The current Yukon has been released back at the start of 2014, and it is a complete redesign over the older model. The car is now using GM’s new K2XX platform which it shares with the Escalade and with the Suburban. Many rumors suggested that a new unibody design will be utilized, but these cars remained body on the frame which means they are still as rugged as ever. Even though it was released only a couple of years ago, there are strong rumors out there suggesting for a 2017 GMC Yukon, an improved model of the current generation. While most things on the outside are expected to stay the same, the car is expected to boast quite a few improvements under its skin.
Price and Release date
The release date is still unknown at this point, but it seems that the upcoming Yukon might be first released as a concept car. This might happen in early 2017 while a production model should be out by the end of the same year. With its under $50,000 price tag is there to stay but despite that it still is more expensive than almost any of its competitors. We expect to see a slight increase in price but nothing major. The 2016 model was offered for $48,315, and there isn’t much room for the company to increase it significantly. In order to mitigate some of the extra cost, GMC is planning on adding quite a few improvements inside the cabin to make their model more appealing.
2017 GMC Yukon Design
The future 2017 GMC Yukon will likely offer pretty much the same traits as the current version. It is going to be a great all weather commuter vehicle with enough room for an entire family and even some of their friends. It does offer plenty of space even for taller passengers. The cabin will be just as comfortable and as welcoming as before. However, this time, around we expect GMC to add some new features. These should include a larger screen for the infotainment system with likely a better touch interface. On top of that, all passengers will benefit from USB plugs while a Wi-Fi and Bluetooth systems are all going to be offered as standard. The top of the range Denali trim level will add even better leather than before and as a standard feature, cooled, and heated seats are expected to be offered with the new model.
One of the things that made this car sell this well, its exterior, and it is supposed to stay pretty much the same as before. The imposing front end and the muscular design are here to stay for at least a few more years. However, there have been some rumors which suggested that the 2017 GMC Yukon Denali would shed a bit of its chrome trim in the favor of something slightly more desirable. We are not sure how will this affect car refinement, and high class looks and we will give our final judgment about these changes as soon as we see it.
Drive-train
Currently, there are two engines available from which only one is offered in the base model. The rumored update of the car is still expected to boast two different engines. However, this time around, both units are expected to be all new twin-turbocharged V6 units. The base model is expected to get a 3.0-liter unit offering 350 horsepower and 370 lb-ft of torque, more than the older V8. The Denali, on the other hand, has been rumored to get a larger 3.6-liter unit with as much as 440 horsepower and over 450 lb-ft of torque.
Both of these should be capable of delivering better fuel efficiency than what previously offered units returned and both of them should be able to tow more. As a nice bonus, instead of the old six-speed automatic transmission, all versions of the car are now expected to receive a new eight-speed gearbox. Some rumors even suggested that it might get the ten speed automatic GM has been developing for some time. However, this is still missing from the market, and it will likely be used first on their trucks.
