2017 GMC Yukon Review

Standard features for the SLE trim include 18-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, foglights, side assist steps, roof rails, front and rear parking sensors, automatic wipers, cruise control, remote keyless entry and ignition, and a trailer hitch receiver with a wiring harness.

On the inside, you get tri-zone automatic climate control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats with a 10-way power driver seat, 60/40-split folding second- and third-row seats, a tilt-only leather-wrapped steering wheel, a teen-driver monitoring system, OnStar emergency telematics with navigation, a 110-volt household power outlet, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, the IntelliLink infotainment system, a Wi-Fi hot spot, an 8-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera and a Bose nine-speaker audio system with a CD player, satellite and HD radio, mobile apps, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and auxiliary and USB input.

The optional Enhanced Driver Alert package adds forward collision warning with low-speed automatic braking, a vibrating safety-alert driver seat, automatic high beams and lane keeping assist. The Convenience package adds a power liftgate, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, power-adjustable pedals and a universal garage door opener.

The SLT trim includes all of the above, along with a hands-free liftgate, power-folding mirrors, an auto-dimming driver-side mirror, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, keyless entry and ignition, leather upholstery, a heated, power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 12-way power driver and front passenger seat, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, power-folding second- and third-row seats, driver-seat memory functions and a wireless charging pad.

The top-of-the-line Denali trim adds a bigger, more powerful engine, 20-inch wheels, xenon headlights, a Magnetic Ride Control adaptive suspension, a trailer brake controller, a head-up display, active noise cancellation, second-row bucket seats, a navigation system with real-time traffic and a 10-speaker surround-sound system.

Some features on higher-trimmed models are available on supporting models at additional cost. Optional features for SLE and SLT trims include 22-inch wheels and an HD Trailering package (unique axle ratio, trailer brake controller and a self-leveling suspension). The SLT and Denali are eligible for a sunroof, adaptive cruise control with automatic braking, and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. The Denali also offers power-retractable side steps.

The 2017 GMC Yukon is available with two different engines, based on trim level. SLE and SLT models come with a 5.3-liter V8 engine that produces 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. It is paired to a six-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels on base models or all four wheels if you opt for all-wheel drive. A single-speed transfer case is standard on four-wheel-drive models, but a two-speed transfer case with low-range gearing is available as an option for improved performance in tricky off-road situations. Properly equipped, the maximum tow rating for the two-wheel-drive Yukon SLE or SLT is 8,500 pounds.

The EPA estimates fuel economy at 19 mpg combined (16 city/23 highway) with two-wheel drive and 18 mpg combined (16 city/22 highway) with four-wheel drive. In Edmunds testing, a mechanically similar four-wheel-drive Chevrolet Tahoe accelerated to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds, which is a solid performance, though several competitors are quicker.

The 2017 GMC Yukon Denali is powered by a 6.2-liter V8 that produces 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. It comes with an eight-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive, while the optional four-wheel drive includes a standard two-speed transfer case. Its maximum towing capacity is 8,400 pounds. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 17 mpg combined (15 city/22 highway) with two-wheel drive and 17 mpg combined (15 city/20 highway) for the four-wheel-drive model.