2020 GMC Yukon
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.

- 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
- Transmission
- 8-speed automatic, 6-speed automatic, 10-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 7–8
- Fuel
- FFV, Regular Gasoline, 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
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Seats up to 83 rows of seating.
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
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 15 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2020 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), 8% worse than the 2020 standard SUV average of 19.5 MPG, for an estimated $3,700 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 84 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2020
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2019 Yukon — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 Yukon →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Arlington, Texas
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2020 Yukon configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV 4WD Denali | 203.9 in | 80.3 in | 74.4 in | 116.1 in | 68.9 / 68.5 in | 5,745 lb | 52/48 |
| 4dr SUV 4WD Sle/Slt | 203.9 in | 80.3 in | 74.4 in | 116.1 in | 68.9 / 68.5 in | 5,545 lb | 52/48 |
| 4dr SUV RWD Sle/Slt | 203.9 in | 80.3 in | 74.4 in | 116.1 in | 68.9 / 68.5 in | 5,309 lb | 52/48 |
| -Xl 4dr SUV 4WD Denali | 224.4 in | 80.3 in | 74.4 in | 129.9 in | 68.9 / 68.5 in | 5,981 lb | 51/49 |
| -Xl 4dr SUV 4WD Sle/Slt | 224.4 in | 80.3 in | 74.4 in | 129.9 in | 68.9 / 68.5 in | 5,776 lb | 51/49 |
| -Xl 4dr SUV RWD Sle/Slt | 224.4 in | 80.3 in | 74.4 in | 129.9 in | 68.9 / 68.5 in | 5,536 lb | 51/49 |
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 C1500 2WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 18 | -8% | $3,700 | 505 |
| Yukon C1500 XL 2WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 18 | -8% | $3,700 | 505 |
| Yukon C1500 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 18 | -8% | $3,700 | 505 |
| Yukon C1500 XL 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 18 | -8% | $3,700 | 505 |
| Yukon C1500 2WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 23 / 17 | -13% | $4,850 | 517 |
| Yukon C1500 XL 2WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 23 / 17 | -13% | $4,850 | 517 |
| Yukon K1500 4WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | -10% | $3,950 | 513 |
| Yukon K1500 4WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 / 22 / 17 | -10% | $4,850 | 527 |
| Yukon K1500 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | -10% | $3,950 | 525 |
| Yukon K1500 XL 4WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 / 21 / 16 | -15% | $4,200 | 543 |
| Yukon K1500 XL 4WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -15% | $5,150 | 557 |
| Yukon K1500 XL 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 / 21 / 16 | -15% | $4,200 | 547 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 GMC Yukon SUV 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 21.9% |
| 2020 GMC Yukon SUV RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 22.8% |
Similar 2020 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 GMC Yukon (this car) | 18 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser | 14 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Ford Explorer | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 35 |
| 2020 Toyota Highlander | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2020 Kia Telluride | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe | 18 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2020 Ford Expedition | 19 MPG | ★★★★★ | 18 |
Recalls (4)
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.
Tires · Feb 25, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V115000 · 33,838 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, and certain Continental tires sold to the aftermarket for various model year 2018-2021 vehicles. The affected tires were cured for too long during production.
- Risk
- Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212329050.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Nov 21, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V837000 · 502 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Camaro, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The fuel pump may be missing a pressure regulator, allowing for over-pressurization of the fuel system.
- Risk
- Over-pressurization can crack the fuel pump and cause leaks, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2019. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N192283991.
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.
Not every 2020 GMC Yukon is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2020 GMC Yukon buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- 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.
- Engine — 36 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 27 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Service Brakes — 6 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 52,000 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 2020 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 |
| 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 |
| 2015 Yukon | 18 | 203.9 in | Not rated | 10 | 966 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or GMC. How we calculate this →