2026 GMC Yukon AT4 Ultimate: Texas-Sized, but Worth It?

There’s a certain kind of satisfaction that comes from driving something unapologetically large. In a world full of sleek EV crossovers and compact SUVs, the 2026 GMC Yukon AT4 Ultimate feels almost defiant — a reminder that some people still want space, power, and presence in equal measure. Spend a week behind the wheel, and you realize it’s more than just a big SUV. It’s a statement — one that feels right at home on Texas roads.

And yes, it’s as massive as it looks. But there’s something else at play here — refinement. GMC has managed to make this truck-based SUV feel not just capable, but genuinely comfortable and luxurious. So, the big question is: does “Texas-sized” still mean “worth it”?

Looks That Stick

Park the Yukon anywhere, and it owns the space. The AT4 Ultimate trim takes what’s already a bold design and gives it an extra layer of grit and polish. You get a squared-off front end with GMC’s C-shaped lighting signature, a darkened grille, and those rugged 20-inch Talos Bronze wheels wrapped in all-terrain rubber.

In Summit White, the one I tested, the contrast between the paint and the black trim just works. It’s tough but tasteful — not overdone. The red tow hooks up front and subtle “AT4 Ultimate” badging remind you this isn’t just another family hauler. It’s designed to get dirty, even if it rarely will.

The stance is tall and commanding, but the overall proportions are balanced. For a vehicle this size — stretching just over 210 inches long — it still manages to look cohesive, not cartoonish. GMC’s done a nice job keeping the design muscular without tipping into excess.

Inside the Cabin

Step inside, and the first thing that hits you is how nice it all feels. This is easily the best interior GMC has ever put in a Yukon. The Obsidian Rush interior (dark leather with red accents and Ash Burl open-pore wood) gives off a rugged-luxury vibe that fits the AT4 Ultimate’s character perfectly.

At the center of it all is the new 16.8-inch vertical infotainment screen. It’s crisp, customizable, and genuinely easy to use. GMC’s finally nailed that balance between tech-forward and user-friendly. You can display navigation, cameras, and audio side-by-side without feeling overwhelmed. Below that, the physical climate controls remain right where they should be — tactile and intuitive.

From the driver’s seat, everything feels substantial. The steering wheel has real weight, the seats are broad and supportive, and visibility is excellent thanks to the high seating position and smart mirror placement. At 6’1”, I fit comfortably with room to spare — and even the third row, while best for kids or shorter adults, isn’t a punishment.

Second-row passengers get their own touch controls for climate and entertainment, along with seat heaters and plenty of charging options. The rear-seat media system integrates neatly, with screens built into the front headrests. It’s a small luxury that makes long road trips a little quieter — every parent’s dream.

Power, Performance, and Presence

Under the hood, you’ll find a familiar but beloved powerplant — GMC’s 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8. It produces 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Numbers aside, what really matters is the feel: effortless torque, smooth shifts, and a deep V8 rumble that reminds you why some people just aren’t ready to give up on gasoline.

This engine has been refined over the years, and it shows. Throttle response is quick but predictable, and while fuel economy isn’t going to impress anyone (I averaged around 16 MPG combined), the trade-off is commanding power and towing ability. Speaking of which, the 8,400-pound tow rating means it can handle a boat, trailer, or pair of ATVs without breaking a sweat.

The Air Ride Adaptive Suspension is another standout. It automatically adjusts ride height and damping, delivering an impressive blend of comfort and control. Around town, it soaks up rough pavement with ease; on the highway, it floats along quietly, even with those all-terrain tires. You can raise the suspension by two inches for off-road use — handy if you ever leave the pavement.

Steering is light but confident, braking is reassuring, and overall refinement is where the Yukon truly shines. This thing feels less like a truck and more like a luxury cruiser that just happens to have skid plates underneath.

Tech That Makes a Difference

Let’s talk tech — because this SUV is loaded. The AT4 Ultimate comes standard with Super Cruise, GMC’s hands-free driving system that works across hundreds of thousands of miles of mapped highways. It’s impressive, especially on long drives. The system handles acceleration, braking, and steering smoothly, and when you’re towing, it adjusts for that too — a first in the industry.

The Night Vision feature is another piece of standout tech. Using thermal imaging, it detects pedestrians and animals ahead and displays them in the instrument cluster — a feature that feels more like something from a luxury European brand than a rugged GMC SUV.

Beyond those headline features, everything works seamlessly: wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a crisp head-up display, 360-degree cameras, and an intuitive trailer-view setup that lets you “see through” your trailer while reversing.

If you want to see some of these features in action, check out our full video review on TXGarage’s YouTube channel — seeing Super Cruise handle a full-size SUV this smoothly is genuinely impressive.

Space for Days

Practicality is still at the Yukon’s core. Even in the AT4 Ultimate trim, it’s a family-first machine. The power liftgate opens wide, revealing enough space behind the third row for a full grocery run or a weekend’s worth of gear. Fold down the second and third rows, and you get a cavernous 122.9 cubic feet of cargo space.

Everything operates electronically — no wrestling with latches or seatbelts. It’s easy to load, easy to organize, and surprisingly manageable for something this big, especially with the help of parking sensors and that excellent 360-degree camera system.

Getting in and out does take some effort thanks to the taller ride height, but side steps and handles make it manageable. For shorter passengers or kids, it’s a small learning curve, but one that comes with the territory of a true SUV.

Price and Perspective

Now, let’s talk money. The 2026 GMC Yukon AT4 Ultimate stickers at $102,190 as tested — which is undeniably steep. The standard Yukon AT4 starts lower, but the Ultimate trim adds every bit of luxury and tech GMC can throw at it.

At this price, competitors include the Ford Expedition Timberline, Chevrolet Tahoe Z71, and even the Cadillac Escalade. The Expedition feels a bit more nimble, the Tahoe more affordable, and the Escalade flashier — but the Yukon AT4 Ultimate strikes a satisfying middle ground. It’s luxury without pretense, capability without compromise.

It’s also proudly built right here in Arlington, Texas, which adds a bit of local pride for anyone in the Lone Star State.

The Verdict

After a week behind the wheel, I can say this: the 2026 GMC Yukon AT4 Ultimate is everything you expect it to be — big, bold, and built for families who actually use their vehicles. It’s not cheap, it’s not small, and it’s not subtle. But it’s refined, comfortable, and surprisingly high-tech.

It’s the kind of SUV that feels right at home in Texas — from wide open highways to crowded parking lots at the local high school football game.

If you want something that can haul people, gear, and confidence all at once, the Yukon AT4 Ultimate does it with style.
And if you want to see just how composed this giant feels in motion, check out the full video review on TXGarage’s YouTube channel.

For me, the takeaway is simple:
The Yukon AT4 Ultimate proves that “Texas-sized” doesn’t have to mean “rough around the edges.” It’s luxury that still knows how to work.