The current-generation 2015 GMC Yukon has only been on the market one year, yet GMC->ke32 is already giving it a few updates. For 2016, the Yukon->ke266 lineup now offers a more comprehensive Driver Alert Package, two new 22-inch wheel designs to choose from, a hands-free liftgate for SLT models, two new exterior colors, and a capless fuel-filler neck.

Though minor, the changes help the Yukon stay a head of its highly competitive rivals, including the newly refreshed 2015 Lincoln Navigator. For the most part, however, the Yukon lineup – which includes the Yukon, Yukon XL, and the Denali-spec trims on each – carries over from 2015 unchanged. That’s not a bad thing, however, as the Yukon’s recent reworking brought a slew of very welcomed (and needed) updates to GMC’s full size SUV.->ke145

Those changes include fold-flat second and third row seats that no longer need to be removed to achieve a flat load floor; upgraded powertrains that include GM’s latest EcoTec3 technologies; a more upscale interior design with better finishings; and a bolder, more sharpened exterior look that replaced the outgoing 2007 through 2014 Yukon’s JELL-O-mold-like styling.

The newest generation of Yukon, along with its GM->ke1024 corporate twin, the Chevrolet Tahoe,->ke472 Suburban,->ke263 and Cadillac Escalade,->ke245 will likely carry on for several more years without a major refresh. That won’t stop General Motors from giving them some minor updates along the way, however, as evidenced by these updates still so close to the vehicle’s launch.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2016 GMC Yukon.

Exterior

You’ll be hard-pressed to tell the difference between a 2015 and 2016 Yukon. The exterior design hasn’t changed, though some of its electronic features have. For mid-grade SLT trim levels, the Yukon now comes standard with the hands-free liftgate feature. The option allows users to swing their foot under the rear bumper to open and close the liftgate. As in 2015, the feature is standard on the Denali trim.

GMC’s list of available wheels has grown by two, and now includes the new 22-inch designs as options on all trim levels. The “base” SLE trim level along with the mid-grade SLT trim level come standard with 18-inch wheels with both the 20- and 22-inch wheels coming as optional extras. The range-topping Denali trim comes standard with 20-inchers while also offering the 22-inch wheels as an option.

The Yukon also expands its color palette by two new shades. Crimson Red Tintcoat is available on all three trim levels while White Frost Tricoat is optional on SLT and Denali trims. Both shades come at an additional charge.

Making its way onto the Yukon free of charge (both in money and static electricity, I hope) is a new capless fuel filler neck. Now customers don’t’ have to worry about under or overtightening the fuel cap, or even losing it altogether. The system includes a gasketed fuel door to keep dust and debris from getting into the fuel tank.

Mounted inside but facing outward is GMC’s updated Driver Alert Package. The safety package now includes Lane Keep Assist. The function monitors the road ahead, and if it detects the driver is leaving the traffic lane without signaling or moving the steering wheel, the system gently corrects the steering angle to maintain the lane.

Included within the Driver Alert Package is GM’s Intellibeam automatic headlight feature that automatically turns the high beams on and off as traffic conditions change. And as with the 2015 Yukon, a backup camera comes standard, helping with avoiding obstacles when in reverse and hooking up a trailer.

Exterior Dimensions

Interior

The inside of the Yukon is a welcoming place, though nothing has changed for 2016. Every Yukon trim comes with fold-flat second and third row seats, making the job of hauling large cargo much simpler. Optional for those folding seats is a power-fold function, making light work of the transformation between people mover and cargo hauler. For those with their hands full of cargo, the Yukon’s hands-free liftgate offers several programmable settings for lift height, keeping the paint from swapping with the garage roof.

Behind the wheel, the driver has view of the standard eight-inch infotainment screen running GMC’s IntelliLink software. SiriusXM satellite radio and 4G LTE Wi-Fi services come standard for three months, after which owners can choose to extend their service contracts. Navigation is also optional. Denali version come with an upgraded instrument cluster that features a second eight-inch display with three selectable themes and an optional heads-up display.

Rear seat passengers have the option of a dual screen Blu-ray/DVD system on Yukon XL models. Wireless headphones allow the kids to watch a movie without disturbing mom and dad up front.

