The 2020 GMC Yukon lasts around 250,000 miles with some average brake wear and gear change issues. At $38,750 to $65,950, it’s a great value for a large SUV with strong engines and a higher towing capacity than the competition.
Is the 2020 GMC Yukon a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2020 is a good year for the GMC Yukon since it offers a ton of passenger room and some strong V8 engine choices. Owner reviews praise the smooth suspension, cargo space, and the luxurious interior features.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are good for a large SUV, the seats are supportive on long trips, cargo space is also excellent.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no major problems found on the 2020 Yukon. Avoid models from 2015 since they have transmission issues, while 2016–2022 are much more reliable.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is decent from the base V8 engine, although it’s still a large and heavy SUV which makes it not very fun to drive.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2020 Yukon is safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. Standard safety features include a rearview camera, while lane keep assist along with adaptive cruise control are available as optional upgrades.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is fine at 19 MPG, giving 494 miles of range from the 26 gallon gas tank. Gas costs are average for a large SUV, at $289 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2020 GMC Yukon is reasonably priced for a large SUV, with average depreciation rates, making it a decent value for shoppers.
Positive Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the GMC Yukon?
- Consumer Reports says the 2020 GMC Yukon feels like a throwback to old truck-based SUVs, with good owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the GMC Yukon at 3.8/5, enjoying the quiet cabin at highway speeds, but doesn’t like the high trunk floor, which makes it hard to load cargo.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Yukon a 3.9/5, praising the plush interior on the popular Denali model, but owners don’t like the loose steering.
What Common Problems Does the 2020 GMC Yukon Have?
Common problems found on the 2020 GMC Yukon include excessive brake wear, delayed gear changes, along with some noise from inside the doors. Overall, these problems are relatively minor for a large SUV, leading to lower repair costs than many competitors.
Excessive brake wear is the most widespread complaint from 2020 Yukon owners, showing up at around 15,000 miles. The front brake pads tend to wear down due to the weight of the Yukon, and will run out faster if you tow heavy trailers too. Replacing the brake pads costs around $350, while new rotors cost an additional $650.
Delayed gear changes are another problem mentioned on the 2020 GMC Yukon at around 2,500 miles. There are software updates for the transmission control module, which improves the performance. Most dealerships will install these updates for free, while others charge around $100.
Noise from inside the doors is another problem that happens on some Yukon models within the first 20,000 miles. There are some clips which may come loose in the door and allow things to rattle around. Fixing the problem costs around $250, depending on local labor rates.
There are three recalls on the 2020 GMC Yukon, which is average for a large SUV from the same year. The most serious recall covers the pressure regulator on the fuel pump, which may be missing. GMC will replace the parts on affected models for free. Other recalls include tires and software errors, which GMC will also fix for free on affected models.
How Long Will the 2020 GMC Yukon Last?
A well-maintained 2020 GMC Yukon can last around 250,000 miles, which is slightly shorter than the long-lasting Toyota Sequoia. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other full size SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $687 per year.
As a used 2020 Yukon reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the transmission mounts for $175, engine oil cooler line costing $300, along with the suspension air compressor, which costs $850.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is great and includes a relatively large 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional upgrades include a more powerful stereo system.
Standard safety technology is average with:
- GM’s Teen Driver model, which sets speed and auto limits
- Rearview camera
- Front and rear parking sensors
Optional upgrades include:
- Blind spot monitoring
- Forward collision warning
- Lane departure warning
- Lane keep assist
- Safety alert seat
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Lane change alert
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic high-beam headlights
Is the 2020 GMC Yukon a Good Value?
Yes, the 2020 GMC Yukon is a good value if you’re in the market for a full size SUV with an upscale interior. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $38,750 to $65,950, making it more than a Nissan Armada or Dodge Durango. When new, the price range was $50,600 to $73,500. Depreciation is similar to other 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 2020 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.
SLE is the entry-level model with:
- 8-inch touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- USB ports
- Wi-Fi hotspot
- Nine-speaker Bose stereo
- HD Radio and satellite radio
- Bluetooth
- Remote start
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- Rearview camera
- GM’s Teen Driver system
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Alloy wheels
- Optional: Hands-free liftgate
- Available: Power-adjustable pedals
- Optional: Enhanced Driver Alert package with:
- Lane departure warning
- Lane keep assist
- Safety alert seat
- Pre-collision warning and braking system
SLT is a step up, adding:
- Includes all features from the SLE trim
- Perforated leather upholstery
- Ventilated front seats
- Heated second-row seats
- Power-folding second- and third-row seats
- Heated and power-adjustable steering wheel
- Proximity keyless entry
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Lane change alert
- Optional: Navigation system
- Optional: Adaptive cruise control
- Available: Sunroof
- Optional: Graphite Performance Edition package with:
- Stronger V8 engine
- Head-up display
- Adaptive suspension system (Magnetic Ride Control)
- Gloss-black styling elements
Denali is the flagship model with:
- Includes features from the SLT’s Graphite Performance Edition package
- 10-speaker Bose stereo system
- Wireless device charging
- Second-row captain’s chairs.
