DecodedCars2005 GMC Yukon
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 1500 4dr 4X4 /Denali, 1500 4dr RWD /Sle/Slt, -Xl 1500 4dr 4x2, -Xl 1500 4dr 4X4
- Engines
- 4.8L 8-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl, 6.0L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, FFV, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 16 combined · 14 city / 19 hwy
- Length
- 198.8–219.3 in
- Curb weight
- 4,912–5,840 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 20 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2005 GMC Yukon is a SUV - offered with 3 engines (4.8L 8-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl and 6.0L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 199 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 116-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,525 lb (1500 4dr 4X4 /Denali).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 16 MPG combined (14 city / 19 highway), 11% worse than the 2005 SUV - average of 18 MPG, for an estimated $4,200 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 44 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1500 4dr 4X4 /Denali | 198.8 in | 78.7 in | 76.8 in | 116.1 in | 64.6 / 66.1 in | 5,525 lb | 53/47 |
| 1500 4dr RWD /Sle/Slt | 198.8 in | 78.7 in | 76.8 in | 116.1 in | 65 / 66.1 in | 5,042 lb | 52/48 |
| -Xl 1500 4dr 4x2 | 219.3 in | 78.7 in | 76.4 in | 129.9 in | 65 / 66.1 in | 4,912 lb | 53/47 |
| -Xl 1500 4dr 4X4 | 219.3 in | 78.7 in | 76.8 in | 129.9 in | 65 / 66.1 in | 5,121 lb | 53/47 |
| -Xl 1500 4dr AWD Denali | 219.3 in | 78.7 in | 75.6 in | 129.9 in | 65.4 / 66.5 in | 5,840 lb | 53/47 |
| -Xl 2500 4dr 4x2 | 219.3 in | 78.7 in | 76.4 in | 129.9 in | 65 / 66.1 in | 5,445 lb | 53/47 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yukon 1500 2WD | 4.8L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -11% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Yukon 1500 4WD | 4.8L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -4% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Yukon 1500 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 15 | -17% | $4,450 | 592 |
| Yukon 1500 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | -10% | $4,450 | 592 |
| Yukon 1500 AWD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | -10% | $4,450 | 592 |
| Yukon 1500 2WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 18 / 15 | -17% | $4,450 | 592 |
| Yukon XL 1500 2WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | -17% | $4,450 | 592 |
| Yukon 1500 4WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 17 / 14 | -16% | $4,800 | 635 |
| Yukon 1500 AWD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 17 / 14 | -16% | $4,800 | 635 |
| Yukon XL 1500 4WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 17 / 14 | -16% | $4,800 | 635 |
| Yukon XL 1500 AWD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 17 / 14 | -16% | $4,800 | 635 |
| Yukon 1500 AWD | 6.0L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 / 16 / 13 | -22% | $6,300 | 684 |
| Yukon XL 1500 AWD | 6.0L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 / 16 / 13 | -22% | $6,300 | 684 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 GMC Yukon under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 GMC Yukon (this car) | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser | 13 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe | 16 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2005 Ford Expedition | 14 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Dodge Durango | 16 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2005 Toyota Sequoia | 15 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2005 Subaru Legacy/Outback | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2005 GMC Yukon.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2005 GMC Yukon is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2005 GMC Yukon buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Service Brakes — 12 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Engine — 10 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 8 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 125,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 GMC Yukon. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Yukon years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Yukon | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2026 Yukon | 23 | 209.8 in | Not rated | 3 | 84 |
| 2025 Yukon | 23 | 209.8 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 85 |
| 2024 Yukon | 23 | 209.8 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 181 |
| 2023 Yukon | 23 | 209.8 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 472 |
| 2022 Yukon | 23 | 209.8 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 359 |
| 2021 Yukon | 23 | 209.8 in | ★★★★★ | 14 | 572 |
| 2020 Yukon | 18 | 203.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 84 |
| 2019 Yukon | 18 | 203.9 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 126 |
| 2018 Yukon | 19 | 203.9 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 130 |
| 2017 Yukon | 19 | 203.9 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 359 |
| 2016 Yukon | 19 | 203.9 in | Not rated | 5 | 519 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or GMC. How we calculate this →