Everything You Need to Know About the Fully Loaded GMC Yukon

The GMC Yukon may be a newcomer, but the massive SUV has already made a strong impression. Its most recent version proves the Yukon is more than a thinly disguised truck.

An Impressive Package in a Loaded Three-Row Behemoth

It seems fair to assume that people looking for a full-size SUV have something more in mind than driving to work and picking up a few groceries. As such, there’s little doubt the GMC Yukon is built for people who want power and size, and lots of it. But it’s more than that.

All that size belies a smooth ride, an appealing exterior design, and a ton of features. Fully loaded, the GMC Yukon is an overwhelming driving experience that comes with a 5.3- or 6.2-liter V8 engine or a 3.0-liter diesel inline-six.

As you might expect, interior space is in plentiful supply, with three rows comfortably accommodating up to nine passengers, depending on the trim.

Torque and Mileage

Each model comes standard with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and rear- and all-wheel drive are available. If it’s your intention to do a lot of towing, you’ll probably be drawn to the diesel inline-six, which generates considerably more than 400 pounds per foot of torque. If you plan to do some off-roading, the AT4 version allows you to opt for added suspension and higher ground clearance.

Not surprisingly, the GMC Yukon and vehicles like it aren’t so great on mileage.

Massive engines are all about power and torque, not fuel economy. Of the Yukon’s gas-powered engines, the 5.3-liter V8 performs best when it comes to mileage (16 mpg, 20 highway), while the turbo-powered diesel gets 21/27 reliably.

Upping its Tech Game

The new GMC Yukon comes with a new infotainment system featuring GMC’s industry-standard interface and a 12.0-inch standard digital display that dominates the dashboard. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability and Wi-Fi now come standard, while navigation is optional.

A core menu of tech-driven safety features, such as forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring, come standard, though there is an extensive list of safety feature options. All in all, the new GMC Yukon’s more sophisticated tech package makes for a safe vehicle operated by an easy-to-use system.

Comfortable Conveyance

Luxurious comfort isn’t necessarily a given among full-size SUVs and top-of-the-line pickup trucks, even those with a wealth of features. The GMC Yukon isn’t one of those. Of course, luxury is subjective and depends largely on the trim you pay for. The Yukon XL and the Denali trim, for instance, come with plush leather upholstery that provides a supple ride no matter how long your drive might be.

The higher-level trims also offer a motorized center console that enables it to be moved back and forth to accommodate cargo and bulky items. Some trims come with captain’s chairs in the second row, which detract from available legroom and storage space. Cargo space is a major plus, totaling 145 cubic feet with seating stowed.

Having it All

A loaded GMC Yukon gives you plenty of everything, from engine power to tech to safety features and storage space. If you are in the market for size, this is the vehicle for you, with a wheelbase of 121 inches, a height of 76.5 inches, and 210 inches in length.

Depending on your trim, you can comfortably fit up to nine people in the Yukon’s spacious three rows. Pricing ranges from $50,000+ to $80,000+ and, for that, you can have it all: luxury, size, and power.