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GMC Yukon - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 GMC Yukon ranks 7 out of 12 Affordable Large SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 43 published reviews and test drives of the GMC Yukon , and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The GMC Yukon is the mechanical twin of the class-leading Chevy Tahoe, which may cause some buyers to overlook this good SUV.

The Yukon is the Jan Brady of GM's large SUVs. Sandwiched between the Chevy Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade in luxury and interior refinement, the Yukon has seating for up to nine (with optional third-row and bench seats) and the ability to tackle most towing jobs (although some competitors can tow more). In fact, some may wonder why they -- or GM, for that matter -- should bother with the Yukon.

Though the Yukon is a good choice for any large SUV buyer, it doesn't offer as much bling for your buck as the Escalade. If you're looking to save some money, however, don't get fooled. The Tahoe is less expensive than the Yukon, but the base price difference between the two is less than a thousand dollars. Also, the Yukon's upscale Denali trim is generally seen as much nicer than any thing the Tahoe can offer, and costs only about $1,500 more than the highest trim of the Tahoe.  If you want a luxurious SUV but would like something more understated than the Escalade, a well-optioned Yukon may be a good choice for you, if you can look beyond its more famous siblings.

Outside the GM family of SUVs, make sure to check out the Toyota Sequoia. It starts about $1,000 more than the Yukon, but many reviewers prefer it, saying its easier to drive and has a more refined interior. Also be sure to check out the Ford Expedition. Though not as upscale as the Yukon, it has the best third-row seat in the class.  It also starts about $2,000 less than the Yukon.  

Though there are plenty of worth competitors to the Yukon, if you need an SUV with outsized towing and seating capacity, the Yukon does admirably. It even throws in a dose of refinement and value for good measure.

A weakening new car market may add to the Yukon's appeal. Slow SUV sales put buyers in a strong negotiating position, which may make the Yukon more affordable. The GMC Yukon is also available as a hybrid, which is reviewed separately. Also, through November, General Motors is offering a 60-day money-back guarantee on the Yukon.  If you buy it and don't like it, you can return it for a refund -- check out our GM's money back guarantee page for details.

The Yukon was last redesigned in 2007; changes for 2010 are minimal. The 5.3 liter engine is now flex fuel capable, which means it can run on gasoline or E85 ethanol.  A USB port is now standard.  The port lets Yukon owners play stored music files on the Yukon's stereo.  The port can also charge some handheld devices. The Yukon is available in regular length or in the Yukon XL trim, which has an extra-long wheelbase.  The Yukon XL is comparable in size to a Chevrolet Suburban.

• "The fully gasoline-powered Tahoe and Yukon (there are hybrid models, too; see elsewhere in this guide) are solid, comfortable, and very capable large SUVs, let down only by a poorly packaged third row. New XFE editions use slight modifications to beget meager fuel-economy gains." -- Car and Driver
• "Continues as a leading choice for a traditional large SUV thanks to its handsome styling, comfortable cabin and strong towing and hauling capabilities." -- Edmunds
• "Yukon is pitched as an upscale alternative to Chevrolet's Tahoe, and the Denali is positioned just below Cadillac's Escalade. Despite having more power and luxury touches than Yukons, Denali doesn't deliver enough of either to justify its higher base price and thirst for premium-grade gas." -- Consumer Guide
• "Even if you don't need its maximum seating or towing capacities, the 2009 GMC Yukon shines on enough levels to satisfy the needs and tastes of almost any full-size SUV buyer." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "Competitive with the very best its rivals are offering and that is in other ways, when the price-value equation is considered, better than most of them." -- Washington Post
• "This strikes us as a rather expensive family hauler, especially considering that its value typically plummets about $20,000 in the first two years. But we never understood the surge of SUV sales, so what do we know? Your 50 grand buys this hugely improved, unhyped 90-percent Escalade." -- Car and Driver

 

Yukon Performance - 8.3 (Very Good)

Though not sporty, "the new Yukon matches or beats anything in its size class, including the substantially more expensive Range Rover HSE. Anyone doubting that should simply drive one," says the Washington Post.  While other reviewers aren't quite as effusive in their praise, they still agree that the Yukon is a fine performer. Read More

Yukon Exterior - 8.7 (Very Good)

The Yukon's look is more upscale than the Tahoe, but not at bling-tastic as the Escalade's. Most reviewers are positive about the Yukon's styling. Read More

Yukon Interior - 8.2 (Very Good)

The 2010 GMC Yukon hauls people in style. Motor Trend says the Yukon "immediately impresses with the classy ambience of the interior -- which looks pretty well put together, too." Read More

Yukon Safety - NA

Thanks in part to its size, the GMC Yukon tends to do well in crash tests. The federal government gives the Yukon a 5-star rating for frontal and side crash tests. Read More

Yukon Reliability - 7.0 (Good)

The 2010 GMC Yukon reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2010 GMC Yukon comes with a five-year or 100,000-mile warranty.  Read More