Summary
The GMC Yukon has long been one of the best-selling SUVs in Canada. This full-size SUV’s combination of available four-wheel drive, space for loads of passengers and massive V8 engine adds up to a real off-road vehicle. It’s not just the performance that drivers love, though—the Yukon manages to blend the look and feel of a luxury vehicle with the power and practicality of a work truck. You can go as big and fancy as you like with four models to choose from, though the upper trim levels can get quite costly.
Safety
In older, second-generation Yukons (2000-2006), you’ll find dual-level airbags and stability enhancement systems to help prevent skidding. More modern vehicles pack in an impressive suite of additional safety features. The 2018 and 2019 editions offer the following as options:
- Lane change assistance, which notifies the driver if the vehicle is drifting out of its lane
- Automatic braking to avoid low-speed collisions
- Rearview camera for parking assistance
2019 models also have a cross-traffic alert system available, which warns the driver if other vehicles get too close.
Interior
The interior of the Yukon is fairly straightforward across models, which means controls are easy to read and access. You’ll see some cosmetic changes on vehicles from 2017 onward, like different gauge colours. Some drivers have noted that the front roof pillars block cross-traffic views. Newer models from 2015 counter this with the cross-traffic safety system, however.
Technology
The infotainment system comes with an 8-inch screen on 2016 models and above, and features can be activated with voice commands. Popular features in 2016 vehicles and onwards include:
- Wireless phone charging, though you’ll also find up to 13 wired charging spots
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility as standard, so you can take calls, access music playlists and use your apps hands-free
- Rear-seat entertainment, which comes in handy for keeping passengers happy on longer drives
The SLE trim in models from 2007 comes with keyless entry, dual-zone climate control and a CD player with eight-speaker audio system, and all trims have an available navigation system, a rearview camera and a DVD entertainment system for backseat passengers on long drives.
Space
Across all model years, the Yukon is certainly not short on space—the SLE trim on the Yukon XL can seat up to nine. While space is plentiful in the first two rows, adults might have a hard time in the back. Cargo room behind the third-row seats in the non-XL can be cramped, so you’ll need to fold down the last row of seating if you’re transporting bulky luggage or equipment.
Comfort
Despite the vehicle’s weight and size, most drivers report that the Yukon handles well, though some find that the base engine can be slow to respond. If you go for a model with the larger 22-inch wheels, expect a bit of a bumpy ride. Seating is super comfortable thanks to generous padding, and models as old as 2000 have an available climate control system.
