Makes›GMC›Yukon›2016

2016 GMC Yukon

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.

GMC Yukon
Pictured: 2020 GMC Yukon SLT 4WD in silver, front left. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV 4WD Denali, 4dr SUV 4WD Sle/Slt, 4dr SUV RWD Sle/Slt, -Xl 4dr SUV 4WD Denali
Engines
5.3L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline, FFV
MPG (best)
19 combined · 16 city / 23 hwy
Length
203.9–224.4 in
Curb weight
5,309–5,981 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
5 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Higher rollover riskNHTSA estimates a 22.9% chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash.
  • "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 12 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2016 GMC Yukon is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (5.3L 8-cyl and 6.2L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.

It measures about 204 inches long and 80 inches wide on a 116-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,745 lb (4dr SUV 4WD Denali).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 19 MPG combined (16 city / 23 highway), 1% worse than the 2016 standard SUV average of 19.1 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.

It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 519 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the exterior lighting.

What changed for 2016

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 Yukon — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Yukon →

Trims, performance & features

Engine–6.2L 8-cyl
Engine–5.3L 8-cyl
DriveAWD/4WD · RWD

Trims

DenaliSLT

Built in: Arlington, Texas

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2016 Yukon configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV 4WD Denali203.9 in80.3 in74.4 in116.1 in68.9 / 68.5 in5,745 lb52/48
4dr SUV 4WD Sle/Slt203.9 in80.3 in74.4 in116.1 in68.9 / 68.5 in5,545 lb52/48
4dr SUV RWD Sle/Slt203.9 in80.3 in74.4 in116.1 in68.9 / 68.5 in5,309 lb52/48
-Xl 4dr SUV 4WD Denali224.4 in80.3 in74.4 in129.9 in68.9 / 68.5 in5,981 lb51/49
-Xl 4dr SUV 4WD Sle/Slt224.4 in80.3 in74.4 in129.9 in68.9 / 68.5 in5,776 lb51/49
-Xl 4dr SUV RWD Sle/Slt224.4 in80.3 in74.4 in129.9 in68.9 / 68.5 in5,536 lb51/49

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Yukon C1500 2WD5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive16 / 23 / 19-1%$3,550480
Yukon C1500 XL 2WD5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive16 / 23 / 19-1%$3,550480
Yukon C1500 2WD FFV5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive16 / 23 / 18-6%$3,700489
Yukon C1500 XL 2WD FFV5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive16 / 23 / 18-6%$3,700489
Yukon K1500 XL 4WD FFV5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive15 / 22 / 18-4%$3,700498
Yukon K1500 4WD FFV5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18-4%$3,700498
Yukon K1500 XL 4WD5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive15 / 22 / 18-4%$3,700498
Yukon K1500 4WD5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18-4%$3,700498
Yukon C1500 2WD6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 22 / 17-11%$3,950511
Yukon C1500 XL 2WD6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 22 / 17-11%$3,950511
Yukon K1500 XL 4WD6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spd4-Wheel Drive14 / 20 / 17-9%$3,950535
Yukon K1500 4WD6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spd4-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17-9%$3,950519
4/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
4/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $5,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
19.1 MPG2016 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2016 GMC Yukon SUV RWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★22.9%
2016 GMC Yukon SUV 4WD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★22.2%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning

Similar 2016 standard SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2016 GMC Yukon (this car)19 MPG★★★★★5
2016 Toyota Land Cruiser15 MPGNot rated3
2016 Ford Explorer22 MPG★★★★★14
2016 Chevrolet Tahoe19 MPG★★★★★10
2016 Ford Expedition18 MPG★★★★★3
2016 Nissan Pathfinder23 MPG★★★★★2
2016 Dodge Durango21 MPG★★★★★3

Recalls (5)

Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Service Brakes · Oct 24, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V761000 · 652,967 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.
Risk
Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192261050.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum · Sep 6, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V645000 · 3,456,719 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
Risk
As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began October 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192268490.
Air Bags › Frontal · Jul 10, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V437000 · 40,683 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Risk
A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.
Seat Belts › Pretensioner · Sep 8, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V651000 · 3,640,162 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Risk
A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.
Suspension › Front › Control Arm · Apr 28, 2016 Do not drive

NHTSA campaign 16V256000 · 3,738 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2016 Cadillac Escalade, Cadillac Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Sierra, GMC Yukon and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. The front upper control arms may have inadequate welds near the control arm bushing.
Risk
Inadequate welds may allow the control arm to separate from the bushing, compromising steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left and right front upper control arms and realign the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began on May 18, 2016. Until the repairs have been made, owners are advised not to drive their vehicles. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 42190.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2016 GMC Yukon is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

519Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
14Involved a crash
2Involved a fire
9Injuries reported
54,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Exterior Lighting198
Service Brakes95
Electrical System90
Power Train75
Engine64
Unknown Or Other51
Steering22
Suspension19
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/10: 424/11: 124/12: 225/01: 325/02: 425/03: 425/04: 425/05: 525/07: 525/08: 225/09: 125/10: 325/11: 125/12: 326/01: 326/02: 526/03: 326/04: 426/05: 126/06: 226/07: 126/08: 126/09: 526/10: 224/1025/0125/0425/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 5

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2016 GMC Yukon buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Exterior Lighting — 198 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
  4. Service Brakes — 95 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  5. Electrical System — 90 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 54,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 GMC Yukon. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Yukon years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Yukon23–Not rated01
2026 Yukon23209.8 inNot rated384
2025 Yukon23209.8 in★★★★★285
2024 Yukon23209.8 in★★★★★3181
2023 Yukon23209.8 in★★★★★4472
2022 Yukon23209.8 in★★★★★5359
2021 Yukon23209.8 in★★★★★14573
2020 Yukon18203.9 in★★★★★484
2019 Yukon18203.9 in★★★★★3126
2018 Yukon19203.9 in★★★★★5130
2017 Yukon19203.9 in★★★★★3359
2015 Yukon18203.9 in★★★★★10966

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or GMC. How we calculate this →