The 2020 GMC Yukon is a straightforward three-row SUV that has no problem carrying people and things long distances in comfort, speed, and style.

What’s New for the 2020 GMC Yukon?

No major changes for the GMC Yukon for 2020. It’s still the full-size SUV we’ve known with the same capable powertrain moving it forward from last year. The only real updates are a new black color called Carbon and a white color called Pepperdust.

2020 GMC Yukon - media.gmc.com

2020 GMC Yukon – media.gmc.com |  Shop 2020 GMC Yukon on Carsforsale.com

Body Style

Starting Price

MSRP $51,895

Drivetrain

Drivetrain

RWD or 4WD

Drivetrain

Fuel Economy

15 City / 22 Hwy (MPG)

Number of Seats

Seating

Seats 7-9

The Breakdown

Corvette-like Denali engine

Best suspension in class

Solid towing capacity

Small third row

Unremarkable infotainment system

No standard safety equipment

Bring customers more power

2020 Yukon Specs

Trims & Pricing

SLE - $51,895
SLT - $59,095
Denali - $68,995

2020 GMC Yukon Powertrain

2020 GMC Yukon 5.3L V8 - carsforsale.com
2020 GMC Yukon 5.3L V8 - carsforsale.com

The 2020 GMC Yukon SLE and SLT both use the 355 horsepower 5.3L V8 with a six-speed auto. It’s not bad at all, but it does feel a bit dated for 2020. It accelerates and passes easily, but on the highway, it’ll be cruising at a noticeably high RPM.

We suggest going for the Yukon Denali with its 420 horsepower 6.2L V8. The Corvette DNA is strong in this one and we love it. Put the pedal down and this huge SUV will break the rear tires loose like you’ve entered a drift event. Keep it down and the Yukon will reach 60 mph in just 6 seconds. The 10-speed auto is sublime and very quick to swap cogs.

2020 GMC Yukon 6.2L V8 - carsforsale.com
2020 GMC Yukon 6.2L V8 - carsforsale.com

Perhaps the most impressive feature is how well the 2020 GMC Yukon handles curves. The speed at which one can corner in this 5,500 pound SUV is unreasonably high. Feedback into the steering wheel and pedals is sports-sedan sharp and doesn’t leave us wanting anything but more power so we can go even quicker.

Towing & Payload

2020 GMC Yukon - media.gmc.com
2020 GMC Yukon - media.gmc.com

The 2020 GMC Yukon is one of the most capable SUVs ever and can tow up to 8,500 pounds when equipped with rear-wheel drive. The four-wheel-drive model drops down to a maximum of 8,200 pounds. Maximum payload for the Yukon sits at 1,827 pounds. This big vehicle can haul people and things with ease all at the same time.

2020 GMC Yukon Fuel Economy & MPG

At its very best, the 2020 GMC Yukon will achieve 22 mpg on the highway and 15 mpg in the city according to the EPA. Models equipped with four-wheel-drive drop all the way down to just 20 mpg on the highway and 14 mpg in the city. That’s not very good compared to rivals like the Ford Expedition, but it’s close enough that some won’t care.

Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space

Getting in and out of the 2020 GMC Yukon is perhaps the easiest of the three big American full-size SUVs on the market right now. The front seats are especially spacious and we really enjoy them. They’re a fantastic balance between comfortable, supportive, and bolstered enough to keep you in your seat. The ventilated version is also considered better than the equivalent seating options found in Ford and Dodge products.

The rear seats aren’t really spacious enough for taller folks, but anyone under 6’2 or so should have zero issues. The rear climate controls are brilliant. They’re easy to understand and easy to use. The third row is really just for small people, as the average-sized adult won’t have much legroom. We appreciate the additional seating space though and like that those rear seats fold flat easily.

Ride comfort is also great experience in the Yukon. The suspension does a nearly miraculous job of managing to be both tight and planted while also providing a very luxurious ride. Road noise is very low and visibility is also above average. Cargo space in the back is surprising. While it looks pretty sparse, there are more spaces for gear than meets the eye.

Entertainment & Technology

2020 GMC Yukon - Nothin' But Car Reviews on youtube.com
2020 GMC Yukon - Nothin' But Car Reviews on youtube.com

All 2020 GMC Yukon trims get an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that’s just about average. We like how easy it is to use and how it’s relatively quick, but we don’t love that it’s a bit behind the times. For any vehicle in this price bracket, the screen should feel more modern.

Nevertheless, we appreciate the inclusion of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a 4G LTE Wifi hotspot, and an excellent sound system. GM has partnered with Bose for the system and it’s not as good as the top trims from Ford or Dodge, but it is the best base audio system of the three.

Safety Features

The 2020 GMC Yukon isn’t particularly rife with safety equipment. Every rival features more standard safety equipment. Blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision mitigation are all optional. The NHTSA gave it a four-star crash test rating, the IIHS has not tested it.

2020 GMC Yukon Trims & Pricing

2020 GMC Yukon SLE - carsforsale.com
2020 GMC Yukon SLE - carsforsale.com

SLE – $51,895

Buyers of the base rear-wheel-drive Yukon will get a 355 horsepower V8 mated to a six-speed automatic. It also comes with an 8-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a backup camera, a nine-speaker Bose audio system, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a tilt-only steering wheel.

2020 GMC Yukon SLT - carsforsale.com
2020 GMC Yukon SLT - carsforsale.com

SLT – $59,095

Bumping up the comfort is the Yukon SLT with its leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, power-folding second and third-row seats, and keyless entry.

2020 GMC Yukon Denali - media.gmc.com
2020 GMC Yukon Denali - media.gmc.com

Denali – $68,995

Most buyers will aim for the 2020 GMC Yukon Denali which adds adaptive suspension, real wood, and aluminum trim, 22-inch wheels, and the big 6.2-liter engine.

Warranties

GM offers a single complimentary maintenance visit with the purchase of a 2020 GMC Yukon. In addition, they offer a 3-year or 36,000-mile limited warranty and 5 years or 60,000 miles of powertrain coverage.

What we think

2020 GMC Yukon - media.gmc.com

2020 GMC Yukon – media.gmc.com |  Shop 2020 GMC Yukon on Carsforsale.com

The 2020 GMC Yukon is the driver’s large SUV. For those that want a bit more space or a better overall value, there are other options. Still, nothing else in the space drives and handles as well as the Yukon Denali. Buyers who need to save a few bucks but want similar performance can look to the Chevy Tahoe too.

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Stephen Rivers

Stephen Rivers is a car enthusiast who loves all things built with passion, extending to nearly all car cultures. After obtaining an occupational studies degree in sports medicine, Stephen turned his attention to sports cars. He was employed as an auto shop manager, spent time in auto sales, and worked as a software developer for a racing company, but Stephen began writing about cars over 10 years ago. When he's not in front of a computer screen, he's racing his own Bugeye Subaru WRX in as many autocross and rallycross competitions as he can.

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