2019 GMC Yukon
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2019 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
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, FFV, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 18 combined · 15 city / 23 hwy
- Length
- 203.9–224.4 in
- Curb weight
- 5,309–5,981 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Higher rollover riskNHTSA estimates a 22.8% 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 2019 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2019 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 18 MPG combined (15 city / 23 highway), 5% worse than the 2019 standard SUV average of 18.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,700 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 126 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2019
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2018 Yukon — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2018; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2018 Yukon →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Arlington, Texas
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2019 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 | 15 / 22 / 18 | -5% | $3,700 | 505 |
| Yukon C1500 XL 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 18 | -5% | $3,700 | 505 |
| Yukon C1500 2WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 18 | -5% | $3,700 | 505 |
| Yukon C1500 XL 2WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 18 | -5% | $3,700 | 505 |
| Yukon K1500 4WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | -9% | $3,950 | 513 |
| Yukon K1500 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | -9% | $3,950 | 513 |
| Yukon K1500 4WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 / 22 / 17 | -9% | $4,850 | 527 |
| Yukon C1500 2WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 23 / 17 | -10% | $4,850 | 517 |
| Yukon C1500 XL 2WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 23 / 17 | -10% | $4,850 | 517 |
| Yukon K1500 XL 4WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 / 21 / 16 | -14% | $4,200 | 541 |
| Yukon K1500 XL 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 / 21 / 16 | -14% | $4,200 | 541 |
| Yukon K1500 XL 4WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -14% | $5,150 | 553 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2019 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 GMC Yukon SUV RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 22.8% |
| 2019 GMC Yukon SUV 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 21.9% |
Similar 2019 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 GMC Yukon (this car) | 18 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser | 15 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2019 Ford Explorer | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe | 18 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2019 Ford Expedition | 20 MPG | ★★★★★ | 11 |
| 2019 Nissan Pathfinder | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2019 Dodge Durango | 21 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
Recalls (3)
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 · 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.
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 2019 GMC Yukon is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2019 GMC Yukon buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 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 — 64 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 28 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 14 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 76,300 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 2019 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 | 572 |
| 2020 Yukon | 18 | 203.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 84 |
| 2018 Yukon | 19 | 203.9 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 130 |
| 2017 Yukon | 19 | 203.9 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 359 |
| 2016 Yukon | 19 | 203.9 in | Not rated | 5 | 519 |
| 2015 Yukon | 18 | 203.9 in | Not rated | 10 | 966 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or GMC. How we calculate this →