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- Highs Choice of powerful V-8 engines, acres of interior space, loads of standard and optional features.
- Lows Not very fuel-efficient, unimpressive interior materials, uncomfortable third row.
- Verdict The Yukon is a capable family hauler, but it's not as comfortable or luxurious as its price would suggest.
Overview
As the middle child of the popular General Motors family that includes the Cadillac Escalade and the Chevrolet Tahoe, the GMC Yukon offers all the size and capability of its siblings while attempting to strike a balance between the Chevrolet’s value and the Cadillac’s luxury. The results are mixed. A choice between two gasoline V-8 powertrains—one thirsty, the other thirstier—leaves no alternative for fuel-conscious shoppers. Yukons come in two body styles: the regular-wheelbase Yukon or the long-wheelbase Yukon XL. Faced with stiff competition in a popular class, the case for the Yukon rests on its hauling prowess and its ability to compete on price with more desirable rivals.
What's New for 2017?
Tweaks to the 2017 Yukon and Yukon XL are few. There’s increased feature availability in the mid-level SLT trim, improved infotainment systems, and active grille shutters for better aerodynamic efficiency. There are also two new extra-cost paint colors: Dark Sapphire Blue Metallic, and a Denali-exclusive shade called Mineral Metallic.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- SLE: $49,825
- SLT: $58,720
- Denali: $67,260
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Yukon’s pair of naturally aspirated V-8 engines gets the job done the old-school way: with displacement. The standard powertrain is a 355-hp 5.3-liter V-8 engine paired with a six-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. Denali models come with a 420-hp 6.2-liter V-8 that shares much of its innards with the Corvette’s standard engine. Backed by an eight-speed automatic, it thunders at full throttle like a NASCAR engine and yanked the huge Yukon XL to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds in our testing. Either V-8 is relaxed and quiet on the highway, and both can be mated with a selectable all-wheel-drive system. The tall, heavy Yukon responds slowly to steering inputs, but the chassis reacts with surprising alacrity to spirited driving. The suspension on our test truck shrugged off pavement blemishes without ever feeling flustered or unsettled, and the Yukon proved as comfortable as many a luxury sedan when wafting down the highway.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Yukon’s cabin is not lacking in features, especially in the upper trim levels. Even so, the interior materials and build quality don’t live up to GMC’s luxury aspirations or the high price on the window sticker. And the third row is uncomfortable. The SLE model is available with a front bench seat, which ups its capacity to nine passengers. The mid-level SLT trim adds leather, front bucket seats, and power-folding second and third rows. Denalis are heavy on amenities, like perforated leather heated and cooled seats, but the interior materials are short on the luxury of some rivals. Space is the name of the game for the Yukon, but if you’ll be using the third row frequently, the standard-wheelbase version offers less cargo room behind the last row than do many sedans. The long-wheelbase Yukon XL has massive carrying capacity at only a slight cost premium.
Infotainment and Connectivity
GMC’s IntelliLink infotainment system boasts practically every feature available on the market, as well as an easy-to-use interface. Standard equipment includes a 5.0-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, five USB ports and a 110-volt power outlet. Higher trims bring such features as navigation, Wi-Fi, wireless charging, and a premium Bose audio system.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
For more information about the GMC Yukon / Yukon XL’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.