Of course, safety is a big deal these days, and the Yukon doesn’t skimp. The SUV includes the segment’s only Front Center Airbag. Upon a side impact, the bag inflates from the inboard side of the driver’s seat, protecting both the driver and front passenger from colliding together. This is on top of the front airbags, side curtain airbags, and dual seatbelt pretensioners.

All told, the Yukon’s interior falls between the more utilitarian (yet still very swanky) Suburban’s and the high-rolling Cadillac Escalade’s. This middle-child position puts GMC in a unique spot that sort of limits its audience to those wanting things to be just right. Goldilocks, your SUV is waiting.

Drivetrain

Like all current GM trucks and SUVs, the Yukon comes with the EcoTec3 version of the LS small block V-8. The standard engine is the 5.3-liter V-8 that offers 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. Coming standard on the Denali trim is the mighty 6.2-liter V-8. Basically the same LT1 engine founding the Corvette Stingray->ke4603 minus a few parts, the V-8 kicks out 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque.

Both engines’ EcoTec3 technology includes Active Fuel Management, Variable Valve Timing, and Direct Fuel Injection. The three attributes help conserve fuel while allowing the engine to produces strong horsepower and torque numbers.

The 5.3-liter comes mated to GM’s Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission, while the 6.2-liter gets GM’s newest eight-speed automatic, the Hydra-Matic 8L90. Expect both transmissions to be replaced in the next few years with a 10-speed automatic unit GM is co-developing with Ford.->ke31

The Yukon can also be had with 4WD. Two different systems are offered: the first being a single-speed transfer case that behaves more like an AWD system and the second being an electronically controlled, two-speed transfer case that offers both high and low range gears, as well as 2WD and Auto modes. An Eaton G80 automatic locking rear differential is also offered on both the 2WD and 4WD models.

Drivetrain Specifications

Prices

GMC has not announced any price differenced between the 2015 and 2016 model years, though there will likely be a small increase of a couple hundred dollars. For 2015, the standard Yukon lists for $47,740. Prices escalate well into the $80,000 area with a fully loaded Yukon XL Denali.

Competition

Lincoln Navigator

Like the 2015 Ford Expedition, the Navigator is totally refreshed for 2015, offering a more refined interior, updated powertrains, and new styling that doesn’t look 20 years old. Three rows of seating offer room for seven and its body-on-frame design offers respectable towing performance to the tune of 9,000 pounds.

Power comes from Ford’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6. The twin-turbo gasser offers up 380 horsepower and a respectable 460 pound-feet of torque while helping fuel economy improve over the outdated 5.4-liter V-8 in the outgoing model.

Prices start at $62,475, putting it more in competition with the Yukon Denali trim and well under the $72,000 starting price of the Escalade.

Read our full driven review here.

Lexus GX460

The GX460 is one of the older designs still on the market, though it received a minor facelift for 2014. The GX->ke473 offers a similar body-on-frame design with an honest 4.6-liter V-8 under the hood. Three rows of seating offer room for seven and their folding configuration offers plenty of room for hauling cargo. Perhaps the best aspect of its aging design is the GX’s tried-and-true 4WD system that comes from its foreign Toyota->ke88 cousin, the Land Cruiser->ke1298 Prado.

And thought a V-8 makes its home between the frame rails, it only produces 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, making the GX a pit poky compared to its rivals. Still, a starting price of roughly $50,000 undercuts the Lincoln and lands only slightly above the GMC.

Read our full driven review here

Conclusion

The GMC Yukon hasn’t changed much for 2016, but the minor updates to its safety and convenience features give it a slight bump toward the top of the body-on-frame luxury SUV pile – a place where it is used to being. With prices and sizes to fit a wide range of budgets and family lifestyles, the Yukon, Yukon XL, and Yukon Denali models offer capability, functionality, and luxury unmatched by nearly every other competitor.

Sitting in between the Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and the decked out Cadillac Escalade, the Yukon caters to that upper middle class clientele while still offering many of the same utilitarian features found on the Chevy and luxury items found in the Caddy. And with looks to kill, it seems the GMC is proving that being the middle child isn’t so bad after all.