This newest and improved 2023 GMC Yukon is an appealing pick for a large SUV. With a comfortable ride and roomy interior, you no longer have to make as many concessions if you need a big truck-based SUV for towing. It's also relatively easy to drive, especially when equipped with its suite of useful tech features. But the loaded-up trim levels, such as the Denali, are seriously expensive. Similarly priced big SUVs from Mercedes and BMW are more refined and fuel-efficient.
The 2023 GMC Yukon is a large three-row SUV with seating for up to nine passengers. Backed by a set of powerful engines, the Yukon is designed to move people and cargo with ease and comfort. Truck-based SUVs like the Yukon are particularly useful for towing and hauling, areas where more popular car-based crossovers can struggle. That's no issue for the Yukon and its available turbocharged diesel engine and two available V8s.
For 2023, the Yukon Denali Ultimate package has morphed into a trim level that includes unique upholstery and interior trim. It should help further set it apart from the Tahoe, though with that many features, prices push into the territory of the mechanically identical Cadillac Escalade.
Crossovers rule the sales charts, but that doesn't mean the full-size SUV segment has been abandoned. In addition to the Tahoe, the Yukon has to contend with the Ford Expedition, Jeep Wagoneer, Nissan Armada and newly redesigned Toyota Sequoia. And if the Yukon isn't quite big enough, check out the longer Yukon XL and its vastly expanded cargo area. We just hope parking isn't an issue. Check out our Expert Rating below for our test team's full evaluation on the GMC Yukon.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
Driven, tested, rated by automotive expert Cameron Rogers
Average
7.6
out of 10
We drove the 2023 GMC Yukon on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Performance
7.5/10
How does the Yukon drive? The Yukon Denali, which is what we tested, is the only model in the lineup that comes standard with a 6.2-liter V8. The engine produces gobs of power, and the Denali's 6.6-second sprint to 60 mph is among the segment's quickest. The 10-speed automatic transmission, though smooth and pleasant enough in everyday driving, takes a few beats to shift into a lower gear when you put your foot down. We also noticed that the transmission treats pushes of manual gear selector buttons more like suggestions than commands.
The Yukon's substantial weight and top-heavy design sabotage any chance of praiseworthy handling. It's something you have to accept with a vehicle this large. On the upside, the brakes make it easy to stop smoothly, and the light steering effort is perfect for navigating a crowded Costco lot. The Denali isn't as capable off-road as the AT4 trim, but its air suspension and two-speed transfer case will get you out of some tough spots.
Comfort
7.5/10
How comfortable is the Yukon? The new independent rear suspension design works wonders for the Yukon's ride quality. That combined with the adaptive dampers and air suspension makes it ride only slightly busier than a car-based SUV. Another highlight is the quiet cabin. The Yukon is essentially a giant brick cutting through the air, yet wind noise is barely noticeable. The climate system is noteworthy, funneling large amounts of air to all three rows.
Seat comfort is less impressive. The bolsters up front are flat, and the seats lack the extensive adjustments found in competing SUVs. Some of our drivers started to get uncomfortable after just a few hours of driving. The second-row seats are flat as well, and none of the seats in the third row feel remotely sculpted to the human body.
Interior
7.5/10
How’s the interior? All three rows have enough headroom and leg space for adults. The Yukon is also easy to get in and out of — provided you have enough clearance to swing the big doors out. The large door openings, tall roof and sliding second-row seats make third-row access a cinch. Front sight lines are pretty good, though the thick rear pillars obscure your view somewhat. The available 360-degree camera system is terrifically useful in parking spots.
The controls up front are a mix of virtual buttons and chunky physical knobs and switches. Some are easy to discern without taking your eyes off the road, while others are grouped and located in odd places. The driver's seat offers plenty of sliding and height-adjustment range, but a lack of additional seat adjustments makes it hard to find an ideal driving position.
Technology
8/10
How’s the tech? The Yukon offers a useful array of tech features and driving aids. The infotainment interface is graphically unimpressive compared to luxury rivals, but it gets the job done and responds quickly to inputs. The Bose audio system is impressive, with a wallop of bass that doesn't overpower instruments or vocals. You can connect to it through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both of which support wireless connections. Our Denali had seven seats, and between the USB ports and a wireless charging pad, there were enough power points for every occupant to charge simultaneously.
