• 2013

• 2012 GMC Yukon

• Used GMC Yukon
• Repairs GMC Yukon

Scorecard

Overall:	2012 GMC Yukon U.S. News Best Cars 8.3
Critics' Rating:	8.7
Performance:	7.9
Interior:	7.3
Safety:	9.0
Reliability:

How we calculate scores

Research analyzed for this review

Pros & Cons

• Smooth ride for a large SUV
• Well-made interior
• Well-equipped base model
• High towing capacity

• Cramped third row seats
• Third row doesn’t fold flat
• Some cheap interior materials

Research Other Years

• 2013 GMC Yukon
• 2011 GMC Yukon
• 2010 GMC Yukon
• 2009 GMC Yukon
• 2008 GMC Yukon
• 2007 GMC Yukon

The 2012 GMC Yukon is a great choice for shoppers in the market for a large SUV, but most test drivers note that nearly every buyer would be better served by a crossover.

Like its corporate siblings, the Chevrolet Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade, the GMC Yukon is a supremely capable affordable large SUV with tons of interior space and enough towing capability for nearly any task. However, test drivers say that if you can get by with a lower towing capacity, you’ll likely be better served by a crossover SUV.

Even so, as truck-based SUVs go, the 2012 GMC Yukon is a good pick. Its interior is well-made, and its luxurious Denali trim offers one of the nicest interiors in any large SUV. Its ride is fairly smooth, and test drivers never ask for more power, especially with the optional larger V8 engine. Though some reviewers note that base models don’t have very much space behind the third row, opting for a long-wheelbase XL model fixes that problem.

If you need seating for nine and burly towing and hauling capacities, reviewers say the 2012 GMC Yukon is a fine choice. However, shoppers who can get by with fewer seats and a less-brawny powertrain will be able to find more comfortable and less expensive options by shopping for a car-based crossover.

Other Large SUVs to Consider

If you’ve decided a truck-based SUV is right for you, consider the Ford Expedition. Its luxurious King Ranch trim is equivalent to the Yukon Denali, and it can tow more than the GMC Yukon can. Though the Expedition doesn’t offer as much power and has worse fuel economy ratings, it costs a few thousand dollars less than the Yukon, and test drivers say they never felt the need for extra ponies under the hood.

You should also take a look at the Toyota Sequoia. It’s not nearly as capable as the Yukon, with a towing capacity that’s about three-quarters of a ton lower, but it has an especially well-made interior and pretty good handling for such a large SUV. Plus, the Sequoia’s third row can be folded flat into the floor, a feature that reviewers sorely miss in the Yukon and its General Motors siblings.

Details: GMC Yukon

The 2012 GMC Yukon is available in SLE, SLT and Denali trims, which are all offered as long-wheelbase models. The GMC Yukon is also available as a hybrid, which is reviewed separately. For 2012, a navigation system is now available on most SLT models, which also gains standard heated, leather-trimmed front seats. All trims now include standard electronic trailer sway control and hill start assist.

See the full list of 2012 GMC Yukon specs.

• "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. Carefully optioned SLE and SLT models represent our Best Buy choices in this lineup.” -- Consumer Guide
• "The … GMC Yukon is a leading choice for a traditional large SUV thanks to its comfortable cabin and strong towing and hauling capabilities. But for many people, a large crossover SUV might work out better.” -- Edmunds
• "Smooth ride quality, quiet inside, and strong engines, but this is not a great choice for an everyday vehicle unless heavy towing is a frequent activity.” -- Car and Driver