2014 GMC Yukon Review
2014 GMC Yukon Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Seats as many as nine people
- stout towing capability
- comfortable ride
- smooth powertrains
- solid-quality cabin furnishings.
Cons
- Third-row seat doesn't stow away or fold flat
- lacks a telescoping steering wheel.
What’s new
In the final model year before a new generation of GMC full-size SUVs is launched, the base 2014 Yukon SLE gets some added standard equipment, including a remote ignition, power-adjustable pedals, a rearview camera and rear parking sensors.
Edmunds says
The 2014 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 will make more sense.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2014 GMC Yukon SLE 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 6A) 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 $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$247/mo for Yukon SLE
Yukon SLE
vs
$254/mo
Avg. Large SUV
Vehicle overview
If you're shopping for a full-size SUV, you probably already know that the 2014 GMC Yukon effectively is the mechanical twin to the Chevrolet Tahoe. But there are differences, the most obvious being the Yukon's different front and rear sheet metal, additional standard equipment and more upscale interior appointments -- particularly if you go for the highfalutin Denali version.
Like its Chevy relative, GMC's Yukon is one of the dwindling choices for a traditional full-size SUV that rides on a beefy truck frame and has standard V8 power and available four-wheel drive. Those attributes orient the Yukon more for those who plan to tow a boat or camper, or load it up with heavy cargo on a regular basis.
Even with this focus on utility, GMC has made sure it keeps up with customers' expectations for refinement and everyday ease of use. Without question, the Yukon is a big, heavy vehicle that's more at home on rural roads than city streets, but thanks to its quiet interior and comfortable ride, it's quite pleasant to drive for the most part. Inside, there are good-quality materials, modern controls and a mostly up-to-date suite of electronics. One key gripe about the interior is the third-row seats' lack of fold-flat capability: You have to remove them and store them in your garage when you need more room.
If you are considering a SUV more for its people-hauling capacity, a lighter-duty crossover is likely to be a better choice. There are many crossovers with three rows of seats, just like the Yukon. One of our top picks for a full-size crossover is in the same showroom, in fact: the 2014 GMC Acadia. The Acadia seats up to eight and actually has more cargo volume than the Yukon.
If big-time towing (as much as 8,500 pounds) or off-road travel is on your list of requirements, though, the 2014 GMC Yukon is a fine choice. Its main rival is the Toyota Sequoia, which presents a very similar mix of ruggedness and refinement. Also, bear in mind that a redesigned GMC Yukon arrives for the 2015 model year, and among its many upgrades will be a more powerful and efficient V8 engine and a stow-away third-row seat. If you're set on buying a large, traditional SUV before then, though, the current Yukon remains an appealing option for consumers who need seating capacity and utility in large helpings.
Performance & mpg
The 2014 GMC Yukon SLE and SLT are powered by a 5.3-liter V8 good for 320 horsepower and 335 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard, and buyers have their choice of rear-wheel drive or a four-wheel-drive system that features a two-speed transfer case with low-range gearing for driving off-road or in heavy snow.
In Edmunds testing, a 4WD Chevrolet Tahoe – the 2014 Yukon's mechanical twin – went from zero to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds. Regardless of whether you choose rear- or four-wheel drive, EPA-estimated fuel economy is 17 mpg combined (15 mpg city/21 mpg highway). Depending on drivetrain and equipment, the Yukon can tow as much as 8,500 pounds.
The GMC Yukon Denali gets a 6.2-liter V8 that produces 403 hp and 417 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic with manual-shift capability is standard. Rear-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional. The AWD system is not intended for serious off-road use, as it features only a single-speed transfer case.
In Edmunds testing, the mechanically similar Cadillac Escalade with the same engine went from zero to 60 mph in a quick 7.5 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy for the 2014 Yukon Denali is 15 mpg combined (13 mpg city/18 mpg highway). A properly equipped Yukon Denali can tow up to 8,300 pounds.
