Full-size SUV sales are booming in America right now, and it’s not hard to see why – tons of space coupled with mountains of power and luxury make these beasts the right choice for thousands of people each year. What isn’t easy is choosing between the laundry list of offerings from the multitude of brands available. If you’re looking for style, power and space, let your local dealer show you how the 2019 GMC Yukon has been a perennial favorite for years and might just be the ride for you.
The 2019 GMC Yukon hits dealership lots with a number of impressive features for the 2019 model year. A body on frame design blends comfort with prodigious towing power. This setup is typically characterized as having the handling of a larger vehicle and compromised interior space, but the Yukon has several tricks up its sleeve to prevent this. One such advancement is GM’s magnetorheological shock system, dubbed Magnetic Ride Control which offers the adaptability of an air or hydraulic suspension, without the reliability concerns.
Riding on the venerable GM GMT platform, the Yukon shares its DNA with the Chevy Tahoe, as well its stretched siblings, the GMC Yukon XL and Chevy Suburban. Have a seat in this vehicle and it’s immediately apparent that the Yukon is something special. Whether you opt for the standard 5.3 liter EcoTec V8 with 355 hp and 383 lb.-ft. of torque, or the upgraded 6.2 liter with 420 hp and 460 lb.-ft. of torque, you’re sure to get a winning combination with seating for up to 9 and a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds. All of that capability and power comes with class-leading efficiency, at up to 22 miles per gallon on the EPA’s highway cycle. Try shopping for one of those wimpy car-based crossovers that can match Yukon’s stats – go ahead, we’ll wait.
The Yukon is the backbone of GMC’s lineup, meaning there’s one for everybody. The Yukon lineup opens with the SLE trim level; not your traditional base model, this trim is sporting standard equipment such as 18-inch wheels, a backup camera with parking assist front and rear, and a Bose premium 9-speaker sound system. Moving through the lineup finds the SLT Standard Edition, then SLT, then the range-topping Denali with Enhanced Driver Alert Package. The Denali comes with perforated leather with heat and ventilation, the upgraded 6.2 liter V8 engine, signature Denali styling elements, and more. Four-wheel drive is available on any model of the Yukon, while rear wheel drive comes standard.
At First Glance
To get you started with basic information on the 2019 GMC Yukon, here are a few important stats you’ll want to know:
- MSRP: $49,500 (SLE) to $66,200 (Denali)
- Cargo Space: Up to 94.7 cubic feet
- Third-Row Legroom: 24.8 inches
- MPG (city/highway): 15/22
- Towing Capacity: Up to 8,500 lbs
- Warranty: 3 years, 36,000 miles bumper to bumper; 60 months, 60,000 miles powertrain warranty
Overall, this is a vehicle you’ll probably want to take a closer look at. So, here is how the 2019 GMC Yukon performs in some of the most important categories.
Capability
Whether it’s hitting the trails or the school pick up line the GMC Yukon is ready for it all. Do rutted and muddy roads get in the way of that perfect campsite? Yukon boasts almost 8-inches of ground clearance with an available 3.42 rear axle ratio complete with limited-slip differential. These three features all work to pull you right out of any challenging terrain.
The jack of all trades Yukon can also glam it up on downtown city streets, with optional 22-inch machine polished wheels, dazzling HID headlights, and tasteful chrome accompaniments. Magnetic Ride Control makes the journey as fun as the destination.
If hauling is in your Yukon’s future, let the brawny 6.2 liter V8 and 10-speed automatic transmission make short work of anything you can throw at its trailer hitch. With a maximum tow rating of 8,500 pounds and seating for up to 9, you can truly have it all, through it all, carrying it all with you.
Safety
If all of this hasn’t sold you on the winning formula of the Yukon, consider that the Yukon not only comes with the standard safety technology such as ABS, traction control, and a backup camera, but also includes advanced active safety features, such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. A GM segment-exclusive front center airbag is also included to protect the front middle passenger.
If the Yukon detects an impending collision its Automatic Emergency Braking system will automatically apply braking pressure should the driver fail to do so. In the event that the driver attempts to brake but not forcefully enough, Yukon can amplify braking pressure to a more appropriate level for the situation. AEB works in coordination with Forward Collision Warning and Adaptive Cruise Control to keep Yukon safe on the road. A safety alert seat also sends vibrations to warn drivers of danger.
Amenities
Clearly GMC took active families and lifestyles into consideration when designing the 2019 Yukon – land your eyes anywhere in the expansive cabin and you’ll find evidence of this. Looking at the dashboard, you’ll find thoughtful touches like a hidden compartment behind the infotainment screen with a light and USB charging port. This compartment is lockable and opens and closes with the touch of a button. An adjustable screen in the instrument panel keeps you informed of Yukon’s vitals ranging from your standard RPM and speed to where power is being sent and tire pressure data. Exquisite stitching covers the dashboard, matching that on the seats. A plethora of USB ports dot the interior to keep everyone charged up and ready. And with the special noise-reducing glass, any unwanted road noise stays out of Yukon’s hushed cabin, making for a more comfortable ride.
Speaking of seats, Yukon’s soft leather seats have standard power adjustability and are available heated. Even the second row of seats are available with heat as well. A very unique feature among modern cars is a liftglass that is independent of the liftgate, making loading small objects or carrying very long ones a breeze. Also unique is 9-passenger seating, a disappearing feature once ubiquitous among family cars. In the event that you don’t need to utilize this much seating, the seats can be lowered electronically, and the third row can be raised electronically as well. Folding both the second and third row of seats down opens up 95 cubic feet of cargo space. The rear power outlet and a power liftgate that opens at the swipe of a foot under the rear bumper makes carrying and loading cargo more convenient.
If you love the GMC Yukon’s winning formula, but want to differentiate yourself from the thousands who also buy into this family each year, consider the Yukon SLT Graphite Edition, with a unique 22-inch bright-machined aluminum wheels, a body-color grille, and gloss black exterior accents.
Visit Your Local GMC Dealer Today
If you’re considering purchasing the 2019 GMC Yukon, you’ll be greeted with a plethora of customizable options. Regardless of which trim, edition, or engine you choose, be sure to visit your local dealership to help make your Yukon dreams come true. A reliable, reputable, and knowledge GMC dealer can make purchasing your next vehicle a breeze, just make sure you do your research and come prepared!