GMC doesn't fit the Yukon with many standard driving aids, and we cannot fathom why adaptive cruise control is only available on the top-level Denali trim. At least the systems all work pretty well.
Storage
8/10
How’s the storage? A from-the-ground-up rethink of the Yukon pays dividends in the cargo area. Space behind the third row measures 25.5 cubic feet — roughly 50% more than the previous model. Fold all of the rear seats and you get a whopping 122.9 cubes of storage, which is more than what you get from the Ford Expedition, Nissan Armada or Toyota Sequoia. There are also many areas throughout the cabin offers for storing your small personal items, including a deep bin below the center stack and two-tier storage on every door. The optional sliding center console is useful for hiding small items, but it reduces underarm storage by splitting the cubby into two compartments.
Planning to use your Yukon to shuttle around small children? The second-row car seat anchors are immediately visible and easy to access, and the Yukon's gargantuan cabin ensures you'll have no problem fitting a set of child seats.
As for towing, the Yukon can pull up to 8,000 pounds when equipped with 4WD and the 6.2-liter engine; the Yukon's max tow rating of 8,400 pounds comes with rear-wheel drive and the 5.3-liter engine. This is more than car-based luxury SUVs can handle, but a comparable Ford Expedition can pull an additional 900 pounds.
Fuel Economy
7/10
How’s the fuel economy? The 4WD Yukon Denali, which we tested, gets an EPA-estimated 16 mpg combined (14 city/19 highway). The Ford Expedition Platinum is quicker in a straight line and is rated 3 mpg higher in all categories. The Yukon is a bit more efficient than the Toyota Sequoia and Nissan Armada. If you don't need the raw towing capacity, the turbocharged six-cylinders of the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7 are rated at 20 and 21 mpg combined, respectively.
Real-world results are closer than expected between the GMC and Ford rivals. The Yukon returned 18.4 mpg in our 115-mile highway-heavy test route. Meanwhile, the Expedition posted similar figures but is supposed to be more efficient based on its EPA estimates.
Value
7.5/10
Is the Yukon a good value? It's difficult to rate the Yukon Denali on value. On one hand, it's more expensive than a similarly equipped Ford Expedition or Nissan Armada and it's priced almost the same as a Mercedes GLS or BMW X7. Both of these luxury SUVs are more refined and upscale, but they can't tow as much. As it stands, the Yukon Denali is an interesting middle ground between mainstream and large luxury SUVs. And as such, its interior materials are pretty nice without being awesome.
GMC's bumper-to-bumper warranty of three years/36,000 miles and powertrain coverage and roadside assistance for five years/60,000 miles are typical for the class. GMC covers the first scheduled maintenance visit.
Wildcard
7.5/10
The Yukon is entertaining in a straight line — the 6.2-liter V8 is a muscular delight. But the reluctance of the transmission to shift when called upon saps some fun, as does the ultra-intrusive stability control system. That, plus the considerable amount of body roll, makes this less a joy to drive than one of its car-based luxury competitors.
This blocky SUV is charming in its own way, however. With its chrome-trimmed exterior, it looks like something Nick Fury would drive, so you feel pretty cool from behind the wheel. The boisterous V8 brims with personality, and features such as the power-retractable side steps and rear entertainment system are neat touches.
The GMC Yukon is a large three-row SUV with seating for seven to nine passengers depending on configuration. The 2023 Yukon is sold in five trim levels: SLE, SLT, AT4, Denali and Denali Ultimate, the last of which is new for this year.
Which Yukon trim does Edmunds recommend?
We suggest going with the midlevel Yukon SLT. For the premium you pay over the base model, the SLT includes niceties like leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and an upgraded audio system.Compare 2023 GMC Yukon trim levels
The 2023 GMC Yukon has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 4 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 3 out of 5, ranks it #9 out of 16 among Fullsize SUVs. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating 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
$638/yr
vs. $614/yr for Average Fullsize SUV
Frequency
1.26x/yr
vs. 1.59x/yr for Average Fullsize SUV
Severity
19.3%
vs. 16.7% for Average Fullsize SUV
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
4 recalls found
Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
Recall Number:
25V274000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
N252494000
Number of vehicles affected:
597571
Defect Description:
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
Defect Consequence:
Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install a new oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 9, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252494000.
