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Photo of a GMC Yukon

GMC Yukon

Denali started here: the Yukon launched GMC's luxury sub-brand in 1998.1

Researched October 29, 2026 from 35 sources

At a glance

0250500
180–420 hpPower
0510
5.8–9.2 s0–60 mph
0100200
156–182 km/hTop speed
0400800
407–671 N·mTorque
01,5003,000
2,000–2,767 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.81011121314

Engine
V8s: 4.8-8.1 L (8.1: XL 2500); diesels: 6.5 L V8 and 3.0 L I641012
Layout
Front-engine; rear-, four- or all-wheel drive, by version113
Gearbox
Early: 5-speed manual/4-speed auto; Denali: 6-, then 8-, then 10-speed auto268
Built at
Early models: Janesville Assembly Plant, Wisconsin, United States112

The story

GMC gave its full-size SUV the Yukon name for 1992 to distinguish it from the midsize Jimmy. GMT400 underpinnings and a fixed metal roof marked its debut; the 2021 redesign added independent rear suspension.123

1992: Yukon debuts on GMT40019921995: Four doors join the two-door19951996: The 5.7-liter becomes Vortec 570019962000: GMT800 brings the Yukon XL name20002007: Denali gets a 380-hp 6.2-liter V820072015: New body, new Denali transmissions20152021: Independent rear suspension at last · Duramax trades speed for economy20212025: 305-hp diesel reaches the AT42025 GMC Suburban: 1937–1999GMC SuburbanGMC Jimmy: 1970–1972GMC Yukon (GMT400): 1992–2000GMT400GMC Yukon / Yukon XL (GMT800): 2000–2006GMC Yukon / Yukon XL: 2007–2014GMC Yukon / Yukon XL: 2021–present 194019501960197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones1234591112162021
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1937–1999GMC Suburban
1970–1972GMC Jimmy
1992–2000GMC Yukon (GMT400)
2000–2006GMC Yukon / Yukon XL (GMT800)
2007–2014GMC Yukon / Yukon XL
2021–presentGMC Yukon / Yukon XL
1992Yukon debuts on GMT400
1995Four doors join the two-door
1996The 5.7-liter becomes Vortec 5700
2000GMT800 brings the Yukon XL name
2007Denali gets a 380-hp 6.2-liter V8
2015New body, new Denali transmissions
2021Independent rear suspension at last
2021Duramax trades speed for economy
2025305-hp diesel reaches the AT4
  1. 1992

    Yukon debuts on GMT400

    Replacing the full-size Jimmy, the two-door Yukon offered a fixed roof, a 5.7-liter V8 and a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.12

  2. 1995

    Four doors join the two-door

    The new four-door slotted between the midsize Jimmy and Suburban, sharing showroom space with the original two-door.12

  3. 1996

    The 5.7-liter becomes Vortec 5700

    The 5.7-liter V8 became the Vortec 5700, rated at 250 hp for 1996. The five-speed manual disappeared from the lineup.12

  4. 2000

    GMT800 brings the Yukon XL name

    The GMT800 redesign brought new V8 engines, while GMC's Suburban became the Yukon XL.145

  5. 2007

    Denali gets a 380-hp 6.2-liter V8

    An all-aluminum V8 with variable cam timing teamed with GM's first clutch-to-clutch six-speed automatic.6

  6. 2015

    New body, new Denali transmissions

    The redesign shared no sheetmetal with pickups. Denali switched from a six-speed automatic to an eight-speed during the model year.78

  7. 2021

    Independent rear suspension at last

    The lower floor helped gain 10.1 inches of third-row legroom and 11 cubic feet of cargo space. AT4 joined the range.39

  8. 2021

    Duramax trades speed for economy

    Denali's diesel cost $1,500 less than the 6.2-liter V8; base buyers paid $995 extra. It was rated at 22-23 mpg combined; 0-60 mph was estimated at 8.5 seconds.10

  9. 2025

    305-hp diesel reaches the AT4

    The 3.0-liter Duramax rose to 305 hp and 671 Nm, now offered across all trims. Elevation replaced SLE/SLT, and AT4 Ultimate joined.11

Every generation

  • GMC Suburban
    GMC Suburban1937–1999
  • GMC Jimmy
    GMC Jimmy1970–1972
  • GMC Yukon
    GMT4001992–2000
  • GMC Yukon / Yukon XL
    GMT8002000–2006
  • GMC Yukon / Yukon XL
    GMC Yukon / Yukon XL2007–2014
  • GMC Yukon / Yukon XL
    GMC Yukon / Yukon XL2021–present

Power over the years

From 210 hp to 420 hp in 26 years.

