The GMC Yukon. With amenities and design that fall between the Chevy and Cadillac Escalade, it is the more upmarket mechanical twin of the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban. The standard model of the Yukon measures 210 inches in length, but the Yukon XL extends the tape measure to 225.2 inches. First- and second-row legroom are identical in both vehicles, while the XL offers greater luggage capacity and legroom in the third row.
The base price of the Yukon with SLE trim is $59,295 (delivery charge included). It starts with a 5.3-liter V8, but the superb 3.0-liter inline-six turbodiesel is an option for it and the SLT. The AT4, an off-road-ready vehicle with a standard 4×4 and a starting 5.3-liter V8 engine but a vast 6.2-liter V8 available, is the next step up. The 6.2-litre V8 or the diesel engine is standard on the Denali. The Denali Ultimate, available in 4×4 only and priced at $76,200, is new for 2023. It has three rows of full-grain leather, massaging seats, premium audio with speakers in the front head restraints, and distinctive stylistic cues. All trims are also available for $2,700 more in the longer Yukon XL.
There is fierce rivalry in the specialized market of full-size SUVs. The Yukon’s rivals include the Tahoe and Suburban, as well as the two-lengthen Ford Expedition, the brand-new 2023 Toyota Sequoia, which is only offered as a hybrid, the Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer, and the Nissan Armada. The Wagoneer provides more space in the second and third rows than the Yukon, but not by much. The Yukon has more excellent legroom in the front than any of them. Furthermore, the only vehicles with a diesel engine are the GMC and Chevrolet entries.
The Yukon is an incredibly cosy car with excellent seating comfort and a smooth ride. However, you can sense its bulk on uneven terrain, and the optional air suspension might sometimes seem wallowy. Nevertheless, the turning circle is surprisingly tiny, and the handling is fast and smooth. The AT4 off-road variant offers two additional inches of ground clearance, but it’s not designed for rock crawling. The Yukon can tow up to 8,400 lbs. and the XL up to 8,300 lbs. with a maximum towing package.
The less costly Tahoe will probably interest people who need interior room. At the same time, the Denali is more appealing to those who want additional amenities and luxury. Although it uses the same structure as the GMC Sierra pickup truck, it has a lower rear floor for better third-row comfort and an independent rear suspension for a smoother ride.
The NHTSA gave it four stars overall rather than the maximum five stars for crash testing. However, all trims have automatic high-beam headlights, lane-keeping assistance, and emergency front braking. The only model without a standard blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert is the basic trim; it is an optional feature. Super Cruise, a hands-free highway driving technology that can automatically change lanes and operate while towing a trailer, is available on higher model levels.
Performance: GMC Yukon
Three engine options are available for the Yukon; the first is a 5.3-litre V8 that comes standard on the SLE and SLT. Along with fuel-saving cylinder deactivation, which momentarily turns off certain cylinders when full power isn’t required, it produces 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. Both trim levels include the option of a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder turbodiesel, which has a powerful 460 pound-feet of torque and 277 horsepower, for an additional $995.
The AT4’s base engine is a 5.3-litre diesel, but for an additional $2,620, you can choose a 6.2-litre V8 engine that produces 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque instead of the diesel. Although the diesel engine is an option, the 6.2-liter V8 is standard on the Denali and Denali Ultimate. A ten-speed automatic gearbox is used with all engines. Except for the AT4, which only has four wheels, all trims are available with two or four wheels. While the diesel offers the most excellent fuel efficiency and a ton of low-end torque at a lower RPM than the 6.2, the gasoline engines accelerate well. Depending on the engine and vehicle combination, the maximum towing capacity may vary from 7,400 to 8,400 lbs. The higher ratings need an optional ultimate towing package.
Fuel Efficiency: GMC Yukon
While nothing in this big, heavy class is a fuel-sipper, the Yukon is in the middle of the pack among its rivals. Fuel efficiency for the 5.3-litre V8 is 17 mpg combined, 15 in the city and 20 on the highway for both rear- and four-wheel drive models. With 16 mpg combined, 14 cities, and 20 highways (18 highways with XL and four-wheel drive), the 6.2-litre V8 performs just marginally lower.
