GMC Yukon History

GMC renamed its full-size SUV the Yukon for the 1992 model year, moving from the older C/K-based truck to the GMT400 platform and leaving the Jimmy name to the mid-size model. The first generation — uniquely available as a two-door — was a sibling to the later Chevrolet Tahoe.

The 1999 Yukon was historically significant beyond its size: it carried the first-ever Denali trim, GM's answer to the new Lincoln Navigator, launching what became GMC's most successful luxury sub-brand. An extended-wheelbase Yukon XL (successor to the Suburban-based long version) joined the line.

Through the GMT800, GMT900, K2XX, and T1 generations the Yukon and Yukon XL remained GMC's flagship family haulers, with the Denali and later Denali Ultimate trims at the top of the range.