DecodedCars2006 GMC Yukon
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 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
- MPG (best)
- 16 combined · 14 city / 19 hwy
- Length
- 198.8–219.3 in
- Curb weight
- 4,976–5,754 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 16 MPG combined, 13% below the 2006 SUV - average of 18.3 MPG.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 24 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2006 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 5,538 lb (1500 4dr 4X4 /Denali).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 16 MPG combined (14 city / 19 highway), 13% worse than the 2006 SUV - average of 18.3 MPG, for an estimated $4,200 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 41 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electronic stability control (esc).
What changed for 2006
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2005 Yukon — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 Yukon →
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 | 5,538 lb | 53/47 |
| 1500 4dr RWD /Sle/Slt | 198.8 in | 78.7 in | 76.8 in | 116.1 in | 65 / 66.1 in | 4,976 lb | 52/48 |
| -Xl 1500 4dr 4x2 | 219.3 in | 78.7 in | 76.4 in | 129.9 in | 65 / 66.1 in | 5,269 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 | 5,754 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 | -13% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Yukon 1500 2WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -13% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Yukon 1500 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | -18% | $4,450 | 592 |
| Yukon 1500 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | -12% | $4,450 | 592 |
| Yukon XL 1500 2WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 17 / 14 | -23% | $4,800 | 635 |
| Yukon 1500 4WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 17 / 14 | -18% | $4,800 | 635 |
| Yukon XL 1500 4WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 17 / 14 | -18% | $4,800 | 635 |
| Yukon 1500 AWD | 6.0L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 / 16 / 13 | -24% | $5,150 | 684 |
| Yukon XL 1500 AWD | 6.0L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 / 16 / 13 | -24% | $5,150 | 684 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 GMC Yukon under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2006 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 GMC Yukon (this car) | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser | 13 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2006 Toyota 4Runner | 18 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2006 Ford Explorer | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe | 16 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2006 Ford Expedition | 14 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Dodge Durango | 16 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2006 GMC Yukon.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2006 GMC Yukon is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2006 GMC Yukon buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Electronic Stability Control (Esc) — 12 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Service Brakes — 10 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Engine — 6 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 119,860 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 2006 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 →