2017 GMC Yukon
Pros
- Seating for up to nine passengers
- Standard V8 engine delivers ample passing power and a stout tow rating
- Clean cabin design is one of the best in the class
- Available two-speed transfer case gives the Yukon the ability to tackle difficult off-road terrain
Cons
- Maximum passenger capacity is available only in the base model
- Less cargo room than car-based SUVs of similar size
- Hard to maneuver in tight spaces
- High cargo floor height makes loading bulky items difficult
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
If you need an SUV that's as good at towing your boat as it is hauling your family, the 2017 GMC Yukon is the kind of vehicle you should consider. It's based on GM's line of full-size trucks, so the Yukon has the kind of rugged construction that's well suited to towing heavy loads. Properly equipped, the Yukon also offers better off-road capabilities than some of its car-based competitors.
On the downside, the truck-based Yukon also drives much like a truck, so its handling, comfort and maneuverability are all compromised. Crossover SUVs, such as the GMC Acadia, are based on passenger cars, making them easier to drive and more fuel-efficient.
As a result, we encourage shoppers to check out the Yukon's competition before fully committing. Rivals include the Nissan Armada, Toyota Sequoia and Ford Expedition. The nearly identical Chevrolet Tahoe is worth mentioning as well because it costs a little bit less, but the Yukon's larger 6.2-liter V8 is not offered.
Standard safety features on all 2017 GMC Yukon models include antilock disc brakes, traction control, stability control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, front and rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera. A center airbag between the front bucket seats (when so equipped) aids in side-impact crashes. Also standard is OnStar, which includes automatic crash notification, on-demand roadside assistance, remote door unlocking, stolen vehicle assistance and turn-by-turn navigation, as well as a teen-driver management system.
Available safety equipment includes forward collision alert with auto braking, lane departure warning and lane keeping assist, a vibrating safety-alert seat, rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring.
In Edmunds brake testing, a mechanically similar four-wheel-drive Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ came to a stop from 60 mph in 126 feet. A rear-wheel-drive, lesser equipped Tahoe stopped in 121 feet. Both are short distances for a vehicle in this class, but we disliked the soft, long-travel pedal that elicits little confidence.
In government crash tests, the Yukon earned a four out of five stars for overall performance, with five stars for front- and side-impact protection and three stars for rollover protection.
trim levels & features
The 2017 GMC Yukon is a full-size SUV offered in SLE, SLT and Denali trim levels. Most Yukons you'll see have seating for eight passengers, but there is an optional front bench seat on the SLE trim that increases capacity to nine. Second-row bucket seats are available on the SLT trim and standard on the Denali; they reduce passenger capacity to seven. The larger Yukon XL is covered in a separate review.
Standard features for the SLE trim include 18-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, foglights, side assist steps, roof rails, front and rear parking sensors, automatic wipers, cruise control, remote keyless entry and ignition, and a trailer hitch receiver with a wiring harness.
On the inside, you get tri-zone automatic climate control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats with a 10-way power driver seat, 60/40-split folding second- and third-row seats, a tilt-only leather-wrapped steering wheel, a teen-driver monitoring system, OnStar emergency telematics with navigation, a 110-volt household power outlet, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, the IntelliLink infotainment system, a Wi-Fi hot spot, an 8-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera and a Bose nine-speaker audio system with a CD player, satellite and HD radio, mobile apps, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and auxiliary and USB input.
The optional Enhanced Driver Alert package adds forward collision warning with low-speed automatic braking, a vibrating safety-alert driver seat, automatic high beams and lane keeping assist. The Convenience package adds a power liftgate, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, power-adjustable pedals and a universal garage door opener.
The SLT trim includes all of the above, along with a hands-free liftgate, power-folding mirrors, an auto-dimming driver-side mirror, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, keyless entry and ignition, leather upholstery, a heated, power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 12-way power driver and front passenger seat, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, power-folding second- and third-row seats, driver-seat memory functions and a wireless charging pad.
The top-of-the-line Denali trim adds a bigger, more powerful engine, 20-inch wheels, xenon headlights, a Magnetic Ride Control adaptive suspension, a trailer brake controller, a head-up display, active noise cancellation, second-row bucket seats, a navigation system with real-time traffic and a 10-speaker surround-sound system.
