Overview

Renowned for its commercial vehicles and work trucks, General Motors’ GMC division steps into luxury with the 2023 Yukon—an epitome of opulence and versatility within the brand’s lineage. This expansive family SUV stands out, providing ample space across three rows of seats, and for those seeking even more cargo room, the elongated Yukon XL with an extended wheelbase is also available. Powered predominantly by robust V-8 engines, either 5.3 or 6.2 liters, the Yukon introduces a unique touch to the segment with an available turbo-diesel 3.0-liter inline-six.

Boasting formidable towing capacity and acceleration across its engine options, the V-8s, while powerful, lean towards the less fuel-efficient side. Starting with the well-appointed SLE trim, the Yukon impresses with a suite of standard convenience and technology features. Stepping into the upscale Denali trims elevates the luxury quotient, positioning the Yukon to compete with premium contenders like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. Noteworthy competition emerges from GMC’s sister brand, Chevrolet, in the form of the mechanically identical Tahoe and Suburban SUVs, offering comparable features at a slightly lower price point.

Fuel Efficiency and Real-World Performance

While the Yukon may not be a standout in fuel efficiency, it does exhibit a slight improvement in city driving compared to its predecessor. Optimal efficiency is achieved with the 5.3-liter V-8 engine, garnering ratings of 16 mpg city, 20 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined. The turbo-diesel engine stands out for its predictably superior fuel efficiency, boasting ratings of up to 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. During our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route, our Denali test vehicle demonstrated a commendable 20 mpg.

Interior, Luxury, and Storage Solutions

The Yukon, available in various trims ranging from the practical SLE to the opulent Denali Ultimate, ensures versatile accommodation with seating for up to eight passengers. However, opting for the popular second-row captain’s chairs reduces the seating capacity to seven. Denali models boast an exclusive interior design featuring a wood-trimmed dashboard and hand-stitched leather upholstery.

Introducing innovative convenience, the SLT and AT4 models offer a power-sliding center console (standard on Denali) that smoothly traverses a 10-inch track. This unique feature allows the driver to create extra space for larger first-row cargo like a purse or backpack while concealing smaller items in hidden cubbies. Cargo capacity is notably generous, especially in the extended Yukon XL model, providing an impressive 145 cubic feet of maximum cargo space with all seats stowed. This surpasses its local rival, the Ford Expedition Max, with 122 cubic feet behind its front row of seats. Even the standard-length Yukon excels in practicality, accommodating six carry-on cases behind its third-row seats. Folding both the second and third rows unleashes a cavernous 35 cubic feet of cargo space, catering to a range of storage needs.