The 2021 GMC Yukon Just Dethroned the Chevy Tahoe
For the first time in a while, the 2021 Chevy Tahoe needs to move over. The 2021 GMC Yukon AT4 just defeated it to win For Wheeler’s SUV of the year award. See what the GMC Yukon has on the Tahoe.
The 2021 GMC Yukon AT4 wins SUV of the Year
According to Four Wheeler, the 2021 GMC Yukon AT4 is the SUV of the year. This award isn’t to be taken lightly because Four Wheeler as the leading 4×4 authority since 1962. This is also the 48th year that they have crowned a vehicle as the SUV of the Year.
The Four Wheeler SUV of the Year award event is by invitation only. It’s only open to significantly remodeled and all-new SUVs for the upcoming model year. Participants for 2021 included the:
- Chevrolet Tahoe Z71
- GMC Yukon AT4
- Land Rover Defender
- Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro
Why did the GMC Yukon win?
The 2021 GMC Yukon AT4 displayed an impressive amount of capability during a few days of testing. The first test included ramp travel index (RTI) testing to gauge each vehicle’s suspension articulation.
Then the SUVs hit the track to conduct track testing for 0 to 60 mph and quarter-mile acceleration times as well as 60 to 0 mph breaking time. The Yukon AT4 can reach 60 mph in about 7.2 seconds. The Chevy Tahoe Z71 clocked in with a time of 7.1 seconds.
After that, the SUVs hit the dessert for two whole days of climbing over rocks, playing in the sand, night driving, and more. The Yukon AT4 has a new active response 4WD system with an electronic slip differential and fully independent suspension for comfort on the pavement and while adventuring. The 4WD system is exclusive to the Yukon, giving it a better performance in low-grip situations, according to Car and Driver.
The Yukon displayed an incredibly smooth and comfortable ride with more than enough space for families. Also, thanks to the skid plates, the Yukon was able to travel further than most three-row SUVs can.
How do the GMC Yukon and Chevy Tahoe compare?
The 2021 GMC Yukon AT4 begins at around $64,800, while the 2021 Chevy Tahoe Z71 starts at about $59,200. In the Yukon, you get a 5.3-liter V8 engine with 335 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. You also get a 5.3-liter V8 engine in the Tahoe with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque.
For trips, there are 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats of the Yukon, with up to 122.9 cubic feet total. The Tahoe provides the same amount of space. They do have the same platform, after all.
Both SUVs have a similar interior as well. However, the GMC Yukon is available with nicer interior materials such as leather and wood. This makes sense as it’s a more expensive, luxury option.
Plus, both SUVs can include an optional air suspension, 15-inch head-up display, active grill, shutters, and more. The 2021 GMC Yukon AT4 simply offers a bit more comfort and off-roading capability, which helped it finally defeat the Chevy Tahoe.