Some features on higher-trimmed models are available on supporting models at additional cost. Optional features for SLE and SLT trims include 22-inch wheels and an HD Trailering package (unique axle ratio, trailer brake controller and a self-leveling suspension). The SLT and Denali are eligible for a sunroof, adaptive cruise control with automatic braking, and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. The Denali also offers power-retractable side steps.
The 2017 GMC Yukon is available with two different engines, based on trim level. SLE and SLT models come with a 5.3-liter V8 engine that produces 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. It is paired to a six-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels on base models or all four wheels if you opt for all-wheel drive. A single-speed transfer case is standard on four-wheel-drive models, but a two-speed transfer case with low-range gearing is available as an option for improved performance in tricky off-road situations. Properly equipped, the maximum tow rating for the two-wheel-drive Yukon SLE or SLT is 8,500 pounds.
The EPA estimates fuel economy at 19 mpg combined (16 city/23 highway) with two-wheel drive and 18 mpg combined (16 city/22 highway) with four-wheel drive. In Edmunds testing, a mechanically similar four-wheel-drive Chevrolet Tahoe accelerated to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds, which is a solid performance, though several competitors are quicker.
The 2017 GMC Yukon Denali is powered by a 6.2-liter V8 that produces 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. It comes with an eight-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive, while the optional four-wheel drive includes a standard two-speed transfer case. Its maximum towing capacity is 8,400 pounds. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 17 mpg combined (15 city/22 highway) with two-wheel drive and 17 mpg combined (15 city/20 highway) for the four-wheel-drive model.
driving
The 2017 GMC Yukon's 5.3-liter V8 is certainly capable when it comes to hauling a full load of people and cargo. It can deliver strong acceleration, too, but the engine often feels lazy due to sluggish throttle response. To its credit, the 5.3-liter V8 is smooth and quiet, and contrary to what you might expect, this engine also has a slightly higher tow rating that the Denali versions with the larger 6.2-liter engine.
At a time when car-based crossovers have taken over the SUV market, the Yukon still boasts rugged, truck-based underpinnings that can handle heavy-duty tasks such as towing trailers and hitting the trails. Be prepared for trade-offs, however, as those same traits make the Yukon feel less refined on city streets. The suspension ably smooths over larger road imperfections and undulations, but shakes and shudders are noticeable over smaller ripples and bumps. The available adaptive Magnetic Ride Control suspension might improve things a bit, but only marginally. On the plus side, the cabin does remain pleasantly quiet on the highway.
interior
Inside the 2017 GMC Yukon, there's a wealth of space for passengers in the first two rows of seats, and materials quality is above average for the class. Despite its size, it's easy to see out of, and the standard rear parking sensors and rearview camera reduce the stress of maneuvering in tight spaces.
Taller drivers will easily fit, but the base SLE trim's lack of a telescoping steering wheel may extend their reach more than they'd prefer. The second-row seats, whether a bench or the optional buckets, are just as roomy, but the folding mechanisms limit the range of adjustments. The third-row seats are flat with thin cushioning by comparison, and the high floor significantly reduces legroom.
Cargo capacity doesn't fare any better, with only 15.3 cubic feet available behind the third row, 51.6 cubic feet behind the second row and a maximum of 94.7 cubic feet with both rows folded flat. Not only is the space limited compared to the competition, but the load floor itself is inconveniently high in order to house the folding third-row bench seats. This makes loading bulky cargo more strenuous, especially for smaller people.
