Because of traffic, we didn’t take the typical southern I-15 route. Nope — we opted for what might be described as the scenic route through Delta and Milford, down into Cedar City and back onto I-15 on to St. George. After three glorious days in the red rock country, we returned through Zion National Park and up Highway 89, letting the Yukon show off its strengths on both pavement and rugged terrain. By the time we rolled back into Springville, we were completely sold on this latest version of GMC’s flagship SUV.

First impressions

Our first impressions were that the AT4 Ultimate trim looks the part. With a taller stance, blacked-out trim and rugged 20-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, it’s a vehicle that says, “Let’s hit the trail,” while still looking right at home in a country club parking lot. The front fascia features a unique AT4 grille and LED lighting that set it apart from its Denali sibling. It was built for capability, but with just the right amount of polish to make it feel luxurious.

Climbing into the cabin, we were welcomed with full-grain leather seating in an exclusive two-tone Brandy and Jet Black color scheme, real wood accents and even massaging front seats. The 16-way power front seats with a massage function were a blessing on our long drive days, and the panoramic sunroof added extra light to enjoy the scenery as we traveled through some of the most stunning parts of Utah.

Craig Conover, Daily Herald

Hitting the road: Springville to St. George

We set off mid-day on Friday, bypassing the usual I-15 route and heading southwest on US-6 toward Delta. It’s a quiet road, one that passes through small towns, wide valleys and high-desert plateaus. The 6.2-liter V8 engine in the Yukon purred effortlessly along the highway, delivering 420 horsepower with plenty of low-end torque for passing semis or climbing hills. The 10-speed automatic transmission shifted so smoothly we barely noticed it.

GMC’s Magnetic Ride Control and adaptive air suspension system made all the difference as the highway turned into more uneven surfaces near Milford. Even on washboard side roads leading to photo stops, the ride remained composed. And thanks to the AT4’s standard four-wheel drive and terrain mode selector, we were confident detouring to some dirt roads to get closer to the wildflowers blooming in the basin near Minersville.

Inside, we enjoyed the 18-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system. With SiriusXM keeping us entertained and wireless Apple CarPlay syncing our phones in seconds, the Yukon felt more like a mobile lounge than a traditional SUV.

By mid-afternoon, we arrived in Cedar City for a quick lunch break, then made our way into St. George. The Yukon handled the full 380-mile trek with ease, never once leaving us fatigued or road-weary.

Craig Conover, Daily Herald

A weekend in the Red Rocks

St. George always seems to be buzzing these days, and the Yukon proved to be the perfect vehicle for exploring the area. We took it out to Tuachan for a morning hike and shopping at the Famers Market. With nearly 10 inches of ground clearance and an active two-speed transfer case, the Yukon didn’t flinch at any of the gravel roads or rocky pullouts we encountered.

Parking at busy trailheads was surprisingly simple, thanks to the surround-view camera system and rear pedestrian alert. And we have to mention the power center console that slides back to reveal a hidden storage drawer — perfect for keeping valuables out of sight while we were on the trail.

The return trip: Zion National Park and Highway 89

On Monday, we left in the early afternoon and decided to head through Zion National Park. The Yukon AT4 Ultimate truly came into its own here. As we wound our way through the canyons on the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, the V8 engine was always ready when we needed a quick burst of power, and the suspension soaked up every dip and bump with grace.

Craig Conover, Daily Herald

With the Yukon’s hands-free power liftgate and flat cargo floor, setting up a quick tailgate picnic proved easy and comfortable. The rear cargo area was enormous — over 122 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down — and even with our luggage and supplies, we had plenty of room for coolers and souvenirs.

Once we exited the park and continued up scenic Highway 89, we encountered a few short rain showers. The Yukon handled the wet conditions confidently with its all-terrain tires and traction management system. The windshield head-up display was also helpful, projecting speed and navigation directly in front of us, so we could keep our eyes on the winding road.

We stopped in Panguitch for a quick break and continued our journey through the lush green valleys and quaint towns of central Utah. By the time we passed through Fairview and dropped back into Utah Valley, we’d completed nearly 800 miles in the Yukon — and it never missed a beat.

At the end of the week

The 2025 GMC Yukon AT4 Ultimate proved to be the ultimate road trip companion. With a perfect balance of rugged capability, comfort and premium technology, it handled everything we threw at it — from freeway cruising to mountain passes, dirt roads to city parking lots.

Some highlights worth mentioning:

• Fuel economy: We averaged about 17.5 mpg over the entire trip, which was better than expected considering the size and power.
• Trailering confidence: Though we didn’t tow anything this time, the AT4 Ultimate can handle up to 8,200 pounds with ease. A future trip with a boat or camper might be in order.
• Driver assist features: Lane keep assist, forward collision alert and adaptive cruise control made long stretches of road more relaxed and stress-free.

If you’re looking for a full-size SUV that can go anywhere, do anything and do it in style and comfort, the Yukon AT4 Ultimate is hard to beat. For families, outdoor adventurers or anyone who simply wants room to roam without giving up luxury, this Yukon delivers the best of both worlds.

Base price: $95,300

Destination charge: $1,995

Price as driven: $102,280