to all of our kid’s needs, be comfortable for long trips, and offer features that just naturally make sense for our daily driving needs.
We drove to the mountains to test drive the 2021 Yukon and quickly realized how much it surpassed our expectations, making it our new favorite full-size SUV.
2021 GMC Yukon AT4 Review: How It Beats The Competition
There’s no adventure too big, or small, for the AT4. Highlighted as their “off road” package, the AT4 is designed with advanced towing capabilities, a bold exterior design and surprisingly awesome cargo features. You can feel free to load it up with the kids, your camping gear and tow your boat at the same time – because you’ll want the Yukon for your next big outing.
Off-Road Capability Design Features
Even if you don’t do “off-roading” it’s always nice to have the option. The Yukon offers a 32-degree approach angle, which is easily monitored from the driver’s 15-inch heads up display. You can easily monitor the vehicle’s tilt and grade with the Off-Road Inclinometer that displays onto your driver’s side windshield (thanks to the heads-up display).
The First In Class Four-Corner Air Suspension works from the outside-in, to ensure a comfortable ride while “getting the job done.” The AT4 can raise an additional 2 inches for off-roading ground clearance, all from the touch of a button.
Picture this: you’re alone and you have to put your trailer on the rear of your brand-new AT4. There’s a sense of dread that overwhelms you, as you know it’s a daunting task. However, you can do it all from the driver’s side. Thanks to the rear camera technology and the adjustable suspension, you can line up the AT4 to the trailer (removing the need for a “spotter”) and hook the trailer – all from the driver’s seat. That offers impressive time-saving!
GMC Yukon AT4 Interior Comfort And Cargo Space Design
The GMC design team elevated the interior for the ultimate use of space. Until you drive the Yukon, it’s hard to see the amount of detail that they put into the cabin space.
One of my favorite features is the Power-Sliding Center Console. Upon first glance, you notice the console’s massive size. It sits behind the center cupholder area and provides the optimum area for front-seat storage. With a push of a button though – it slides back to reveal 10 more inches of space AND a hidden storage drawer. You can even secure the drawer when the vehicle is in valet mode.
The second row seats can fold flat and they slide for better rear-entry to the the third row. Third-row power fold-flat seats are available, which offers even more cargo space.
The third row seating is great for our daily driving, but the fold-flat seating makes road trips easier when we need the added storage space. On our road trip, I even used the back cargo space for giving our little guy a bottle, alongside everything we brought for the trip.
Media & Connectivity For Everyone
As my kids get older, connectivity seems to be more important than ever. The available Rear Seat Media System allows my kids to enjoy Apple TV or connect to Playstation. If I’m in the back seat, and I want to assist the driver, I can use the Navigation Integration. It’s neat feature that allows me to look up directions for any destination (so the driver isn’t distracted) and send the directions up to the driver’s Infotainment System.
Other standard media features include:
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – allows you to display apps and your phone’s functionality on the infotainment system.
- 4G LTE WiFi – connect up to 7 devices to the mobile hot spot to use the Internet. Plus it allows you to connect to OnStar safety services.
Driving the Yukon AT4 gave us a pleasant surprise every time we drove it. We’d find new features or put it to the test a little bit more than the previous time we drove it. It’s naturally a large SUV, but the use of space makes it even more versatile. You don’t need an off-roading adventure to appreciate the design, but you’ll definitely be tempted to play with everything the Yukon offers. Consider owning one for your off-roading needs and enjoy it as your daily drive too – it’s great for both!
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