2018 GMC Yukon Release Date and Price

2018 GMC Yukon – The Yukon was once the best full-size crossover on the US market but this is no longer the case today. While it still offers plenty for the money, cars like the upcoming Expedition or the new Armada managed to beat it at its own game. GMC revised the Yukon for 2017 and it seems that a new model might be on its way.

We do know that GM is preparing to release a new set of full-size trucks quite soon in order to compete with Ford’s new F-150 or the upcoming new RAM. This new set of trucks will come with new engines, likely new running gear and a brand new design. It is safe to assume that most of these upgrades are also going to be seen on the upcoming 2018 GMC Yukon at one point or another.

Is it needed?

The Yukon is still great but it uses way too much fuel and it is quite expensive for what it offers in the higher end trim levels. The 2018 model should solve most of these problems while also adding a few new things into the mix. The new car is expected to receive considerably better NVH ratings. These should be achieved with the help of a slightly more compliant suspension system which will also control the roll of the car slightly better. The Yukon could also use a better set of brakes as well as an overall lighter body.

 

2018 GMC Yukon Release Date and Price

The current model in the Denali trim will weigh north of 6,000 pounds which are more than any of its direct rivals. The car’s release date is still unknown. Most rumors suggest a mid-2018 showcase with the production model coming by the end of the year. Its price should still be roughly the same as before with a starting point at around $50,000.

Design 

The 2018 GMC Yukon is also expected to depart from the current Tahoe or Suburban. While it does have a unique front end, from the back and profile it is identical to its Chevrolet counterparts. The 2018 model is expected to take a slightly different route which should close the gap between the Tahoe and the Escalade in terms of look and flair. In the front, we will likely see influences from GMC’s latest cars with more rounded corners and an even more imposing grille than before. From the profile, the new Yukon might surprise us with a more muscular look and less straight lines than before. It should also come with larger wheels and tires than before as well as with a possibly lower, or adaptive, suspension system.

Inside the Cabin of 2018 GMC Yukon

The current model offers plenty of kits here, but the design is nothing to write home about. It is basically the same as all the other cars or trucks based on this platform. The 2018 GMC Yukon will likely follow a similar route, so expect the same infotainment system, climate controls, seats, instrument cluster and steering wheel also found on the new GM trucks. However, the center console is expected to be redesigned with even more modular features while the infotainment system might also get a considerably larger screen than on its sibling, the Tahoe.

Under the Hood

The current model gets either a 5.3 liter V8 with 355 horsepower or a larger 6.2 liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Both of these are able to return around 16 to 17 MPG on average which is good but not great. Ford already proved that they could make a small and relatively efficient engine with the new generation EcoBoost. Rumors say that the GMC Yukon 2018 might be one of GM’s first cars to receive a new engine designed specifically for heavy duty applications. This is expected to be a 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6 which is said to be capable of more than 400 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque.

We may also see a smaller twin-turbo V6 replacing the 5.3 liter V8, especially since emissions standards are getting harder to meet with each passing year. The old six-speed automatic on the 5.3 V8 or the eight-speed unit on the 6.2 V8 is likely going to be discontinued. The two will more than likely going to be replaced by GM’s new ten-speed automatic which will provide better towing capabilities as well as better fuel consumption.