Overview & Reviews

Buyers' tastes in large SUVs have changed over the years, and the GMC Yukon has changed with them. Introduced in the early '90s, the full-size Yukon sport-utility has gone from being a two-door 4x4 with a maximum passenger capacity of six to a four-door SUV with a choice of two- or four-wheel drive and seating for up to nine. Early Yukons were fairly basic on the inside, but later models offer numerous amenities, particularly the leather-lined Yukon Denali model. Road manners have improved greatly over the years, as it became apparent to GMC that Yukon buyers spend most of their time on pavement.

Some things haven't changed, though. The Yukon has always been a spacious vehicle that balances comfortable passenger accommodations with rugged utility atop a truck platform. Because of this strong body-on-frame construction, it's imbued with a stout foundation that allows it to securely tow heavy loads. A succession of strong V8s has resulted in not only those impressive tow ratings, but also ample acceleration in just about any situation. Now more refined than ever before, the GMC Yukon is one of the better full-size SUVs on the market for families who require a roomy, powerful vehicle that doesn't skimp on utility.

Current GMC Yukon
The GMC Yukon is a full-size SUV that rides on a stiff, fully boxed frame. It's been fully redesigned for 2015 and boasts attractive new styling inside and out. Other major updates for this fourth-generation model include increased engine output with slightly improved fuel economy, the addition of a large, multifunction touchscreen, added safety and technology features and a fold-flat third-row seat. Depending on the configuration, the Yukon will accommodate anywhere from six to nine passengers and tow up to 8,500 pounds.

The basic trim structure includes SLE, SLT and Denali models. Yukon SLE models come with all the essentials, including front and rear parking sensors, automatic tri-zone air-conditioning, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and OnStar, while the SLT features niceties such as keyless ignition and entry, heated and ventilated seats, leather upholstery and a suite of electronic driver aids such as forward collision alert, rear cross-traffic alert and lane-departure warning. The Denali's added highlights include a unique grille, a more powerful V8 engine, 20-inch alloy wheels, an adaptive suspension, a premium audio system, the navigation system and second-row captain's chairs (heated and power folding).

Under the hood of the SLE and SLT is a 5.3-liter, 355-horsepower V8. The Denali packs even more power, as it features a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 hp. All Yukons come with a six-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels on 2WD models or all four wheels on 4WD models. Should you opt for the latter, a two-speed transfer case with low-range gearing is optional on the lower trims and standard on the Denali.

In reviews, we've been impressed by the Yukon's combination of luxury, utility and comfort, especially given its humble pickup-truck underpinnings. The ride is smooth and quiet, while handling is reasonably secure for a 5,500-pound vehicle. Inside there's a newfound upscale, modern design featuring high-quality materials. However, although we're glad the Yukon now has an integrated, fold-flat third-row seat, it consumes cargo capacity and increases loading height. As such, a Toyota Sequoia or big crossover like GMC's Acadia is better for carrying passengers and cargo. But if you need the Yukon's outsized towing and hauling capabilities, it's one of the best of its breed.

Used GMC Yukon Models
The third-generation Yukon debuted for 2007 and was produced through 2014. Compared to previous Yukons that were little more than rebadged Chevy Tahoes, this generation further differentiated itself from its Chevy cousin via more distinct styling and some brand-specific equipment. For those who wanted even more "bling" than the Yukon offered, there was always the Cadillac Escalade. Improvements in drivability, interior design, materials and build quality were hallmarks of this much-improved generation.

Trim levels originally consisted of the base but well-equipped SLE, luxurious SLT and truly sumptuous Denali. Both the SLE and SLT were split into SLE1/SLE2 and SLT1/SLT2 variants for a few years, though by 2010 they returned to the simpler three trim designations.

Initially, there was a trio of engines from which to choose. A 4.8-liter 290-hp V8 (2WD SLE) and a 5.3-liter 320-hp V8 (4WD SLE & SLT) both mated with four-speed transmissions, and the AWD-only Yukon Denali came with a 6.2-liter 380-hp V8 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. In 2008, the Denali became available with 2WD. Two years later, the 4.8-liter V8 was retired, the six-speed became standard across the lineup and the Denali's output had climbed to 403 hp.

Typically, the SLE came with 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, a cloth interior, a power driver seat, cruise control, stability control, full power accessories, dual-zone climate control and a six-speaker sound system. The midlevel SLT and its sub-model variants added things like 18-inch alloy wheels, heated leather seats, power-adjustable pedals, remote vehicle start, power-folding mirrors, tri-zone automatic climate control, Bose premium audio with a CD changer and rear park assist. Besides the biggest V8, the Denali's added perks included 20-inch wheels, adaptive suspension, heated and cooled seats and a power-adjustable and heated steering wheel.

Notable changes took place for 2009, when a third-row seat became standard across the board and Bluetooth phone connectivity became available, as did a rearview camera system that didn't require the optional navigation system. That year also saw full-length curtain head airbags become standard, a six-speed automatic for the 5.3-liter V8 and the debut of the one-year-only XFE package that boosted fuel economy by a single mpg via aerodynamic enhancements and lightweight aluminum components. The following year the 4.8-liter V8 was dropped, all Yukons were fitted with standard front-seat side airbags and a USB port debuted for the audio systems.

Overall, we found this generation of the GMC Yukon desirable for shoppers wanting a full-size V8-powered SUV with ample towing capacity. However, car-based crossover SUVs became much more popular during this period, and they're worth consideration given the advantages in space efficiency, fuel economy, handling and ride quality. Our main criticism involved the Yukon's manually removable third-row seats. At over 50 pounds each, they're heavy and cumbersome to remove, and they must then be stowed somewhere outside the truck. Furthermore, those third-row seats are also a favorite of smash-and-grab thieves.

