The GMC Yukon XL is an enlarged version of the GMC Yukon and is completely redesigned for 2021, but the 2021 Toyota Sequoia has remained almost unchanged except for a new Nightshade Edition for this model year. Let’s look at both.
Design/Pricing
The redesigned Yukon XL has one of the most upscale interiors in the large SUV class. It seats up to nine people or seven with optional second-row bucket seats. All seats provide plenty of head- and legroom to ride comfortably. The Yukon XL provides 41.5 cubic feet of space behind the third-row seats, expands to 93.8 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded down and 144.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down. This next generation Yukon XL offers premium quality, a distinctive design, and a unique AT4 exterior styling with rugged capability. Cloth upholstery and power-adjustable front seats come standard. Leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel are available. LED headlamps and taillamps with GMC signature C-shape design that feature daytime running lamps and LED fog lamps are standard on all trims, as well as Rainsense windshield wipers and assist steps. The Denali and AT4 trim come standard with outside heated, power-folding adjustable mirrors, and it is available on the SLT. A hands-free programmable power liftgate with GMC logo projection is standard on the Denali, AT4, and SLT. The Yukon XL trims start at $50,700 for the SLE trim, $57,800 for the SLT trim, $64,800 for the AT4 trim, and $68,400 for the Denali. Optional packages are available for additional pricing.
The Sequoia seats eight comfortably in three rows of seats with plenty of head and legroom for adults. It provides cloth upholstery and power-adjustable driver’s seat and available leather upholstery, heated and/or ventilated front seats, additional power adjustments for the front seats, heated second-row captain’s chairs, a power-folding third row, and a power-adjustable steering wheel. The sole change to the Sequoia for 2021 is the introduction of the new Nightshade Edition – a package for the Limited trim that adds distinctive styling elements. The Sequoia’s interior and exterior are dated though, because it’s been more than a decade since Sequoia’s last redesign. It has a large amount of hard plastic in the interior and the same exterior look with the Tundra-based body-on-frame design. This big body frame provides 18.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the last row of seating, but with the second and third rows folded down, it provides 120.1 cubic feet of cargo space. The Sequoia features five trim levels: SR5, TRD Sport, Limited, TRD Pro, and Platinum. Pricing starts at $50,100 for the SR5 and ranges to $66,150 for the Platinum.
Safety and Technology
The 2021 GMC Yukon XL offers standard advanced safety features, plus additional add-on packages for more advanced features. Standard features include forward collision mitigation, rearview camera, rear seat reminder, automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, front and rear parking sensors, and keyless entry and ignition. An available Technology package that includes rear cross-traffic alert system, surround-view camera system, and a head-up display is an option on the AT4 and Denali trims. The AT4 also adds hill descent control. All Yukon XL models come with a large infotainment display with GMC’s latest IntelliLink interface. It is standard with a 10.2-inch touch screen, wireless Android and Apple CarPlay, six speakers, satellite radio, HD radio, Wi-Fi hotspot, six USB ports, and Bluetooth.
The Sequoia features an easy-to-use Entune infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, providing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also comes standard with an eight-speaker audio system, satellite radio, HD Radio, Bluetooth, three USB ports, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. Navigation, a stereo with 12 or 14 speakers, and a rear-seat entertainment system with a 9-inch display is available. Additional standard features include proximity keyless entry, a moonroof, and tri-zone automatic climate control. The Safety Sense-P system is standard on all models. This provides adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation and lane departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a rearview camera, and adaptive cruise control are also standard.
Performance
The Yukon XL has a powerful performance for just about every driving situation in its base engine, but can deliver even more acceleration with its available larger engine. Both engines are now paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Yukon SLE, SLT, and AT4 feature a 5.3-liter engine with 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. The Yukon Denali features a 6.2-liter V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. A new 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbo diesel engine with 277-horsepower will join this lineup later in this model year. Rear-wheel drive is standard and four-wheel drive is optional on all trims except on the AT4, where it is standard. It delivers a cushioned ride over any road surface and is composed on winding roads, but for off-roading, look to the AT4 trim, which comes with a two-speed transfer case and skid plates. The Yukon can tow up to 8,400 pounds, and has an estimated 16/20 mpg in the city and on the highway.
All trims of the Sequoia come with a 381 horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine with 401 pound-feet of torque and a six-speed automatic transmission. This engine can accommodate most anything including passing other vehicles and driving uphill, but doesn’t quite match the off-road capabilities of some rivals. Rear-wheel drive comes standard, and four-wheel drive is available. When fully equipped, the Sequoia can tow up to 7,400 pounds. Fuel ratings estimate 13/17 mpg in the city and on the highway in either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
Overall
The 2021 GMC Yukon XL and the 2021 Toyota Sequoia offer some great qualities with similar pricing. The Yukon XL provides more room for passengers and cargo with choices of powerful engines and an upscale interior. The Sequoia offers plenty of room to carry passengers comfortably for its size; and it features one engine for all trims that gets the job done, but it could also use a redesign.