For anyone looking for a full-size SUV, the GMC Yukon is one of the most popular and reliable vehicles in this category today. Today we’re going to discuss the history of this vehicle and what makes it stand out so much on the market. We’ll also share some top tips about extending the life of your Yukon and common issues that drivers experience.
History of the GMC Yukon
Sold in North America and the Middle East, the GMC Yukon is a full-sized SUV which replaced the GMC Jimmy. It is the badge engineered counterpart to the Chevrolet Tahoe and was first announced in 1991 to be sold the following year, three years ahead of the Chevrolet Tahoe. The first-generation of the vehicle was the only one that offered the vehicle with two doors and used the GMT400 platform. Production of this vehicle took place in Texas, Wisconsin, Mexico, Argentina, and Venezuela, coming together to create a vehicle that has impressed drivers since inception.
The difference between the GMC Yukon and the GMC Yukon XL and Chevrolet Suburban is the length of the cargo area and passenger area. In 1999, the company introduced the GMC Denali sub-model, which offered an upscale trim and was available in standard and XL options. The vehicles are now on their fifth-generation, which was introduced a couple of years ago at the start of 2020. It offers independent rear suspension, a 3.0-liter inline-six turbo diesel engine, and many new additions to the design and engine. The company also tried hybrid models for a short while, but these were discontinued after the 2013 model year. The EcoTec engine that was added in 2015 to the Yukon and Tahoe worked to make the vehicle more eco-friendly and efficient.
North America Sales History for the GMC Yukon
The North America sales volume for the GMC Yukon is still very competitive after many years. Dating back to 1998 – 2000, we saw annual sales of around 50,000 units. From there, sales rose to the 75,000 – 80,000 unit mark each year until about 2008, where they dropped to 39,000 units. Since 2018, sales have increased again to around 80,000 units a year, with only a small drop off during the COVID-19 pandemic. These sales figures are just for the GMC Yukon, with the Tahoe always counted separately.
What are the Engine Specs for a GMC Yukon?
The standard engine of the GMC Yukon is the 5.3-liter V8. It provides 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. If you are looking to upgrade the vehicle, then there’s also the option of the 6.2-liter V8 or the 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel engine.
Driver Reviews GMC Yukon
As you can probably tell from the annual sales of this SUV, the reviews of the GMC Yukon are typically very favorable with drivers in the US. Both drivers and passengers appreciate the comfortable and spacious interior, making it ideal for long journeys and family outings. The GMC Yukon has been highly rated in many surveys for its long-term reliability and customer satisfaction. It’s the perfect SUV for towing boats and trailers and also makes for a very smooth ride on even the longest of highway adventures.
You can expect your GMC Yukon to last about 200,000 miles with regular maintenance and good care. Most drivers enjoy using this vehicle for about ten years if they are not doing excessive mileage, making it a great investment for families. The Yukon SUV also retains its value well, getting over 55% or more of the price that was originally paid when sold on the used market. The company has also continued to modernize and improve the vehicle over the years, adding an infotainment center and other features that make this vehicle even easier and safer to drive.
Common Problems with the GMC Yukon
While most drivers enjoy many years on the road with their GMC Yukon, there are a few common issues to be aware of with the vehicles. Fortunately, most of these issues are quite minor and aren’t reported too often. The upper dash has been noted to crack by some drivers, which can help to ruin the beautiful aesthetic of the vehicle. Another issue that’s reported is with the anti-theft system, where the vehicle struggles to start due to this system failing. Also, the power door lock actuators sometimes fail, which can be problematic when starting a journey. Finally, there are some complaints about the heating and AC within the vehicle, but these are usually resolved quite easily.
Replacing GMC Yukon Cylinder Heads
As your vehicle enters the later stages of its life, you may be looking for ways to extend the life of your vehicle. Replacing the cylinder heads on your GMC Yukon is one way to improve the functioning of the vehicle. If the heads crack or fail, then you’ll find that you have the option to either DIY the replacement of the cylinder heads or take it to a professional mechanic. It usually costs between $2,500 and $3,000 for this work when you add together the parts and the labor, so it’s certainly not a small job.
If you are looking to save money and feel comfortable trying to replace the cylinder head yourself, then you’ll find some great guides online showing you how to complete this replacement. Check out this YouTube video to learn how you can change out the cylinder head and improve the performance of your vehicle.
The GMC Yukon is one of the top vehicles within the SUV category for many reasons. With five generations to its name at the current time, the company has worked hard to continue making improvements and tweaks to enhance the performance and lifespan of the vehicle. It’s the ideal vehicle for anyone who enjoys long drives or family adventures and appreciates a roomy SUV with great interior design. By replacing your Yukon cylinder heads, you can work to extend the life of your vehicle and improve its functionality. With great driver reviews and minimal issues to report, we hope that this vehicle remains on the market for years to come.
Buy GMC Yukon Cylinder Heads from Clearwater Cylinder
If you are the owner or the repair shop of a GMC Yukon and need to purchase new or refurbished cylinder heads, then please give us a call at 800-572-1963. Locating the casting number on your Yukon engine or existing head will help us identify the compatible cylinder head(s) for your specific GMC Yukon.