2023 GMC Yukon: Specs, Prices, Ratings, and Reviews (2024)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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