The Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, the GMC Yukon and Yukon XL, and the Cadillac Escalade account for 50% of all large SUV sales in the US. GM makes 340,000 of them every year and exports about 80,000 to 31 countries. They’re made in GM’s plant in Arlington, Texas, which is said to be the most profitable assembly plant in the world. We estimate they generate $20 billion in revenue for GM and about $4 billion in profits. Autoline Daily.
GM made a bone headed decision not to put the desiel engine or the 6.2 in this. I own a Durango RT with the same size V8 . The at4 is too heavy for this application.
Good review. Am trying to decide between the 2021 Yukon AT4 of this video and the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Sport Platinum which costs more and has more luxury features, but I am concerned it won't be anywhere near as good as this AT4 especially in ski country on the worst roads during the worst storms. In theory I think the Escalade has the same mechanics as this AT4 but clearly it's 500 or 600 lbs heavier and has thinner sidewall tires, 275/50/22 versus the AT4's 275/60/20's. And if you add the heavy duty tow package to the Escalade it adds the electronic ltd slip differential, 2 speed transfer case and 4W Low that comes standard with the AT4. The AT4's 5.3 liter gas engine isn't the 6.2 liter but seems good and gets a tad better gas mileage, though I wish you could get the optional turbo diesel with the AT4 that you can get with the Escalade (Not sure how that lower horsepower of the diesel will handle higher speeds on steep hills and turnpikes though, despite its high torque kicking in at lower speeds). In any case, I'd welcome any input from others here, or comments or a similar Cadillac review by this guy Justin, but more specific to various Escalade capabilities than the one I already saw. That said, this AT4 looks pretty darn good, and is very tempting. Were I still 25 instead of late 50's I'd get this AT4 in a second. I do like to go off road, to get to places largely, but I don't really go "off roading" like I used to, still, the added flexibility of the AT4 is very tempting, just not sure if or how much of a trade off for the wide variety of driving I do, especially winter time, if I go to the Escalade. Wish GM made an Escalade AT4 (Escalade's Sport and Sport Platinum are just cosmetic differences). As it is, I'm a bit torn between the Yukon AT4 and Cadillac Escalade with the tow package, and am trying to learn more about differences and trade offs.
@@okankaradag3693 Toyota is stopping making the Land Cruiser (I assume that's what you mean by LC). And I just don't like that one as much as these GM's, the AT4 and Escalade especially, each with it's own pros and cons. I am considering the top, loaded trims of the 2021 AT4, the Escalade, and the Audi Q8 or SQ8 with AWD instead of 4WD, and am trying to learn more about those two cars and the pros and cons between GM's 4WD and Audi's AWD as well. Any thoughts on these things? There are some real advantages to the AT4, I just wish it offered more luxury/luxuries.
@@normt430 I don't even know what RPO codes are or where I would find them, though in the context I can guess a bit what they are. As for talking to a rep, the online chat people for these companies have been largely worthless when it comes to more specific technical questions, and the sales guys at the dealerships frankly seem more interested in make the sale then helping to educate me with relevant specific details. But I am steadily learning more and more thru various online searches and reviews, and people like yourself taking a few moments to provide input. Thank you for that.
@@Nate-zy5ce new product has a new learning curve. I could never find a single source for my automotive needs or questions and like you piece it together from multiple sources. The RPO list has been in the trunk or cargo area or glove box. These are in limited supply because of newness and semi conductor shortage along with demand. Though I see quite a few on the road these days. So salesman just want to cash in on them before they are gone.
Hey Justin. I keep coming back to your two AT4 videos, the main one and the later abbreviated best choice one. Circumstances had me put off the purchase, but I'm back now, and after recently seeing the new 2021 Ford F150 Raptor pick up, it made me wonder. Do you have an opinion, or any insights, which of these two vehicles, a loaded 2021 AT4 suv or loaded 2021 Ford Raptor pickup, would do better in bad winter snowstorms, on and off roads of varying conditions, also highways, and at higher altitudes, and most importantly during snow storms, assuming both were using the best snowtires possible? Looks and luxury/comfort are important, but I want to be able to get anywhere, anytime, any kind of weather, especially snowstorms. The best skiing is on snow days after all. If you have the time, maybe you'd share your comparative thoughts?
