2019 GMC Yukon Expert Review
Reviewed by Alex Leanse
SLT trim can now be optioned with the Graphite Edition or the Graphite Performance Edition. Graphite Edition changes are mostly aesthetic, including dark trim on the wheels and exterior. The Graphite Performance Edition continues the stylistic theme but adds mechanical improvements to the drivetrain and suspension, and fits the interior with upgraded infotainment. Dark Sky Metallic, Pepperdust Metallic, and Smokey Quartz Metallic are newly available exterior color choices.
What's Standard
The Yukon and extended-wheelbase Yukon XL are GMC's largest SUVs. They offer cavernous interior volume for transporting cargo or up to nine occupants.
GMC Yukon SLE: SLE is the base trim on the standard- and extended-length Yukon. Included are 18-inch wheels, rain-sensing automatic windshield wipers, and running boards to aid ingress and egress. Inside, both get cloth seating surfaces and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. An 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a 4.2-inch color display between the gauges shows key vehicle information. Front and rear assist sensors and a backup camera make parking the behemoth easier.
Cool Features
The Yukon's various trim levels and options package add performance and luxury to the massive SUV.
- If the Yukon doesn't have enough interior volume for your needs, it can tow even more behind it. As standard it's rated to pull 6,500 pounds, and up to 8,500 pounds depending on optional add-ons.
- Whether your style preference is for blacked-out sleek or shiny bling, there's a Yukon for you. The Graphite Edition adds dark trim across the exterior for a low-key look, while Denali trim brightens it up with polished chrome.
- Available magnetic suspension improves ride quality and handling compared to the standard coil spring setup.
- In addition to the upgraded drivetrain and suspension, top-level Denali trim adds heated leather seats in the first two rows, a heated steering wheel, premium audio system, and trim-specific grille.
Performance and Fuel Economy
The Yukon's standard 5.3-liter V-8 sends 355 hp and 383 lb-ft to the wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. When we tested this engine in a very similar Chevrolet Suburban (albeit four-wheel drive), it went 0-60 in 7.3 seconds. Fuel economy is rated at 15/22 mpg city/highway for rear-wheel drive. Upgrading to the 6.2-liter V-8 and 10-speed automatic yields 420 hp and 460 lb-ft, and reduces 0-60 acceleration to 5.8 seconds. Economy for the bigger engine is 14/23 mpg. Both powertrains are rear-wheel drive as standard; fitting four-wheel drive reduces highway fuel economy by one mpg.
What We Think
The Yukon is built the old-school way, with a body-on-frame, live rear axle construction that's shared with pickup trucks. That benefits towing capacity, but compromises livability. When driving over bumps in the road, the SUV feels unsettled and skips around. Ride quality suffers too, especially in the third row, which we found to have room and comfort that's "remarkably poor for a vehicle of this size." Magnetic suspension in the Yukon Graphite Performance Edition we reviewed smoothed out the ride, and precise steering made it a "surprisingly maneuverable battleship." Still, there's no hiding its weight, and the top-heavy build can make it pitch and roll. In a straight line, though, the 6.2-liter engine and 10-speed transmission provide authoritative acceleration accompanied by a sweet-sounding V-8 engine note. For better or worse, it's huge beast that's as clunky as it is capable.
Safety Ratings
The NHTSA gives the Yukon a four-star (out of five) overall safety rating, which factors in four-star frontal crash, five-star side crash, and three-star rollover scores. Scant driver assist and safety features indicate the vehicle's age, with automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring restricted to option packages or higher trims.