The second-generation GMC Yukon was sold from 2000-'06. For the Yukon Denali, it's 2001-'06, as the 2000 model year was a carryover of the previous design. This generation of the Yukon was notable for its potent V8s, cushy interior accommodations, and pleasant ride and handling dynamics. It was, in fact, one of our favorite full-size SUVs and earned an Editors' Most Wanted distinction on multiple occasions. Weak points included numb steering, low-grade interior materials and inconsistent build quality. Front-seat side airbags were available throughout this generation, while stability control was available from 2003 on up.

The first-generation GMC Yukon debuted in 1992 as a replacement for the full-size GMC Jimmy, which had been on sale since 1970. Two-door Yukons were sold from '92-'97 with four-wheel drive only. The four-door Yukon arrived to stay in 1995 and offered a choice of 2WD or 4WD; the original Denali was available in '99 and 2000 with 4WD only. If you're considering a first-gen Yukon purchase, 1996-'99 models are your best bet. The standard 5.7-liter V8 was heavily revised in '96, and the result was significantly more horsepower and torque. First-gen Denalis also had this engine. Yukons of this era were comfortable and reasonably powerful, but not especially refined. Weak brakes and cheap interior materials were the major downsides.

User Reviews:

• 

  Great - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By C Dizzle - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Great i love it

• 

  Love it, my all time favorite - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By cmf - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Im not a car person but now I am. Ive owned a previous SUV and it was a good car but this one is superior. I travel alot and my husband is out of town often so I have comfort with the On Star system, satellite radio for those remote areas.

• 

  Kids Are Grown, STILL LOVE IT ! - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Roberta - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Our kids are grown,and I am usually the only one in the car,but it is the best thing I did for myself. You can get in and out of the tightest mall spaces,turn on a dimewhile sitting heads and shoulders above everybody else. I love that I could go to Homegoods and decide to take advantage of that beautiful 3x6 double glass curio case, and fit it in without having to leave the extra seats home,to fit it in.Not to mention,to load and unload the cargo area is the lightest,easiest thing ever.The Denali is the most omfortable"Big Boy". I will get one again.Love GM products,and this baby is exactly like The Caddie Escalade..

• 

  just right - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By bochev - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Very solid, well built and functional vehicle. Smooth and refined engine even without the overhead cams and the extra valves. Has more than enough power to haul the whole family + guests to the ski slopes. Better than expected fuel economy for this kind of vehicle. I was impressed by the quiet and rattle free interior and the overall build quality, especially considering the experience we had with our 2001 RAV4 (a rattle in the dashbord since day 1, cargo area panel falling off, warped plastic mouldings on the doors and warped brake rotors in just first 3 months of ownership)

• 

  Great to Drive - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Joeagrant. - February 22 - 2:00 am

  Not since I had my 5.0 liter Mustang, have I sat around trying to think of places that I can drive to. I added a Gibson exhaust, and a AEM Brute Force intake. That gave it more power, and better gas milage. Adding a bug/stone deflecter decreased the mileage by 1 MPG.

• 

  GREAT SUV - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By CindiRoe - February 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used to replace a Jeep Grand Cherokee lease. I love it! There is only minimal change in fuel usage from my Jeep and the room and comfort levels far surpass that of the Jeep. Excellent choice in SUV.

• 

  GMC Yukon SLT FWD 03 - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Doggone Great - February 19 - 2:00 am

  Well done, GMC. Much improved build quality. Plenty of power. Same mileage as my 93 K5. Smooth 4WD. almost too smooth.

• 

  It Wont Die - 1995 GMC Yukon
  By Georgian - February 3 - 2:00 am

  Prior to my possesion, the trans. just basically collapsed. I had the entire trans. replaced & i havent had any trouble with it since. The space is above and beyond. Recently I went to go pick up a Double-size mattress. I wasnt quite sure if I would fit, but I took the risk, and sure enough, both the box springs and mattress fit perfectly!

• 

  Great Luxury but Capable SUV - 2017 GMC Yukon
  By JNE - February 1 - 9:40 am

  We did alot research on SUVs and found some challenges with capacity, luxury and a reasonable price. We really liked the Lexus LX 570 but the price 90K+. We looked at the Infiniti QX80 and while it was clearly the most luxurious the exterior was less than desirable. We considered the Cadillac Escalade but found that it had the same capacity and motor as the GMC Yukon Denali at 20K+ dollars more with interior differences. We also considered the Tahoe but when we priced it out with all the options it was the same price as the Denali. All in all the Yukon was the best bang for the buck and quite frankly it just looked better. Our research showed that it was a mix of happiness with owners from 15 and 16 years as these models had alot or recurring issues. We learned that many of the issues were to be resolved in 2017 and decided to lease one. Ours is fully loaded and we really like the technology GM brought to the table. The onstar app and myGMC app are designed well. Our only issue is that sometimes the apple play doest start when connected to the iPhone and we are unsure if it is the USB port or the iPhone cable. It gets great gas mileage as well. We really like the look and the ride and love the fact that is a truck base SUV vs a car base which provides us with more options. If you are looking for a luxury SUV with technology, towing and capacity to seat that is truck base this is your truck.

• 

  Not Too Shaby - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By james cris - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I bought a used Yukon (certified). Best vehicle I have ever owned. Great engine, but it sucks gas if you dont use it properly by constantly being impressed by the sudden influence of power. The captains chairs in the front are very comfortable. Music radio okay. I was very worred about the 2WD feature since I was trading a 4wd vehicle. The stability control is acceptable on this vehicle and the vehicle is heavy enough to provide enough traction on snow covered roads and heavy side street snow. Very impressive. It doesnt snow that much in Dayton so it will be hardly missed. better gas mpg than the 4wd i am sure.