Features & Specs
| Denali 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 8A) | SLT 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 6A) | SLT 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 6A) | Denali 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 8A) | SLE 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 6A) | SLE 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 6A) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $68,965 | $60,315 | $57,315 | $65,965 | $48,530 | $51,530 |
| MPG | 17 | 18 | 19 | 17 | 19 | 18 |
| Seating | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Fuel | gas | flex-fuel (FFV) | flex-fuel (FFV) | gas | flex-fuel (FFV) | flex-fuel (FFV) |
| Horsepower | 420 hp @ 5600 rpm | 355 hp @ 5600 rpm | 355 hp @ 5600 rpm | 420 hp @ 5600 rpm | 355 hp @ 5600 rpm | 355 hp @ 5600 rpm |
Safety
Top Consumer Reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2017 GMC Yukon
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2017 GMC Yukon video
JOSH SADLIER: This is Edmund's editor, Josh Sadlier, and here's an expert rundown of the 2017 GMC Yukon. The Yukon is a throwback to when SUVs were SUVs, based on trucks designed to be beasts of burden with some extra shelter for people sitting in the back. That's not the case with most SUVs these days. They're based on cars or car-like platforms, but the Yukon, still derived from GM's full-sized trucks got a 5.3 liter V8 under the hood, 355 horsepower. You can tow a lot. You can haul a lot. If you need that kind of capability to Yukon's one of the few vehicles left that's going to serve that purpose. Cargo capacity is hampered somewhat by the high loading floor. That's a Legacy problem stemming from the pickup truck underpinnings. But there's still plenty of cargo space and seating for up to nine inside, which makes the Yukon a very rare creature in today's market. We like the roomy second row seat in the Yukon. Plenty of room for adults in their, head room, leg room, whatever you like. Third row is a bit cramped, thanks to that high floor though. Moving to the front seats, you sit up nice and high. Again, there's plenty of space, and note the stylish dashboard. That's a change that GM made a few years ago to these full-sized SUVs, now a sleeker, more upscale look and feel from the driver's seat. The bottom line with the Yukon is that it's a great pick if you need its massive capabilities, but if you don't, would recommend trying some crossover SUVs to see if you prefer the way they drive. For more Edmund's expert rundowns, click the link to subscribe.
2017 GMC Yukon Expert Rundown Review
Looking for a truck-based vehicle that's capable of towing heavy loads and tackling off-road trails? The 2017 GMC Yukon might be a good fit. Here's a quick rundown of what we like, what we don't and the bottom line from the Edmunds editors.
2017 GMC Yukon for Sale
White Frost Tricoat Cocoa/Dark Atmosphere leather
Contact King Buick GMC today for information on dozens of vehicles like this 2017 GMC Yukon Denali. This GMC includes: OPEN ROAD PACKAGE Generic Sun/Moonroof Satellite Radio Sun/Moonroof Entertainment System LPO, POLISHED EXHAUST TIPS (DEALER-INSTALLED) WHITE FROST TRICOAT TRANSMISSION, 8-SPEED AUTOMATIC 8-Speed A/T Transmission w/Dual Shift Mode Transmission Overdrive Switch A/T ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL Adaptive Cruise Control Cruise Control EMISSIONS, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OREGON, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT AND WASHINGTON STATE REQUIREMENTS ENGINE, 6.2L ECOTEC3 V8 Flex Fuel Capability 8 Cylinder Engine LPO, 22' Chrome Wheels *Note - For third party subscriptions or services, please contact the dealer for more information.* Want more room? Want more style? This GMC Yukon is the vehicle for you. You appreciate the finer things in life, the vehicle you drive should not be the exception. Style, performance, sophistication is in a class of its own with this stunning GMC Yukon. This 4WD-equipped vehicle will handle majestically on any terrain and in any weather condition your may find yourself in. The benefits of driving an Four Wheel Drive vehicle, such as this GMCYukon Denali, include superior acceleration, improved steering, and increased traction and stability. Put away your phone and focus on the road, your N vehicle has navigation. Added comfort with contemporary style is the leather interior to heighten the quality and craftsmanship for the GMC Yukon Give your passengers the best ride ever with a premium entertainment package.
