2026 GMC Yukon Review

Even though it got a lot better last year, the GMC Yukon shouldn’t change in 2026.

Pros

• Quite strong engines.
• Roomy inside.
• Better ride quality and handling.

Cons

• Costs a lot for high-end models.
• Some Chevrolet models that cost less are just as appealing.

• The base engine is a 5.3-liter V-8 that delivers 355 horsepower. Buyers can also opt for a 6.2-liter V-8 that delivers 420 horsepower, or choose a 3.0-liter inline-six diesel engine offering 305 horsepower.
• Automatic transmission with 10 speeds.
• Drivetrains come with choices like rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive.

Two gas-powered V-8 engines and one diesel engine are available for the Yukon. The engine in the Elevation and AT4 is a 5.3-liter V-8 that makes 355 horsepower. The Denali and Denali Ultimate have a 6.2-liter V-8 engine with 420 horsepower. The AT4 can also be equipped with this engine. All of the models can come with a 3.0-liter inline-six diesel engine that can make 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque.

All three powertrains perform as expected, but we prefer the diesel due to its ability to generate low-end torque while conserving fuel. It works great for the Yukon’s weight and purpose. All Yukon models come with a shifter in the steering column and a 10-speed automatic transmission. You can choose between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

The AT4 model is designed for off-road use and comes with a two-speed transfer case, 20-inch all-terrain tires, underbody skid plates, and an available air suspension that raises the vehicle to two inches off the ground.

People seeking more advanced driver assistance technologies are charged more because GMC only offers the most basic ones. GM’s famous Super Cruise hands-free driving mode and night vision with infrared object recognition are some of the other features. Automatic emergency braking and front collision warning are safety measures that come as standard. As extra safety features, you can get lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and adaptive speed control with hands-free mode.

First Row: The Denali models have open-pore wood trim with chrome highlights and laser-etched maps. The Denali also has a front seat that can be adjusted in 16 different ways and has heated, cooled, and massaged pillows.

Second Row: When the famous and comfortable second-row captain’s seats are added, the Yukon and long-wheelbase Yukon XL can only fit seven people instead of the eight that they can hold without them. The 22-speaker Bose sound system features speakers built into the headrests of the second-row seats, which are the most expensive option.

Third Row: The third seat has plenty of space for adults, so it’s a good choice.

Cargo Capacity: The larger XL version offers significantly more room for storage. With all seats folded down, the standard Yukon offers up to 133 cubic feet of cargo space, whereas the extended Yukon XL delivers a more spacious 145 cubic feet. According to tests carried out by Invoice-pricing, the standard Yukon was able to accommodate six carry-on bags behind its third-row seats. With the second and third rows folded down, the total available space is generous enough to accommodate the luggage or gear of approximately 350 passengers, if you were measuring in backpack equivalents.

• Twenty miles per gallon on the highway at 75 miles per hour (C/D) (6.2-liter V-8 Denali).
• The EPA says 14 to 21 mpg for towns.
• The EPA rates cars on the highway at 18 to 26 mpg.

The EPA hasn’t said how much gas the 2026 GMC Yukon will use yet, but the 2025 model gets up to 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. A Yukon or Yukon XL with a diesel engine and two-wheel drive is one of those. If you choose the version with a 6.2-liter V-8 engine and four-wheel drive, it will get 14 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway.

 At 75 mph on our highway fuel-economy test route, our 2025 Denali test car with the 6.2-liter engine got 20 mpg. With the diesel engine, the last Tahoe we looked at got an amazing 27 mpg. We think the diesel Yukon will have the same effect. 

• A 16.8-inch touchscreen 16.8 inches for entertainment.
• Connectivity through Bluetooth and WiFi. It is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing seamless smartphone integration.
• There is a basic 10-speaker Bose stereo, an 18-speaker Bose stereo, and an optional 22-speaker Bose stereo in the sound system.

An infotainment system with a 16.8-inch tablet that is mounted vertically comes with every Yukon. Customers can use a lot of different apps because it comes with Google Built-in software. For Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, it features WiFi and a WiFi hotspot. Buyers can choose between an entertainment system for the back seats and an 8.0-inch tablet that allows second-row passengers to adjust the temperature settings.

According to company invoice pricing data, the Denali trim featuring a 6.2-liter V-8 engine achieved a 0 to 60 mph acceleration time of 5.9 seconds during performance testing.

We tested a Denali model with a 6.2-liter V-8 engine and found that it stopped much more quickly than the previous generation car, taking only 5.9 seconds to hit 60 mph. We have not done an instrumented test on a Yukon with a diesel engine, but we have tested a Tahoe with that drivetrain, and it took 7.8 seconds to hit 60 mph.

The Yukon, equipped with rear-wheel drive and a 5.3-liter V-8 engine, appears to be the best driver. It can hold up to 8400 pounds, but cars with a 6.2-liter V-8 or diesel engine can only manage 8200 pounds. Diesel engines have the most torque below 2000 rpm, which is useful for pulling, while V-8s have the most power higher up in the rev range. When four-wheel drive is chosen, all tow values drop by 200 pounds.

Several technological advances have also made it easier to tow trailers. For instance, GMC’s Transparent Trailer View technology makes the trailer appear invisible, allowing drivers to see the area directly behind it. There is also a jackknife alarm to help you avoid making that mistake.

The estimated price range for the 2026 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL spans from $69,000 to $104,000, with the final cost varying based on the trim level, optional features, and chosen configurations. We think the Elevation trim is the most useful, except for VIPs. The AT4 is clearly the better choice for people who want to go off-road or need to get to a house that is far away.