2025 GMC Yukon Refresh Includes a More Desirable Diesel Engine (2024)

• The 2025 GMC Yukon receives a mid-cycle refresh that brings a new face, a redesigned dash, and an improved diesel engine option.
• The updated diesel 3.0-liter inline-six—now available on all trims—makes 305 horsepower (up from 277) and 495 pound-feet of torque (up from 460).
• The '25 Yukon and longer Yukon XL will reach dealerships later this year, with pricing expected to be announced closer to its on-sale date.

The Cadillac Escalade no longer offers a diesel engine, but the oil-burning mill remains alive and well on the GMC Yukon, which receives a mid-cycle refresh for the 2025 model year. GMC's full-size SUV also adopts a fresh face with lighting elements that take inspiration from the upcoming GMC Sierra EV. Inside, the Yukon and the longer-wheelbase Yukon XL get a redesigned dashboard that's dominated by a huge vertically oriented touchscreen.

A More Desirable Diesel Engine

For 2025, every GMC Yukon is now available with the Duramax diesel 3.0-liter inline-six. Previously, the off-road-oriented AT4 trim was excluded from that list. As with its refreshed corporate cousins, the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban, the Yukon's diesel has been revised to make more power. Whereas its predecessor produced 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, the updated Durmax is good for 305 horses and 495 pound-feet. That's funneled to the Yukon's rear axle or all four wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Since GMC is still waiting for EPA certification, we can't say whether the new diesel engine will get better fuel economy, but last year the rear-drive powertrain was rated at 23 mpg combined; the all-wheel-drive setup peaked at 22 mpg combined. The Yukon's standard 355-hp 5.3-liter V-8 and its 420-hp 6.2-liter V-8 carry over unchanged.

The Yukon lineup looks a little different too. The SLE and SLT trims are replaced by a new entry-level Elevation model, and now the off-road-oriented AT4 gets fancier features with the arrival of the AT4 Ultimate. Along with a height-adjustable air suspension and 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, the top-spec AT4 has full-grain leather covering all three rows of seats and nicer materials such as Ash Wood interior trim.

Tech Takes Another Step Up

GMC gives the Yukon an entirely new dashboard, with the centerpiece being a vertically oriented 16.8-inch touchscreen. The system uses Google built-in software with voice activation as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The display's layout can be customized with the user's preferred apps, and there's a static menu at the bottom where the HVAC controls live, including a row of physical toggle switches. Above the center stack is a hidden storage compartment, and the center console has a revised front cubby with retractable covers. A 22-speaker Bose sound system with speakers in the headrests is also available, and the Yukon continues to have a physical volume knob. We also appreciate GMC's decision to scrap the previous push-button shifter in favor of a new column-mounted lever.

Each Yukon trim level has a unique grille design, and the top trims have headlights and taillights that play an animation when the SUV is locked and unlocked. There's also a new hands-free liftgate function that automatically opens when someone approaches it with the key fob. GMC steps up the Yukon's driver-assistance tech too, with the addition of thermal night vision that displays an image in the gauge cluster. Other new active safety features include alerts and automated braking for bicyclists and pedestrians as well as a system that detects oncoming traffic when turning left at an intersection.

The Yukon can still tow up to 8400 pounds, and it has a host of trailering aids. For instance, there's a blind-spot monitor, a way to detect a leaky trailer tire, a warning for the dreaded jackknife, and guidelines for the camera view to help with backing up that 30-foot Jayco.

The 2025 GMC Yukon is slated to reach dealerships later this year. The company says pricing will be released closer to that time, and we expect each model to cost a few thousand more than before.