This full-size SUV is a major achievement for GMC and a reminder that the American brand can still compete with Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.
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- GMC’s Yukon wowed USA TODAY Cars during testing in the best possible way.
- The Yukon’s interior creates an immersive environment unlike any other in this segment.
Justin Bieber’s official YUKON video has been viewed 33 million times on YouTube. In the opening line, Bieber sings, “In the city, uh, guys driving the Yukon.” USA TODAY Cars took a closer look at the SUV behind the artist’s viral hit. Get a closer look inside the luxurious and cavernous American full-size SUV.
USA TODAY Cars got behind the wheel of the 2026 GMC Yukon Denali to see if this SUV is indeed worthy of song. After spending a week with this large SUV’s penultimate configuration, it’s easy to see how it’s become a hit with beaver bangers.
What makes the 2026 GMC Yukon stand out?
GMC’s Yukon is closely related to popular American full-size SUVs such as the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban. It has a unique identity that sets it apart from its peers, and offers a luxurious driving and ownership experience that eludes many American cars in a segment with fierce competition from Germany and Japan.
Comfort and power are two hallmarks of the Yukon. It feels comfortable and safe for occupants, and doesn’t slouch when accelerating. The Yukon oozes quality, especially in trims like the Denali.
How do you drive?
Performance, usability and efficiency
The 2026 GMC Yukon is powered by a 5.3-liter V8 engine that produces a powerful 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. It gets about 15 miles per gallon in the city and 20 miles per gallon on the highway.
GMC’s large family SUV is easy to get into and its power is thrilling. The ride comfort is great. Handling is good for its size, but it can feel large when making tight turns. The Yukon is relatively efficient for its segment, but not class-leading.
Will it fit your lifestyle?
Load capacity, space, practicality
The 2026 Yukon is large, making it a great choice for drivers who need more cabin space. There is 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. Folding the third row increases cargo space to 72.5 cubic feet. The standard model seats eight people, and the XL model seats nine.
Front legroom is 44.5 inches, and second-row legroom is 42 inches. Third row legroom is approximately 38.2 inches, perfect for the smallest passenger in your group.
Is it worth it?
price, value, competition
Pricing for the 2026 GMC Yukon starts at $69,200. Five trim levels are available to appeal to a wide range of buyers. GM also offers an XL model for drivers who want an even bigger Yukon.
2026 GMC Yukon Trim
- Elevation: $69,200
- AT4: $76,000
- AT4 Ultimate: $97,300
- Denali: $80,000
- Denali Ultimate: $103,300
The Yukon’s starting price is higher than many of its segment rivals, including the Nissan Armada, Jeep Wagoneer, and Ford Expedition. The extensive list of standard features makes it a great value for money product. The Yukon excels as a luxurious family SUV designed for maximum passenger comfort.
U.S. News & World Report ranks the Jeep Wagoneer higher than the Yukon on its list of best full-size SUVs, citing the Wagoneer’s “upscale interior” and “adequate towing capacity.” The Wagoneer has been getting a lot of attention since the nameplate was reinstated as a 2022 model.
Who should buy the 2026 GMC Yukon?
GMC’s full-size SUVs combine functionality and practicality with sophisticated interiors and a comfortable driving experience. USA TODAY Cars tested a Denali Ultimate and found its interior top-notch. Jumping into the cabin on a crisp winter morning created a strong sense of relief during our test. Additionally, the Yukon has a 24.0-gallon tank, which means you can travel more than 420 miles on one tank of gas.
Available features such as dual 12.6-inch HD rear seat touchscreens, HD surround vision, and a large multi-color 15.0-inch head-up display make the Yukon hard to beat in its segment. In fact, the upper trims are comparable to luxury full-size SUVs. If you have a large family or regularly travel with a large group and want one of the most comfortable large SUVs on the market, the Yukon is strongly worth considering. With the right setup, Yukon can easily feel like a second home.
