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2026 GMC Yukon Review

The 2026 GMC Yukon is a full-size SUV for big budgets and big plans with luxury features, serious towing, and tech to make long trips feel effortless.
A white 2026 GMC Yukon on a highway
2026 GMC Yukon - gmc.com

2026 GMC Yukon Overview

You’ll find out from reading this 2026 GMC Yukon review that this vehicle isn’t built for bargain hunters. It’s aimed at families who want space, capability, and luxury without compromise. With trims starting in the low $70Ks and climbing past $100,000, this full-size SUV sits in rarefied air. It’s more than a way to get from A to B. Whether you’ve got a full cabin on a regular basis or are loading up for a cross-country vacation, the Yukon has the comfort, muscle, and refinement to make it happen.

Carsforsale.com Score
8.75/10
Powertrain
Score
8.75/10
Interior
Score
9/10
Technology
Score
9/10
Value
Score
8.5/10
Body Style

Starting Price

MSRP $72,395

Drivetrain

Drivetrain

RWD/4WD

Drivetrain

Fuel Economy

21 City / 27 Hwy

Number of Seats

Seating

Seats 8

2026 GMC Yukon Powertrain 8.75/10

The 2026 GMC Yukon has three different engine choices:

  • A 5.3-liter V8 making 355 hp and 383 lb.-ft torque
  • A 6.2-liter V8 making 420 hp and 460 lb.-ft torque
  • An available 3.0-liter Duramax Turbo-Diesel making 277 hp and 460 lb.-ft torque

If all of those engines sound familiar, it’s because they are the same options as in our 2025 GMC Yukon Review. There weren’t any powertrain updates this year, so the engines each pair with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but four-wheel drive is available. Maximum towing reaches 8,400 pounds, ideal for hauling boats or campers. At any trim level, ride quality is smooth, especially with the optional adaptive air suspension. It makes it comparable to the Jeep Wagoneer for comfort.

Fuel efficiency varies by engine, but the 3.0-liter Duramax is the clear winner at 21 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 27 mpg on the highway – impressive numbers for a full-size SUV. The worst EPA-estimated mileage the Yukon gets is with the 6.2-liter V8. That engine can achieve 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.

2026 GMC Yukon Interior 9/10

2026 GMC Yukon - gmc.com

The Yukon’s cabin feels upscale and practical. Three rows can easily seat up to eight passengers, with generous third-row legroom that measures 34.9 inches. Materials range from durable cloth in base trims to perforated leather and real wood accents in Denali models.

Cargo space is 25.5 cu-ft behind the third row and expands to 122.9 cu-ft with all the seats folded. When it comes to cargo, the Yukon competes closely with the Nissan Armada and the Ford Expedition, which made it on our list of the Best Full Size SUVs of 2025.

2026 GMC Yukon Technology 9/10

Every 2026 Yukon includes a 10.2-inch infotainment screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot, and multiple USB ports across all three rows. Higher trims add a 15-inch head-up display, premium 18 or 22-speaker Bose audio systems, and a rear-seat entertainment system.

For comfort, GMC provides eight-way power front seat adjusters, available six-way second-row seat adjusters, and power massage options in some cases.

Driver aids like blind zone steering, a rear pedestrian alert, lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking, and hill start assist are standard. Adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring appear on upper trims. GMC’s Super Cruise hands-free driving is standard on Denali Ultimate and available on all other trims.

2026 GMC Yukon Value 8.5/10

The Yukon’s pricing makes it clear this is a premium SUV. The 2026 GMC Yukon Elevation starts at $72,395 with upscale touches including heated and ventilated front seats, comfortable seating, and a healthy dose of advanced driver aids. For buyers who want additional rugged capability without sacrificing comfort, the AT4 adds off-road hardware like skid plates, all-terrain tires, and a two-speed transfer case. It’s also got a distinctive blacked-out look.

The Denali leans more into refinement with higher-end materials like real wood trim, and a few tech upgrades. At the top of the lineup, the AT4 Ultimate and Denali Ultimate cross the $100,000 mark with features like Super Cruise hands-free driving, premium Bose audio, and lavish interior finishes. Compared to rivals, the Yukon sits above the Chevy Tahoe but undercuts the Jeep Grand Wagoneer for similar luxury.

GMC backs the Yukon with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. It’s not as good as some other options in other segments, but pretty average for this segment.

Trims & Pricing

Elevation - $72,395
AT4 - $79,395
Denali - $83,195
AT4 Ultimate - $100,695
Denali Ultimate - $106,695

2026 GMC Yukon Final Score 8.75/10

2026 GMC Yukon - gmc.com

The 2026 GMC Yukon is a strong choice for families who need space. Then throw in towing muscle, a lot of quality and comfort, and the latest technology? It definitely stands out. Against competitors like the Ford Expedition and Jeep Wagoneer, the Yukon excels at efficiency and more upscale options. It gives buyers a mix of capability and luxury that’s hard to match in this segment.

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Jesse Batson

Jesse Batson earned his journalism degree from South Dakota State University. No stranger to newsgathering and reporting, Jesse spent 13 years in TV news. 10 of those years were spent working in Charlotte, NC, home of NASCAR. A highlight of his time there was being able to take a lap around the Charlotte Motor Speedway. His interest in vehicles, starting with Matchbox cars, a Big Wheel, and the Transformers, evolved into taking photos of motocross events. Now, he puts his research skills to use on car culture, reviews, and comparisons.

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