Makes›GMC›Yukon›2018

2018 GMC Yukon

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 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
Transmission
10-speed automatic, 6-speed automatic
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
Seats
8
Fuel
Regular Gasoline, FFV, Premium Gasoline
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
  • Seats up to 83 rows of seating.

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 13 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2018 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), 3% worse than the 2018 standard SUV average of 19.5 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 130 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2018

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 Yukon — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Yukon →

Trims, performance & features

Engine–6.2L 8-cyl
Engine–5.3L 8-cyl
Transmission10-speed automatic · 6-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating8 seats · 3 rows

Trims

DenaliSLT

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Adaptive cruise controlOptional
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamStandard
Keyless startStandard

Built in: Arlington, Texas

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2018 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 / 19-3%$3,550468
Yukon C1500 XL 2WD5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive16 / 23 / 19-3%$3,550468
Yukon C1500 2WD FFV5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive16 / 23 / 19-3%$3,550468
Yukon C1500 XL 2WD FFV5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive16 / 23 / 19-3%$3,550468
Yukon K1500 XL 4WD5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive15 / 22 / 18-4%$3,700504
Yukon K1500 4WD5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18-4%$3,700497
Yukon K1500 XL 4WD FFV5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive15 / 22 / 18-4%$3,700504
Yukon K1500 4WD FFV5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18-4%$3,700497
Yukon C1500 2WD6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 10-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 23 / 17-13%$4,850517
Yukon C1500 XL 2WD6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 10-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 23 / 17-13%$4,850517
Yukon K1500 4WD6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 10-spd4-Wheel Drive14 / 22 / 17-9%$4,850523
Yukon K1500 XL 4WD6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 10-spd4-Wheel Drive14 / 21 / 16-14%$5,150548
3/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
3/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $5,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
19.5 MPG2018 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2018 GMC Yukon SUV RWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★22.9%
2018 GMC Yukon SUV 4WD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★22.2%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning

Similar 2018 standard SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2018 GMC Yukon (this car)19 MPG★★★★★5
2018 Toyota Land Cruiser15 MPGNot rated2
2018 Ford Explorer22 MPG★★★★★7
2018 Chevrolet Tahoe19 MPG★★★★★3
2018 Ford Expedition20 MPG★★★★★14
2018 Nissan Pathfinder23 MPG★★★★★3
2018 Dodge Durango21 MPG★★★★★5

Recalls (5)

Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Power Train › Transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive) · May 7, 2026 Do not drive

NHTSA campaign 26V289000 · 66 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with four-wheel (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and certain 2015-2020 Suburban, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Yukon, Yukon XL, and Tahoe vehicles. A component missing from the drivetrain transfer case may cause the front and/or rear wheels to lock up without warning to the driver.
Risk
Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transfer case assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 18, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. GM's number for this recall is N262557620. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 7, 2026.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum · Oct 1, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V603000 · 14,620 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500 and Yukon vehicles equipped with either a 5.3L or 6.2L V8 engine. The output of the mechanical vacuum pump can decrease over time, decreasing the amount of vacuum/power brake assist.
Risk
A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, 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 November 11, 2020. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-522-9559, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438. GM's number for this recall is N202300860.
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.
Seat Belts › Rear/Other · Sep 26, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V673000 · 15,800 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Cadillac CT6, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Volt, and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. Certain second-row or third-row rear seatbelts retractor assemblies may not automatically lock when the seatbelt is fully pulled out of the retractor, possibly preventing a child seat from being properly secured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
If the child seat is not properly secured in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear seatbelt retractors and replace them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 7, 2018. Owners may contact 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 18315.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2018 GMC Yukon is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

130Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
8Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
14Injuries reported
40,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine43
Power Train27
Unknown Or Other19
Service Brakes16
Suspension13
Electrical System8
Steering7
Air Bags6
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/10: 424/11: 224/12: 125/01: 125/02: 325/03: 225/04: 425/05: 525/06: 125/07: 325/08: 125/09: 325/10: 525/11: 225/12: 126/01: 226/02: 126/03: 426/04: 426/05: 226/06: 226/07: 126/09: 126/10: 424/1025/0125/0425/0725/1026/0126/0426/07max 5

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2018 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. Engine — 43 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Power Train — 27 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Service Brakes — 16 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 40,000 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 2018 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
2017 Yukon19203.9 in★★★★★3359
2016 Yukon19203.9 in★★★★★5519
2015 Yukon18203.9 in★★★★★10966

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