The Car Connection Expert Review
Likes
- Big Tex swagger
- Modern tech with Denali
- V-8 grunt
- Big Tex styling
- Super Cruise availability
Dislikes
- Check your garage dimensions first
- Expensive across the lineup
- Horrifying mpg
- Blah diesel
Buying tip
features & specs
The 2024 GMC Yukon is a large SUV with flagship-level tech, especially in top-tier Denali guise.
What kind of vehicle is the 2024 GMC Yukon? What does it compare to?
GMC’s Yukon full-size SUV comes as either a standard-wheelbase Yukon or as an extra-long Yukon XL, in a trim lineup featuring the off-road AT4 and ritzy Denali. The Yukon competes with the Lincoln Navigator and Ford Expedition, as well as corporate cousins bearing Cadillac Escalade and Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban badges.
Is the 2024 GMC Yukon a good SUV?
Yes, it’s an overall strong choice. The Yukon serves impressive refinement, strong towing capability, and luxurious comfort. It scores a 6.3 on the TCC scale, at least until we know more about its crash-test record. (Read more abouthow we rate cars.)
What's new for the 2024 GMC Yukon?
The Yukon carries over unchanged for 2024, following some trim level updates in 2023.
The Denali Ultimate tops the range with the most upscale materials, most adjustable seats, and optional Super Cruise hands-free driving system. There are plenty of other options down the ladder, as well as the choice between the standard-wheelbase Yukon and extended-wheelbase Yukon XL, with similar styling, such as a blocky grille flanked by C-shaped lighting, and conservative slab-like sides.
Inside is even better, particularly the Denali, which gets an exclusive dash design. A 10.2-inch infotainment display is standard across the lineup, with a desktop-style Google Maps interface.
The powertrain options are smooth but rather rudimentary. Most configurations get a5.3-liter V-8 with 355 hp, and upgrades include a 6.2-liter V-8 with 420 hp and a torquey 3.0-liter turbodiesel 6-cylinder. A 10-speed auto transmission appears across the lineup, paired to either rear- or four-wheel drive. V-8s are rated for about 16 mpg combined, and the diesel can achieve 23 mpg combined.
The fully independent suspension system provides comfort, even when taking the AT4 model off-road. All models provide impressive comfort and some configurations can seat up to nine. In the XL, second and third rows comfortably accommodate adults and can handle all their luggage. It’s almost 19 feet long, though, so measure your garage first.
The Yukon includes automatic emergency braking, though most other desirable safety tech costs extra. The NHTSA awards only four stars in crash-testing.
How much does the 2024 GMC Yukon cost?
The Yukon starts around $60,000 and increases quickly. The best amenities and tech come with the Denali, upwards of $75,000, most shoppers will find a nice balance with about $66,000 for the Yukon SLT.
Where is the 2024 GMC Yukon made?
Arlington, Texas.
2024 GMC Yukon Styling
The 2024 GMC Yukon wears a tailored suit over its shoulder pads.
Is the GMC Yukon a good-looking SUV?
It’s like an offensive lineman all dressed up for an awards ceremony. The 2024 GMC Yukon wears plenty of chrome stretched over its squared-off lines. It’s a nice-looking truck, especially inside. We rate it at 8 out of 10.
Two Yukon versions are offered, with the XL stretching about 15 inches longer split between its rear doors and its cargo area. Both share a huge, shield-like grille up front with a different treatment for most trim levels. C-clamp headlights flank the grille and curve into the blocky fenders. From the side, the Yukon is squared-off and chunky, with huge wheel openings filled with rolling stock as big as 22 inches.
Inside, SLE, SLT, and AT4 models have a clean appearance with a high-mounted 10.2-inch display on a tall dash. Denali versions are more car-like, with a better-integrated screen and no shortage of dressy trim.
2024 GMC Yukon Performance
The 2024 GMC Yukon is quick and capable, if far from nimble.
The 2024 GMC Yukon scores an 8 out of 10 on the TCC scale thanks to its impressive towing ability and its composed ride.
Is the GMC Yukon 4WD?
Yes, though GMC offers a rear-wheel-drive version of most trim levels. The Yukon can be had with either a single- or a dual-speed transfer case, depending on the trim level. Note that you’ll need the 2-speed setup for its neutral mode if you plan to lug a Yukon behind an RV.
How fast is the GMC Yukon?
It’s a peppy choice for such a big SUV. The base 5.3-liter V-8’s 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque ratings can tow as much as 8,400 pounds when properly equipped. The available 420-hp 6.2-liter V-8 offers more towing confidence, yet it has a slightly lower rating. It’s still our choice for anyone planning to lug around 6,500 to 7,000 pounds.