With rear-wheel drive, the diesel performs the best, scoring 23 mpg overall, 21 mpg in the city, and 27 mpg on the interstate. With 4WD, these ratings drop by one mpg. That’s a significant improvement, and even while diesel fuel costs are greater than gasoline by $2.00 or more in certain places, drivers who travel a lot on the highway may find that it still works out well for them. The Yukon XL’s 38-gallon fuel tank extends its range to more than 1,000 miles when driven on diesel; the gas version of the identical car can only go 760 miles at most.
The Jeep Wagoneer gets up to 19 mpg combined, while the Ford Expedition’s turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 gets up to 18 mpg combined. The Nissan Armada’s 5.6-litre V8 engine achieves 16 mpg combined in rear-wheel drive, equal to the Yukon’s 6.2-litre engine. However, it produces less power and only manages 15 mpg in 4WD. The 2019 Toyota Sequoia is only available as a conventional hybrid. With 437 horsepower and the most torque (583 pound-feet) of any competitor, it is the most powerful vehicle. It achieves 22 mpg combined in rear-wheel drive, which is the same as the Yukon diesel, but lowers to 20 mpg in 4WD. It gets 24 mpg (22 mpg in 4WD) on the interstate.
Driver assistance and safety:
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash tests, the 2023 Yukon has an overall rating of four out of five stars (NHTSA). With five ratings for side protection, four for frontal crash protection, and just three for rollover protection, that’s a combination. But the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) hasn’t evaluated it.
Features including automatic high-beam headlights, lane departure warning with lane keeping assistance, and automated emergency front braking with pedestrian recognition are available on all models. Blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert is an additional $495 option package available on all trims other than the basic SLE. Standard on the Denali Ultimate, adaptive cruise control is available on most other frames. The two Denali versions also have an optional hands-free Super Cruise system that can change lanes and do most of its duties when the car tows a trailer.
Coziness & Space:
The Yukon maximizes the area it occupies. Except for the Jeep Wagoneer’s 42.7 inches of second-row legroom, the primary and XL versions provide 44.5 inches of front-seat legroom and 42 inches of rear legroom, more significant than any competitor. Except for the Ford Expedition Max, which surpasses it by as much as 4.2 inches, the third row is roomier than any other vehicle, measuring 34.9 inches in the standard Yukon and 36.7 inches in the Yukon XL. Comparatively speaking, the Yukon’s headroom in the first row is up to 42.3 inches, while in the second and third rows, it is 38.9 inches and 38.2 inches, respectively.
Although getting into the third row may be a bit of a squeeze, most passengers will usually sit rather than with their knees up by their chins because of the low floor. Power-adjustable front seats and tri-zone automatic temperature control are standard in all grades. The motorized front seats of the new Denali Ultimate include 16 movement options and a massaging function.
Infotainment: GMC Yukon
Every trim level comes with a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment panel with Google Built-In, but it’s a trial subscription that you’ll ultimately need to renew. With features like Assistant and Maps, it’s easy to use. Along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, OnStar and satellite radio trial subscriptions are also included in the system.
The Denali Ultimate replaces the standard 14-speaker Bose radio system with an 18-speaker premium system with speakers hidden behind stainless-steel grilles in the doors and front head restraints.
Storage & Cargo Space:
Behind its third row, the Yukon has 25.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity. That surpasses most competitors, varying from the Nissan Armada’s 16.5 cubic feet to the Ford Expedition’s maximum 20.9 cubic feet. With 27.4 cubic feet, only the Jeep Wagoneer surpasses it. It may not be sufficient if every seat is used and you still need to carry your passengers’ bags. Therefore, if you go up to the Yukon XL, you will have 41.5 cubic feet available behind the third row. The maximum volume of the Expedition Max is 36 cubic feet.
The Yukon has 72.6 cubes when the third row is folded and 122.9 when the second row is folded; the Yukon XL has 93.8 and 144.7 cubes in the exact measurements. The Ford Expedition
Excellent small-item storage is also provided by the Yukon’s dash-mounted, button-style shifter. This makes room in the centre console for the power-sliding console box with a cover for the Denali trims and a deep storage bin.
Design: GMC Yukon
Despite being nothing more than a large box, the Yukon has a classy appearance. It also integrates distinguishing grille patterns and visual cues for every level, such as the front skid plate and all-terrain tires on the off-road-capable AT4. The Denali’s bright chrome grille and wheels make it a little flashy, but the more expensive Denali Ultimate balances that off with its distinctive 22-inch chrome-and-paint alloys and deeper, richer-looking chrome.