Safety
The 2014 GMC Yukon comes standard with antilock brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and OnStar emergency telematics. Rear parking sensors and a rearview camera are standard on all Yukons, while a blind-spot warning system is standard on the Denali and optional on the SLT.
In government crash testing, the Yukon earned an overall rating of four stars (out of a possible five), with five stars for overall frontal crash protection and five stars for overall side crash protection.
In Edmunds brake testing of the similar Chevy Tahoe, the stop from 60 mph took 134 feet, an average distance for this type of vehicle.
Driving
Apart from its obvious tough-duty capability, the 2014 GMC Yukon is an effortless and serene interstate hauler. Short of a luxury sedan, it's tough to find a quieter cabin, with noise from the V8 engine remote and muffled, even when accelerating.
The Yukon's suspension provides a supple ride and absorbs most of the bumps and ruts that come its way. At the same time, it controls body motions well enough to keep the big vehicle steady around turns. Bounding through traffic isn't one of the Yukon's strengths – nor should you expect it to be – mainly because its steering is on the slow side and not especially precise. However, with a 39-foot turning radius, parking the GMC isn't as difficult as you might expect.
For those who tow frequently, the Autoride adaptive suspension, which is standard on the Denali and optional on the SLT, comes highly recommended, as its load-leveling rear air suspension helps keep the back end of the vehicle from sagging when pulling heavy loads. Another good reason to make the move to the Denali trim, of course, is the extra grunt from the potent 6.2-liter V8.
Interior
The 2014 GMC Yukon has the high-quality cabin materials you'd expect in a premium-badged SUV, while the gauges are large and easy to read. The front seats and second-row captain's chairs are wide, comfortable and remarkably supportive. Just about everyone except for those in the rearmost seats will enjoy more than adequate space to stretch out, though as is often the case, adults aren't likely to be happy in the third row for very long.
You will notice that the Yukon's cabin is starting to feel dated in a few areas. The available navigation system is straightforward in its operation, but its display is smaller than in many newer GM vehicles. In addition, there's standard Bluetooth connectivity for your phone, but not for streaming music. And the Yukon's steering wheel doesn't telescope, which makes it hard to find your ideal driving position, though the standard power-adjustable pedals help somewhat.
The GMC's ability to handle up to nine occupants remains a rarity, even among full-size SUVs, but it's less impressive as a cargo hauler, because the third-row seats don't fold into the floor, as is the case in competitors. The only way to get the most out of the Yukon's commendable 109 cubic feet of cargo capacity is to remove the rather heavy third-row seats -- and then find a place to store them.
2014 GMC Yukon models
The 2014 GMC Yukon is a full-size SUV with three rows of seats. Eight-passenger seating is standard, but optional seating configurations allow the Yukon to accommodate as many as nine occupants or as few as seven. There are three trim levels available: SLE, SLT and Denali. There is an extended-length version known as the Yukon XL covered in a separate review.
The SLE comes standard with 17-inch wheels, a locking rear differential, roof rails, automatic headlights, running boards, heated outside mirrors, a remote ignition, tri-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, six-way power front bucket seats (manual recline), a leather-wrapped tilt-only steering wheel, power-adjustable pedals, Bluetooth phone connectivity, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, OnStar and a nine-speaker Bose sound system with satellite radio, iPod/USB interface, auxiliary audio jack, CD player and rear seat headphone jacks. The SLE can be optioned with a 40/20/40-split three-person front bench seat that raises seating capacity from eight to nine.
The SLT adds foglights, leather upholstery, the Convenience package and the expanded availability of optional content. Options include an Off-Road Suspension package, heated eight-way power front seats with driver memory, ventilated front seats and a navigation system (with traffic updates, music storage and an auto-dimming rearview mirror). The SLT-2 Equipment package adds a power liftgate, power-folding mirrors, a heated steering wheel, heated second-row seats and a second-row power seat release. You can also swap out the standard second-row bench seat for optional captain's chairs, dropping seating capacity to seven.
