The 2019 Yukon comes in 4 trim levels with the least two being fitted with the 5.3L, V-8 engine which makes 255 hp & 383 lb-ft of torque. This variant is coupled with a 6-speed automatic gearbox with an RWD drivetrain. However, it can be had in AWD config as well. This engine is sufficient for daily driving and cruising on the highways but having 6 gears means moving this 5400lbs SUV is a task. Although it doesn’t really struggle but does this in an easy-going manner.
The SLT & Denali comes with the larger 6.2L V8 engine and this one is a considerable upgrade over the base engine. This engine churns out 420 hp & 460 lb-ft of torque. Transmission duties are handed over to a 10-speed gearbox with an option to choose the RWD or AWD drivetrain. The 10-speed gearbox does have its advantages like super-smooth cruising on the highways and better gearing ratios while towing loads.
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Models
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2019 GMC Yukon
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2019 Chevrolet Tahoe
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2019 Ford Expedition
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2019 Nissan Armada
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MSRP
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$49,600
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$49,295
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$53,525
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$48,495
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Engine
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5.3L Naturally Aspirated V-8
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5.3L Naturally Aspirated V-8
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3.5L Twin-Turbo V-6
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5.6L Naturally Aspirated V-8
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Drivetrain
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RWD
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RWD
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RWD
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RWD
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Transmission
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6-Speed Automatic
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6-speed automatic
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10-speed automatic
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7-speed automatic
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Power
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355hp @ 5,600rpm
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355hp @ 5,600rpm
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375hp @ 5,000rpm
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390hp @ 5,800rpm
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Torque
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383lb-ft @ 4,100rpm
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383lb-ft @ 4,100rpm
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470lb-ft @ 3,500rpm
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394lb-ft @ 4,000rpm
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0-60 MPH (seconds)
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7.2
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6.7
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5.9
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6.5
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Quarter-Mile (seconds)
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15.5
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15.2
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14.8
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15.0
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Top-Speed (MPH)
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113
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113
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120
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130
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This engine option with the RWD drivetrain would be the perfect fit for the buyers who have regular towing needs as this can tow up to 8500 lbs. when fitted with an HD trailer package.
The GMC Yukon, even being the least powerful SUV on paper, has managed a great 0-60 MPH timing. The Ford Expedition is just marginally better than the Yukon but it does have a much higher towing capacity thanks to that massive 470 lb-ft torque. The Yukon with the optional bigger engine will perform much better than any of the rivals.
How well does the 2019 GMC Yukon handle?
The 2019 GMC Yukon is a heavy vehicle and yet thanks to its chassis it responds very well to the steering inputs and never ever likes driving a bus. The suspension on the base trims is a blessing and soaks in all the bumps and undulations with ease but this also reflects in a slightly bouncy or should we say plush driving experience.
The Magnetic ride control present in the Denali trim features adaptive dampers for sharp handling. The Denali comes with 22-inch wheels and coupled with this suspension setup, ride quality gets significantly more harsh than the base variants. SUVs are meant to have comfortable handling and relaxed ride equality but such unnecessary extra features ruin the experience.
Braking Performance
Well, all of you are very well aware of the stature of Yukon and would not expect it to stop like a performance car. The brakes on the 2019 Yukon have 13-inch rotors at the front and 13.6 inches at the rear as it’s an RWD setup for the most part. The braking performance is average for such a vehicle and the pedal feels good, responding in a nice gradual way.
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Models
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2019 GMC Yukon
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2019 Chevrolet Tahoe
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2019 Ford Expedition
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2019 Nissan Armada
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Brake Rotors: Front (inches)
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13
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13.0
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13.0
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13.8
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Brake Rotors: Rear (inches)
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13.6
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13.6
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13.5
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13.8
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Curb Weight (lbs)
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5379
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5355
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5443
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5578
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60-0MPH (feet)
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122
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121
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121
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128
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Yukon doesn’t have the best performance as it is evident but neither of these SUVs has. Yeah, Ford Expedition has done exceptionally well than the others but having a braking distance of more than 120 feet isn’t something to cheer about anyway.