Thanks for your reply to my prior post. I have one more question that you hopefully can answer: I am concerned that for such a large suv the AT4 does not have the digital camera rear view mirror. It seems a safety issue and should at least be optional (It is on the Denali and Escalade). Did you have any issues/concerns seeing enough thru the AT4's traditional rear view mirror? Do you think I am giving that issue too much weight? I am concerned enough that I am considering the Denali diesel instead to a large degree for that issue.
Nathan I didn't notice any issues although I am a fan of that camera system. I believe the Denali will have a more similar ride quality to the Escalade which might not be what you're looking for. I've driven a Dodge Viper for many years so I'm quite comfortable in a vehicle with limited visibility. I didn't find anything to worry about in the Yukon with proper mirror setup and a good seating position. Hope that helps!
@@JustinPritchard It does help. Thanks. I won't let the lack of that digital camera rear view mirror keep me from choosing the AT4. I'm still trying to learn more about what internal mechanics of the AT4 (and Denali) may have been left out of the Escalade, not just de-tuned for luxury, but left out entirely, or if they are still there so usable in the Escalade, but just not emphasized in marketing. If you know anything about these differences, I'd welcome whatever info/insight you can share, if you have the time of course. The Active Response 4WD System of the AT4 and Denali, for instance, that is described as able to send power to all 4 wheels as needed, each or all, depending on slippage, I find no reference to that in the Escalade. I wish the AT4 had all the Escalade luxuries but the added off road and winter driving capabilities of the AT4. That would really be something. I bet if they did, it would add noticeably to AT4 sales but not take away from Escalade sales, they are largely two different target markets, some overlap as in my case, but still largely different. Your description of how well with the right snow tires the AT4 handles winter weather and winter roads was impactful, and I remember in your Escalade winter driving review how you said it was a great highway driver but the smaller bumps and ruts of the secondary roads left you wishing it handled that roughness better. I drive the smaller, less well maintained secondary roads quite often, dirt roads from time to time as well, though neither anywhere near as much as highway driving. And of course in and around town and neighborhoods here in the mountains quite often as well, and those are often not ideally cared for roads. But a lot of highway driving, absolutely, to and from ski areas summer and winter, for instance, and some cross country and regional touring. I find myself trying to decide between the loaded top AT4 trim with the 5.3 liter v8 and the loaded top Escalade Sport Platinum Trim diesel (with the Heavy Duty Tow Package to get the 4W Low added). I'm actually considering the 2021 Audi Q8 or SQ8 with their AWD instead of 4WD as well, but that's in 3rd place, and I don't know, I'm trying to learn the differences better, but somehow I imagine being able to go into full time 4WD High during snow storms is a big plus, not to mention the occasional 4WD Low in unique circumstances which is available on the Escalade too if you get the Heavy Duty Towing Package. I don't really go "off roading" any longer at 59, but I do appreciate the versatility and confidence that comes with some degree of that capability, bad winter roads and weather in ski country the most important, but maybe getting to a favored camping or fishing spot on back or dirt roads from time to time too. I do of course drive highways a lot. Ironically, it's the larger, greater rubber sidewalls of the AT4 (275/60R20's) that seem the biggest plus of the AT4 for me compared to the Escalade 275/50R22's. I wish the Escalade made the larger rubber 275/60R20's available in an all season as an option. Oh well. And the better mpg and roughly 35% greater distance on a tank of gas of the diesel would sure be nice in the AT4 too. Again, oh well, though the AT4 does take regular instead of premium which is something. If you have any added thoughts or knowledge about any of this, AT4 versus Escalade, especially the internal mechanics differences, drive train and such, I'd certainly welcome it. In any case, your reviews are great. Keep it up.
I think GM made a huge mistake with the rear independent suspension it is too LOW and exposed to damage The new Yukon & Tahoe has this one design "FLAW"
The Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, the GMC Yukon and Yukon XL, and the Cadillac Escalade account for 50% of all large SUV sales in the US. GM makes 340,000 of them every year and exports about 80,000 to 31 countries. They’re made in GM’s plant in Arlington, Texas, which is said to be the most profitable assembly plant in the world. We estimate they generate $20 billion in revenue for GM and about $4 billion in profits. Autoline Daily.
