Overview
What's New
The big news for 2023 on this big SUV is the introduction of a new range-topping Denali Ultimate trim, which takes the luxury factor to a new level. Everything else is the same across the Yukon and its XL big brother.
Choosing Your GMC Yukon
When you walk into a GMC dealership, your first choice is between the standard Yukon or the long-wheelbase XL model that costs $2,700 more on every trim. Next, you’ll be asked to select between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive – a $3,000 upgrade. After this comes a choice of engines – two gas units and a three-liter turbodiesel – followed by five trim levels.
At one end of the scale, you can spend $56,295 on a 2WD standard wheelbase SLE with a 5.3-liter V8 engine. On the other, you could spend $96,845 on a 4WD Denali Ultimate XL with a 6.2-liter unit. You can’t have a diesel in mid-range AT4 trim, and you can’t specify RWD on either AT4 or flagship Denali Ultimate models.
Engine Choices
The cheapest way into Yukon ownership involves a 5.3-liter V8 engine that produces 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, all fed through the ten-speed automatic transmission found on every model. If that output sounds insufficient, the 6.2-liter V8’s output stands at 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. Fuel economy ranges from an EPA-estimated 15 miles per gallon city, 20 mpg highway, and 17 combined for the RWD SWB 5.3, down to 14/18/16 in the 6.2-liter 4WD XL.
Another option is the three-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine, which generates 277 hp and 460 lb-ft. Fuel economy improves to 21/27/23 MPG in RWD SWB guise or 20/26/22 in AWD LWB models.
Engine Type | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined) |
5.3 V8 | 355 hp | 383 lb-ft | 15/20/17 (RWD SWB) |
6.2 V8 | 420 hp | 460 lb-ft | 14/20/16 (RWD SWB) |
3.0 TD | 277 hp | 460 lb-ft | 21/27/23 (RWD SWB) |
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
Cargo capacity for the seven-seater Yukon stands at 25.5 cu ft with the rear seats in place, and 72.6 cu ft once they’re dropped, increasing to 122.9 cu ft with the second-row seats also lowered. With the ability to seat as many as eight occupants, XL models increase this to 41.5 and 93.8 cu ft respectively, or 144.7 cu ft if the second-row seats are dropped.
Safety Features
Seven airbags are fitted into each Yukon cabin, alongside the Buckle to Drive system that prevents movement if the driver’s seatbelt is unlatched. Driver aids across the range include automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert with pedestrian braking, lane keep assist with departure warning, and parking sensors at both ends of the vehicle. SLT models are the first to receive side blind zone and rear cross-traffic alerts, AT4 gains hill descent control, Denali sports HD surround vision and Denali Ultimate receives hill descent control and various electronic trailer aids.
Connectivity
The Yukon’s dash is dominated by a 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen with built-in Google, while a 12-inch color driver information center sits behind the steering wheel. Base models have a six-speaker audio system, whereas SLT models receive a nine-speaker Bose setup; Denali models increase this to 14 speakers and Ultimates have a total of 18 speakers throughout their cabins. Satellite radio and wireless smartphone charging are across-the-range features, alongside WiFi hotspot capabilities and USB ports throughout the cabin.
2023 GMC Yukon SLE– MSRP From $56,295
Riding into battle with modest 18-inch aluminum wheels and a full external array of LED lighting, SLE models are sparsely equipped despite offering keyless entry and remote start. Highlights include automatic wipers, 10-way power for the driver’s seat and eight-way power for the front passenger, cruise control, and three-zone air conditioning.
Other than adding rear cross-traffic alerts and lane change/side blind zone alerts for $495, there are no option packages on SLE models.
2023 GMC Yukon SLT – MSRP From $62,995
SLE models are basic, but SLT improves the ambiance considerably. Wireless smartphone charging and an auto-dimming inside rearview mirror are standard features across a cabin whose seats are covered in perforated leather, with heating and ventilation in the front; the driver’s seat also gains memory and there’s a 10-way adjustment for the passenger. A hands-free power liftgate is standard, and chrome enlivens the exterior alongside 20-inch polished aluminum wheels.
The $2,350 SLT Luxury Package brings power folding to the second and third-row bench seats, with heated outboard second-row seats and steering wheel, plus adaptive cruise control, enhanced automatic emergency braking, and HD surround vision. The SLT Premium package combines all this with a panoramic power sunroof, for $4,030.
