The 2019 GMC Yukon lasts around 250,000 miles, with some relatively minor alignment and A/C issues reported. At $34,550 to $69,750, it’s a good value for a practical full size SUV with good V8 engines available.
Is the 2019 GMC Yukon a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2019 is a good year for the GMC Yukon since it offers strong V8 engines paired with practical passenger room. Owner reviews praise the four-wheel drive system, luxurious cabin materials, along with the technology system.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are nice for a full-size SUV, the seats offer excellent support on long trips, cargo space is also great.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no major complaints on the 2019 Yukon. Models from 2015 have some transmission and electrical issues, while 2016–2022 are very reliable.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is good from the standard V8 engine which can tow a lot of weight, but it’s still a very heavy SUV which isn’t particularly fun to drive.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2019 Yukon is safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera along with parking sensors. Optional upgrades include lane keep assist as well as adaptive cruise control.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 19 MPG, offering 494 miles of range out of the 26 gallon tank. Gas costs are similar to other large SUVs at $298 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2019 GMC Yukon is similarly priced to a lot of other large full-size SUVs on the market, with average depreciation rates, giving it a decent value score.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the GMC Yukon?
- Consumer Reports says the 2019 GMC Yukon is a great throwback to truck-based full size SUVs, with good owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Yukon at 3.4/5, enjoying the impressive towing capacity, but doesn’t like the high trunk floor, which makes loading cargo difficult.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Yukon a 4/5, praising the strong standard V8 engine, but owners don’t like the difficulty maneuvering on small roads.
What Common Problems Does the 2019 GMC Yukon Have?
Common problems reported on the 2019 GMC Yukon include excessive shaking and vibration, no airflow from the rear A/C vents, and some delayed gear changes. Overall, these problems are relatively minor compared to some other large SUVs on the market, leading to average repair bills as a Yukon ages.
Excessive shaking and vibration is the most widespread complaint from 2019 Yukon owners, showing up within the first 1,500 miles. Usually, the problem is caused by alignment issues, which makes the suspension and steering shake while driving. Having the SUV aligned and the suspension inspected costs around $150.
No airflow from the rear A/C vents has also been reported by some 2019 GMC Yukon owners at around 1,000 miles. Usually, the problem is caused by a damaged A/C duct line to the rear seats. Most dealerships will cover this under warranty on an SUV with so few miles, but out of warranty repairing the ductwork costs around $350.
Delayed gear changes are another problem mentioned by Yukon owners within the first 5,000 miles. There are transmission software updates which improve its performance and speed. Many dealerships will install these updates for free, while others charge around $100 for labor.
There is only one recall on the 2019 GMC Yukon, which is better than many other large SUVs on the market. The recall covers braking software, which can cause unintended braking. GM will reprogram the electronic brake control module for free on affected models.
How Long Will the 2019 GMC Yukon Last?
A well-maintained 2019 can last around 250,000 miles, which is only slightly shorter than the long-lasting Toyota Sequoia. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to some other full size SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $674 per year.
As a used 2019 Yukon reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the drive belt idler pulley for $120, a blower motor relay costing $250, along with the steering column adjustment motor, which costs $525.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is great, offering an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bose stereo system. Optional upgrades include a rear-seat entertainment system along with a more powerful surround-sound stereo system.
Standard safety technology is okay and includes a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, along with teen driver mode, which lets you set volume and speed limits.
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Blind spot monitoring
- Forward collision warning
- Lane keep assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Safety alert seat
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Low-speed forward automatic braking
- Lane departure warning
- Adaptive headlights
- Head-up display
Is the 2019 GMC Yukon a Good Value?
Yes, the 2019 GMC Yukon is a good value since it offers a lot of practicality while also blending in some nice luxury features. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $34,550 to $69,750, making it more than a Chevy Traverse or Nissan Armada. When new, the price range was $49,600 to $72,500. Depreciation is similar to some other large SUVs, losing about 8% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the GMC Yukon?
There are three main models of the 2019 GMC Yukon offered, from the entry-level SLE to the more luxurious Yukon Denali. The Yukon comes standard with rear-wheel drive, while four-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
SLE is the entry-level model with:
- 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
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- Power-adjustable driver seat
- 60/40-split folding second- and third-row seats
- Tilt-only leather-wrapped steering wheel
- OnStar with 4G LTE and Wi-Fi hotspot
- 8-inch touchscreen with rearview camera
- Bose nine-speaker audio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 5 USB ports
SLT Standard Edition is a step up, adding:
- All SLE features
- Leather upholstery
- Heated front seats
- Power-adjustable front passenger seat
- Driver-seat memory functions
SLT has more features, including:
- Hands-free rear liftgate
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
- Keyless entry and ignition
- Heated, power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
- Ventilated front seats
- Heated second-row seats
- Power-folding second and third-row seats
- Graphite Edition package (appearance package with 22-inch wheels)
- Graphite Performance Edition package (upgraded engine, transmission, suspension, head-up display, and navigation)
Denali is the flagship model, which has:
- Larger engine with 10-speed transmission
- 20-inch wheels
- Xenon headlights
- Adaptive suspension dampers
- Trailer brake controller
- Head-up display
- Active noise cancellation
- Wireless charging pad
- Second-row bucket seats
- Upgraded driver information display
- Navigation system
- 10-speaker surround-sound system
Optional Packages/Features:
- Enhanced Driver Alert package (forward collision warning, automatic braking, automatic high beams, lane departure warning)
- Convenience package (power liftgate, auto-dimming rearview mirror, power-adjustable pedals, garage door opener)
- HD Trailering package (unique axle ratio, trailer brake controller, self-leveling suspension) – available for SLE and SLT
- Sunroof, adaptive cruise control, rear-seat entertainment – available for SLT and Denali
- Power-retractable side steps – available for Denali.
