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2021 AT4 Yukon - Ten 3,500 Mile Observations

Adplusone
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Adplusone Enthusiast

Adplusone

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Posted (edited)

Some background, have owned and driven Suburbans and Denali XLs since 1995.  Have owed 16 of them.  Bought a new AT4 (Yukon...not the XL) on Halloween.  Have since put 3,500 miles on it.  Some observations:

 

1 - Even though this is the first short wheel base (ie Tahoe - Yukon), I do not notice a difference is drivability other than having the extra garage space.

 

2 - The new transmission is a huge improvement over by 2017.  No more hard downshifts from 2nd to 1st that could never be fixed. It is smooth and you are not aware of any up or down shifts.  Even with the smaller 5.3 (versus my old 6.2) the new trans has plenty of power and I do not miss the 6.2.  Have not towed yet but based on ratings, the smaller engine can tow more weight.

 

3 - Fuel mileage is still lagging my old 6.2 but is getting better as the motor breaks in.  Last highway trip averaged 16.3 MPG (at an average of 75 MPH).  2017 would average nearly 19 on the same trip.

 

4 - Two minor electrical issues (both fixed).  First, the infamous air bag warning light caused by a too short wire pig tail problem.  When I had the issue there was only a service bulletin and handled by dealer quickly.  There is now an official recall on the issue. Second, all four TPI sensors disappeared one by one.  Dealer reprogrammed and working great.  Note the 2021 models are suppose to programs themselves.  Didn't happen.

 

5 - The new rear suspension really improves the ride when empty but not really noticeable when carrying a fair amount of cargo.  The extra heigth in the rear cargo space is usable and noticeable.  Same with the third row passenger comfort. 

 

6 - The inserts on the seats really break up the blackness of the interior and a unique touch.  Nice.  Likewise, the LED lights on the bottom running boards work well.  The 2nd row cupholders (on the rear on the console) are a huge improvement over the 2017 model that had them in the doors.  I can now actually see the HUD wearing polarized sunglasses (not 100% but readable)...before the HUD would disappear totally. Have not tried out the rear entertainment screens yet.  The all around cameras allow my 5'0" wife to drive the AT4 and feel comfortable navigating it in small spaces. 

 

7 - The air suspension puffs up when you approach and deflates with several "burps" when you walk away.  Takes a bit of getting use to.

 

8 - Never been a fan of dark colors but bought my AT4 in the dark blue.  In some light (ie my garage) it looks black,  but a brilliant blue in the sun.  Great color!  

 

9 - Have yet to see another AT4 Yukon on the road.  I live in Texas where there are lots of Suburbans and Yukons.  I like the exclusivity of it.

 

10 - Suggested improvements to GMC?  Move back the power window switches on the drivers door.  The natural reaching for them means  I always seem to open the rear window instead of the driver's window. Move the override button for the auto stop feature to somewhere easier to get to (hidden below and to the left of the steering wheel). Give an option to set the air ride in a position and have it stay there.  The retractable running boards retract too fast.  If you open and close the front door they retract before you can even open the rear door. 

 

Mark me 100% satisfied to date!
 

 

 

Edited by Adplusone
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econometrics Senior Enthusiast

econometrics

Posted
Posted

Great input, thank you!

 

I have a 2019 RST, and I’m coming to the conclusion that a Tahoe / Yukon would suit my needs better. 
 

Originally, I started down the road of researching the Z71 Tahoe. But after a lot of different build & price online, I think the AT4 is actually better bang for buck, even if the MSRP comes out a bit higher. Getting ventilated seats and the eLSD alone are a major win for the AT4. 
 

So, thanks for the review. I’ve had great luck with my first model year RST after about 2 years and 14K miles. So I’m not that gunshot about another possible first model year with the new SUVs. ??