2023 GMC Yukon AT4 – MSRP From $70,795
The first of two AWD-exclusive models, AT4 is unique across the Yukon range in only being available with gas engines. Its outside mirrors receive heating elements, power, and auto-dimming on the driver’s side. The second-row outboard seats and steering wheel are heated, while the second and third-row bench seats power fold.
There’s good value in the $1,150 Technology pack, combining HD surround vision and a rear pedestrian alert with a 15-inch color head-up display. The AT4 Premium package costs $4,395 and brings five features including a panoramic power roof, power-retractable assist steps, HD surround vision, and a head-up display. Alternatively, you could push the boat out and spend $6,655 on the Premium Plus pack, which combines these features with an electronic limited-slip differential, adaptive air suspension, and a hitch guidance camera alongside integrated trailer braking.
2023 GMC Yukon Denali – MSRP From $73,800
You’ll look in vain for external differences between AT4 and Denali models, but the latter is more luxurious inside. The first thing you’ll notice is a 15-inch color head-up display, while a 14-speaker Bose audio system also improves the ambiance. HD surround vision is standard, as are power-release second-row bucket seats.
If you don’t fancy adaptive air suspension and an electronic limited-slip diff for the combined price of $1,795, the Advanced Technology Package at $3,585 might be of interest. A rear camera mirror and washer join GMC’s Super Cruise hands-free highway driving, automatic parking assistance, and reverse automatic braking.
2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate – MSRP From $93,995
As well as being AWD-only, Denali Ultimate models offer various trailer integrations alongside adaptive cruise control, a panoramic power sunroof, power-retractable side steps with LED lighting, and a rear camera mirror washer. Inside, you’ll find full-grain leather, a rear-seat media system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a 16-way power adjustment for both front seats. Be aware that those standard-fit 22-inch wheels don’t do much for ride quality.
There are no packages on this model.
Compare Yukon Trims Side-By-Side
Neil Cumins
Automotive Editor - September 15, 2022
Read Less
Expert Review
Pros
- Very comfortable and refined
- Handles surprisingly well
- Higher trims are opulent
- Great for towing
Cons
- As green as a patio heater
- Feels unnecessarily large
- Higher trims are very expensive
- Diesel engine disappoints
Expert Rating
3.1 (Good)
Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.
You can interpret our ratings in the following way:
: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.
: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.
: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.
: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.
: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.
Neil Cumins
Automotive Editor - August 09, 2022
Monster trucks. While the Japanese have the smaller end of the SUV segment sewn up, the full-size end of the market is unashamedly American. GMC’s Yukon is the kind of vehicle that wouldn’t work on any other continent; XL versions are almost 19 feet long, making it difficult to park in certain environments even here. It’s easier to drive than you’d expect, but clambering behind the wheel may intimidate smaller drivers, and underground car parks aren’t for the faint of heart.
The payoff is a genuinely impressive amount of interior space. You can fit up to nine people inside, though our preferred cabin configuration involves a pair of second-row captain’s chairs ahead of a third bench. Middle occupants in an XL enjoy an indulgent 42 inches of legroom, while the choice of captain’s chairs provides easier access to the back alongside wide rear doors. Standard models can accommodate 26 cubic feet of cargo behind the third row, increasing to a maximum of 123 with only the front seats in use. In XL guise, these figures rise to 41 and 145 respectively, thanks to an additional 15 inches of length.
A very comfortable place to be. Not only is the Yukon ballroom-big inside, but it’s also very comfortable. The front seats deserve particular praise for cushioning you during long drives – even the cloth variants fitted to base SLE models. On the move, the independent suspension takes the sting out of any road surface. All-wheel drive is a $3,000 option on all but the AT4 trim, where it’s standard. An electronically limited slip diff is a good option in northerly states, and we’d also recommend specifying AWD if there’s any risk of snow. With that caveat, this is a fine-handling rig, with 22-inch wheels offered on flagship Denali models for extra grip.
Interior quality improves as you move up the range, with the Denali’s dash standing apart from the simpler finish on lesser trims. These are fitted with a 10.2-inch touchscreen that governs the in-car infotainment. We’d skip base SLE trim in favor of SLT – it costs $7,000 more but includes ventilated front seats, wireless smartphone charging, and a Bose audio system. AT4 is another $7,000 more, while an extra couple of grand secures you a Denali, complete with adaptive suspension and a sunroof. The truly deep-pocketed might wish to consider the Denali Ultimate, a new trim for the 2023 model year which offers largely hands-free highway driving and further electrical niceties.
