2018 GMC Yukon
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.

- 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
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
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
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV 4WD Denali | 203.9 in | 80.3 in | 74.4 in | 116.1 in | 68.9 / 68.5 in | 5,745 lb | 52/48 |
| 4dr SUV 4WD Sle/Slt | 203.9 in | 80.3 in | 74.4 in | 116.1 in | 68.9 / 68.5 in | 5,545 lb | 52/48 |
| 4dr SUV RWD Sle/Slt | 203.9 in | 80.3 in | 74.4 in | 116.1 in | 68.9 / 68.5 in | 5,309 lb | 52/48 |
| -Xl 4dr SUV 4WD Denali | 224.4 in | 80.3 in | 74.4 in | 129.9 in | 68.9 / 68.5 in | 5,981 lb | 51/49 |
| -Xl 4dr SUV 4WD Sle/Slt | 224.4 in | 80.3 in | 74.4 in | 129.9 in | 68.9 / 68.5 in | 5,776 lb | 51/49 |
| -Xl 4dr SUV RWD Sle/Slt | 224.4 in | 80.3 in | 74.4 in | 129.9 in | 68.9 / 68.5 in | 5,536 lb | 51/49 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yukon C1500 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 19 | -3% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Yukon C1500 XL 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 19 | -3% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Yukon C1500 2WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 19 | -3% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Yukon C1500 XL 2WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 19 | -3% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Yukon K1500 XL 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 18 | -4% | $3,700 | 504 |
| Yukon K1500 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | -4% | $3,700 | 497 |
| Yukon K1500 XL 4WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 18 | -4% | $3,700 | 504 |
| Yukon K1500 4WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | -4% | $3,700 | 497 |
| Yukon C1500 2WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 23 / 17 | -13% | $4,850 | 517 |
| Yukon C1500 XL 2WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 23 / 17 | -13% | $4,850 | 517 |
| Yukon K1500 4WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 / 22 / 17 | -9% | $4,850 | 523 |
| Yukon K1500 XL 4WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 / 21 / 16 | -14% | $5,150 | 548 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 GMC Yukon SUV RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 22.9% |
| 2018 GMC Yukon SUV 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 22.2% |
Similar 2018 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 GMC Yukon (this car) | 19 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2018 Toyota Land Cruiser | 15 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2018 Ford Explorer | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe | 19 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Ford Expedition | 20 MPG | ★★★★★ | 14 |
| 2018 Nissan Pathfinder | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Dodge Durango | 21 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
Recalls (5)
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.
Not every 2018 GMC Yukon is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 GMC Yukon buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- 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.
- Engine — 43 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 27 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Service Brakes — 16 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 40,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- 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 →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Yukon | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2026 Yukon | 23 | 209.8 in | Not rated | 3 | 84 |
| 2025 Yukon | 23 | 209.8 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 85 |
| 2024 Yukon | 23 | 209.8 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 181 |
| 2023 Yukon | 23 | 209.8 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 472 |
| 2022 Yukon | 23 | 209.8 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 359 |
| 2021 Yukon | 23 | 209.8 in | ★★★★★ | 14 | 573 |
| 2020 Yukon | 18 | 203.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 84 |
| 2019 Yukon | 18 | 203.9 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 126 |
| 2017 Yukon | 19 | 203.9 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 359 |
| 2016 Yukon | 19 | 203.9 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 519 |
| 2015 Yukon | 18 | 203.9 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 966 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or GMC. How we calculate this →