The Denali includes all the above, except for the Off-Road package. It also comes with 20-inch alloy wheels, an upgraded adaptive suspension (with load-leveling in the rear), unique styling cues, additional interior sound insulation, a blind-spot warning system and a 10-speaker surround-sound Bose audio system.
Some of the features on upper trims are available as options on the lower trims, while a sunroof and rear-seat entertainment system are optional for every Yukon. All trim levels come standard with a tow package; an integrated trailer brake controller is optional.
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Also Consider
2024 GMC Yukon Denali
SLE, SLT, AT4, Denali and Denali Ultimate
Starting MSRP$74,805
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.
AdvertisementAt a Glance:
Also Consider
Build Your 2024 Yukon Denali
- 7 Colors
- 5 Trims
- 5 Packages
- $74,805starting MSRP
Build & PriceGMC.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.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3 out of 5 stars3/5Above Average
#9 out of 16 among Fullsize SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the GMC Yukon from 2008-2022.$638/yr
vs. $614/yr
for Average Fullsize SUV
for Average Fullsize SUV
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.26x/yr
vs. 1.59x/yr
for Average Fullsize SUV
for Average Fullsize SUV
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).19.3%
vs. 16.7%
for Average Fullsize SUV
for Average Fullsize SUV
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2014 GMC Yukon.
5 star(65%)
4 star(9%)
3 star(6%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(17%)
32 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
Traditional SUV
James82, 07/26/2010
2010 GMC Yukon Denali 4dr SUV AWD (6.2L 8cyl 6A)
After owning a 2000 Dodge Durango for 10 years it was time to replace it. I like the space and comfort that a traditional truck based SUV provides and the GMC Yukon did not disappoint. Even though the price tag was pushing close to a base Escalade, a fully loaded Denali seemed like a better choice. This car has an impressive tow rating which helps me for work, the fuel economy is as … expected from a large SUV and an average of 14 mpg city and 22 mpg highway is okay coming from a previous guzzler so I'm used to it. This car is the ultimate road trip car with lots of space and comfortable seats. A good family car that can also hold its own during offroading and one of the best SUVs you can buy.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Right choice
hjt777, 04/13/2011
2011 GMC Yukon Denali 4dr SUV AWD (6.2L 8cyl 6A)
I traded in my 8 year old Trailblazer on a 2011 Yukon Denali.
I'm hoping to get the same result with the Denali as having 0 problems in the future. Good to hope anyway.
The Suv drives real smooth on the road and is fun to drive.
Size works fine in the garage and the wife has no problems driving.
Rear view camera and nav are a welcome addition. no real negative comments as after 500 miles … I have zero buyers remorse.
4.63 out of 5 stars
Our third Yukon; still love 'em
drat19, 04/14/2011
2011 GMC Yukon SLT 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 6A)
The '11 Yuke does just about everything better than our '06 did.
The ride is smoother, the seats more comfortable, and GM has finally caught up to the competition in terms of refinement and the usefulness of the electronic gadgetry.
The stereo and nav system are very solid, and the iPod integration via the USB port is killer.
It also looks gorgeous (esp. in the RJT color)...we began … receiving parking lot compliments the first place we parked it, and that continues.
You don't buy this vehicle for the gas mileage; you buy it because you want it for what it is...the most capable true full-size SUV on the road.
Towing, cargo, passenger comfort - the Yukon has it all.
3 out of 5 stars
Engine failure at 110,000 miles
Frank Pocino, 06/24/2016
2010 GMC Yukon Denali 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 6A)
I had to replace my Yukon with brand new engine at 110,000 miles because of cam/lifter failure. No help from GM or dealer. Apparently I am not alone. I have owned four Yukons/Suburbans. This is my last.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2014 GMC Yukon, so we've included reviews for other years of the Yukon since its last redesign.
2014 Yukon Highlights
SLE
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $44,455 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Flex-fuel (ffv) |
Combined MPG | 17 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $247/month |
Seating | 8 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 16.9 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Yukon include:
- Back-up camera
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
4 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover22.8%
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