2006 GMC Yukon Review
2006 GMC Yukon Review





+52
Used Yukon for sale
Appraise This CarSee Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Strong engines, roomy and versatile interior, rugged chassis, numerous available amenities.
Cons
- Spotty build quality, interior materials could be better.
What’s new
For 2006, the GMC Yukon receives additional standard equipment for all trim levels. Included in the update are OnStar, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and stability control.
Edmunds says
With room for up to nine passengers, gutsy V8 engines and numerous passenger amenities, the 2006 GMC Yukon is a full-featured family SUV that's tough to beat.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2006 GMC Yukon SL 4dr SUV (4.8L 8cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.12 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$240/mo for Yukon SL
Yukon SL
vs
$239/mo
Avg. Large SUV
Vehicle overview
GMC is no newcomer to the sport-ute game; it rolled out its version of a full-size SUV more than 30 years ago. Its current model, the Yukon, debuted in 1992. Formerly known as the Jimmy, the Yukon was built to be a rough-and-ready, go-anywhere sort of ride. Back when it first emerged, GMC described it as a "rugged, multipurpose family vehicle that's at home on and off the road," and the manufacturer has always seen to it that the vehicle is sturdy enough to live up to this promise. The 2000 model year brought with it a complete redesign for the Yukon. Its decade-old platform was replaced with a new frame that was stronger and more rigid than previous designs; the Yukon also got two new V8 engines that provided it with more horsepower than ever before.
In 2001, the upscale Denali model was moved to the new platform and in the process picked up a 6.0-liter V8 as well as numerous other luxury amenities. The Yukon continues to give drivers more of what has made the vehicle a favorite with those seeking transportation that efficiently handles both on-road and off-road adventures. With a roomy and comfortable interior, it makes a great weekend-getaway machine. If you want a full-size SUV that can handle passengers and cargo as well as it does a backcountry road, the 2006 GMC Yukon should be on your short list.
Performance & mpg
The 4.8-liter V8, offering 285 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, is standard on two-wheel-drive Yukons. A larger 5.3-liter V8 with 295 hp and 335 lb-ft of torque is optional and comes standard on four-wheel-drive Yukons. The Yukon Denali, which has a standard all-wheel-drive system, is the most powerful version thanks to a 6.0-liter V8 rated at 335 hp and 375 lb-ft of torque. All engines are connected to a standard four-speed automatic transmission. Properly equipped, the standard Yukon can tow up to 7,700 pounds, and the Yukon Denali can handle up to 8,100 pounds.
Safety
The Yukon has a tire-pressure monitoring system, dual-stage front airbags (with a passenger sensing system), stability control and four-wheel antilock disc brakes. Side airbags are standard on the Yukon Denali and optional on other trims. In NHTSA government crash testing, the GMC Yukon rated four out of a possible five stars for driver and front-passenger protection in frontal impacts.
Driving
Any one of the Yukon's V8 engines delivers ample power in most situations. Those who pull a trailer often would be wise to opt for the 5.3-liter engine, as it provides a substantial bump in torque despite only 10 additional horsepower compared to the 4.8-liter V8. For the ultimate in luxury and towing power, the Yukon Denali is the best of this bunch. The suspension delivers a stable, smooth ride, regardless of whether it travels on or off pavement, while the steering is light enough to maneuver the big sport-ute easily in tight situations.
Interior
Inside, the 2006 GMC Yukon offers comfortable seating and simple controls, but the quality of interior materials could stand improvement. Second-row bucket seats are available when you order leather upholstery, as is a DVD-based entertainment system. An optional 50/50-split third-row seat gives the Yukon nine-passenger seating capacity. With the third-row seats removed and the second-row seats folded forward, the Yukon offers 104 cubic feet of cargo volume.
2006 GMC Yukon models
The GMC Yukon comes in three trim levels -- SL, SLE and Denali. The base SL boasts standard features like tri-zone manual climate control, keyless entry, cruise control, a CD player and OnStar. The uplevel SLE model is similar but grants access to additional features like power front seats, leather upholstery, satellite radio and rear audio controls via an SLT option package. Top-of-the-line Denali models come standard with just about every feature available, although items like a DVD-based entertainment system, second-row captain's chairs and a sunroof are still optional.
Advertisement
Also Consider

2023 GMC Acadia AT4
SLE, SLT, AT4 and Denali
Starting MSRP$43,100
See All Trims
GMC.com
The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Dealer sets final price. Click here to see all GMC vehicles’ destination freight charges.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2006 GMC Yukon.
5 star(78%)
4 star(21%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(1%)
1 star(0%)
78 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
XL Model
ace, 04/19/2007
2005 GMC Yukon Denali AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
Excellent vehicle for traveling. I have a bad back. Lots of seat adjustments to get comfortable. Lots of room for hauling when necessary. AWD is excellent in the winter. Lots of power for towing. Meets all of my needs. Uses regular gas. Luxurious but also practical when need to haul lumber etc. Will hold sheets of plywood.
4.13 out of 5 stars
Yukon Opinon
GM Opinion, 05/06/2010
2006 GMC Yukon Denali 4dr SUV AWD (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
I've own this Denali for four years, and I give it high marks on almost everything. I've also own a Ford Expedition and Toyotas Sequioa, and all have good and bad traits. Denali has the best motor, driver comfort, convenience options, and the reliablility has been great. The back seats suck for adult comfort, but my small kids like the captains chairs. The cheaply made front dash and … instrument panel peel away. The dash and skweaky door panels are irritating enough to shop at Toyota or Ford next time. The space behind the third seat is stupidly small, and needs to be big enough for a cooler and a couple luggage bags.