Mineral Metallic Jet Black leather
OPEN ROAD PACKAGE,ASSIST STEPS; POWER-RETRACTABLE,ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL,Leather Seats,Navigation System,3rd Row Seat,DARK SAPPHIRE BLUE METALLIC,Lane Keeping Assist,Keyless Start,Bluetooth Connection,Heads-Up Display,Cooled Front Seat(s),EMISSIONS; CONNECTICUT; DELAWARE; MAINE; MARYLAND; MASSACHUSETTS; NEW JERSEY; NEW YORK; OREGON; PENNSYLVANIA; RHODE ISLAND; VERMONT AND WASHINGTON STATE REQUIREMENTS,ENGINE; 6.2L ECOTEC3 V8,JET BLACK; PERFORATED LEATHER-APPOINTED SEAT TRIM,TRANSMISSION; 8-SPEED AUTOMATIC
This outstanding example of a 2017 GMC Yukon Denali is offered by King Buick GMC. Want more room? Want more style? This GMC Yukon is the vehicle for you. You deserve a vehicle designed for higher expectations. This GMC Yukon delivers with a luxurious, well-appointed interior and world-class engineering. This vehicle comes with 4WD for better traction on unstable surfaces, like snow and dirt to give you the edge over anything you might encounter on the road. Put away your phone and focus on the road, your N vehicle has navigation. Intricately stitched leather and ergonomic design seats are among the details in which test drivers say that GMC Yukon is in a league of its own
Built on GM’s full-size truck platform, the 2017 GMC Yukon will primarily appeal to shoppers who need a large SUV with moderate off-road capability that can transport a lot of people and tow a heavy trailer. The trade-off is that the Yukon is, at heart, a truck, so it doesn’t have the more nimble handling and comfortable ride of some of its car-based rivals. But for those whose requirements lean more toward regular boat-hauling than daily in-town chores, the Yukon could be the right choice.
The 2017 Yukon is a carryover model, so updates for this year are few. Some changes include the Teen Driver monitoring system, which is now standard, available low-speed forward automatic braking, heated and ventilated leather seats on the SLT trim level, an upgraded rear-seat entertainment system, active grille shutters and a new Dark Sapphire Blue Metallic exterior color.
The styling remains big and boxy, which makes for a good amount of interior space for up to nine passengers and a fair-sized load of stuff. But unless buyers opt for the longer Yukon XL model, they may find that cargo room is somewhat limited for such a large vehicle. The surprisingly car like and quiet interior design surrounds occupants with high-quality, soft materials and wood-grained trim. And various packages and accessories allow buyers to pile on as much luxury and convenience as they desire.
Standard power for the SLE and SLT trim levels comes from a 5.3-liter V8 engine that makes 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque and comes mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The higher-trim Denali is propelled by a 6.2-liter V8 that produces 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque and comes with a standard eight-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel drive is an option on all models.
Despite its seemingly adequate output, the base engine has been criticized for sluggish throttle response, a condition exacerbated by late shifts from the standard six-speed transmission. Still, the 5.3-liter V8 has enough power to make the Yukon a capable highway performer, and once up to speed it’s smooth and quiet. But buyers looking for more power and quicker acceleration might want to consider the 6.2-liter engine.
Fuel economy for the Yukon equipped with rear-wheel drive and the standard engine is EPA rated at 19 mpg combined (16 mpg city/ 23 mpg highway). The two-wheel- drive model with the optional 6.2-liter V8 is rated at 17 mpg combined (15 city/ 22 highway). A dding four-wheel drive will drop the ratings by one or two mpg.
The base SLE Yukon comes very well equipped with such niceties as tri-zone automatic climate control, remote start and an infotainment system with eight-inch color touchscreen controls. The SLT trim level adds a number of comfort and convenience features, while the top-of-the-line Denali includes features like magnetic ride control, a head-up display and a navigation system. Whatever your choice, let Edmunds help you find the best 2017 GMC Yukon to meet your needs.
2017 GMC Yukon Overview
The 2017 GMC Yukon is offered in the following submodels: . Available styles include Denali 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 8A), SLT 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 6A), SLT 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 6A), Denali 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 8A), SLE 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 6A), and SLE 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 6A).
What do people think of the 2017 GMC Yukon?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 GMC Yukon and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 Yukon 3 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2017 Yukon.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 GMC Yukon and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 Yukon featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2017 GMC Yukon?
2017 GMC Yukon Denali 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 8A)
The 2017 GMC Yukon Denali 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $74,195. The average price paid for a new 2017 GMC Yukon Denali 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 8A) is trending $10,854 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $10,854 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $63,341.
The average savings for the 2017 GMC Yukon Denali 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 8A) is 14.6% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 4 2017 GMC Yukon Denali 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 8A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburn area.
Which 2017 GMC Yukons are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2017 GMC Yukon for sale near. There are currently 8 new 2017 Yukons listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $62,115 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2017 GMC Yukon. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $11,700 on a used or CPO 2017 Yukon available from a dealership near you.
Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
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2017 GMC Yukon Information
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