Recall Number:
24V674000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
N242447990
Number of vehicles affected:
449671
Defect Description:
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Escalade ESV vehicles. The electronic brake control module software may fail to display a warning light when a loss of brake fluid occurs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Defect Consequence:
Without a warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
The Electronic Brake Control Module (eBCM) software will be updated through an over-the-air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2024. Owners can contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N242447990.
Recall Number:
23V642000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
N232415910
Number of vehicles affected:
189
Defect Description:
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The rear suspension outer control arm bolts may not have been properly heat-treated, which can cause the bolts to break.
Defect Consequence:
A broken suspension bolt can result in misalignment of the rear wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will replace both rear suspension outer control arm bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 6, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232415910.
Recall Number:
22V903000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
N222386380
Number of vehicles affected:
740108
Defect Description:
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Defect Consequence:
DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222386380. This recall expands previous recall number 22V-827.
I love most things about this vehicle. I am not happy about all of the noises and repair work that has been done so far in order to "attempt" to fix them. Muffler replaced, alternator and serpentine belts, top engine cleaner twice, gmc logo that lights up on the ground replaced and whatever else they discover trying to elliminate the noises. Sputter going up hill with hesitation. … Whopping on outside passenger front door at high speed, chirping on start up, rattle/chirp when accellerating and decellerating.
Too many software bugs.
1 out of 5 stars
DJ, 09/13/2022
2022 GMC Yukon SLT 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 10A)
With 148 miles on it the volume decides to go full blast without the ability to turn it down, change the input, or turn it off. Stopped on the side of the road 3 time and turn it off the vehicle the same result. Onstar hung up on me 3 time in addition to being transferred 10 time without warning. No one at GM can state how to factory reset the infotainment system (with google asst). On … another day all interior lights were on in the morning. Checked all doors and ensured the lights were turned off. Lights went off and 5 min later decided to turn back on. Could not get the AC to blow out of overhead, then the following day worked fine. Additionally the drivers seat, mirrors, and steering column are suppose to move to the memory settings depending on the key; this function works when it wants to. We like the size but overall this a lemon!!!! Trader in a 2021 Suburban with a sunroof leak that "could not be replicated". GM needs to step up their game. We are already prepared to get rid of this one, and have started looking. We are done with GM products.
Do not buy GM products
1 out of 5 stars
Fredo, 11/30/2023
2022 GMC Yukon Denali 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A)
I strongly advise against purchasing GM products; they proved to be unreliable. After spending $93,000 on my 2022 Denali, a necessary software upgrade resulted in a faulty OnStar module. The download error caused constant software restarts, draining my battery and damaging the module. Despite this occurring on September 23, 2023, my Denali is still at the shop with no ETA for the … replacement module.
GM's dealerships and service departments have been disappointingly unhelpful. The customer service is abysmal, as confirmed by a GM manager who explained that once a vehicle is sold, it loses priority. I'm left paying for a luxury truck that I can't drive.
This experience has convinced me that this will be my last GM purchase.
I hope your company learns from misusing the trust placed in you, as I can't determine what's worse — your unreliable products, poor customer service, or unhelpful dealerships.
GMC, what in the world?!
2 out of 5 stars
Sarah, 09/23/2022
2022 GMC Yukon Denali 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A)
We purchased our GMC Yukon Denali XL in Nov 2021. We expected a luxury vehicle. GMC did not deliver on that expectation! Since the first week we owned it (with 8 miles on it), we noticed the acceleration was not smooth and felt it slipping. Within a week or two of that, on the highway a shredding noise from underneath began to happen. Imagine running over tar (well in Michigan it’s not … imaginary) that is the sound it makes constantly with speeds over 60mph. Oh and don’t take it to the Smoky Mountains because your service engine light will come on since this “beast” cannot handle the terrain. Here we are 10 months later and the radio volume decided it wanted to turn down your music as you attempt to turn it up. And today, after having the defrost on and switching the vent system over to feet, it will only blow face regardless of the setting it is on. Overall, we are extremely disappointed with the vehicle and are in the process of looking into getting rid of it. Shame on GMC for pushing these less than mediocre vehicles out to consumers.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 GMC Yukon, so we've included reviews for other years of the Yukon since its last redesign.
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