A Full-Size SUV: the GMC Yukon

There is no more famous and significant vehicle in the GMC model range than the Yukon. This SUV debuted in 1992, becoming a more stuffed and stylish version of the mid-size Chevrolet Blazer and later the full-size Tahoe. Today, on the USA used car market, there are five generations of the Yukon SUV. The model is named after the river that flows in the harsh northern regions of Canada and Alaska, and in essence, it is considered a premium version of a Chevy Tahoe on the GMT T1XX platform.

In the native North American market, the GMC Yukon is offered in three main versions:

• The basic SLE and SLT trims;
• The off-road AT4 with improved geometric cross-country ability;
• The luxury Denali trim.

At Indy Auto Man, you will always find several GMC vehicles for sale in Indianapolis, including GMC Yukon. Check what models are available right now!

Under the Yukon name, GMC traditionally sells more status and expensive versions of the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban full-size SUVs. In 2021, this couple changed generations, and then GMC SUVs followed their analogs: the new Tahoe turned into a GMC Yukon 210″ long, and the stretched Suburban is a Yukon XL 225″ long, one of the best third-row SUVs .

The differences between cars under the Chevrolet and GMC are mainly stylistic: Yukon has an original design of the headlights, radiator grille, hood, and fenders. And in the fifth generation, the rear lighting is also different: the Yukon vehicle has additional sections on the back door. Inside, the difference comes down to a  steering wheel design and fine decor. The Yukon also has the Power Sliding Center Console – a large box between the front seats, which you can move 10 inches back.

The fifth-generation GMC Yukon gained 84 out of 100 reliability scores from J.D. Power. Like the Tahoe/Suburban, the GMC SUV has an independent rear suspension instead of the previous solid axle.

There are three engines to choose from:

• 3.0L Duramax inline six-cylinder turbodiesel (281 hp, 623 Nm);
• Petrol-aspirated V8 – the same, but slightly modernized engine: it has direct fuel injection, a phase shifter on a single camshaft, and a system for deactivating some cylinders (from one to six) at low loads.
• 5.3-liter engine (360 hp, 519 Nm) remains the main one;
• 6.2 engine (426 hp, 623 Nm) intended for the top Denali trim.

All versions have a ten-speed automatic, developed jointly with the Ford concern. Initial trims have rear-wheel drive, more expensive versions are equipped with an AWD transmission with a front-wheel drive clutch and a reduction gear. It is also possible to order an electronically controlled rear differential lock.

The fifth generation GMC Yukon received an off-road AT4 version. Its features are a different grille, matte decor instead of chrome, bumpers beveled for better cross-country ability, power protection from below, and all-terrain tires. Air suspension with a ride height adjustment range of 4 inches is standard, while other versions are optional. In the highest position, the approach angle reaches 32 degrees.

Approximately 60% of GMC Yukon SUV sales traditionally come from the luxury Denali version, so the manufacturer gave it special attention. On the outside, these cars stand out with copious chrome trim, a fine-mesh grille, and the largest 22-inch wheels.

For the first time in the fifth generation, Yukon Denali flaunts its own interior design. The original front panel has a wide visor, and the media system screen and the central ventilation deflectors have changed places. However, the center console, analog instruments, and even button blocks are the same as in simpler versions. Yukon Denali has different front seats, rich leather trim, and wood veneer inserts.

According to several generations of motorists, the GMC Yukon is one of the brightest representatives in the price-quality category. Despite such an honorary status, the SUV still has its drawbacks and advantages, which are characteristic of this particular model.

• Due to the frame chassis, it will not be difficult to tow a trailer weighing up to 3-3.5 tons. Read also about other SUVs for towing review.
• Good optics perfected in the latest generation. GMC was one of the first to use lensed optics.
• You can fill the gas tank with everything that burns in case of emergency with the use of an octane corrector.
• A simple spring suspension design requires a minimum of time to troubleshoot.
• Increased resource of the gearbox.
• A high level of car safety due to the modern security systems and a considerable distance from the hood cut to the driver.
• Numerous reviews about the car confirm that the GMC Yukon has one of the best suspensions in its class.

• It is necessary to refuel only with a cold engine. Otherwise, the onboard computer may show errors.
• The car requires frequent oil changes – about every 35 thousand miles. The reason for this is the design features of the gearbox. Models of the latest generations are picky about the quality and timing of oil changes.
• The braking system construction is rather complicated. Namely, disc brakes are installed in front and drum brakes in the back. Also, there is a peculiar way to replace the pads on the Yukon.
• The Yukon of early generations is not distinguished by cross-country ability under the same conditions compared to its classmates.
• The maneuverability of a Yukon SUV of the 1st and 2nd generations is far from ideal, and turning at high speed causes difficulties.

If you want to test the GMC Yukon behind the wheel, schedule your appointment at Indy Auto Man and buy one of the used Yukon models in Indianapolis already today!