2025 Yukon 4WD AT4 Ultimate excels at outdoor family adventures

Published 10:59 am Monday, February 24, 2025

Back when I was growing up in Southern Oregon, full-size SUV choices were very simple. There was really only one, the General Motors-produced Suburban. Chevy and GMC sold identical versions with slightly different grills, both named Suburban. Based on the full-size GM truck of the day, it was big and boxy, and could be ordered with straight 6 or V8 engines, manual or automatic transmissions, and rear- or four-wheel-drive. The interiors were simple, with a lot of exposed sheet metal.

Fast-forward more years than I want to admit and there are many more full-size SUV choices, including affordable offerings from Ford, Nissan, Toyota and more. Chevy still sells the three-row Suburban, but GM markets it as three other versions: the shorter wheelbase Tahoe, the equivalent GMC Yukon, and the longer wheelbase Yukon XL, which is as long as the Suburban. Each are available in multiple trim levels that let buyers customize them to meet their every need. Interiors range from very nice to plush.

The subject of this review is the redesigned 2025 Yukon 4WD AT4 Ultimate. It is the newest of five available trim levels and takes a little study to understand. “Yukon” means it has a 209.1-inch wheelbase, compared to 134.1 for the XL version. “4WD” signifies it comes standard with a four-wheel-drive system that can driven full time, like all-wheel drive systems. “AT4” designates one of GMC’s most capable off-road packages, which includes a front skid plate, all-terrain tires on special 20-inch wheels, and an Air Adaptive Suspension for raising and lowing ride height. And “Ultimate” signifies its interior appointments, which approaches genuine luxury levels, but are not quite as plush as the top-of-the-line Denali package. My tester also included Magnetic Ride Control which, when combined with the Yukon’s standard independent rear suspension, provides a remarkably smooth and controlled ride for such a large vehicle.

All of which pushed the price to $102,280, which is, of course, a lot of money for any full-size SUV. On the other hand, the base Elevation starts at $68,895 and the entry-level AT4 begins at $72,695. So only those who can afford it will be tempted to buy the 2025 Yukon 4WD AT4 Ultimate.

Anyone who does will be rewarded with one of the best full-size SUVs on the planet. Exterior styling is still big and boxy, but the sharp lines and strategic creases give it a modern look. The big GMC grill is very truck-like, but very appropriate. The big all-terrain tires and front skid plate give it an even more purposeful look.

The interior is the biggest change from the earliest models, however. My tester was lined with expensive-looking leather trimmed with open-pore wood, nearly meeting the highest luxury standards. The dash was dominated by an enormous vertically oriented 16.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that features Google built-in software, providing access to countless applications. Along with a Wi-Fi hotspot, it has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Yukon is available with the choice of two gas-powered V8s and a diesel engine. The 5.3-liter V8 that’s standard in the base Elevation and AT4 produces 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The higher trim Denali and Denali Ultimate come with a 6.2-liter V8 that pumps out 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, which is also available in the AT4 Ultimate. All versions can also be ordered with a diesel 3.0-liter inline-6 that pumps out 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque. All are mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, and the choice of rear- or 4WD. The AT4 also features a two-speed transfer case and an optional air suspension capable of providing an additional two inches of ground clearance.

In a week of test driving, there’s no doubt the original Suburban name is meaningful. Despite riding on the short wheelbase, the Yukon is still so large that driving downtown is challenging. Most public schools have student drop-off areas that can accommodate full-size SUVs, but mall and shopping center parking lots are much more accommodating. Anything more rural is even easier the Yukon to maneuver, which is why it is such a great vehicle for families who want to enjoy the great outdoors in comfort and safety. Properly equipped, it can tow up to 8.400 pounds.

For those who want more cargo space, the Yukon XL offers 144.7 cubic feet, including 41.5 behind the third row of seats. That compares to 122.9 and 25.5 for the short-wheelbase Yukon. The same figures apply to the Chevy Suburban and Tahoe.

My test AT4 Ultimate was equipped with the optional 6.2-liter V8, which had more than enough power to move its near three tons of weight briskly down the road. Car and Driver recorded it takes just six seconds for the Yukon to reach 60 mph with that engine, which is impressive. Although the diesel engine has more torque, it required 7.8 seconds to match that speed. The diesel is far more economical, however, being EPA rated at 21 mpg in the city and 27 on the highway, compared to 14/18 for the 6.2 and 15/20 for the 5.3 V8.

I was on the freeway when the heaviest rains of the year hit and the Yukon didn’t miss a beat. It was completely stable, compared to some smaller vehicles that fishtailed slightly in their lanes. The ride height was also a great advantage for improving visibility, which helped me complete my trip without breaking a sweat. Although I wasn’t carrying any passengers at the time, I think friends and family members would have appreciated the feeling of safety, too.

Despite the competition these days from other manufacturers, all versions of the full-size GM SUVs are an excellent choice for families looking for comfort, safety and outdoor recreational opportunities, especially the off-road oriented AT4 with the optional 6.2-liter V8. Although the starting price of $97,295 is a lot of money, it competes well against genuine luxury full-size SUVs that cost even more.

2025 Yukon 4WD AT4 Ultimate

Base price: $97,295

Price as tested: $102,280

Style: Full-size three-row SUV

Engine: 6.2-liter V8 (420 hp, 460 lbs-ft)

Transmission: 10-speed automatic

Drive modes: 2WD, 4WD High, 4WD Low

EPA fuel economy: 14/18

Length: 210.1 inches

Weight: 5,602 to 5,868 pounds

Final assembly point: Arlington, Texas