Upscale interior; user-friendly infotainment system; can seat up to nine people; Denali's 6.2-liter V8 and 8-speed automatic are ideal for towing
Third-row seats in regular Yukon are barely usable; sky-high load height; not easy to maneuver in confined spaces; sluggish throttle response; surprisingly expensive
A forward-collision warning system with low-speed automatic braking is added to the available features list for 2017. The optional rear seat entertainment system is also upgraded with a HDMI port and an additional USB port. Notably, every Yukon gets active grille shutters for improved highway aerodynamics. See the 2017 GMC Yukon models for sale near you
To us, the clear choice is the SLT. It offers all the upscale features buyers expect from a GMC while still holding the bottom line well below $60,000. If you need basic family transportation with minimal frills, the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban pair cost a bit less than the duo's Yukon counterparts. If you're looking for the ultimate in luxury, the Denali will save you some money over a comparably equipped Escalade. Find a GMC Yukon for sale
The 2017 GMC Yukon comes in three trim levels: SLE, SLT and Denali. Two body styles, the regular-length Yukon and the larger Yukon XL, are also offered.
The Yukon SLE ($48,500 for the Yukon; $51,200 for the Yukon XL) features a 5.3-liter V8, 18-inch wheels, a backup camera, automatic wipers, fog lights, remote ignition, a roof rack with cross bars, heated mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, a power driver seat, cloth upholstery, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, tri-zone automatic climate control, an 8-in touchscreen, Bluetooth, OnStar, on-board WiFi, five USB ports, satellite and HD radios, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a 9-speaker Bose sound system. Standard front bucket seating can be replaced with a 40/20/40-split bench, increasing the overall passenger capacity from eight to nine people.
The optional Enhanced Driver Alert package adds forward collision warning with low-speed automatic braking, and lane-departure warning and intervention. The Convenience package adds a power liftgate, power-adjustable pedals and an auto-dimming mirror.
Moving up to the Yukon SLT ($57,300 for the Yukon; $60,000 for the Yukon XL) includes those extras along with a hands-free power rear lift gate, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems, keyless entry and push-button starting, leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, heated second-row seats, second- and third-row power-folding seats, a heated power-adjustable steering wheel, driver memory functions and a wireless smartphone charging pad.
The premium Yukon Denali ($66,000 for the Yukon; $71,700 for the Yukon XL) brings a 6.2-liter V8, a magnetically controlled suspension, xenon headlights, a head-up display, second-row captain's chairs, a navigation system and a 10-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system.
Certain features on upper trim levels are available on lower ones. The SLT and Denali can be equipped with a sunroof, a rear entertainment system and adaptive cruise control.
| Sport Utility | Original MSRP / Price | Engine | Horsepower | City MPG / Hwy MPG | Transmission | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yukon 2WD 4dr Denali | $65,965 / N/A | 8 Cylinder | 420 | 15 / 22 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | RWD / AWD4WD |
| Yukon 2WD 4dr SLE | $48,530 / N/A | 8 Cylinder | 355 | 16 / 23 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | RWD / AWD4WD |
| Yukon 2WD 4dr SLT | $57,425 / N/A | 8 Cylinder | 355 | 16 / 23 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | RWD / AWD4WD |
| Yukon 4WD 4dr Denali | $68,965 / N/A | 8 Cylinder | 420 | 15 / 20 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | RWD / AWD4WD |
| Yukon 4WD 4dr SLE | $51,530 / N/A | 8 Cylinder | 355 | 16 / 22 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | RWD / AWD4WD |
| Yukon 4WD 4dr SLT | $60,425 / N/A | 8 Cylinder | 355 | 16 / 22 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | RWD / AWD4WD |
The Yukon includes a full complement of airbags, including front-seat, side-impact and full-length side-curtain airbags. Also standard is the segment's only front-seat center-mounted airbag (on models with bucket seats only) that provides greater protection to the driver and passenger in the event of a side-impact collision. Additional safety options include parking sensors, GM's Safety Alert Seat, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning with low-speed automatic braking, blind spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems and automatic high beams.
The Yukon earned a 4-star overall score out of five possible stars in crash testing carried out by the federal government's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The regular Yukon received 5-star ratings for frontal and side crash protection, but the XL oddly differed with a 4-star frontal score. Neither have been tested by the nonprofit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
| Basic | 3 Years/36,000 Miles |
| Drivetrain | 5 Years/60,000 Miles Qualified Fleet Purchases |
| Corrosion | 3 Years/36,000 Miles |
| Rust-Through | 6 Years/100,000 Miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 Years/60,000 Miles Qualified Fleet Purchases |
| Maintenance | 2 Years/24,000 Miles |
2017 Ford Expedition -- The Expedition and Expedition EL are about to be replaced and fall well short of the Yukon's interior design and quality. However, they offer superior third-row space and cargo capacity, along with a more civilized driving experience.
2017 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban -- The Chevrolet duo is mechanically identical to the Yukon and Yukon XL, with the Chevy models available in less expensive versions. Also, Magnetic Ride Control is standard on Chevy's LTZ trim, which costs less than the Denali.
2017 GMC Acadia -- The GMC Acadia shrank considerably for 2017, and yet it still has a more spacious third-row seat than the regular Yukon. It's also more maneuverable, comfortable and efficient.
Used Cadillac Escalade -- The Escalade touts more equipment, more standard power and more exuberant styling than the Yukon, along with a well-known brand name. Prices are steep, though, so you may want to consider a used model.
Have gear, will travel. Tailgating season is upon us. Have you got your stuff ready?