0200400600 1995200020052010201520202025 hp 1992 · 210 hp · 5.7-liter throttle-body V81994 · 180 hp · 6.5-liter turbodiesel V81996 · 250 hp · 5.7-liter Vortec 5700 V82001 · 320 hp · Denali / XL Denali 6.0-liter V82001 · 340 hp · Yukon XL 2500 8.1-liter V82005 · 335 hp · Denali 6.0-liter V82007 · 380 hp · Denali 6.2-liter V82009 · 403 hp · Denali 6.2-liter V82018 · 420 hp · Denali 6.2-liter V82021 · 277 hp · Duramax 3.0-liter diesel2025 · 305 hp · Duramax 3.0-liter diesel 420 hp Denali 6.2-liter V8 210 hp 5.7-liter throttle-body V8
12468101112131516
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
19922105.7-liter throttle-body V8
19941806.5-liter turbodiesel V8
19962505.7-liter Vortec 5700 V8
2001320Denali / XL Denali 6.0-liter V8
2001340Yukon XL 2500 8.1-liter V8
2005335Denali 6.0-liter V8
2007380Denali 6.2-liter V8
2009403Denali 6.2-liter V8
2018420Denali 6.2-liter V8
2021277Duramax 3.0-liter diesel
2025305Duramax 3.0-liter diesel

Versions

12 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    Yukon SLE / SLT

    2007

  • Yukon Elevation

    Standard

    Yukon Elevation

    2025

  • Yukon Denali (GMT400)

    Standard

    Yukon Denali (GMT400)

    1999–2000

  • Yukon Denali

    Standard

    Yukon Denali

    2005

    335 hp
  • Yukon Denali

    Standard

    Yukon Denali

    2007

    380 hp

  • Standard

    Yukon AT4

    2021

    355 hp
  • Yukon AT4 Ultimate

    Standard

    Yukon AT4 Ultimate

    2025

  • Yukon Hybrid

    Special

    Yukon Hybrid

    2008

    320 hp

  • Standard

    Yukon XL 2500 8.1

    2001

    340 hp

  • Special

    Yukon GT

    1993

    210 hp

  • Special

    Yukon Graphite Edition

    2019

  • Performance

    Yukon Graphite Performance Edition

    2019

    420 hp

How to spot one

Look for

  • Early two-door Yukons have a full metal roof and a separate, top-hinged rear window.2
  • On 1995–2000 four-doors, the rear doors are notched around the rear wheelarches.1
  • 2000-generation models offer barn doors or an aluminum liftgate with separately opening glass.14
  • 2015 Yukons tuck the rear wiper beneath the roof spoiler.7

Year by year

  1. 1994

    A center brake light appeared high on the roof.2

  2. 1995

    Four-door Yukons joined the original two-door body.2

  3. 2005

    Side-opening rear cargo doors disappeared; every model now had a liftgate.4

  4. 2015

    The rear wiper hides below the roof spoiler; even base models have LED turn signals front and rear.7

  5. 2018 Denali

    Denali received a new grille design.8

  6. 2025

    Sierra EV-inspired lights accompany a vertical 16.8-inch touchscreen and a column shifter replacing push-buttons.11

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a GMC Yukon
    Yukon
    Photo of a Chevrolet Tahoe (2015)
    Chevrolet Tahoe (2015)

    Chevrolet Tahoe (2015)

    Look for the Tahoe's stacked split headlamps and Chevrolet split-port grille.7

  • Photo of a GMC Yukon
    Yukon
    Photo of a Cadillac Escalade (1999–2000)
    Cadillac Escalade (1999–2000)

    Cadillac Escalade (1999–2000)

    Almost the original Denali's twin; grille design and badges are the clearest exterior clues.1

