more about this model 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
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.
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 GMC Yukon and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 Yukon 3.7 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.
Vehicle
Denali 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 8A)
Review
We did alot research on SUV's and found some challenges with capacity, luxury and a reasonable price. We really liked the Lexus LX 570 but the price 90K+. We looked at the Infiniti QX80 and while it was clearly the most luxurious the exterior was less than desirable. We considered the Cadillac Escalade but found that it had the same capacity and motor as the GMC Yukon Denali at 20K+ dollars more with interior differences. We also considered the Tahoe but when we priced it out with all the options it was the same price as the Denali. All in all the Yukon was the best bang for the buck and quite frankly it just looked better. Our research showed that it was a mix of happiness with owners from 15 and 16 years as these models had alot or recurring issues. We learned that many of the issues were to be resolved in 2017 and decided to lease one. Ours is fully loaded and we really like the technology GM brought to the table. The onstar app and myGMC app are designed well. Our only issue is that sometimes the apple play does't start when connected to the iPhone and we are unsure if it is the USB port or the iPhone cable. It gets great gas mileage as well. We really like the look and the ride and love the fact that is a truck base SUV vs a car base which provides us with more options. If you are looking for a luxury SUV with technology, towing and capacity to seat that is truck base this is your truck.
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2017 GMC Yukon
Edmunds Value
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
The 2017 Gmc Yukon earned a 4-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and "GOOD" ratings from the IIHS in the following caregories: and a JD POWER overall quality rating of 2.0 out of 5. Among Edmunds' many tools and resources for finding your perfect car are detailed safety ratings and analysis from NHTSA, IIHS, and JD Power, including overall ratings, frontal barrier crash ratings, side impact tests and crash ratings, rollover test results, roof strength tests, rear crash protection and head restraint ratings, side barrier ratings, combined side barrier and pole ratings, and more.
Available GMC Yukon 2017 Submodel Types: SUV
Available Trims: Denali, SLT, SLE, SLT2, SLE1, SLT1, SLE2
Exterior Colors: Onyx Black, Summit White , White Frost Tricoat, White Diamond Tricoat, Quicksilver Metallic, Iridium Metallic, Silver Birch Metallic, Crimson Red Tintcoat, Summit White, Sport Red Metallic, Dark Sapphire Blue Metallic, Steel Gray Metallic, Deep Blue Metallic, Gold Mist Metallic, Mineral Metallic, Carbon Metallic, Red Jewel Tintcoat, Carbon Black Metallic, Pure Silver Metallic, Stealth Gray Metallic , Storm Gray Metallic, Blue-Green Crystal, Champagne Silver Metallic, Crystal Red Tintcoat, Indigo Blue Metallic, Mocha Steel Metallic, Polo Green Metallic, Bronze Alloy Metallic, Dark Slate Metallic, Midnight Amethyst Metallic, Pewter Metallic, Sandalwood Metallic, Sparkling Silver Metallic, Antique Bronze Metallic, Deep Indigo Metallic, Light Steel Gray Metallic, Sand Beige Metallic, Satin Steel Metallic, Sonoma Red Metallic
Interior Colors: Jet Black leather, Ebony premium leather, Jet Black premium leather, Cocoa/Shale leather, Ebony leather, Cocoa/Dune leather, Stone Gray, Cocoa/Light Cashmere premium leather, Light Titanium premium cloth, Jet Black premium cloth, Sandstone, Cocoa/Shale premium leather, Pewter/Dark Pewter, Cocoa/Dark Atmosphere premium leather, Ebony premium cloth, Cocoa/Dune premium leather, Light Tan leather, Light Tan premium cloth, Cocoa/Dark Atmosphere leather, Ebony vinyl, Neutral/Shale, Cocoa/Cashmere premium leather, Light Titanium leather, Stone Gray leather, Sandstone leather, Cocoa/Dune premium cloth, Light Tan premium leather, Gray, Medium Dark Pewter, Neutral Tan/Shale, Neutral/Shale cloth, Pewter/Dark Pewter leather
Popular Features: Fold Flat Rear Seats, Power Driver Seat, Rear Bench Seats, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Trip Computer, Towing Hitch, AWD/4WD, Stability Control, Tire Pressure Warning, Post-collision safety system, Auto Climate Control, Third-row seating, Aux Audio Inputs, Leather Seats, Alarm, 8000lb Towing Capacity, Heated seats, Electronic Folding Mirrors, Remote Start, Parking sensors, Back-up camera, Power Liftgate/Trunk, Bluetooth, Navigation, USB Inputs, 2nd Row Bucket Seats, Cooled Seats, Sunroof/Moonroof, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Entertainment System, Mobile Internet, Keyless Entry/Start, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, Pre-collision safety system, Upgraded Headlights, Heads up display, 6000lb Towing Capacity, Adaptive Cruise Control, Upgraded Stereo, Upgraded Engine
Engine/Mechanics: 8 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC
Fuel Types: flex-fuel (unleaded/E85), premium unleaded (recommended), regular unleaded, flex-fuel (premium unleaded recommended/E85)
Drivetrains: four wheel drive, all wheel drive, rear wheel drive
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
