GMC Yukon AT4

Story and photo by Benjamin Yong, additional photos courtesy of GM Canada

Most domestic truck enthusiasts are familiar with GMC’s upscale Denali trim, offered on several models, which adds a touch of luxury to everyday driving. The AT4 designation is a little less known, recently expanded across the lineup to give customers seeking a bit more off-road credibility yet another option. Enter the first-ever Yukon AT4.

Based on the 2021 fifth-generation Yukon that shares the same T1 platform as the Chevrolet Tahoe as well as the Cadillac Escalade, having tested all three I can confirm they all possess a classy feel, in varying degrees of course.

“GMC Yukon is the full-size premium SUV that’s made to be used,” says Duncan Aldred, vice president of Global Buick and GMC, in a press release. “The new Yukon delivers what customers value most – premium features, purposeful technology and all-terrain capability.”

One of the immediately noticeable exterior similarities between the aforementioned trio of vehicles are the powered assist steps (included in the $9,795 Premium Plus Package) programmed to deploy whenever a door is opened, useful for the tall sport utility measuring 1,943 millimetres in height. Very un-Escalade however is all the protective skid plating and chunky 20-inch Goodyear allterrain tires.

Instead of all the chrome and polish of the Denali, the AT4 employs a darker approach with a blacked-out and horizontally slatted grille and smoked LED headlamp housings — contrasting brilliantly against the White Frost Tricoat paint colour on the example we drove. A pair of bright red recovery hooks peeking out at the bottom of the front bumper and special badging on the doors complete the unique exterior highlights.

Given the vehicle’s off-road-ready looks, one might expect a spartan interior space. This is not the case, as our press loaner had three rows of seats swathed in Jet Black perforated leather underneath a large, dual-pane panoramic sunroof.

Passengers in the second row are especially spoiled by a pair of reclining captain’s chairs and rear seat media system comprised of two 12.6-inch LCD touchscreens, paired to Bluetooth over-the-ear headphones. They can play content cast from a mobile device or transferred over USB or HDMI cables, and are even able to communicate navigation requests to the main infotainment display up front.

In addition, a benefit of the Yukon’s 145-millimetre-longer length is not only a massive 66 percent gain of cargo space behind the back bench, thanks to some clever design, but 41 percent extra leg room (now 886 millimetres) in front of it as well.

Powering the full-size SUV is a 5.3-litre EcoTec V8 generating 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Responsive and quite fun to drive with that low eightThe vehicle’s above-average handling doesn’t reflect the its hefty size and 2,575-kilogram curb weight due to a number of factors at play. Active Response 4WD is standard, as is a two-speed transfer case, limited-slip differential and multi-link independent rear suspension. The Magnetic Ride Control-enabled shocks are capable

of constantly adjusting damping according to road conditions, to mitigate bouncing and body roll during cornering.

For consumers actually intending to venture off the beaten path, there are all sorts of on-board gadgets to accommodate such adventures. A Traction Selection System, adjusted via the knob on the dashboard, has an off-road mode pre-calibrated to optimize powertrain and other settings accordingly. The Air Ride Adaptive Suspension installed on our tester is able to raise the body up to 50 millimetres to increase ground clearance and offer a nearly 32degree approach angle.

The 2021 GMC Yukon AT4 is built at GM’s Arlington, Texas facility and starts at $74,698 MSRP.

Base price (MSRP): ...................................................$74,698 Type: .................................................................................... SUV Layout: ........................................ front engine, four-wheel drive Engine: ...................................................................... 5.3-litre V8 Transmission: ..........................................10-speed automatic Power: ....................................................... 355 hp @ 5,600 rpm Torque: .................................................... 383 lb-ft @ 4,100 rpm Brakes: .................................................front/rear disc with ABS Fuel Consumption (L/100km, city/hwy): ..................14.3/11.8

Story and photos by Howard J Elmer

The Flagstaff brand has been around since the ‘70s. Ownership has changed, but its place in the market really hasn’t – it’s a premium brand, and with that distinction comes a premium price. On a recent cold April day, I reviewed one of Flagstaff’s trailers - the Micro Lite 21 FBRS, a couple’s trailer. Young couple, old couple – it matters not. This well-appointed, well laid-out, unit is made for two.

But before we do a walk-through, I want to expand on the concept of “premium.” We all know that two like-sized trailers can have very different prices and when both (on the dealer’s lot) appear bright, shiny and new, how do you spot where the extra money went?

Some upgrades are obvious – such as quality of fixtures and appliances. Others are more invisible – such as build quality. For instance, the Micro Lite uses a six-sided aluminum framework (side walls, end wall, front, floor and roof). Under the flooring is 5.8-in. tongue and groove subfloor (no particleboard). There is also non-slip internal insulation in the trailer – R-7 in the side wall, R-12 in the floor and R-14 in the ceiling. This is all good, but they also insulate the underbelly and slide-out floors with radiant foil for further protection. The underbelly of the trailer is totally enclosed – for insulation as well as protection for the electronically-controlled heated holding tanks.

