2018 GMC Yukon SUV

GM offers 2018 Yukon in two configurations, the standard wheelbase (203.9-inch) and the extended wheelbase the Yukon XL (224.4-inch) that provides extra cargo capacity and more legroom in the third-row. There are three trims to choose from: the SLE and SLT trim are mated to a 5.3-liter V-8 engine while the top-of-the-line Denali trim gets a more powerful 6.2-liter V-8 engine.

The 2018 GMC comes in three trims: SLE, SLT, and Denali. While the SLT and the Denali seats eight passengers, an optional front bench seat on the SLE trim increase the capacity to nine. Second-row bucket seats are available on the SLT trim and standard on the Denali, reducing the seating capacity to seven. All the three trims are also available in extended wheelbase ($2,700) the Yukon XL which increases the length to 224.4-inch from the standard version which is 203.9-inches long.

Trims	SLE	SLT	DENALI
MSRP (2WD)	$49,080	$58,495	$67,495
MSRP(AWD)	$53,395	$61,495	$69,165
Features	Standard features include: 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque 18-inch wheels Rear vision camera system Front & Rear Park Assist	SLT features SLE standard features, plus the following additions or replacements: Perforated leather-appointed heated-and-ventilated front seats Heated second-row seats Second-row power release fold-and-tumble seats Third-row power fold-flat bench seats	Denali features SLT standard features, plus the following additions or replacements: Signature Denali styling including unique chrome grille, exterior chrome accents and 20-inch wheels New Mastique Ash wood grains accent the interior 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque and a new 10-speed transmission Perforated leather-appointed, heated-and-ventilated front seats

Confused? We will help you find the best trim

If seating for nine is not a constraint for you, we recommend the SLT trim. The tilt-and-telescoping wheel and power adjustable pedals provide a more comfortable driving position for most buyers. This trim also adds some more features such as power-folding second and third-row seats, a hands-free liftgate along with a proximity key and push-button start.

“The base suspension manages sharp impacts well, but surprisingly small road imperfections tend to give the cockpit the shakes.” Edmunds

Engine & Transmission

A 5.3-liter V-8 engine that produces 355-horsepower and 383-pound-feet of torque is standard on the Yukon SLE and SLT.  It comes mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels or the available four-wheel. The Denali models meanwhile come mated to a 6.2-liter V-8 engine that churns out 420-horsepower and 460-pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission with rear-wheel drive is standard while the four-wheel drive comes optional.

Models	GMC Yukon	Nissan Armada	Ford Expedition	Toyota Sequoia
MSRP	$50,395	$46,090	$51,695	$48,400
Engine	5.3-liter 8-cylinder Gas engine	5.6-liter DOHC 32-valve V8 engine	3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine	5.7-liter 8-cylinder Gas engine
Transmission	6-speed automatic	7-speed automatic	10-speed automatic	6-speed automatic
Power	355 hp @ 5600 rpm	390 hp @ 5800 rpm	375 hp @ 5000 rpm	381 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	383 ft-lbs. @ 4100 rpm	394 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm	470 ft-lbs. @ 3500 rpm	401 ft-lbs. @ 3600 rpm

The competition produces more power than the GMC, gains ranging between 20 to 35 horsepower. Torque is the same story, with Ford Expedition pulling ahead with almost 100 pound-feet more than base variant Yukon.

Acceleration

Even though acceleration isn't the main criteria for buying a pickup, it's good to have a ride that can pick up the pace if the driver demands so. Even with the truck's huge dimensions, the performance is surprisingly nice. However, the Yukon lags behind when it comes to covering a quarter mile as it takes 16.7 seconds to cover the distance.

Models	GMC Yukon	Nissan Armada	Ford Expedition	Toyota Sequoia
0-60 MPH	6.5 sec	6.5 sec	6.5sec	6.8 sec
Quarter mile	16.7 sec. @ 91 mph	15 sec @ 93 mph	15.1 sec @ 90 mph	15.3 sec @ 92 mph
Engine	5.3L	5.6L	3.5L	5.7L
Emission Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year	9.2	11.0	8.8	11.7

The Yukon gets tough competition from the likes of Nissan Armada and Ford Expedition when it comes to accelerating from 0-60. All the three SUV takes 6.5 seconds to reach 60 mph. The GMC though, gets left in the dust when comparing quarter mile times.

Braking

The Yukon takes 137-feet in stopping form 60-0, which is poorest for the class. In regular use the brakes feel just adequate with soft and long travel pedal. Panic braking figures are quite disappointing, and drivers are advised to pay close attention when on busy roads.

Model	GMC Yukon	Nissan Armada	Ford Expedition	Toyota Sequoia
Brake pads-front(in)	15.6	13.8	13.5	13.9
Brake pads Rear(in)	10.88	13.8	13.2	13.6
Curb weight(lbs)	5466	5,576	5801	5730
60-0 MPH	137 ft.	128 ft.	121 ft.	130ft.

