2025 GMC Yukon: Right-hand drive American SUV hits Australian roads

GM is getting ready to re-enter the full-sized SUV segment in Australia, teasing the 2025 GMC Yukon Denali ahead of its global reveal.

“The GMC Yukon has been at Premoso [GMSV’s Melbourne factory] for a few months as we start gearing up the remanufacturing process,” said GM Australia and New Zealand managing director Jess Bala.

“Now that the camouflage has come off, we’ll be able to embark on more extensive on-road, local right-hand-drive development and testing.

“Vehicle development post-remanufacturing is progressing extremely well and we’re on track to deliver the new model to customers in first-half of 2025.”

2025 GMC Yukon: Right-hand drive American SUV hits Australian roads

The images confirm we’re getting the updated model in GMSV showrooms locally.

The updated Yukon has yet to be revealed, though GMC released a teaser image of the SUV’s headlight a few days ago.

The teaser images released by GMSV today show a right-hand drive Yukon Denali wearing camouflage, though we can make out what appear to be subtly restyled tail light clusters.

The exhaust outlets are also squared-off instead of round like on the current model.

As seen in the teaser image out of the US, there are changes to the headlights and grille.

There’s a slimmer headlight assembly in the shape of the number six with daytime running lights in the shape of the letter C.

We have yet to see the interior, which is expected to receive a substantial update. Expect a larger, portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen.

The Yukon, a restyled version of the Silverado-derived Chevrolet Tahoe SUV, measures 5334mm long, 2057mm wide excluding the mirrors and 1943mm tall on a 3071mm wheelbase.

GMC also offers the Yukon XL – its equivalent to the Chevy Suburban – which measures 5720mm long on a 3406mm wheelbase. This longer SUV hasn’t been confirmed for Australia.

For context, a Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series is up to 5015mm long and 1990mm wide on a 2850mm wheelbase.

From 1999 until 2023, the Denali was the fanciest GMC Yukon until an even more richly appointed Denali Ultimate was slotted in above it.

Both models currently feature a naturally aspirated 6.2-litre petrol V8 engine producing 313kW of power and 624Nm of torque or an optional 3.0-litre turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder engine with 206kW and 624Nm, with both mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Yukon Denali models are rated to tow up to 8200lbs (3719kg) depending on specification in the US.

Current Yukon Denali Ultimate

It’s unclear if there will be any mechanical changes with the update, and if Australia will get the V8 or the turbo-diesel (or both).

GM’s Magnetic Ride Control is currently standard on the Denali, with adaptive air suspension optional on the Denali and standard on the Denali Ultimate.

Also standard on the Denali at present are a head-up display, wireless phone charger, power-sliding centre console, a 14-speaker Bose sound system, heated and ventilated front seats, and 20-inch alloy wheels.

The Denali Ultimate also includes as standard semi-automatic parking assist, an 18-speaker Bose sound system, massaging front seats, a panoramic sunroof, digital rear-view mirror, power-retractable side steps, and 22-inch alloy wheels.

Current Yukon Denali

It features a unique Alpine Umber interior colourway with laser-etched Paldao wood trim.

Both models have a suite of standard safety equipment including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera, with the Denali Ultimate gaining reverse AEB.

With the updated Yukon, GM is debuting the GMC brand not only in Australia, but also in New Zealand and China. It’ll join Chevrolet-branded products in local GMSV showrooms, while Cadillac models will be sold through a separate retail network.

GM hasn’t offered a version of its full-sized SUV in Australia since the ill-fated 1998-2000 Holden Suburban.

MORE: Everything GMC Yukon