2027 GMC YukonDarren Martin - MotorTrendBold, assertive exterior designMajor interior capacityDiverse range of engines and trimsVery similar to Chevrolet TahoeLess nice than Cadillac EscaladeFueling gets expensiveMore luxurious than the Chevrolet Tahoe yet not as opulent as the Cadillac Escalade, the GMC Yukon is the midrange version of General Motors' popular full-size three-row SUV format.The Yukon provides up to eight seats and ample cargo capacity, and it's available in a variety of styles varying from urbane to off-road-ready. Rival SUVs include the Ford Expedition, Nissan Armada, and BMW X7.What's NewBasicsSuper Cruise now standard on Denali; available on more Elevation and AT4 modelsEnhanced Trailering and Technology package standard on AT4 Ultimate and Denali UltimateMax Trailering package availability revised for ElevationExteriorNew Coastal Dune paint available for AT4 and AT4 Ultimate; Midnight Pine paint discontinuedNew 20- and 22-inch machined wheel styles addedSide assist steps lose gloss-black insertsInteriorDenali Reserve adds rear seat entertainment screensBright front and rear door sill plates now standardRear Seat Media System no longer includes two Bluetooth headphonesWhat We ThinkWhy the GMC Yukon exists is somewhat unclear. It's more expensive than the Chevrolet Tahoe, which is offered in luxurious trims itself. It's cheaper than a Cadillac Escalade, but that SUV's grandiose presence and appointments justify its pricing. That leaves the Yukon in a puzzling position within GM's full-size SUV family.AdvertisementAdvertisementEven so, the Yukon is a good large SUV. The cabin is roomy, comfortable, and packed with tech, making it a nice place to spend time. In AT4 form, it also brings respectable off-road ability, while the acclaimed Denali trims deliver premium features and curb appeal.The available engines provide reasonable performance for a vehicle of this size, but fuel efficiency isn't great. That's hardly surprising given the Yukon's bulk and boxy shape.In the end, the Yukon checks expected boxes for a premium three-row SUV: It's spacious, comfortable, capable, and well-equipped. The question isn't whether it does the job well but whether it finds a compelling enough identity between its Chevrolet and Cadillac siblings.Top-Ranked Competitors:Ford ExpeditionNissan ArmadaBMW X7MotorTrend TestedEvery Yukon uses a 10-speed automatic transmission, with RWD or 4WD depending on configuration.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe lineup starts with a 5.3-liter V-8 making 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, enough for a 0–60-mph run of 7.2 seconds.For stronger performance, GMC also offers a 6.2-liter V-8 with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. With that engine, the Yukon reaches 60 mph in 6.1 seconds.The optional Duramax 3.0-liter turbodiesel I-6 favors torque and efficiency over quickness. It produces 305 hp and 495 lb-ft and gets the Yukon to 60 mph in around 8.0 seconds.MPG and RangeWith the 5.3-liter V-8, the Yukon is rated at 15/20 mpg city/highway with RWD and 15/19 mpg with 4WD. On a full tank of gas, driving range is a little more than 400 miles.AdvertisementAdvertisementOpting for the 6.2-liter V-8 keeps the RWD estimate at 15/20 mpg, while 4WD models drop to 14/18 mpg. Driving range is about 400 miles with RWD and roughly 380 miles with 4WD.The Duramax diesel is most efficient, returning 22/26 mpg with RWD and 20/24 mpg with 4WD. That extends rated range to around 550 miles and 525 miles, respectively.Could the Yukon Get a New V-8 Engine?Chevrolet recently rolled out a redesigned Silverado 1500 for 2027, and a new GMC Sierra 1500 is soon to follow. Among the Chevy's most important updates—and one likely to carry over to the GMC—are new 5.7-liter and 6.6-liter small-block V-8s that replace the previous 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter engines.Given how closely related the Yukon is to those full-size pickups, it's reasonable to think the SUV could eventually adopt the new V-8s, as well, though probably not before 2028. For now, General Motors is allocating production of those engines to its updated trucks for the 2027 model year.Safety Ratings and FeaturesIn NHTSA testing, the 2026 Yukon earned a five-star overall safety score, the best possible result.Standard FeaturesAll 2027 Yukon models include front and rear automatic emergency braking, intersection collision mitigation, rear and side cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beams, and automatic windshield wipers.Available FeaturesThe Yukon can be equipped with General Motors' Super Cruise hands-free driving technology. The blind-spot monitoring system can also be upgraded to provide trailer coverage.Cargo Space and Interior RoomThe Yukon provides a huge amount of interior space, more than most other full-size three-row SUVs. But for drivers who need even more capacity, GMC offers the longer Yukon XL.Towing and PayloadTowing tops out at 8,400 pounds in the Yukon when the SUV is equipped with the 5.3-liter V-8, RWD, and the Max Trailering package.AdvertisementAdvertisementMaximum payload is about 1,500 pounds in different configurations.TechnologyInfotainmentEvery 2027 Yukon has an 11.0-inch digital driver display and 16.8-inch central touchscreen. The infotainment interface has familiar apps from Google, such as Maps for navigation, but also is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There are USB ports in all three rows of seats and a wireless charging pad up front. All models include a 360-degree camera.Sound SystemAll Yukon models get premium audio from Bose, with 10-, 18-, or 22-speaker systems depending on trim and configuration.Available UpgradesTech options for the Yukon include a head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and trailering camera system.ValueStandard FeaturesPricing for the 2027 Yukon starts at about $73,000. That's for the basic Elevation trim equipped with the 5.3-liter V-8 and RWD. Outside, standard features include 20-inch wheels, animated LED headlights and taillights, side steps, roof rails, a power tailgate, power-folding side mirrors, and noise-insulating glass.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe cabin has leather-appointed upholstery, heated first- and second-row seats, a 16.8-inch touchscreen, and three-zone automatic climate control.Recommended TrimThe luxurious Denali trim is our choice in the Yukon range, and it's best equipped with the Duramax diesel engine. This variant starts at about $87,000 and upgrades with a distinctive metallic grille, satin chrome trim, specific 20-inch wheels, and a proximity power tailgate outside.More niceties are added inside, such as extended leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, power-release second-row seats, and a head-up display. The Yukon Denali also gets magnetic suspension for a smoother ride, and a three-year subscription to Super Cruise.
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