While most of the trucks in the competition are heavier, still have stronger brakes. The Ford really shines here, with quite a strong bite from its brakes, helping it post a 60 to 0 mph braking distance of 121 feet.

Ride and Handling

The 2018 GMC Yukon offers a smooth ride on most of the rough pavements however smaller bumps in the road can make the ride jumpy with the standard suspension. Optional Magnetic Ride Control takes care of the bumps and adapts to road condition as they change. Despite its heft, the SUV can tackle corners fine. Maneuverability remains a problem for a vehicle this size however you will feel confident driving in any weather situation due to the great stability.

Towing and Payload Capacity

Equip the 2018 GMC Yukon with the bigger V-8 engine along with Max Trailering package and you get an impressive towing capacity of 8,500-pounds. It is more than enough what others in the segment are offering.

Model	GMC Yukon	Nissan Armada	Ford Expedition	Toyota Sequoia
Engine	5.3L	5.6L	3.5L	5.7L
Drive Train	2WD	2WD	AWD	2WD
Capacity (lbs)	8500	8500	9300	7400

If you want to tow more weight than any of your friends, consider the Expedition. It comes with a ground-breaking towing capacity of 9,300-pounds, enough to pull any and everything.

Full-size SUVs are known to be gas guzzlers, but this is not the case with the 2018 GMC Yukon as its fuel economy is better than most of its classmates’. Rear-wheel drive Yukon and Yukon XL equipped with 5.3-liter V-8 engine return 16 mpg city, 23 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined. The four-wheel drive option pushes the figure further down.

Model	GMC Yukon	Nissan Armada	Ford Expedition	Toyota Sequoia
MPG (city)	16	14	17	13
MPG (highway)	23	19	24	18
MPG (combined)	19	16	20	15

GMC holds the middle ground in this category, with Armada and Sequoia slotting in at a lower rating, and Expedition at a slightly higher rating. It should be remembered that fuel efficiency isn't on any of these cars' agenda. They are here to carry luggage, and carry luggage they do.

“Even the base Yukon comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and a 4G hotspot with Wi-Fi. The GMC infotainment system is also generally easy to use.” Edmunds

Seating and Comfort

The 2018 GMC Yukon is both comfortable and quiet. Thanks to its Active noise cancellation which works well and isolate the passenger from the outside world. The base suspension manages to get rid of sharp impact, but small bumps in the road may shake the cockpit. The front seats are both heated and ventilated and offer plenty of adjustability along with good support. you also get a good view of the road from front and sides as the windshield pillars are thin.

The Yukon comes with standard seating for eight, but capacity increases to nine with the optional front bench seat and reduces to seven with the second-row captain’s chair. There is plenty of space to stretch out in the first two rows while the third-row seats in the standard wheelbase Yukon is a bit tight for adults. However, the Yukon XL with an extended-wheelbase takes care of the issue as it adds about 10-inches of legroom to the third row.

Model	GMC Yukon	Nissan Armada	Ford Expedition	Toyota Sequoia
Passenger capacity	8	8	8	8
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	42.8/64.8/45.3	40.9/63.8/41.9	39.5/63.2/41.1	34.8/66.4/42.5
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg)(In.)	38.7/65.1/39.0	40.0/63.4/39.0	39.7/63.7/39.1	34.9/65.6/40.9
Third (Head/Shoulder/Leg)(In.)	38.1/62.6/24.8	36.4/60.5/28.3	38.0/67.1/37.7	34.5/65.7/35.3

Here, the Ford shines again. Expedition wins this category too, with class leading front and rear space. Others aren't too far behind too, and none of the cars here will feel cramped, even for a well-built gentleman.

Interior Features

Standard seating feature includes:

• Cloth upholstery
• Power-adjustable front seats
• Leather upholstery (Optional)
• Heated and ventilated seat (Optional)
• Heated steering wheel (Optional)
• Power adjustable pedals (Optional)

Infotainment

Both the standard wheelbase and the Yukon XL version mirror each other in terms of standard and optional techs and features. The GMC’s IntelliLink infotainment system boasts almost every feature that is available in the market. The 8.0-inch touchscreen is easy-to-use and responds quickly to the inputs.  Standard infotainment feature includes:

• A nine-speaker audio system
• Five USB ports
• Bluetooth
• Satellite radio
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Cargo Space

Cargo capacity varies depending on the body style. Standard 2018 GMC Yukon offers 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind third-row, 51.7 cubic feet behind second-row and 94.7 cubic feet with them folded. These numbers are not impressive for a full-size SUV and most of the competitors offers far better cargo capacity than the Yukon.

Model	GMC Yukon	Nissan Armada	Ford Expedition	Toyota Sequoia
Volume (ft.cube) (Behind 3rdrow)	15.3	16.5	20.9	18.9
Volume (ft.cube) (3nd Row Folded)	51.7	49.9	63.6	66.6
Volume (ft.cube) (2nd & 3rd Row Folded)	94.7	95.4	104.6	120.1

All the others options here have a better cargo capacity than Yukon. The Toyota offers a class-leading 120 cubic feet storage capacity with all seats folded but the driver and front passenger. That might just be enough to lug your entire house around.

