The 2018 GMC Yukon lasts around 250,000 miles with some running board and A/C issues reported. At $29,550 to $64,700, it’s expensive, but worth the money for a dependable full size SUV with strong V8 engine choices.
Is the 2018 GMC Yukon a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2018 is a great year for the GMC Yukon since it pairs strong V8 engines with outstanding passenger room. Owner reviews praise the luxury features
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are upscale for a large SUV, the seats are very comfortable on long road trips, and cargo space is excellent.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread problems found on the 2018 Yukon. Avoid models from 2015 which have some electrical and transmission issues, while 2016–2022 are more reliable.
- Performance 7/10 – The towing performance is great from the strong V8 engines, but it’s not particularly fast since it’s a heavy boxy SUV.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2018 Yukon is reasonably safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera, while optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control along with lane keep assist.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 19 MPG, giving 494 miles of range from the 26 gallon tank. Gas costs are $11 cheaper than average, at $245 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2018 GMC Yukon is a decent value if you’re in the market for a strong full-size SUV since it’s reasonably priced for a lot of passenger room.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the GMC Yukon?
- Consumer Reports says the 2018 GMC Yukon is a nice throwback to the SUVs of the 90s with an upscale cabin, and good owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the 2018 Yukon at 3.4/5, enjoying the high towing capacity from the V8 engines, but doesn’t like the loose handling.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Yukon a 4/5, praising the luxurious interior, but owners don’t like the worse fuel economy than some competitors.
What Common Problems Does the 2018 GMC Yukon Have?
Common problems found on the 2018 GMC Yukon include the electric running boards failing, the A/C system not working, along with excessive paint fade. Overall, these problems are similar to some other large SUVs, leading to average repair bills as the Yukon ages.
The electric running boards failing is the most widespread complaint from 2018 Yukon owners at around 60,000 miles. The motors that cause the running boards to extend tend to wear out as they are used every time the vehicle is locked and unlocked. Replacing the running boards costs around $1,800, depending on local labor rates, although some owners simply disconnect them and don’t use them.
The A/C system not working has also been reported on some 2018 GMC Yukon models at roughly 50,000 miles. Usually, the problem is caused by a cracked A/C condenser which will lose all cooling capacity. Replacing the condenser fixes the problem, but costs around $1,300.
Excessive paint fade is another complaint found on the 2018 Yukon within the first 55,000 miles. Paint left in direct sunlight for a long time will start to break down and fade. The only way to fix the problem is by repainting the affected areas, at a cost of around $1,000 per panel.
There are three recalls on the 2018 GMC Yukon, which is similar to many other SUVs on the market. All of the recalls cover the brake system and include the brake software and vacuum pump. GMC will replace the vacuum pump, and update the software on models for free.
How Long Will the 2018 GMC Yukon Last?
A well-maintained 2018 GMC Yukon can last around 250,000 miles, which is only slightly shorter than the long-lasting Toyota Sequoia. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other large SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $566 per year.
As a used 2018 GMC Yukon reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the distributor cap for $150, the ignition control module costing $300, along with the wheel hub assembly which costs $550.
I have not had any problems with the 2018 GMC Yukon Denali, and thus far, the vehicle appears to be reliable.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is very good, offering a standard 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional upgrades include a more powerful stereo system along with active noise cancellation.
Standard safety technology is okay, offering a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, along with Teen Driver mode, which sets limits on speed and volume.
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Head-up display
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Low-speed automatic emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Forward collision warning
- Lane keep assist
- Safety alert seat
- Blind spot monitoring
Is the 2018 GMC Yukon a Good Value?
Yes, the 2018 GMC Yukon is a great value if you’re looking for a large SUV with plenty of passenger room and a decent interior. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $29,550 to $64,700, making it more than a Ford Explorer or Nissan Armada. When new, the price range was $49,100 to $71,900. Depreciation is similar to other large SUVs, losing about 7% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the GMC Yukon?
There are three main models of the 2018 GMC Yukon offered, from the entry-level SLE to the more luxurious Denali. The Yukon comes standard with rear-wheel drive, while four-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade. There’s also a long-wheelbase Yukon XL model available with more passenger and cargo room.
SLE is the entry-level model which has:
- 18-inch wheels
- Heated mirrors, fog lights, side steps, and roof rails
- Front and rear parking sensors, automatic wipers, cruise control
- Remote keyless entry and ignition, trailer hitch receiver with wiring harness
- Tri-zone automatic climate control, front bucket seats with 10-way power-adjustable driver seat
- 60/40-split folding second- and third-row seats
- Tilt-only leather-wrapped steering wheel, a teen-driver monitoring system
- OnStar communications (4G LTE connection, Wi-Fi hotspot)
- 110-volt household power outlet, Bluetooth, 8-inch touchscreen
- Rearview camera, five USB ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Bose nine-speaker audio system with CD player and satellite radio
- Optional Enhanced Driver Alert package
- Optional Convenience package
SLT is a step up, adding:
- Includes all SLE features, plus:
- Hands-free liftgate, power-folding mirrors, auto-dimming driver-side mirror
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, keyless entry and ignition
- Leather upholstery, heated and power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
- 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats
- Power-folding second- and third-row seats, driver-seat memory functions
- Wireless charging pad
- Optional 22-inch wheels and HD Trailering package
- Eligible for a sunroof, adaptive cruise control with automatic braking, and a rear-seat entertainment system
Denali is the flagship model with:
- Includes all SLT features, plus:
- Larger engine and 10-speed transmission
- 20-inch wheels, xenon headlights, adaptive suspension dampers
- Trailer brake controller, a head-up display, active noise cancellation
- Second-row bucket seats, a navigation system
- 10-speaker surround-sound system
- Optional power-retractable side steps and adaptive cruise control
What Engines Come In the GMC Yukon?
