For the 2021 model year, GM has completely overhauled its truck-based full-size SUVs across the three brands that sell them. So Chevrolet has a new Suburban and Tahoe, GMC has a new Yukon and Yukon XL, and Cadillac has a new Escalade. All of the new SUVs ride on new architecture with independent rear suspension, a major change from the last generation of these big rigs, and there are new powertrains available, too.
With all the models (and most of the trims) now available to mess with on each brand’s configurator site, a few Car and Driver editors spec’d out their choice of dream SUV from General Motors.
Tony Quiroga’s $56,065 GMC Yukon 4WD SLE
Faced with choosing between the Chevrolet Yukon, Cadillac Escalade, and GMC Yukon, I’m going with the Yukon. The exterior design appeals to my eye, I don’t need the added length of the Yukon XL, and the 4WD SLE’s $54,995 base price is a good balance between the Tahoe and the Escalade. In SLE trim, it’s an honest truck with just the right amount of plushness. Plus, as the configurator shows, the SLE doesn’t come with a bunch of annoying safety and collision nannies that I’d have to constantly turn off. I’d add Dark Sky Metallic paint for $495, a sort of grayish-blue hue that looks good on the beast and assures that no one will mistake my Yukon for a livery vehicle. Interior color options are limited to black and Dark Walnut/Slate, which appears to be a very dark brown. I’d go with the Dark Walnut, but in the interest of saving $250 and hauling an additional passenger, I’d swap out the two front seats for the 40/20/40 split bench.
The 355-hp 5.3-liter V-8 with the 10-speed automatic is a sweetheart combo in other GM products, so I will resist the temptation to move up to the Denali’s 6.2-liter monster. SLE versions come with 18-inch wheels, which admittedly appear a bit dinky compared to the 20-inch and 22-inch wheels, but I’ll keep them in hopes of enjoying the smoothest possible ride—save the sidewalls. SLEs come with a durable-looking fabric interior, and the 10.3-inch touchscreen is also standard. In fact, even the most basic SLE trim level is so well equipped that I really didn’t feel the need to add much. Of the packages, I went for the Max Trailering package that bundles a two-speed transfer case, a hitch camera with guidance, a built-in trailer-brake controller, an enhanced radiator, and trailer blind-spot alert. It’s a staggering value at just $565 and one that no one should pass up. For some reason, supposed-luxury-brand GMC doesn’t offer a standard cargo cover. I can’t think of a hatchback car that charges you for a cargo cover, but this behemoth wants $260 for a retractable cover. But that’s really my only gripe. This is a lot of truck for an as-equipped $56,065. (SLE isn’t yet available on the configurator, so the images are not entirely representative of my build.) — Tony Quiroga
Joey Capparella’s $77,665 GMC Yukon 4WD Denali
I’ve always thought the GMC Yukon was the best-looking of GM’s big SUVs, and this new generation is no exception. And there’s only one way to spec a Yukon: a black Denali with all the available chrome (including costly $2995 chrome 22-inch wheels). The new Denali also differentiates itself with a unique dashboard layout, which looks nice, and it has the more powerful 6.2-liter V-8 engine with 420 horsepower. So you can say that your SUV shares its engine with the mid-engine Corvette (sort of). I also chose the $1780 Advanced Technology package with a few driver-assistance features. My standard-wheelbase Yukon totals $77,665. — Joey Capparella
Mihir Maddireddy’s $73,370 GMC Yukon XL 4WD SLT
I can already imagine hearing all the reasons why it’s not practical for me to buy one of GM’s full-size SUVs, especially this GMC Yukon XL SLT that I’ve spec’d out. Reasons include, but are not limited to: “You don’t have kids”; “It’s hard to park an SUV that’s nearly 19 feet long on a college campus”; “You don’t have $73,370 lying around in a bank account”; and my favorite, “We all know if you did have $73,370 lying around you wouldn’t spend it on an SUV.” This is all make-believe, though, so hear me out. The Yukon sits between the plebeian Tahoe and the 1-percenter Escalade and is loaded with features, especially in the SLT trim, which comes standard with GM’s 5.3-liter V-8 and 10-speed automatic transmission. The XL’s added length is pretty great when you’re trying to fit all your friends in the back, and thanks to the added rear-seat legroom, nobody is getting the short end of the stick when they sit in the third row.
