2025 GMC Yukon on track for Australia next year: New details

09/30/2024 06:00 PM

General Motors Speciality Vehicles (GMSV) will launch the GMC brand in Australia in the second quarter of next year with the release of the Yukon large SUV targeted directly at the Toyota LandCruiser.

However, key details like pricing and towing capacity still won't be revealed until closer to the Yukon's on-sale date.

Given only the high-end Denali trim will be available, and the GMC SUV will be imported in left-hand-drive form before being right-hand-drive remanufactured in partnership with Walkinshaw, the Yukon is expected to start around $150,000 before on-road costs.

This would put it in line with top-spec versions of the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series, such as Sahara ZX priced at $145,791, as well as entry-level variants of the Lexus LX that starts from $155,976.

However, differentiating the Yukon from those aforementioned potential price rivals is a larger, more powerful engine – specifically, a 6.2-litre V8 petrol engine outputting 313kW/624Nm to all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission.

This compares with the 227kW/700Nm 3.3-litre twin-turbo-diesel V6 and 305kW/650Nm 3.5-litre twin-turbo-petrol V6 in the LandCruiser and LX (the latter powertrain exclusive to the Lexus).

The only mainstream eight-cylinder off-road large SUV to compete with the Yukon is the 298kW/560Nm 5.6-litre V8-powered Nissan Patrol (priced from $88,900), but the Japanese model will switch to a 317kW/700Nm 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 in new-generation form due to arrive in late 2026.

Like the LandCruiser and Patrol, a hefty towing figure will also be key to the Yukon's appeal as GMSV targets grey nomads and families that like to haul heavy loads like a caravan or boat.

But unlike the Toyota and Nissan models, the Yukon is expected to exceed the 3500kg limit with GMSV promising "best-in-class" towing.

For reference, the Chevrolet Silverado – which shares the same platform and powertrain – features a 4500kg braked towing capacity.

Aside from its engine and towing capacity, the Yukon also sports seating for eight thanks to second- and third-row bench seats.

According to overseas measurements, the Yukon is 5338mm long, 2060mm wide, 1923mm tall and features a 3071mm wheelbase, dwarfing both the LandCruiser and Patrol.

GMSV claims a 3480-litre cargo capacity with the second- and third-row seats folded, but is yet to reveal volume figures with seats in place.

Also a point of differentiation with the Yukon is its up-market aspirations, with the interior kitted out with leather and woodgrain surfaces.

Handling infotainment duties is a 16.8-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, while the second-row seats also feature entertainment screens as standard.

"The latest in technology and safety systems" is also promised by GMSV, with claims of up to 13 cameras including a surround-view monitor to help with parking.

The GMC Yukon will be sold alongside the Chevrolet Silverado and Chevrolet Corvette across GMSV's 63-strong dealer network across Australia and New Zealand when it touches down in 2025.

Full pricing and specifications are expected closer to the launch date.

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