This newest and improved 2022 GMC Yukon is an appealing pick for a large SUV. With a comfortable ride and roomy interior, you no longer have to make as many concessions if you need a big truck-based SUV for towing. It's also relatively easy to drive, especially when equipped with its suite of useful tech features. But the loaded-up trim levels, such as the Denali, are seriously expensive. Similarly priced big SUVs from Mercedes and BMW are more refined and fuel-efficient.
Following a full redesign in 2021 that brought new styling, new technology features and an available diesel engine, the GMC Yukon enters 2022 with only minor changes. This large three-row SUV has seating for up to nine passengers and plenty of space for cargo if you fold the third-row seat down. Being a truck-based SUV, the Yukon also boasts robust towing capabilities.
The 2022 Yukon faces off against a few direct rivals. They include the Chevrolet Tahoe, which is the Yukon's corporate twin, the well-rounded Ford Expedition and the all-new three-row Jeep Wagoneer. There's also the Yukon XL, which is just like the regular Yukon but with more cargo space. Overall we think the Yukon is worth checking out. Read our test team's Expert Rating to learn more about where it shines and where it comes up short.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Average
7.6
out of 10
We drove the 2022 GMC Yukon on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Performance
7.5/10
How does the Yukon drive? The Yukon Denali, which is what we tested, is the only model in the lineup powered by a 6.2-liter V8. The engine produces gobs of power, and the Denali's 6.6-second sprint to 60 mph is among the segment's quickest. The 10-speed automatic transmission, though smooth and pleasant enough in everyday driving, takes a few beats to shift into a lower gear when you put your foot down. We also noticed that the transmission treats pushes of manual gear selector buttons more like suggestions than commands.
The Yukon's substantial weight and top-heavy design sabotage any chance of praiseworthy handling. It's something you have to accept with a vehicle this large. On the upside, the brakes make it easy to stop smoothly, and the light steering effort is perfect for navigating a crowded Costco lot. The Denali isn't as capable off-road as the AT4 trim, but its air suspension and two-speed transfer case will get you out of some tough spots.
Comfort
7.5/10
How comfortable is the Yukon? The new independent rear suspension design works wonders for the Yukon's ride quality. That combined with the adaptive dampers and air suspension makes it ride only slightly busier than a car-based SUV. Another highlight is the quiet cabin. The Yukon is essentially a giant brick cutting through the air, yet wind noise is barely noticeable. The climate system is noteworthy, funneling large amounts of air to all three rows.
Seat comfort is less impressive. The bolsters up front are flat, and the seats lack the extensive adjustments found in competing SUVs. Some of our drivers started to get uncomfortable after just a few hours of driving. The second-row seats are flat as well, and none of the seats in the third row feel remotely sculpted to the human body.
Interior
7.5/10
How’s the interior? All three rows have enough headroom and leg space for adults. The Yukon is also easy to get in and out of — provided you have enough clearance to swing the big doors out. The large door openings, tall roof and sliding second-row seats make third-row access a cinch. Front sight lines are pretty good, though the thick rear pillars obscure your view somewhat. The available 360-degree camera system is terrifically useful in parking spots.
The controls up front are a mix of virtual buttons and chunky physical knobs and switches. Some are easy to discern without taking your eyes off the road, while others are grouped and located in odd places. The driver's seat offers plenty of sliding and height-adjustment range, but a lack of additional seat adjustments makes it hard to find an ideal driving position.
Technology
8/10
How’s the tech? The Yukon offers a useful array of tech features and driving aids. The infotainment interface is graphically unimpressive compared to luxury rivals, but it gets the job done and responds quickly to inputs. The Bose audio system is impressive, with a wallop of bass that doesn't overpower instruments or vocals. You can connect to it through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both of which support wireless connections. Our Denali had seven seats, and between the USB ports and a wireless charging pad, there were enough power points for every occupant to charge simultaneously.
GMC doesn't fit the Yukon with many standard driving aids, and we cannot fathom why adaptive cruise control is only available on the top-level Denali trim. At least the systems all work pretty well.
Storage
8/10
How’s the storage? A from-the-ground-up rethink of the Yukon pays dividends in the cargo area. Space behind the third row measures 25.5 cubic feet — roughly 50% more than the previous model. Fold all of the rear seats and you get a whopping 122.9 cubes of storage, which is more than what you get from the Ford Expedition, Nissan Armada or Toyota Sequoia. There are also many areas throughout the cabin offers for storing your small personal items, including a deep bin below the center stack and two-tier storage on every door. The optional sliding center console is useful for hiding small items, but it reduces underarm storage by splitting the cubby into two compartments.
Planning to use your Yukon to shuttle around small children? The second-row car seat anchors are immediately visible and easy to access, and the Yukon's gargantuan cabin ensures you'll have no problem fitting a set of child seats.
As for towing, the Yukon can pull up to 8,000 pounds when equipped with 4WD and the 6.2-liter engine; the Yukon's max tow rating of 8,400 pounds comes with rear-wheel drive and the 5.3-liter engine. This is more than car-based luxury SUVs can handle, but a comparable Ford Expedition can pull an additional 1,000 pounds.