To start, then, my Yukon XL SLT is already $61,795. Time to add $11,575 worth of options. My first option is all-wheel drive, which costs a thumping $3000. Next on the list is my exterior color choice of Midnight Blue Metallic, which costs $495. Another exterior option I’d add are the 22-inch black wheels with chrome inserts, because they look pretty cool and will distinguish my ride. My interior will be the basic Jet Black, which looks fine on this SUV. I added the SLT Luxury package ($2030) solely because it adds HD Surround Vision, which I consider a must on a vehicle of this size. I also chose the Rear Media and Navigation Package ($2490) and the Max Trailering package (only $565), which brings in helpful towing features plus a two-speed transfer case. When the dust settles, I’ll have a well-equipped people and stuff hauler for $73,370. Not that I need one, anyway. — Mihir Maddireddy
Colin Beresford’s $68,570 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD Z71
At first, I was excited about the Z71 Tahoe; recovery hooks and a skid plate can even make a Honda Fit look cool, and they were on a Tahoe, so what’s not to like about that? But then came the configurator, seemingly on a mission to ruin my hypothetical fun. I can have the skid plate, but I have to forgo both the Luxury package ($2820), which includes heated and power-adjustable rearview mirrors, a power-adjusted steering column, and a heated steering wheel, and the optional no-cost Driver Alert package, which adds lane-keeping assist, blind-spot alert, and front and rear park assist. Since I’m spending over $60K on a truck, I want those things—and I’m getting them because I chose the Z71 Signature package ($4785), which also gives me a panoramic sunroof and the Max Trailering package. Without much hesitation, I also opt for the Navigation package ($2490), which moreover adds the rear media system because I’m afraid my rear passengers might stage a coup knowing I’ve spent this much money but didn’t get them rear-seat entertainment. And to ensure their comfort, I swap the bench for two bucket seats. I top it all off with first-, second-, and third-row all-weather floor liners ($295) because I want hassle-free cleaning. All in all, I’m at $68,570, which doesn’t give me the biggest engine option on the Tahoe—instead I have the 5.3-liter V-8 since I opted for the Z71—but at least I have recovery hooks, I guess. — Colin Beresford
Mike Sutton’s $84,045 2021 Chevrolet Suburban 4WD High Country
The Chevy Tahoe may have grown considerably with this latest generation, but the Suburban is the original big dog of SUVs and the only way to go in my book—cavernous, rugged, and versatile, yet with enough cachet to pull up anywhere in understated style. But you’re going to want an equally big engine to move the ‘Burban’s three-ton bulk. For that, cut straight to the range-topping High Country, which adds $20,600 to the Suburban’s $52,995 base price and is the only way to get the gutsy, 420-hp 6.2-liter V-8. A 10-speed automatic transmission is standard; the optional $3000 all-wheel-drive system is a must. My build would be painted simple black for that Secret Service look, with the High Country’s standard black interior sporting tasteful brown seat inserts and subtle wood accents. At this trim level, you’re stuck with standard 22-inch wheels—of which there are nine choices, in fact—but those big, heavy rollers can impact a vehicle’s ride quality. I’d likely keep some cash on hand for an aftermarket set of 20s wrapped with slightly more aggressive all-terrain tires. The High Country comes studded with standard features and amenities, including magnetic dampers, a 15.0-inch head-up display, and a surround-view camera system—mighty helpful in a vehicle almost 19 feet long. Chevy’s configurator says that the Suburban’s optional air springs will be available after launch, and I’d be inclined to wait for their 4.0 inches of ride-height adjustability. But rather than pay the $1000 stand-alone option price, I’d opt for the also-soon-to-be-available $5605 High Country Deluxe package that bundles the air springs with the Max and Advanced Trailering packages, a panoramic sunroof, power-retracting side steps, adaptive cruise control, and more. Add $1995 for the rear-seat entertainment system with two 12.6-inch monitors to keep unruly passengers at bay. All told, my Suburban would feature nearly every major upgrade and would sticker for $84,045. That price may seem like a lot for a Chevy, but the Suburban is a lot of SUV—one that can tow up to 7900 pounds, sleep a couple of NBA players in back, or accommodate the entire family on a cross-country adventure. — Mike Sutton
Maxwell B. Mortimer’s $103,460 2021 Cadillac Escalade Sport 4WD
The Cadillac Escalade is synonymous with wealth and status, so even though I could never dream to be affluent enough to purchase one, let’s pretend for a moment. For my trip to the configurator to spec a 2021 Cadillac Escalade, I chose to go with a Sport 4WD in Satin Shadow Metallic paint with the 6.2-liter V-8. I mainly chose the Sport trim because it matches my incognito styling preferences, turning all of the flashy chrome bits to a staid gloss-black finish. In addition to the appearance changes, the Sport has all of the same features as the Premium Luxury trim: heated and ventilated seats, wireless phone charging, a panoramic roof, a huge suite of driver-assistance tech, and upgraded leather. That’s not all, though; the Sport also adds magnetic ride control, an electronic limited-slip differential, and the trailer integration package. From there I tried to control myself: I added Super Cruise for long slogs on the highway ($2500), the Driver Assist Tech package mainly for the soft-close doors and air-ride suspension ($3650); the Onyx package, which brings premium carpeted floor mats, monochromatic emblems, and 22-inch 12-spoke gloss black wheels ($1495); and finally, the expensive 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system because it just feels right ($4300). In the end, my total came out to $103,460, which is okay because, as I said, this is all pretend. — Maxwell B. Mortimer
Source: Motor - aranddriver.com
