Vehicle Reviews

The 2012 GMC Yukon is a full-size five to nine passenger SUV available in three trim levels: basic SLE, upscale SLT and the ultra-luxurious Denali. The Yukon lineup comprises Yukon, Yukon XL, Denali/XL Denali, Yukon Hybrid and Yukon Denali Hybrid. The Yukon and Yukon XL lineup of full-size SUVs offer performance, capability and segment-leading fuel economy. The Yukon rides on the same platform as the Chevy Suburban and Silverado. Yukon Denali is characterized by unique exterior design cues, including a signature honeycomb chrome grille. Denali-exclusive headlamps and taillamps further the jeweled look of these special Yukon models. The Yukon XFE, introduced for the 2009 model year, now yields 21 mpg on the highway. The additional product changes include two new exterior colors, USB ports on the radios and a standard single-speed transfer case on 4WD models. (A two-speed transfer case is optional).

The SLE runs on 17-inch alloy wheels with heated side mirrors, OnStar communications, a three-passenger 40/20/40-split bench front seat (with built-in storage compartments), a power driver seat, dual-zone climate control, steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls, Bluetooth and a six-speaker sound system (with satellite radio, a USB port and a CD/MP3 player). The mid-level SLT gets leather seats, a comfortable tri-zone automatic climate control, easy power-adjustable pedals, a convenient power passenger seat, a remote vehicle starter, rear parking assist (with rearview camera), a premium Bose sound system and "Turn-by-Turn" navigation for the OnStar system. Stepping up to the Denali means you'll also enjoy unique styling touches (that include lower body cladding and a unique grille), 20-inch alloy wheels, a power lift gate, heated/ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain's chairs with a power fold feature, a larger display for the rearview camera and a navigation system. Some standard features found on the higher trims can be added to the lower ones as options. Some other attractive options are also available

Yukon runs on a pair of V8 engines. All models except the Denali are powered by a 5.3-liter V8 with 320 horsepower and 335 pound-feet of torque with GM's displacement-on-demand cylinder-deactivation technology which sends its power through a six-speed automatic transmission. Two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive versions are available. The base 4WD system has a single-speed transfer case, with the more traditional two-speed case (with low-range gearing) being an option this year. The GMC Yukon Denali is motivated by a 6.2-liter V8 rated at 403 hp and 417 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting capability. Rear- and all-wheel drives are available. A properly equipped Yukon can tow up to 8,400 pounds, depending on model and engine specs. The fuel economy ranges from 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway and 16 mpg combined for a 2WD Yukon SLE or SLT down to 12/19/14 for the AWD Denali.

All 2012 GMC Yukon models have antilock disc brakes, stability control, OnStar communications, front-seat side airbags and full-length head curtain airbags (with rollover sensor). A side blind zone alert warning system is optional. The Yukon received highest points for front crash protection in government tests.