GMC also offers a torque-heavy 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-6, but it’s sluggish away from a complete stop and can’t tow more than other versions. It’s more of a highway cruiser thanks to its improved fuel economy, though the cost differential makes it a tough sell for anyone crunching the numbers.
All Yukon SUVs have a terrific, controlled ride thanks to their independent front and rear suspension setup. Available air springs and adaptive dampers conspire for the best overall ride, and they’re basically a necessity for bigger 22-inch wheels that wear low-profile tires.
The Yukon does exceptionally well at highway speeds, especially with optional Super Cruise.
2024 GMC Yukon Comfort & Quality
The 2024 GMC Yukon’s spacious cabin is well-equipped.
Few new vehicles short of a minivan offer as much interior space and flexibility as the 2024 GMC Yukon. We rate the range at 9 out of 10, with points above average for passenger comfort and a huge cargo area that gets even bigger in XL versions. (Spoiler alert: minivans are still better for passengers.)
Up front, the GMC Yukon’s seats are all-day comfortable and they offer heating, cooling, and massaging as you work your way up the lineup. The second row is comfy in standard Yukon form, while Yukon XLs have as much as 42 inches of leg space. The third row is tricky to access but offers adult-friendly space.
The Yukon’s cargo area expands from a reasonable 26 cubic feet to 123 cubes in short-wheelbase configuration. Grab the Yukon XL and those figures balloon to 41 and 145 cubic feet of vacation-ready space.
Even the base SLE has a nice feel inside, though the Denali’s classy matte wood trim and nicer leather impress. Then again, a Denali costs nearly as much as an Escalade—so it should be upscale inside.
2024 GMC Yukon Safety
How safe is the GMC Yukon?
The 2024 GMC Yukon’s four-star rating from the NHTSA is cause for some concern, especially given just how big this SUV is. That figure partially cancels out the two points we add for standard automatic emergency braking and optional Super Cruise. The 2024 Yukon is a 6 on the TCC scale.
The IIHS has yet to test the 2024 Yukon.
All models also have active lane control and useful blind-spot monitors, plus cameras for low-speed driving and towing. Super Cruise is restricted to big-buck Yukons, but it’s worth the spend for its ability to let drivers go hands-free for limited stints on pre-mapped highways. It’s a road-trip game-changer.
2024 GMC Yukon Features
The GMC Yukon is best appreciated in higher trim levels.
The GMC Yukon plays middle child to its Chevy and Cadillac siblings in terms of features and pricing. Base Yukon SLE models run $60,195 this year, which makes them pricier than a base Tahoe but not significantly better outfitted. Look for cloth trim, a 10.2-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Four-wheel drive costs $3,000 more, while Yukon XL models are another $3,000 with equivalent features.
That’s enough for an 8 on the TCC scale thanks to good standard features, a big screen, and a wide lineup with plenty of configuration.
GMC’s 3-year/36,000-mile warranty is nothing special, though the first oil change is included with purchase.
Which GMC Yukon should I buy?
The SLT is a decent buy at $66,895 with rear-wheel drive. It adds heated and cooled front seats, leather upholstery, 20-inch alloy wheels, and Bose audio. We think it’s more compelling than the AT4, which looks the part but runs a hefty $73,500 with its off-roady bits and standard four-wheel drive. The AT4 is the gateway to the 6.2-liter V-8, though, which costs a reasonable $2,500 or so more than the base 5.3-liter.
How much is a fully loaded GMC Yukon?
The Denali range starts at $76,800 with its standard diesel. The gasoline-fueled 6.2-liter V-8 runs $1,500 more. These swanky trucks have a head-up display, magnetic dampers, improved Bose audio, a surround-view camera system, and nicer interior trim throughout. Opt for the Denali Ultimate and GMC tosses in more adjustment for the front seats, an air suspension, Super Cruise hands-off driving tech, power-retractable side steps, and 22-inch alloy wheels. A Yukon XL Denali Ultimate tops $100,000.
2024 GMC Yukon Fuel Economy
The 2024 GMC Yukon turbodiesel gets decent fuel economy.
Is the GMC Yukon good on fuel?
It’s not great, though the available diesel doesn’t guzzle too much. We rate the range at 1 out of 10 based on the more popular V-8 engines, though. Stick with the 5.3-liter V-8 and a four-wheel-drive Yukon or Yukon XL is estimated at 15 mpg city, 20 highway, 17 combined. The 6.2-liter V-8 notches that down to 16 mpg combined.
Diesel versions are rated between 22 and 23 mpg combined, and they top out at an impressive 27 mpg on the highway. That gives them a 552-mile range.