GM made a bone headed decision not to put the desiel engine or the 6.2 in this. I own a Durango RT with the same size V8 . The at4 is too heavy for this application.
I would consider the AT4 diesel too!
Put a deposit on one and getting it shipped to my house hopefully by the end of this month
Welp that end of the month now turning to mid July..... maybe
I wish they had designed the front end to fit the Duramax.
Excellent video! Just what I was looking for :)
Excellent review Justin....that is a nice SUV.
Good review. Am trying to decide between the 2021 Yukon AT4 of this video and the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Sport Platinum which costs more and has more luxury features, but I am concerned it won't be anywhere near as good as this AT4 especially in ski country on the worst roads during the worst storms. In theory I think the Escalade has the same mechanics as this AT4 but clearly it's 500 or 600 lbs heavier and has thinner sidewall tires, 275/50/22 versus the AT4's 275/60/20's. And if you add the heavy duty tow package to the Escalade it adds the electronic ltd slip differential, 2 speed transfer case and 4W Low that comes standard with the AT4. The AT4's 5.3 liter gas engine isn't the 6.2 liter but seems good and gets a tad better gas mileage, though I wish you could get the optional turbo diesel with the AT4 that you can get with the Escalade (Not sure how that lower horsepower of the diesel will handle higher speeds on steep hills and turnpikes though, despite its high torque kicking in at lower speeds). In any case, I'd welcome any input from others here, or comments or a similar Cadillac review by this guy Justin, but more specific to various Escalade capabilities than the one I already saw. That said, this AT4 looks pretty darn good, and is very tempting. Were I still 25 instead of late 50's I'd get this AT4 in a second. I do like to go off road, to get to places largely, but I don't really go "off roading" like I used to, still, the added flexibility of the AT4 is very tempting, just not sure if or how much of a trade off for the wide variety of driving I do, especially winter time, if I go to the Escalade. Wish GM made an Escalade AT4 (Escalade's Sport and Sport Platinum are just cosmetic differences). As it is, I'm a bit torn between the Yukon AT4 and Cadillac Escalade with the tow package, and am trying to learn more about differences and trade offs.
You'll have to deep dive into the RPO codes found on the car. Maybe a chat with a representative from each make to compare notes.
why not Toyota LC?
@@okankaradag3693 Toyota is stopping making the Land Cruiser (I assume that's what you mean by LC). And I just don't like that one as much as these GM's, the AT4 and Escalade especially, each with it's own pros and cons. I am considering the top, loaded trims of the 2021 AT4, the Escalade, and the Audi Q8 or SQ8 with AWD instead of 4WD, and am trying to learn more about those two cars and the pros and cons between GM's 4WD and Audi's AWD as well. Any thoughts on these things? There are some real advantages to the AT4, I just wish it offered more luxury/luxuries.
@@normt430 I don't even know what RPO codes are or where I would find them, though in the context I can guess a bit what they are. As for talking to a rep, the online chat people for these companies have been largely worthless when it comes to more specific technical questions, and the sales guys at the dealerships frankly seem more interested in make the sale then helping to educate me with relevant specific details. But I am steadily learning more and more thru various online searches and reviews, and people like yourself taking a few moments to provide input. Thank you for that.
@@Nate-zy5ce new product has a new learning curve. I could never find a single source for my automotive needs or questions and like you piece it together from multiple sources.
The RPO list has been in the trunk or cargo area or glove box. These are in limited supply because of newness and semi conductor shortage along with demand. Though I see quite a few on the road these days. So salesman just want to cash in on them before they are gone.
Hey Justin. I keep coming back to your two AT4 videos, the main one and the later abbreviated best choice one. Circumstances had me put off the purchase, but I'm back now, and after recently seeing the new 2021 Ford F150 Raptor pick up, it made me wonder. Do you have an opinion, or any insights, which of these two vehicles, a loaded 2021 AT4 suv or loaded 2021 Ford Raptor pickup, would do better in bad winter snowstorms, on and off roads of varying conditions, also highways, and at higher altitudes, and most importantly during snow storms, assuming both were using the best snowtires possible? Looks and luxury/comfort are important, but I want to be able to get anywhere, anytime, any kind of weather, especially snowstorms. The best skiing is on snow days after all. If you have the time, maybe you'd share your comparative thoughts?