4 out of 5 stars
300K on this Monster and Still Going 17 yrs
CMRVA, 10/15/2016
2005 GMC Yukon SLE 4WD 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
Now at 340K miles! To explain- I purchased this used with only 10K miles in 2006 for under $30K (Was listed at $52 when new). For the time this was plush, all leather, big capacity for people and cargo. It always got about 16MPG, and at the time with little kids, I needed room more than saving 3-4 MPG on a foreign SUV with tight quarters. The legroom was so good, I can't to this day find … the same in a smaller SUV, although I just purchased a Toyota Highlander to downsize as my kids are grown and gone. To be fair, 6 years ago I had to replace the engine at 166K (Blue smoke, dealer said he could not rebuild the engine for under $3900. Bought brand new GMC replacement engine and had it installed for $6000, because I thought that was better than making payments. I'm now at 285K so I have 120K miles on the new engine. A wonderful ride, sluggish when you need to step on the gas on the highway, feels like a pickup truck then. Still for $34K ($28 originally and $6K for the engine) a great deal. Have not needed to replace much, starter, batteries, never needed a brake job! Even now as I sell it, it is pretty nice. Paint held up for 10 years, still shines. Typical GMC with a couple of electrical issues (Seat heater stopped working, big LED bar in back needed to be replaced) but overall glad I had it in my family for a decade. Edit- Never did sell it, gifted to my 25 year old son, he sold his Subaru, needed a big vehicle to haul band equipment. Spark Plugs and wire job at 300K (150K on new engine). Transmission has slipped for last 150K but still holding up. Now at 340K miles. Replace tailgate struts and good as new!
4.13 out of 5 stars
Good bang for the buck
bigricky77, 09/14/2013
2006 GMC Yukon SLE 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
Bought used in 2009, although I have a 5.3 and it is only 2wd.
It rides and drives smooth.
Local dealership sold it to me for 15,000$ with 49,000mi when it BB for 19,000$ at the time, found out it had a bad battery, rear right passenger window didn't work, and the dvd system was going out, not to mention the water pump was leaking.
The starter went out as well.I replaced all with better … more reliable parts, jokes on the dealership, the only challenging repair was replacing the DVD system with a bigger screen system.Very spacious interior, a little cheap with plastic but I can over look that due to the good reliability.Fits a family of 5 comfortably,if you want more trunk space buy an XL.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2006 GMC Yukon, so we've included reviews for other years of the Yukon since its last redesign.
2006 Yukon Highlights
SL
Base MSRP | $34,705 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $240/month |
Seating | 6 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 63.6 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
People who viewed this also viewed
3.5 average Rating out of 18 reviews. |
Starting at $52,600 |
3.0 average Rating out of 11 reviews. |
Starting at $55,300 |
5.0 average Rating out of 6 reviews. |
Starting at $54,155 |
Related Used 2006 GMC Yukon info
Vehicle reviews of used models
Shop similar models
- Jeep Grand-wagoneer-l 2023
- Cadillac Escalade-esv 2023
- Cadillac Escalade 2023
- Dodge Durango 2024
- Nissan Armada 2023
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used GMC Yukon 2017
- Used GMC Yukon 2018
- Used GMC Yukon 2013 For Sale
- Used GMC Yukon 2015 For Sale
- Used GMC Yukon 2016
- Used GMC Yukon 2012
- Used GMC Yukon 2011
- Used GMC Yukon 2010
- Used GMC Yukon 2014
- Used GMC Yukon 2019
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- Mazda CX9
- Acura Crossover RDX
- Used Volvo XC60
- Pickup GMC Canyon
- 2023 Bronco
- X1 SUV BMW
- 2023 XC90
- BRZ Coupe
- Honda HR-V 2022
- 2023 Civic
Research recent models from same make
- 2022 GMC Sierra 3500HD
- 2024 GMC Savana
- Maserati Sierra 1500 Limited 2022
- GMC Sierra 1500 2022
- 2022 GMC Sierra 3500HD
- 2023 Sierra 1500
- 2022 GMC Canyon
- GMC Savana Cargo 2024
- 2022 Savana
- 2022 GMC Sierra 3500HD
Research similar vehicles
- Forester Subaru SUV
- Ford Explorer Car
- Model X
- Santa Fe SUV
- Mazda CX 5
- Pilot SUV
- Porsche Cayenne
- 2022 Tiguan
- Range Rover For Sale
- 2022 Rivian R1S
Other models
- Used GMC Safari in Holland, MI
- New Jaguar F-Type for Sale in Dublin, CA
- Used Toyota Corolla-Hybrid in Lawrence, MA
- Used Mercedes-Benz 400-Class in Idaho Falls, ID
- Used Plymouth Neon in Ashland, OH
- Used Infiniti G37-Convertible in La Grange, IL
- Used Audi SQ8 in Oconomowoc, WI
- Used Mini Cooper-Roadster in Montebello, CA
- New Mini Hardtop-2-Door for Sale in Portland, OR
- Used Ram 1500-Classic in Opa Locka, FL