Plenty of power… Let’s start by stating the obvious – there are no hybrid or EV options here. Even the smallest Yukon engine is a 5.3-liter V8 producing 355 hp, capable of pulling 8,400 lb in certain configurations. If that’s not enough, the 6.2-liter V8 generates a mighty 420 hp, adding a mellifluous soundtrack into the bargain. No such aural pleasures from the three-liter turbodiesel, though it’s by far the most efficient powerplant here if you can forgive its sluggish acceleration from standstill before the turbo spools up. The combined fuel economy of 16 mpg is returned by AWD 5.3-liter models and all V8s, whereas the diesel can achieve 23 mpg in RWD or 22 with all four wheels driven.
…but safety is a concern. We’ve said it before, but bigger doesn’t necessarily mean safer. It’s alarming that the Yukon only received a four-star NHTSA safety rating – a rare thing these days – while the IIHS has yet to test it. The NHTSA findings are identical to the Chevrolet Suburban, which shares most of the Yukon’s oily bits and much of its standard safety kit. That means there’s plenty of tech to help you out, with a variety of cameras allied to blind-spot monitoring (which you’ll need to park it) and automatic emergency braking.
Final thoughts. You’ve probably already made up your mind about the Yukon. Some people will survey the 19-foot XL with its 16 mpg fuel economy and shudder at this brash relic of the internal combustion age. Others will be seduced by the supersized nature of everything – the engines, the rear side doors, the number of speakers fitted to Denali Ultimate models – if not the price tag. Denali models can cost over $75,000, though that’s still cheaper than a top-end Suburban.
If you want to go down the full-sized SUV route, the Yukon represents a fine choice. It’s surprisingly good to drive and very comfortable to be driven in, with acres of room (especially in the center row) and plenty of toys once you move past the cheapest SLE trim. Although all-wheel drive is a recommended option, we’d avoid the AT4 trim, which is trying to turn the Yukon into a Land Rover-esque off-roader when it feels more at home in the outside lane of a freeway. Specify a massaging driver’s seat and Super Cruise, and the Yukon will pilot itself while soothing your knotted muscles, making it the perfect companion on a long drive.
Check Prices for the 2023 GMC Yukon
Read Less
Specs & Features
Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
Standard: 5.3L V-8 / 355 HP / 383 ft.lbs.
Available: 3.0L I-6 / 277 HP / 460 ft.lbs.
Transmission
10-spd Driver Shift Control w/OD
Drive Type
Rear-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
15 / 20 / 17 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
8 / 9
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque | Standard: 5.3L V-8 / 355 HP / 383 ft.lbs. Available: 3.0L I-6 / 277 HP / 460 ft.lbs. |
Drive Type | Rear-wheel |
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined | 15 / 20 / 17 Mpg |
Brakes | 4-wheel Disc / Brembo 4-wheel Disc |
Front Suspension | Short And Long Arm |
Rear Suspension | Independent Multi-link |
Spare Tire And Wheel | Full-size Steel |
Fuel Tank | 24.0 Gal. |
Recommended Fuel Type | Regular Unleaded / Diesel |
Average Cost To Fill Tank | $92 |
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume | 122.9 Cu.ft. |
Passenger Volume | |
Exterior Length | 210.0 " |
Exterior Width | 81.0 " |
Exterior Height | 76.5 " |
Front Headroom | 42.3 " |
Rear Headroom | 38.9 " |
Front Legroom | 44.5 " |
Rear Legroom | 42.0 " |
Front Shoulder Room | 66.0 " |
Rear Shoulder Room | 64.8 " |
Front Hip Room | |
Rear Hip Room | |
Curb Weight | 5,490 Lbs. / 5,734 Lbs. |
Wheel Base | 121 " |
Turning Radius | 19.0 ' |
Exterior Features
Door Count | 4 Doors |
Wheels | 18.0 " Machined W/painted Accents Aluminum / 20.0 " Polished Aluminum / 22.0 " Machined W/painted Accents Aluminum / 22.0 " Polished W/painted Accents Aluminum / 22.0 " Black Aluminum / 22.0 " Chrome Aluminum |