JR09country Enthusiast

JR09country

Posted
Posted

Have any pictures of your blue yukon At4? I am in love with that color but have not seen it on an At4. I did see a Denali XL with it and i thought to myself " nice looking denali but of course its black.. " then it drove under a street light and the blue popped. My wife and I were pleasantly suprised.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk

Adplusone Enthusiast

Adplusone

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Posted (edited)
On 1/6/2021 at 1:08 PM, JR09country said:

Have any pictures of your blue yukon At4? I am in love with that color but have not seen it on an At4. I did see a Denali XL with it and i thought to myself " nice looking denali but of course its black.. " then it drove under a street light and the blue popped. My wife and I were pleasantly suprised.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk
 

Tried several times to get pics to show the blue but cant seem to nail it.  NOTE: I de-badged the AT4 logo on the front doors and the Yukon on the tailgate.  Like the cleaner look. Windows are tinted (including the deep tinted factory glass) as I live in South Texas where the sun is hot and always present.  I also replaced the POS Goodyear OEM tires with a set of Nitto Grapplers in the same size.  Much better tire and had them on my previous 2017 Denali XL.

 

20210107_151406.jpg

20210107_151340.jpg

Edited by Adplusone
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econometrics Senior Enthusiast

econometrics

Posted
Posted

@Adplusone what size tires are those, and what tires are they? Look like Terra Grapplers?  How is the ride noise on them? 

 

As I've been considering an AT4, I think I would want to immediately upgrade the tires. I have the Trailrunner ATs on my RST, and they are only "okay". I want something with a little more beef, but that doesn't make more noise going down the road. 

Adplusone Enthusiast

Adplusone

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Posted

I ran Nitto Grapplers (OEM size) on my 2017 Denali XL 4x4 and put nearly 30k miles on them...no visible sign of wear at that point.

 

My use for off road is Texas ranchland so not rock climbing, mud bogging etc.  Appear they would be great in snow as well (I grew up in Wisconsin).

 

Tires were exceptional in my off road use.  Road noise was surprisingly quiet.

 

I immediately swapped out the OEM POS Goodyear tires on my 2021 AT4.  Same size as factory.

  • Like 1
econometrics Senior Enthusiast

econometrics

Posted
Posted
17 minutes ago, Adplusone said:

I ran Nitto Grapplers (OEM size) on my 2017 Denali XL 4x4 and put nearly 30k miles on them...no visible sign of wear at that point.

 

My use for off road is Texas ranchland so not rock climbing, mud bogging etc.  Appear they would be great in snow as well (I grew up in Wisconsin).

 

Tires were exceptional in my off road use.  Road noise was surprisingly quiet.

 

I immediately swapped out the OEM POS Goodyear tires on my 2021 AT4.  Same size as factory.

Thanks, they look great on the SUV. Especially with it lowered via the air suspension. ? 

  • 2 weeks later...
GLMJR Enthusiast

GLMJR

Posted
Posted

Great review!

We too bought the AT4 Yukon back in November, in the Cayenne Red tint coat.

love the color.

 

X2 on being able to select a ride height and LEAVE IT THERE!  Much needed.

 

I might add the lack of power adjustable petals.

Do agree 100% with the engine having plenty of power and love the 10 speed.

 

We did put Nitto Ridge Grapplers on ours right off, in the same factory size.

 Actually rides better now with less body roll.

  • 4 weeks later...
oakleyguy Enthusiast

oakleyguy

Posted
Posted
On 1/22/2021 at 8:46 PM, GLMJR said:

Great review!

We too bought the AT4 Yukon back in November, in the Cayenne Red tint coat.

love the color.

 

X2 on being able to select a ride height and LEAVE IT THERE!  Much needed.

 

I might add the lack of power adjustable petals.

Do agree 100% with the engine having plenty of power and love the 10 speed.

 

We did put Nitto Ridge Grapplers on ours right off, in the same factory size.

 Actually rides better now with less body roll.

Did you notice any difference in the quietness of the ride after switching to ridge grapplers?   I have them on my truck and they made the ride not so Denali like. 

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