Fuel Economy
7/10
How’s the fuel economy? The 4WD Yukon Denali, which we tested, gets an EPA-estimated 16 mpg combined (14 city/19 highway). The Ford Expedition Platinum is quicker in a straight line and is rated 3 mpg higher in all categories. The Yukon is a bit more efficient than the Toyota Sequoia and Nissan Armada. If you don't need the raw towing capacity, the turbocharged six-cylinders of the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7 are rated at 20 and 21 mpg combined, respectively.
Real-world results are closer than expected between the GMC and Ford rivals. The Yukon returned 18.4 mpg in our 115-mile highway-heavy test route. Meanwhile, the Expedition posted similar figures but is supposed to be more efficient based on its EPA estimates.
Value
7.5/10
Is the Yukon a good value? It's difficult to rate the Yukon Denali on value. On one hand, it's more expensive than a similarly equipped Ford Expedition or Nissan Armada and it's priced almost the same as a Mercedes GLS or BMW X7. Both of these luxury SUVs are more refined and upscale, but they can't tow as much. As it stands, the Yukon Denali is an interesting middle ground between mainstream and large luxury SUVs. And as such, its interior materials are pretty nice without being awesome.
GMC's bumper-to-bumper warranty of three years/36,000 miles and powertrain coverage and roadside assistance for five years/60,000 miles are typical for the class. GMC covers the first scheduled maintenance visit.
Wildcard
7.5/10
The Yukon is entertaining in a straight line — the 6.2-liter V8 is a muscular delight. But the reluctance of the transmission to shift when called upon saps some fun, as does the ultra-intrusive stability control system. That, plus the considerable amount of body roll, makes this less a joy to drive than one of its car-based luxury competitors.
This blocky SUV is charming in its own way, however. With its chrome-trimmed exterior, it looks like something Nick Fury would drive, so you feel pretty cool from behind the wheel. The boisterous V8 brims with personality, and features such as the power-retractable side steps and rear entertainment system are neat touches.
The 2022 GMC Yukon is a large three-row SUV that typically seats seven to nine passengers, depending on configuration. It is sold in four trim levels: SLE, SLT, AT4 and Denali. Each trim comes with progressively more features, but note that certain features detailed below may or may not be available on a particular vehicle due to the chip shortage and international supply chain issues.
Which Yukon trim does Edmunds recommend?
The midlevel SLT trim is the Yukon to go with. For a moderate price increase over the base model, the SLT includes niceties such as leather upholstery, ventilated front seats and an upgraded audio system.
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
I love most things about this vehicle. I am not happy about all of the noises and repair work that has been done so far in order to "attempt" to fix them. Muffler replaced, alternator and serpentine belts, top engine cleaner twice, gmc logo that lights up on the ground replaced and whatever else they discover trying to elliminate the noises. Sputter going up hill with hesitation. … Whopping on outside passenger front door at high speed, chirping on start up, rattle/chirp when accellerating and decellerating.
Too many software bugs.
1 out of 5 stars
DJ, 09/13/2022
2022 GMC Yukon SLT 4dr SUV 4WD (5.3L 8cyl 10A)
With 148 miles on it the volume decides to go full blast without the ability to turn it down, change the input, or turn it off. Stopped on the side of the road 3 time and turn it off the vehicle the same result. Onstar hung up on me 3 time in addition to being transferred 10 time without warning. No one at GM can state how to factory reset the infotainment system (with google asst). On … another day all interior lights were on in the morning. Checked all doors and ensured the lights were turned off. Lights went off and 5 min later decided to turn back on. Could not get the AC to blow out of overhead, then the following day worked fine. Additionally the drivers seat, mirrors, and steering column are suppose to move to the memory settings depending on the key; this function works when it wants to. We like the size but overall this a lemon!!!! Trader in a 2021 Suburban with a sunroof leak that "could not be replicated". GM needs to step up their game. We are already prepared to get rid of this one, and have started looking. We are done with GM products.
Do not buy
1 out of 5 stars
James Johnson , 12/22/2020
2021 GMC Yukon Denali 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A)
I've had my 2021 Yukon Denali Xl since Nov. 3rd & I've driven it maybe 2weeks. It's been in the shop longer than I've had to enjoy it. Some kind of electrical problem that they can't figure out... got it back this past Saturday, after over 3weeks in the shop. Couldn't wait to get back in it & enjoy...Woke up Monday & it wouldn't start again... the same problem... talk to a few tow truck … guys & the said they've been picking up a few 2021 Denali's & Tahoe's... Very disappointing, especially after trading my Escalade
Yukon Guinea Pig
1 out of 5 stars
john, 04/16/2021
2021 GMC Yukon Denali 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A)
Bought a 2021 Yukon XL Denali with auto leveling suspension. 87 miles and car dropped 2" on passenger side. Been in the shop for 20 days and still not fixed. I should have known better than to buy a new design with COVID on top. What good is a $85,000 vehicle if you can't trust you'll make it down the road on your next trip? Hoping for 30 days and lemon law to kick in. Do not buy this … vehicle until they figure out how to build it reliably!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2022 GMC Yukon, so we've included reviews for other years of the Yukon since its last redesign.
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