Even in the higher trims, some harsh plastic is inside, countered by excellent fit and finish. Naturally, the materials are better as the trim levels increase, and at the Denali level, natural wood and stitched leather are included. The new Denali Ultimate cranks things up even further with three rows of full-grain brown “Alpine Umber” leather seating, distinctive stitching, and open-pore wood trim.
Is the 2023 GMC Yukon Worth It?
With a $1,895 delivery cost, the basic Yukon SLE costs $59,295 for rear-wheel drive and $62,295 for 4WD. Many purchasers will find the sweet spot with the SLT, with its rear-wheel purpose and $68,995 with 4WD. 20-inch wheels, a hands-free power liftgate, heated and ventilated front seats, an auto-dimming mirror, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic warning, and wireless device charging are among the features that set it apart from the SLE.
People who spend much time outside will probably check out the AT4. Pricing for the 5.3-litre engine with 4WD standard begins at $72,600, while the 6.2-litre machine costs an additional $2,620. Regretfully, the diesel engine is unavailable to order with this particular trim. Adaptive air ride suspension and an electronic limited-slip differential are included in the $1,795 Premium Capability Package.
The Denali begins at $76,200 for those who want true luxury, but the Ultimate, at $96,450, is a very high hike. You will then most likely give the Cadillac Escalade, which has a price range of $81,190 to $110,440, another look. For an extra $2,700, the lengthier Yukon XL is offered in all Yukon grades.
How Much Does GMC Yukon Insurance Cost?
The Yukon’s insurance prices align with those of other spacious SUVs. Although this figure applies to all 50 states, a typical 30-year-old female driver with a spotless record should anticipate paying an average yearly premium of $2,362 for a Yukon SLT and $2,382 for a Yukon AT4. In contrast, a Ford Expedition King Ranch costs $2,418; a Chevrolet Suburban High Country costs $2,335; and a Nissan Armada costs $2,374.
GMC Yukon Generations
Fifth Generation
2021 to Present
For 2021, the fifth-generation Yukon will be completely redesigned. Although it uses the same platform as the Cadillac Escalade and Chevrolet Tahoe, GM’s truck-based T1XX now has a more distinctive external design and interior. The earlier 5.3-litre and 6.2-litre V8 engines are still available in the current Yukon generation, but in early 2021, a new, much more economical 3.0-litre turbodiesel inline six-cylinder engine was added to the range. The first Yukon AT4, a new grade designed as an upscale SUV emphasizing off-road performance, is also available in this generation.
Fourth Generation
2015 to 2020
2015 saw the release of the Yukon 4th generation, along with a fresh look that sets it apart from its Chevrolet sister even more. Along with fold-flat second and third-row seats, an aluminium hood and rear liftgate, a standard Wi-Fi hotspot, optional cordless phone charging, and several USB ports and connectivity choices, it also had a centre airbag for front-seat passengers. For the first time, the 6.2-litre V8 engine with 420 horsepower was found in the Yukon Denali.
Third Generation
2007 to 2014
The third generation of the Yukon was the first to use an entirely new platform and to have an external style that set it apart from the Tahoe and Suburban. For the first time, hybrid powertrains were also available for the Yukon.
Second Generation
2000 to 2006
When they were first introduced in 2000, the Yukon and Tahoe were almost identical in appearance. Gradually, over the following six years, the SUV would get little upgrades to enhance it somewhat until it completely modified its fundamental construction.
First Generation
1992 to 2000
The first-generation Yukon was initially designed as a two-door, based on the Chevy K5 Blazer. The Chevy Tahoe replaced the defunct Blazer, and the Yukon also got a four-door variant. Introduced in 1999, the pricier Denali trim came toward the conclusion of the model’s lifetime.
Verdict
Little modifications are made to the GMC Yukon for 2023; however, a new top-tier trim called Denali Ultimate and an optional self-parking assist technology are included. Even though the usual size is spacious, an XL version is available if more cargo capacity is needed. Two V8 engines and a diesel are available, and driving is smooth and pleasant. The Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban are its siblings, but this vehicle focuses more on luxury and amenities. Outdoor enthusiasts will probably find the off-road-capable AT4 to be rather appealing. The Yukon does very well in this full-size sector compared to its competitors.