Thanks for your reply to my prior post. I have one more question that you hopefully can answer: I am concerned that for such a large suv the AT4 does not have the digital camera rear view mirror. It seems a safety issue and should at least be optional (It is on the Denali and Escalade). Did you have any issues/concerns seeing enough thru the AT4's traditional rear view mirror? Do you think I am giving that issue too much weight? I am concerned enough that I am considering the Denali diesel instead to a large degree for that issue.
Nathan
I didn't notice any issues although I am a fan of that camera system. I believe the Denali will have a more similar ride quality to the Escalade which might not be what you're looking for.
I've driven a Dodge Viper for many years so I'm quite comfortable in a vehicle with limited visibility. I didn't find anything to worry about in the Yukon with proper mirror setup and a good seating position.
Hope that helps!
@@JustinPritchard It does help. Thanks. I won't let the lack of that digital camera rear view mirror keep me from choosing the AT4. I'm still trying to learn more about what internal mechanics of the AT4 (and Denali) may have been left out of the Escalade, not just de-tuned for luxury, but left out entirely, or if they are still there so usable in the Escalade, but just not emphasized in marketing. If you know anything about these differences, I'd welcome whatever info/insight you can share, if you have the time of course.
The Active Response 4WD System of the AT4 and Denali, for instance, that is described as able to send power to all 4 wheels as needed, each or all, depending on slippage, I find no reference to that in the Escalade. I wish the AT4 had all the Escalade luxuries but the added off road and winter driving capabilities of the AT4. That would really be something. I bet if they did, it would add noticeably to AT4 sales but not take away from Escalade sales, they are largely two different target markets, some overlap as in my case, but still largely different.
Your description of how well with the right snow tires the AT4 handles winter weather and winter roads was impactful, and I remember in your Escalade winter driving review how you said it was a great highway driver but the smaller bumps and ruts of the secondary roads left you wishing it handled that roughness better. I drive the smaller, less well maintained secondary roads quite often, dirt roads from time to time as well, though neither anywhere near as much as highway driving. And of course in and around town and neighborhoods here in the mountains quite often as well, and those are often not ideally cared for roads. But a lot of highway driving, absolutely, to and from ski areas summer and winter, for instance, and some cross country and regional touring. I find myself trying to decide between the loaded top AT4 trim with the 5.3 liter v8 and the loaded top Escalade Sport Platinum Trim diesel (with the Heavy Duty Tow Package to get the 4W Low added). I'm actually considering the 2021 Audi Q8 or SQ8 with their AWD instead of 4WD as well, but that's in 3rd place, and I don't know, I'm trying to learn the differences better, but somehow I imagine being able to go into full time 4WD High during snow storms is a big plus, not to mention the occasional 4WD Low in unique circumstances which is available on the Escalade too if you get the Heavy Duty Towing Package.
I don't really go "off roading" any longer at 59, but I do appreciate the versatility and confidence that comes with some degree of that capability, bad winter roads and weather in ski country the most important, but maybe getting to a favored camping or fishing spot on back or dirt roads from time to time too. I do of course drive highways a lot. Ironically, it's the larger, greater rubber sidewalls of the AT4 (275/60R20's) that seem the biggest plus of the AT4 for me compared to the Escalade 275/50R22's. I wish the Escalade made the larger rubber 275/60R20's available in an all season as an option. Oh well. And the better mpg and roughly 35% greater distance on a tank of gas of the diesel would sure be nice in the AT4 too. Again, oh well, though the AT4 does take regular instead of premium which is something.
If you have any added thoughts or knowledge about any of this, AT4 versus Escalade, especially the internal mechanics differences, drive train and such, I'd certainly welcome it. In any case, your reviews are great. Keep it up.
3:30 how big of a tire may I fit so it doesn't look like it skips leg day? ;)
where is this track located
Loud be nice if gmc offers the diesel engine and different interiors for it though.Right now the options for it are too poor.
Let me come do some drone footage for you 🤓
I think GM made a huge mistake with the rear independent suspension it is too LOW
and exposed to damage
The new Yukon & Tahoe has this one design "FLAW"