Makes›GMC›Yukon›2013

2013 GMC Yukon

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.

GMC Yukon
Pictured: 2020 GMC Yukon SLT 4WD in silver, front left. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
2500-Xl 4dr SUV 4WD Sle/Slt, 2500-Xl 4dr SUV RWD Sle/Slt, 4dr SUV 4WD Sle/Slt/Denali, 4dr SUV RWD Sle/Slt
Engines
6.0L 8-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Hybrid, FFV, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
21 combined · 20 city / 23 hwy
Length
202–222.4 in
Curb weight
5,468–6,413 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
4 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 21 MPG combined — 19% better than the average 2013 standard SUV (17.6 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 3 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2013 GMC Yukon is a standard SUV offered with 3 engines (6.0L 8-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl and 6.2L 8-cyl), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 222 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 130-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 6,413 lb (2500-Xl 4dr SUV 4WD Sle/Slt).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (20 city / 23 highway), 19% better than the 2013 standard SUV average of 17.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 179 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.

What changed for 2013

  • Lightest version 168 lb heavier

Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 Yukon →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
2500-Xl 4dr SUV 4WD Sle/Slt222.4 in79.1 in77.2 in129.9 in68.1 / 67.3 in6,413 lb50/50
2500-Xl 4dr SUV RWD Sle/Slt222.4 in79.1 in76.8 in129.9 in68.1 / 67.3 in6,142 lb50/50
4dr SUV 4WD Sle/Slt/Denali202 in79.1 in77.2 in116.1 in68.1 / 67.3 in5,695 lb52/48
4dr SUV RWD Sle/Slt202 in79.1 in76.8 in116.1 in68.1 / 67.3 in5,468 lb52/48
Hybrid 4dr SUV 4WD/Denali202 in79.1 in77.2 in116.1 in68.1 / 67.3 in6,063 lb54/46
Hybrid 4dr SUV RWD202 in79.1 in76.8 in116.1 in68.1 / 67.3 in5,657 lb53/47

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Yukon 1500 Hybrid 2WD Hybrid6.0L 8-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Rear-Wheel Drive20 / 23 / 21+19%$3,200418
Yukon 1500 Hybrid 4WD Hybrid6.0L 8-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)4-Wheel Drive20 / 23 / 21+23%$3,200416
Yukon Denali 1500 Hybrid 4WD Hybrid6.0L 8-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)4-Wheel Drive20 / 23 / 21+23%$3,200416
Yukon 1500 2WD FFV5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17-3%$3,950520
Yukon XL 1500 2WD FFV5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17-3%$3,950520
Yukon XL 1500 4WD FFV5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17-1%$3,950520
Yukon 1500 4WD FFV5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17-1%$3,950520
Yukon 1500 2WD FFV6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 18 / 16-9%$4,200570
Yukon XL 1500 2WD FFV6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 18 / 16-9%$4,200570
Yukon Denali 1500 AWD FFV6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdAll-Wheel Drive13 / 18 / 15-12%$4,450581
Yukon XL 1500 AWD FFV6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdAll-Wheel Drive13 / 18 / 14-18%$4,800612
Yukon XL 2500 2WD6.0L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive10 / 16 / 12-32%$5,600714
Yukon XL 2500 4WD6.0L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive10 / 16 / 12-30%$5,600724
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $4,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
17.6 MPG2013 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 GMC Yukon.

Similar 2013 standard SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2013 GMC Yukon (this car)21 MPGNot rated4
2013 Toyota Land Cruiser15 MPGNot rated2
2013 Chevrolet Suburban17 MPGNot rated4
2013 Chevrolet Avalanche17 MPGNot rated3

Recalls (4)

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Feb 5, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V053000 · 692,526 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2009 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C."
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 24, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 11, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328790.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Feb 5, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V054000 · 1,778,128 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A." Additionally GM is recalling certain 2011-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL and 2011-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL and 2010-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 25, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed to 40 VIN owners on May 11, 2021. A second owner notification letter was mailed to all other owners on January 24, 2022. 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 N212328800.
Electrical System · Oct 1, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V614000 · 106,307 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cadillac CTS, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL, and 2014 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Express, Impala, Silverado HD, Traverse, GMC Acadia, Savana, and Sierra HD vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the chassis electronic module may be internally contaminated, resulting in an electrical short.
Risk
If the module experiences an electrical short, the vehicle could stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the chassis electronic module, free of charge. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), and 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM’s number for this recall is 14515.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Jan 2, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V001000 · 54,686 vehicles

Problem
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Express, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, and Tahoe; and GMC Savana, Sierra HD, Sierra LD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles, manufactured between November 7, 2012, through December 18, 2012, for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect", and FMVSS No. 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention." The vehicles may have been built with a fractured park lock cable or a malformed steering column lock actuator gear in the lock module assembly.
Risk
As a result, the vehicle may shift from Park with the ignition key removed or the ignition key in the OFF position. The vehicle may also shift out of Park without application of the brake pedal while the key is off. Either of these scenarios may cause the vehicle to roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible vehicle crash and/or injury.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and replace the steering column as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 21, 2013. Chevrolet owners may call 1-800-630-2438. Cadillac owners may call 1-866-982-2339. GMC owners may call 1-866-996-9463.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2013 GMC Yukon is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

179Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
4Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
2Injuries reported
62,603 miTypical mileage at failure
Unknown Or Other82
Air Bags59
Structure › Body39
Engine13
Electrical System9
Steering5
Power Train4
Service Brakes3
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
21/03: 321/04: 221/07: 121/11: 522/01: 122/02: 122/03: 422/04: 122/05: 122/07: 122/09: 222/11: 122/12: 123/01: 123/06: 123/07: 123/11: 124/06: 124/07: 125/03: 125/07: 125/10: 226/02: 126/07: 121/0321/1122/0322/0722/1223/0724/0725/10max 5

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2013 GMC Yukon buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Air Bags — 59 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  3. Structure › Body — 39 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
  4. Engine — 13 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 62,603 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 GMC Yukon. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Yukon years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Yukon23–Not rated01
2026 Yukon23209.8 inNot rated384
2025 Yukon23209.8 in★★★★★285
2024 Yukon23209.8 in★★★★★3181
2023 Yukon23209.8 in★★★★★4472
2022 Yukon23209.8 in★★★★★5359
2021 Yukon23209.8 in★★★★★14572
2020 Yukon18203.9 in★★★★★484
2019 Yukon18203.9 in★★★★★3126
2018 Yukon19203.9 in★★★★★5130
2017 Yukon19203.9 in★★★★★3359
2016 Yukon19203.9 inNot rated5519

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or GMC. How we calculate this →