What Engines Come In the GMC Yukon?
- 5.3L V8 Engine: This engine churns out a robust 355 horsepower and 383 lb.-ft of torque at up to 19 MPG. It comes with a six-speed automatic transmission. Regarding acceleration, the Yukon equipped with this engine can sprint from 0-60 MPH in around 7.4 seconds. When properly equipped, the towing capacity for the 5.3L V8 stands at a commendable 8,500 pounds.
- 6.2L V8 Engine: Reserved mainly for the high-end Denali trim, this engine is a powerhouse. It delivers a remarkable 420 horsepower and 460 lb.-ft of torque while getting 17 MPG. This engine is paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration from 0-60 MPH is quicker with this engine, clocking in at roughly 6.4 seconds. Regarding towing, this engine allows the Yukon to tow up to 8,400 pounds when properly equipped.
What Colors Does the GMC Yukon Come In?
How Comfortable Is the GMC Yukon?
The 2019 GMC Yukon stands out as a testament to GMC’s dedication to providing comfort and luxury, particularly in its upper trims like the Denali. Inside the cabin, the Yukon offers spacious seating, with well-padded seats designed to provide support during long journeys. Front seats are notably roomy, offering a range of adjustability that caters to various body types. In higher trims, passengers can enjoy heated and ventilated front seats, providing comfort in both hot and cold weather conditions. Premium materials, such as leather upholstery in certain models, further elevate the sense of luxury. Noise insulation is commendable, making the interior serene and shielded from most external noises, especially at highway speeds.
However, while the first two rows receive praise for their spaciousness and comfort, the third-row seating in the standard Yukon can be a bit tighter, especially for adult passengers. The extended-length Yukon XL variant, on the other hand, offers more legroom in the third row, making it a more suitable choice for those who often carry a full complement of passengers. Ride quality is generally smooth, thanks to the Yukon’s suspension system that effectively absorbs most road imperfections. Adding to the list of comfort-enhancing features are the intuitive infotainment system, user-friendly controls, and an array of modern conveniences, guaranteeing that occupants remain comfortable and entertained on the go.
How Much Storage Space Does the GMC Yukon Have?
The 2019 GMC Yukon offers a generous amount of storage space that caters to both families and individuals who require ample cargo capacity. In its standard configuration, the 2019 Yukon provides 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. If you need more room, folding down the third row expands the space to 51.7 cubic feet. And when both the second and third rows are folded, the Yukon boasts a cavernous 94.7 cubic feet of space.
To give a practical perspective, 15.3 cubic feet can easily accommodate a couple of large suitcases or a week’s worth of groceries. With 51.7 cubic feet, think about fitting larger items like a bicycle or stacking multiple luggage pieces. The full 94.7 cubic feet can handle larger equipment, such as a kayak or multiple sets of golf clubs, or even help with moving large furniture items like a couch or a dining set. This flexibility makes the 2019 GMC Yukon a versatile choice for varying cargo needs.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fourth generation of the GMC Yukon was launched for the 2015 model year, and will be fully redesigned in 2021.
2015: Fully redesigned for the fourth generation with stronger engines, improved fuel economy, and upgraded technology.
2016: More technology upgrades from earlier years, Apple CarPlay added, and additional safety technology.
2017: Cooled seats replaced by ventilated seats, more safety technology, updated rear entertainment system.
2018: Upgraded ten-speed transmission is now standard on all models.
2019: Graphite Edition package is now offered on the SLT model.
2020: No changes from earlier years.
2021: Fully redesigned for the fifth generation with new technology, styling, and upgraded engine choices.
How Does the GMC Yukon Compare to the Competition?
The 2019 GMC Yukon is a very nice full size SUV which has strong V8 engines and good reliability ratings while still offering the old-school truck style body-on-frame design.
The Chevy Tahoe is another large SUV which can be found for around $1,500 less. Both the GMC Yukon and Chevy Tahoe are built on the same platform, but the GMC Yukon offers a more upscale interior. We recommend the Chevy Tahoe since it’s more affordable, but both are great options.
The Ford Expedition is a popular competitor, which costs around $2,000 less. Passenger room in the third row is better in the Ford Expedition, while the GMC Yukon offers stronger engine choices. We recommend the GMC Yukon since there are fewer complaints from owners as they age.
