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2019 GMC Yukon

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2019 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
4dr SUV 4WD Denali, 4dr SUV 4WD Sle/Slt, 4dr SUV RWD Sle/Slt, -Xl 4dr SUV 4WD Denali
Engines
5.3L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline, FFV, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
18 combined · 15 city / 23 hwy
Length
203.9–224.4 in
Curb weight
5,309–5,981 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
3 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Higher rollover riskNHTSA estimates a 22.8% chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash.
  • "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 13 similar 2019 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2019 GMC Yukon is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (5.3L 8-cyl and 6.2L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.

It measures about 204 inches long and 80 inches wide on a 116-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,745 lb (4dr SUV 4WD Denali).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (15 city / 23 highway), 5% worse than the 2019 standard SUV average of 18.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,700 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.

It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 126 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2019

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2018 Yukon — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2018; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2018 Yukon →

Trims, performance & features

Engine–6.2L 8-cyl
Engine–5.3L 8-cyl
DriveAWD/4WD

Trims

DenaliSLT

Built in: Arlington, Texas

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2019 Yukon configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV 4WD Denali203.9 in80.3 in74.4 in116.1 in68.9 / 68.5 in5,745 lb52/48
4dr SUV 4WD Sle/Slt203.9 in80.3 in74.4 in116.1 in68.9 / 68.5 in5,545 lb52/48
4dr SUV RWD Sle/Slt203.9 in80.3 in74.4 in116.1 in68.9 / 68.5 in5,309 lb52/48
-Xl 4dr SUV 4WD Denali224.4 in80.3 in74.4 in129.9 in68.9 / 68.5 in5,981 lb51/49
-Xl 4dr SUV 4WD Sle/Slt224.4 in80.3 in74.4 in129.9 in68.9 / 68.5 in5,776 lb51/49
-Xl 4dr SUV RWD Sle/Slt224.4 in80.3 in74.4 in129.9 in68.9 / 68.5 in5,536 lb51/49

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 C1500 2WD5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 22 / 18-5%$3,700505
Yukon C1500 XL 2WD5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 22 / 18-5%$3,700505
Yukon C1500 2WD FFV5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 22 / 18-5%$3,700505
Yukon C1500 XL 2WD FFV5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 22 / 18-5%$3,700505
Yukon K1500 4WD FFV5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17-9%$3,950513
Yukon K1500 4WD5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17-9%$3,950513
Yukon K1500 4WD6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 10-spd4-Wheel Drive14 / 22 / 17-9%$4,850527
Yukon C1500 2WD6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 10-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 23 / 17-10%$4,850517
Yukon C1500 XL 2WD6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 10-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 23 / 17-10%$4,850517
Yukon K1500 XL 4WD FFV5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive14 / 21 / 16-14%$4,200541
Yukon K1500 XL 4WD5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive14 / 21 / 16-14%$4,200541
Yukon K1500 XL 4WD6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 10-spd4-Wheel Drive14 / 20 / 16-14%$5,150553
3/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
3/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $6,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.9 MPG2019 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2019 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2019 GMC Yukon SUV RWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★22.8%
2019 GMC Yukon SUV 4WD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★21.9%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning

Similar 2019 standard SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2019 GMC Yukon (this car)18 MPG★★★★★3
2019 Toyota Land Cruiser15 MPGNot rated3
2019 Ford Explorer22 MPG★★★★★6
2019 Chevrolet Tahoe18 MPG★★★★★2
2019 Ford Expedition20 MPG★★★★★11
2019 Nissan Pathfinder23 MPG★★★★★2
2019 Dodge Durango21 MPG★★★★★4

Recalls (3)

Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Power Train › Transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive) · May 7, 2026 Do not drive

NHTSA campaign 26V289000 · 66 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with four-wheel (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and certain 2015-2020 Suburban, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Yukon, Yukon XL, and Tahoe vehicles. A component missing from the drivetrain transfer case may cause the front and/or rear wheels to lock up without warning to the driver.
Risk
Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transfer case assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 18, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. GM's number for this recall is N262557620. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 7, 2026.
Service Brakes · Oct 24, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V761000 · 652,967 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.
Risk
Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192261050.
Seat Belts › Rear/Other · Sep 26, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V673000 · 15,800 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Cadillac CT6, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Volt, and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. Certain second-row or third-row rear seatbelts retractor assemblies may not automatically lock when the seatbelt is fully pulled out of the retractor, possibly preventing a child seat from being properly secured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
If the child seat is not properly secured in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear seatbelt retractors and replace them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 7, 2018. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18315.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2019 GMC Yukon is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

126Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
4Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
7Injuries reported
76,300 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine64
Power Train28
Electrical System14
Steering8
Unknown Or Other8
Service Brakes8
Engine And Engine Cooling7
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking4
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/07: 124/08: 224/09: 124/11: 125/01: 725/02: 325/04: 625/05: 325/06: 525/07: 325/08: 625/09: 125/10: 125/11: 525/12: 526/01: 226/02: 426/03: 426/04: 526/05: 426/06: 426/07: 426/08: 526/09: 224/0724/1125/0425/0725/1026/0126/0426/07max 7

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2019 GMC Yukon buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Engine — 64 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Power Train — 28 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Electrical System — 14 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 76,300 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2019 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
2018 Yukon19203.9 in★★★★★5130
2017 Yukon19203.9 in★★★★★3359
2016 Yukon19203.9 inNot rated5519
2015 Yukon18203.9 inNot rated10966

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