2026 GMC Yukon Review, Pricing, and Specs

Car and Driver

15 hours ago

Overview
The GMC Yukon and long-wheelbase Yukon XL are essentially upmarket replicas of the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban. All four full-size SUVs have the same underpinnings (including a ride-enhancing independent rear suspension), all can seat up to eight people (and their gear), and all can be had with one of two powerful V-8s or a torque-happy diesel inline-six.
The Yukon twins demand a premium, though, for their luxe materials and amenity-filled feature lists. The Denali Ultimate trim even approaches the swankiness of the Cadillac Escalade(which is yet another three-row GM SUV built on this platform).
Expert Tip: We recommend driving a Tahoe and Yukon back-to-back to see which is right for you. Even if you struggle to see a difference in ride quality, you're bound to form an opinion on the two infotainment systems (with the Chevy sporting a 17.7-inch horizontal display and the GMC using a 16.8-inch vertical screen).
What's New for 2026?
The GMC Yukon received several updates last year, so it should carry over into 2026 unchanged.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Unless you're transporting VIPs, we think the Elevation trim is the model that makes the most sense. Of course, for folks who need to reach a remote cabin or who plan to go off-roading, the AT4 is the better choice.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Engines: 355-hp 5.3-liter V-8 (standard); 420-hp 6.2-liter V-8 (optional); 305-hp diesel 3.0-liter inline-six (optional)
355-hp 5.3-liter V-8 (standard); 420-hp 6.2-liter V-8 (optional); 305-hp diesel 3.0-liter inline-six (optional) Transmission: 10-speed automatic
10-speed automatic Drivetrains: rear-wheel drive; four-wheel drive
The Yukon offers a choice of two gas-fed V-8s and a diesel engine. There's a 355-hp 5.3-liter V-8 that's standard on the Elevation and AT4. The Denali and Denali Ultimate have a 420-hp 6.2-liter V-8, which is also available on the AT4. Moreover, every model is compatible with the diesel 3.0-liter inline-six that makes 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque. While all three powertrains are capable, we like the diesel best for its ability to provide low-end torque while sipping fuel. It's well suited to the Yukon's mission and heft.
All Yukon models have a 10-speed automatic transmission with a steering-column shifter, and shoppers get to choose between rear- and four-wheel drive. The off-road-oriented AT4 model features a two-speed transfer case, 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, underbody skid plates, and an optional air suspension capable of providing up to two more inches of ground clearance.
0–60-MPH Times
C/D 60-mph Test: 6.0 seconds (6.2-liter V-8 Denali)
In Comparison: When we tested a Denali model with the 6.2-liter V-8, we recorded a 6.0-second 60-mph time and noted significantly improved braking performance versus the previous-generation model. We haven't performed an instrumented test on a diesel-powered Yukon, but we did test a Tahoe with that powertrain, and it recorded a 7.8-second run to 60 mph.
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GMC
Towing and Payload Capacity
On paper, the lineup's towing champ is the rear-wheel-drive Yukon with the 5.3-liter V-8. It's rated for 8400 pounds, whereas models with the 6.2-liter V-8 or diesel max out at 8200 pounds. That said, the diesel engine provides peak torque below 2000 rpm, which is a boon for towing; the V-8s produce the most grunt higher up in the rev range. Opting for four-wheel drive drops the tow ratings by 200 pounds across the board.
Numerous tech features help with trailering, too, including GMC's transparent trailer view that virtually removes the physical trailer from the camera view, allowing you to see stationary objects behind it. There's also a jackknife alert that aims to help you avoid making that particular mistake.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
C/D 75-mph Highway Fuel-Economy Test: 20 mpg (6.2-liter V-8 Denali)
20 mpg (6.2-liter V-8 Denali) EPA City Ratings: 14-21 mpg
14-21 mpg EPA Highway Ratings: 18-26 mpg
The EPA hasn't released fuel-economy information for the 2026 GMC Yukon yet, but the 2025 model earns ratings of, at best, 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. That's for a two-wheel-drive diesel-powered Yukon or Yukon XL. The least efficient model—with estimates of 14 mpg city and 18 mpg highway—boasts four-wheel drive and the 6.2-liter V-8.
On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route, our 2021 Denali test vehicle with the 6.2-liter engine delivered 20 mpg. The last Tahoe we tested with the diesel engine returned an impressive 27 mpg. We anticipate a similar result for the diesel Yukon. For more information about the Yukon's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
First Row: Denali models offer open-pore wood trim with laser-etched topographical patterns and chrome accents. The Denali also includes 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heated, ventilated, and massaging cushions.
Second Row: Both the Yukon and long-wheelbase Yukon XL offer seating for up to eight passengers, although ordering the popular and comfortable second-row captain's chairs lowers the total capacity to seven. The fanciest second-row seats have speakers in the headrests, which are part of the 22-speaker Bose sound system.
Third Row: The third row is adult-friendly, with a decent amount of legroom.
Cargo Capacity: Cargo space is generous, especially in the larger XL model. It offers a whopping 145 cubic feet of cargo space with all of the seats stowed; the regular Yukon has up to 133 cubes of cargo room. In C/D testing, the standard-length Yukon provided enough space for six carry-on cases behind its third-row seats. With the third and second rows stowed, we fit 35.
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GMC
Infotainment and Connectivity
Infotainment: 16.8-inch touchscreen
16.8-inch touchscreen Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility Audio Systems: 10-speaker Bose stereo (standard); 18-speaker Bose stereo (optional); 22-speaker Bose stereo (optional)
Every Yukon has a vertically oriented 16.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It features Google Built-in software that provides access to countless applications. Along with a Wi-Fi hotspot, it has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Buyers can spec a rear-seat entertainment system and/or an 8.0-inch touchscreen that lets second-row riders adjust the climate settings.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
GMC provides only basic driver-assistance features, forcing buyers to pay extra for more advanced ones. Night vision with thermal object detection is extra, as is GM's vaunted Super Cruise hands-free driving mode.
Standard Safety Features: automated emergency braking with forward-collision warning
automated emergency braking with forward-collision warning Optional Safety Features: lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving mode
For information about the Yukon's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
GMC offers warranty coverage that's competitive for the class. It also covers the first maintenance visit, which is nice, but for what it's worth, the Toyota Sequoia offers scheduled maintenance for a full two years or 25,000 miles.
Limited Warranty: three years or 36,000 miles
three years or 36,000 miles Powertrain Warranty: five years or 60,000 miles
five years or 60,000 miles Complimentary Maintenance: one visit in the first year
More Features and Specs