  • Photo of a GMC Yukon
    Yukon
    Photo of a Chevrolet/GMC Suburban
    Chevrolet/GMC Suburban

    Chevrolet/GMC Suburban

    Against a first-generation four-door Yukon, the Suburban has a longer rear overhang, wider cargo glass and rear doors extending to the sill.1

Against its rivals

  • Infiniti QX80

    Yukon vs Infiniti QX80

    113–0 km/h braking lower is better

    Yukon192 ft
    Infiniti QX80175 ft
    8
  • Ford Expedition (2026)

    Yukon vs Ford Expedition (2026)

    Price as tested lower is better

    Yukon$99,115
    Ford Expedition (2026)$84,495
    21
  • Jeep Grand Wagoneer (2026)

    Yukon vs Jeep Grand Wagoneer (2026)

    Combined fuel economy

    Yukon16 mpg
    Jeep Grand Wagoneer (2026)19 mpg
    21

  • Yukon vs Nissan Armada (2026)

    Power

    Yukon420 hp
    Nissan Armada (2026)425 hp
    21

Prices

Value today $13.3K–$58.5K2829

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$25K$50K$75K$100K 200020052010201520202025 Value today: $13,250–$58,500 2001 · $46,650 · US base, Denali2007 · $47,990 · US base, Denali2008 · $50,945 · US Hybrid, incl. $900 destination2015 · $69,375 · US base, XL Denali 4WD2018 · $50,395 · US base, SLE2018 · $67,495 · US base, Denali2021 · $51,995 · US base2021 · $69,695 · US base, Denali RWD2026 · $86,195 · US base, Denali 4WD 2025 · $19,500 · 1993 GT 4x4, 5-speed manual, 118k miles, Bring a Trailer2025 · $20,250 · 1999 SLE 4x4, 30k miles shown, BaT2025 · $31,000 · 2005 Denali AWD, 7k miles, BaT2026 · $10,500 · 1994 2-door 4x4, 249k miles, Bring a Trailer2026 · $36,250 · 2001 XL 2500 SLE 8.1L 4x4, 47k miles, Bring a Trailer2026 · $17,550 · 2005 Denali, 90k miles, Bring a Trailer2026 · $38,000 · 2012 XL 2500 SLT 4x4, 65k miles, BaT2026 · $25,000 · 2001 XL SLT 8.1L 4x4, 66k miles, BaT2026 · $13,333 · 1996 2-door SLE 4x4, 208k miles shown, BaT2026 · $13,250 · 2007 SLT-2 4x4, 95k miles, BaT2026 · $15,100 · 2017 SLT 4x4, 165k miles, BaT2026 · $58,500 · 2023 Denali 4WD turbodiesel, modified, 60k miles, BaT $58.5K BaT, 2026
468913141517182125272829303132333435
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2001Price when new$46,650US base, Denali
2007Price when new$47,990US base, Denali
2008Price when new$50,945US Hybrid, incl. $900 destination
2015Price when new$69,375US base, XL Denali 4WD
2018Price when new$50,395US base, SLE
2018Price when new$67,495US base, Denali
2021Price when new$51,995US base
2021Price when new$69,695US base, Denali RWD
2026Price when new$86,195US base, Denali 4WD
2025Auction sale$19,5001993 GT 4x4, 5-speed manual, 118k miles, Bring a Trailer
2025Auction sale$20,2501999 SLE 4x4, 30k miles shown, BaT
2025Auction sale$31,0002005 Denali AWD, 7k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$10,5001994 2-door 4x4, 249k miles, Bring a Trailer
2026Auction sale$36,2502001 XL 2500 SLE 8.1L 4x4, 47k miles, Bring a Trailer
2026Auction sale$17,5502005 Denali, 90k miles, Bring a Trailer
2026Auction sale$38,0002012 XL 2500 SLT 4x4, 65k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$25,0002001 XL SLT 8.1L 4x4, 66k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$13,3331996 2-door SLE 4x4, 208k miles shown, BaT
2026Auction sale$13,2502007 SLT-2 4x4, 95k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$15,1002017 SLT 4x4, 165k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$58,5002023 Denali 4WD turbodiesel, modified, 60k miles, BaT
2026Value today$13,250–$58,500