Dimension and Weight

The 2018 GMC Yukon is shorter than most in the competition when it comes to standard wheelbase but it leads the segment with 224.4-inch in length with the Yukon XL. Even the Ford Expedition is 3-inches shorter in length than the GMC. The Yukon is the lightest with a curb weight of 5466-pounds however its ground clearance is average for the class considering what the rivals are offering.

Model	GMC Yukon	Nissan Armada	Ford Expedition	Toyota Sequoia
Curb weight(lbs)	5466	5,576	5801	5730
Length(in)	203.9	208.3	206.5	205.1
Width(in) (w/o mirror)	80.5	79.9	78.8	79.9
Height(in)	74.4	75.8	77.2	77
Ground clearance(in)	8.0	9.1	8.7	9.9
Wheelbase(in)	116.0	121.1	119.0	122
Track width(in) F/R	68.7/68.7	67.5/67.9	67/67.2	67.9/69.1

Nissan's Armada is the largest vehicle here, though not by much. Toyota has the largest wheelbase of all, the reason for its poor maneuverability. Smaller streets are best left alone when driving these trucks.

Exterior features

There is not much difference between the SLE and SLT apart from several optional wheels. GM has eliminated unnecessary curves and lines to make it look more appealing. Even the base SLE looks premium, something which we cannot say about the entry-level Chevy Tahoe. The Denali trim flaunts a new chrome grille, HID headlights and LED daytime running light. Wheel sizes range from the standard 18-inches to the optional 22-inches

The IIHS has not crash tested the 2018 GMC Yukon yet, but it has earned a four-star overall rating by the NHSTA. Despite scoring five-star in each it gets a four-star overall rating because the rollover measurement is calculated and not actually tested so these top-heavy SUVs gets just three stars.

On the reliability front, the GMC has covered the 2018 Yukon with a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

NHSTA Rating

Frontal barrier crash rating overall	5 star
Frontal barrier crash rating	5 star
Frontal barrier crash rating	5 star
Side barrier rating overall	5 star
Side barrier rating driver	5 star
Side barrier rating passenger	5 star
Side crash rating overall	5 star
Combine side barrier and pole rating	5 star
Rollover	3 star
Overall Rating	4 star

Safety features

All the Yukon’s come with an innovative airbag integrated into the right-side bolster of the driver’s seat to prevent the driver and the passenger from banging head in the event of a collision.

• Advanced Air Bag System with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors
• Driver and front passenger seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags
• Roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor help provide head protection for outboard occupants for all three rows
• 3-point ALR/ELR passenger seat belt system (ELR for driver)
• Front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
• LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children)
• Child-safety rear door locks
• Adjustable Pedals
• Traction Control
• High-strength side-door guard beams
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Low-speed automatic emergency braking is optional on the SLE trim and standard otherwise. Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning and front parking sensor are available.

2018 GMC Yukon Vs 2018 Ford Expedition

The GMC Yukon and the Ford Expedition are very much identical but still there is some difference between the two. The Expedition offers more cargo capacity in its standard wheelbase and a higher towing capacity. Meanwhile, the extended wheelbase of these SUVs is very much similar in size. Ford has equipped the Expedition with a turbocharged 6-cylinder engine which offers better fuel economy than the Yukon.

2018 GMC Yukon Vs 2018 Nissan Armada

GMC Yukon boasts one of the nicest cabins in the class and it also has the capacity to seat nine, which is more than the Nissan Armada. The Yukon also has one of most user-friendly infotainment system and offers features such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay along with a Wi-Fi hot spot-none of this is available in the Armada. GMC also offers a quiet ride and gets better fuel efficiency than the Nissan. The Yukon is a better SUV in long run and should be preferred over Nissan Armada.

2018 GMC Yukon Vs 2018 Toyota Sequoia

The GMC Yukon has best in class interior and it offers more advanced features than the Toyota Sequoia. There is Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Wi-Fi hotspot in the Yukon and the infotainment system is also easy to use. It also gets better fuel economy and towing capacity than the Sequoia. However, Toyota scores in terms of interior space; there is more cargo space and more room in the third row than the Yukon. There are more than enough reasons to choose the GMC Yukon over the Toyota Sequoia.

The 2018 GMC Yukon has got all the techs and features to satisfy most buyers. It boasts of plush interior and also impresses when it comes to driving dynamics. The Yukon also has one of the best in class fuel economy figures for a large SUV and its towing capacity of 8,500-pounds will do most of your job. Despite all this, the Yukon gets strong competition from its rivals as they offer more cargo space and higher towing capacity with a lower starting price. The GMC Yukon is good but it’s definitely not the best.