These are just some of the individual items that go into the trailer build. If you weren’t told they were included, you wouldn’t know, because you can’t see them. These add value and they cost – but for livability and longevity, it’s money well spent. Another item to consider is the outer envelope of the trailer. Micro-Lite has an aluminum-supported radius roof. This creates an interior vaulted

ceiling and also sheds water better. On that roof they use a vinyl/rubber composite roofing membrane. A word to the wise here – the quality of the trailer roof should be your number one concern; water entry will kill a trailer in short order. A good roof is the first defence. Good roof material (and regular maintenance and caulking) is a good investment. The second weather-related concern is the walls. The least number of seams is what you want. Again, Micro-Lite accomplishes this with a vacuum-laminated fibreglass wall called Azdel. Azdel is sealed tight and will not rot.

Now, these items are not unique to Flagstaff or Micro-Lite. For this review, it’s an example – but one that you can use as a yard-stick when searching for a new trailer. The key thing to remember is that if you think the price is high – ask the dealer to explain where the money is. Most likely, it’s in the build quality which, as I said, is often invisible.

As a couple’s trailer, this 22-footer is towable by a wide variety of vehicles. On the day of the test, we actually towed it with two different mid-size trucks - the 2021 Toyota Tacoma and the 2021 GMC Canyon. These are both V6-powered and have tow limits in the 6,000 lb. range. They both handled the trailer nicely on highway and byway. But, with a gross weight of around 5,500 lb., the MicroLite can also be towed by many mid-size and up SUVs - vehicles you may already own.

Inside, this single slide unit puts the bathroom in the rear corner and the refrigerator beside it. This opens up the space for a large shower with skylight in the corner – and the fridge placement provides for considerable counter space in the kitchen. A nice feature I noted right off is the three-burner HO gas range with a flush-mount glass cover. Below it is a 21-inch gas oven. However, there is also a built-in microwave above the range hood. It’s nice to have both – hope you like to cook.

The sink has hard covers – one of which is slotted for cutting and washing right on the cover’s surface. There is even a small flip-up counter extender. Lots of emphasis on this kitchen – not to mention the ample cupboard and drawer space.

The other unique feature that jumps out on entry is the lack of a dinette. No booth – nothing free-standing. Instead, the space in the slide that is often used for a dinette is instead taken up with a full-sized convertible couch. A portable table (with folding legs) is provided instead. It can be set up in front of the couch for meals and

then stored away, opening up this centre space. In fact, the table is so light and easy to move that I’m sure many owners will take it outside to set up under the awning.

Being connected is no longer a novelty in trailers – it’s a must. Flagstaff provides cable and satellite hookups as well All-In-One Wi-Fi booster and LTE prep with Antenna. The trailer also comes pre-wired for a rear observation camera and has been prepared for roof and side solar panels.

The Queen-bed in the trailer is surrounded by windows and cabinets. It’s nice to see that there is access from both sides, and the foot of the bed lifts to reveal a large comforter storage chest.

I also realized as I went through the trailer that almost everything I was looking at was part of a package that was standard on this model. Here is a short list of the highlights.

• Laminated Champagne Fibreglass Sidewalls • 35K BTU on Trailers over 21 ft • Azdel Composite Panels • Pleated Night Shades • Murphy Bed w/ Under Sofa Storage System w/ Outside Access • Sink Covers • Rear Ladder • Two 30-lb Gas Bottles w/ Molded Bottle Cover • Molded Fibreglass Front Cap w/ Automotive Windshield • Four Frame-Mounted Manual Stabilizer Jacks • Solid Surface Kitchen Countertops • 13.5K BTU Ducted Air Conditioner

This is a nicely appointed unit – inside and out. It’s well laid out, has a feeling of quality and it tows well. If you are in the market; have a look. And, I also did a video walk-through of this unit – I invite you to come over to the Truck King YouTube channel to check it out.

Hitch Weight: ................................................................412 lb. UVW:...............................................................................4,171 lb. CCC:................................................................................1,521 lb. Exterior Length: .......................................................22 ft. 4 in. Exterior Height:........................................................10 ft. 3 in. Exterior Width: ................................................................ 96 in. Fresh Water: ...................................................................52.gal. Grey Water: .....................................................................30 gal. Black Water:...................................................................30 gal. Awning Size:......................................................................14 ft. Price: .....................$30,700 Canadian – at Gimmie Shelter RV.

This unit was supplied for testing by Gimmie Shelter RV in Mono, Ontario.