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 12 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 13 stories from its legend
    • “CSI's Denali became a mobile crime lab”
    • “Yukon joined Madden's first vehicle tie-in”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 6 generations

  • Market

    • 5 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 35 sources
  1. Chevrolet Tahoe - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. 1992-00 GMC Yukon/Denali | Consumer Guide Auto consumerguide.com
  3. Tested: 2021 GMC Yukon Denali Adds Refinement and Practicality caranddriver.com
  4. 2000-06 GMC Yukon/Denali | Consumer Guide Auto consumerguide.com
  5. Chevrolet Suburban - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  6. Tested: 2007 GMC Yukon Denali caranddriver.com
  7. Interview: Chip Thole, Exterior Design Manager, GM Full-Size SUVs motortrend.com
  8. Tested: 2018 GMC Yukon Denali 4WD 10-Speed Automatic caranddriver.com
  9. 2021 GMC Yukon First Test Review: Bigger—But Is It Better? motortrend.com
  10. 2021 GMC Yukon Diesel First Drive motortrend.com
  11. 2025 GMC Yukon Refresh Includes a More Desirable Diesel Engine caranddriver.com
  12. Chevrolet K5 Blazer - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  13. GMC Yukon Denali and Yukon XL Denali caranddriver.com
  14. 1993 GMC Yukon 2-Door GT 4×4 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $19,500 on November 4, 2025 (Lot #218,089) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  15. No Reserve: 47k-Mile 2001 GMC Yukon XL 2500 SLE 8.1L 4×4 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $36,250 on April 16, 2026 (Lot #238,256) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  16. 2007-14 GMC Yukon/Denali | Consumer Guide Auto consumerguide.com
  17. No Reserve: 2005 GMC Yukon Denali for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $17,550 on April 30, 2026 (Lot #240,326) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  18. 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid Review | Autoweb autoweb.com
  19. 2019 GMC Yukon bags two Graphite Editions | DriveMag Cars drivemag.com
  20. Chevy Blazer Spotter's Guide - SUV Bio motortrend.com
  21. 2026 Ford Expedition vs. Nissan Armada vs. Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs. GMC Yukon Denali Full-Size SUV Comparison Test motortrend.com
  22. GMC Partners With 'CSI Crime Scene Investigation' theautochannel.com
  23. GMC Vehicles Take the Field in Madden NFL 25 prnewswire.com
  24. GM Recalls 721K Trucks, Full-Size SUVs Due to Defective 6.2L V-8s caranddriver.com
  25. 2015 GMC Yukon XL Denali: 40,000 Miles caranddriver.com
  26. GMC Yukon review: The best used large SUV - MoneySense moneysense.ca
  27. No Reserve: 1994 GMC Yukon 2-Door 4×4 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $10,500 on January 24, 2026 (Lot #227,647) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  28. No Reserve: 2007 GMC Yukon SLT-2 4x4 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $13,250 on April 25, 2026 (Lot #239,518) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  29. 2023 GMC Yukon Denali 4WD Turbodiesel for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $58,500 on January 21, 2026 (Lot #227,257) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  30. 2012 GMC Yukon XL 2500 SLT 4×4 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $38,000 on October 6, 2026 (Lot #266,882) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. No Reserve: 2001 GMC Yukon XL SLT 8.1L 4x4 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $25,000 on September 22, 2026 (Lot #264,405) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. No Reserve: 1996 GMC Yukon 2-Door SLE 4×4 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $13,333 on April 29, 2026 (Lot #240,209) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. No Reserve: 2017 GMC Yukon SLT 4x4 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $15,100 on March 8, 2026 (Lot #232,659) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. 30k-Mile 1999 GMC Yukon SLE 4×4 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $20,250 on December 7, 2025 (Lot #222,447) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. 7k-Mile 2005 GMC Yukon Denali AWD for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $31,000 on October 6, 2025 (Lot #213,517) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • consumerguide.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • motortrend.com
  • bringatrailer.com
  • autoweb.com
  • drivemag.com
  • theautochannel.com
  • prnewswire.com
  • moneysense.ca

Photo credits

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