Paint | Clearcoat Monotone / Metallic Monotone / Pearlcoat Monotone / Tri-coat Monotone |
Exterior Mirrors | Dual Power Remote Heated |
Bumpers | Front Body-colored With Chrome Insert |
Grille Moldings | Black W/chrome Surround |
Rear Spoiler | Lip |
Exhaust | Stainless Steel / Stainless Steel With Black Tailpipe Finish / Stainless Steel With Polished Tailpipe Finish |
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity | 8 / 9 |
Seat Trim | Cloth |
Front Seat Type | Bucket / 40-20-40 Split-bench |
Heated Front Seats | |
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls | (8-way Power) |
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls | 6-way (4-way Power) |
Front Armrests | (8-way Power) |
Rear Armrests | Center |
Rear Seats | 60-40 Split-bench |
Radio & Infotainment
Radio | Siriusxm With 360l Am/fm/satellite, Clock, Seek-scan / Siriusxm With 360l Am/fm/satellite, Seek-scan |
Speakers | 6 |
Radio Steering Wheel Controls | |
Apple Car Play | |
Android Auto | |
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity |
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type | Telescopic Tilt |
Climate Control | Automatic Air Conditioning |
Cruise Control | With Steering Wheel Controls |
Sun Roof | |
Rearview Mirror | Day-night |
One Touch Open Window | Front And Rear |
Tinted Windows | Deep |
Vanity Mirrors | Dual Illuminated |
Remote Keyless Entry | Keyfob (all Doors) |
Power Outlets | 1 |
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating | |
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating | |
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating | |
Rollover Crash Safety Rating | |
Front Impact Airbags | Driver And Passenger |
Driver Side Impact Airbags | Seat Mounted |
Knee Airbag | |
Passenger Side Impact Airbag | Seat Mounted |
Rear Side Airbag | |
Seatbelt Pretensioners | Front |
Anti-Lock Brakes | 4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs) |
Forward Collision Warning | Automatic Emergency Braking Forward Collision Mitigation |
Blind Spot Sensor | Lane Change Alert With Side Blind Zone Alert Blind Spot |
Lane Departure Warning | Lane Departure |
Autonomous Cruise Control | |
Pedestrian Detection | Front Pedestrian Braking Front Pedestrian Detection Prevention |
Driver Attention Alert | |
Daytime Running Lights | |
Auto High Beams | Intellibeam Auto High-beam |
Adaptive Headlights | |
Parking Sensors | Front And Rear Park Assist Front And Rear |
Security Systems | Security System |
Panic Alarm | |
Ignition Disable | Immobilizer |
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles | 36 Months / 36,000 Miles |
Major Components Months | 60 Months / 60,000 Miles |
Included Maintenance Months | 12 Months / Unlimited Miles |
Roadside Assistance Months | 60 Months / 60,000 Miles |
Corrosion Perforation | 72 Months / 100,000 Miles |
Accessories Months |
Used 2023 GMC Yukon for Sale
9 vehicles found within 50 miles of your area
Free CARFAX Report
Denali
Color: White
Price
$67,388
Mileage
28,844 mi
Santa Monica Buick GMC (8 mi)
Phone: (424) 217-3093
Free CARFAX Report
Denali
Color: Gray
Price
$72,000
Mileage
27,081 mi
Anaheim Hyundai (31 mi)
Phone: (714) 956-1820
Free CARFAX Report
Denali
Color: Gray
Price
$72,497
Mileage
18,951 mi
Hardin Buick GMC (31 mi)
Phone: (714) 635-2020
Free CARFAX Report
Denali
Color: Gray
Price
$72,993
Mileage
16,371 mi
Hardin Buick GMC (31 mi)
Phone: (714) 635-2020
See All Used Car Listings
Insider Information
We have information you must know before you buy the Yukon. We want to send it to you, along with other pricing insights.
Sign Me Up
I agree to receive emails from CarsDirect. I understand that I can unsubscribe at any time. We will not spam you, and will never sell your email. Privacy Policy.
Thank you. You are now subscribed to our Pricing Insider updates.
All Model Years
Preview
2025
New
2024
Used
2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
View All Generations ›
Find More Information on GMC Vehicles
GMC Yukon Photos ›GMC Yukon Colors ›Used GMC Yukon ›Used GMC ›GMC Models ›