- The 2018 GMC Yukon comes standard with a 5.3L V8 engine that generates 355 horsepower and 383 lb.-ft of torque at up to 19 MPG. It’s paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and can tow up to 6,500 pounds. Its 0-60 mph acceleration time is around 7.3 seconds.
- Higher trims like the Yukon Denali are equipped with a more powerful 6.2L V8 engine, delivering 420 horsepower and 460 lb.-ft of torque at up to 17 MPG. It is mated to a ten-speed automatic transmission and has a towing capacity of up to 8,400 pounds. The 0-60 mph time for this engine is around 5.8 seconds.
What Colors Does the GMC Yukon Come In?
How Comfortable Is the GMC Yukon?
The 2018 GMC Yukon offers a comfortable and luxurious driving experience that can compete with many high-end SUVs on the market. The cabin is spacious and airy, with a three-row seating configuration that can accommodate up to nine people, depending on the seating arrangement chosen. The seats are designed with high-quality materials, providing ample cushioning and support, which makes long drives more enjoyable.
In the higher-end trims like the Denali, the front seats come with heating, cooling, and power-adjustable features that enhance comfort. The second-row seats have a good amount of legroom, making them comfortable for adult passengers. The third row, while suitable for children, can be a bit tighter for adults on longer trips.
The Yukon also has a smooth and quiet ride due to its solid build and sound insulation. Its suspension system does a commendable job of absorbing road imperfections, providing a composed and comfortable ride, even on rougher roads.
However, it’s worth noting that, like all vehicles, comfort can be subjective and may vary based on personal preferences and expectations. Some drivers might find the Yukon’s size a bit challenging to maneuver in tight city conditions, while others might appreciate its commanding view of the road. Overall, the 2018 GMC Yukon stands out for its comfortable interior and smooth ride quality.
How Much Storage Space Does the GMC Yukon Have?
The 2018 GMC Yukon is a spacious, full-size SUV designed with ample storage room to meet a variety of needs. When all the seats are in use, the Yukon offers a generous 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. This space is more than enough to accommodate small luggage, groceries, or a stroller.
The second and third-row seats fold down for more significant cargo needs. With the third row folded, cargo capacity expands to a substantial 51.7 cubic feet. This amount of space could handle larger items like bicycles, or a significant number of boxes or camping gear.
But if you need maximum storage capacity, folding down both the second and third rows reveals an impressive 94.7 cubic feet of cargo space. This large space could accommodate bulkier items, such as pieces of furniture or larger outdoor equipment. In summary, the 2018 GMC Yukon offers versatile storage solutions to fit various needs, from daily errands to transporting large items for special occasions.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fourth generation of the GMC Yukon was introduced for the 2015 model year.
2015: Fully redesigned for the fourth generation with stronger engine output, improved fuel economy, and improved technology.
2016: More technology upgrades, IntelliLink touchscreen gets Apple CarPlay, and more safety tech improvements.
2017: Cooled seats replaced with ventilated seats, low-speed automatic braking added, and updates to the rear entertainment system.
2018: Standard 10-speed transmission added.
2019: New Graphite Edition package available on the SLT model.
2020: No changes from earlier years.
2021: Fully redesigned for the fifth generation with all-new styling, technology, and interior.
How Does the GMC Yukon Compare to the Competition?
The 2018 GMC Yukon is a very nice full size SUV offering a lot of passenger room paired with decent reliability ratings as it ages, making it a great choice for shoppers.
The Ford Explorer is another SUV which can be found for about $6,000 less. Fuel efficiency is better in the Ford Explorer since it has V6 engine choices, while the GMC Yukon offers more passenger room. We recommend the GMC Yukon since it has fewer complaints from owners, although both are decent SUV choices.
The Chevy Tahoe is another full size SUV which is about $2,500 less. Both the GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe are built on the same platform, although the interior materials are nicer in the GMC Yukon. We recommend the Chevy Tahoe since it’s very close in quality to the GMC Yukon, but at a more affordable price point.
Do Owners Recommend the GMC Yukon?
Yes, the Yukon is a great vehicle. The Yukon is spacious, comfortable, and reliable. Additionally, for the size of vehicle it is decent on gas.