What Engines Come In the GMC Yukon?
- 5.3L V8 Engine: This engine produces 355 horsepower and 383 lb.-ft of torque. It’s paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and yields a combined fuel economy of about 19 MPG (though this can vary based on driving conditions and other factors). When properly equipped, the Yukon with this engine can tow up to 8,500 pounds. The estimated 0-60 MPH time for this engine hovers around the 7.5-second mark.
- 6.2L V8 Engine: Available mainly for the Denali trim, this engine is a powerhouse, delivering 420 horsepower and 460 lb.-ft of torque. It comes mated to a ten-speed automatic transmission, providing a smoother shifting experience and a combined fuel economy of around 17 MPG. With this engine under the hood, the Yukon can tow up to 8,400 pounds, and it can accelerate from 0-60 MPH in roughly 6.2 seconds.
What Colors Does the GMC Yukon Come In?
How Comfortable Is the GMC Yukon?
The 2020 GMC Yukon stands out as a hallmark of comfort in the full-size SUV segment. Its spacious cabin is adorned with high-quality materials and refined finishes, ensuring that both driver and passengers feel ensconced in luxury. The seating in the Yukon is plush and supportive, designed to provide optimal comfort even during longer journeys. With available options such as heated and ventilated front seats, as well as heated second-row seats, the Yukon ensures a cozy environment regardless of external weather conditions.
The suspension system has been engineered to absorb most road imperfections, offering a smooth and composed ride. Moreover, the cabin is well-insulated, minimizing road and wind noise, and contributing to a serene driving environment. Additionally, the generous legroom and headroom in all three rows mean that even taller passengers can stretch out and relax. Furthermore, with features like tri-zone automatic climate control, everyone can set their ideal temperature, adding another layer of comfort. All these attributes come together to make the 2020 GMC Yukon a haven of relaxation and luxury on the road.
How Much Storage Space Does the GMC Yukon Have?
The 2020 GMC Yukon offers impressive storage space designed to accommodate both everyday errands and larger cargo needs. The standard Yukon boasts up to 94.7 cubic feet of cargo space with both the second and third rows folded flat. To provide some context, that’s enough room to fit items such as bicycles, large suitcases, or even larger pieces of furniture like a small couch. When only the third row is folded, the cargo capacity reduces to 51.7 cubic feet, which is still substantial and can comfortably accommodate sports equipment, a week’s worth of groceries, or a stroller.
With all seats in place, there’s 15.3 cubic feet of space behind the third row, suitable for smaller luggage or shopping bags. Beyond the main cargo area, the Yukon is also sprinkled with smaller interior storage spaces. There are cup holders, door pockets, a spacious glovebox, and a center console storage area that’s handy for storing everyday items like smartphones, wallets, and sunglasses. The Yukon’s flexibility in storage solutions makes sure that passengers don’t have to compromise between carrying people and their belongings.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fourth generation of the GMC Yukon was introduced for the 2015 model year, and is going to be redesigned for 2021.
2015: Fully redesigned for the fourth generation with more efficient engines, upgraded technology, and updated styling.
2016: Apple CarPlay added, and additional safety features available.
2017: Ventilated seats replace the cooled seats, it has more safety technology, and a new rear entertainment system.
2018: Standard ten-speed transmission on all models.
2019: SLT model now has an optional Graphite Edition package.
2020: No updates from earlier years.
2021: Fully redesigned for the fifth generation with all new styling, technology, and upgraded engines available.
How Does the GMC Yukon Compare to the Competition?
The 2020 GMC Yukon is a great full size SUV, offering plenty of power mixed with a comfortable cabin, helping it earn our recommendation for shoppers.
The Chevy Tahoe is another large SUV, which costs about $3,000 less. Both the GMC Yukon and Chevy Tahoe are built on the same platform, but the interior is more luxurious in the GMC Yukon. We recommend the Chevy Tahoe for most people, unless you want the extra features found in the Yukon.
The Ford Expedition is a popular competitor, which is about $1,500 less. Passenger room in the third row is a bit better in the Ford Expedition, while the GMC Yukon has more powerful engine choices available. We recommend the GMC Yukon since it’s more reliable as it ages.
