GMC Yukon

Name: 2004 GMC Yukon
Brand: GMC

EPA MPG: NA

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

CR's Take

The Yukon and Yukon XL full-sized SUVs offer impressive trailer-towing capability and a smooth, quiet ride--at least at low speeds. The V8s feel strong, and the automatic transmission shifts smoothly. The Yukon can also accommodate up to nine, but unlike the longer Yukon XL (a twin of the Chevrolet Suburban), it offers very little cargo space behind its cramped third-row seat. Handling is imprecise but ultimately secure. Braking performance is so-so. 4WD models have a selectable system with a full-time mode. Stability control is now available. The up-level Denali is substantially similar to the Cadillac Escalade. A tip-up in the gov't rollover test is cause for concern.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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2004 SUVs Reliability

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GMC Yukon

vs. Similar Cars

Chevrolet Suburba...

Chevrolet Suburban

Chevrolet Tahoe

GMC Yukon XL

Toyota Sequoia

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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GMC vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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GMC vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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GMC vs. Other New Car Brands

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2004 Large SUVs Ratings

2004 GMC Yukon

$4,175 - $5,875

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Chevrolet Blazer

$3,050 - $3,850

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Chevrolet Suburban

$4,250 - $6,075

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Chevrolet Tahoe

$4,750 - $6,350

EPA MPG 15 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Dodge Durango

$3,500 - $4,325

EPA MPG 15 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Ford Expedition

$3,050 - $4,800

EPA MPG 15 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 GMC Yukon XL

$4,750 - $6,800

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Infiniti QX

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Nissan Armada

$ NA

EPA MPG 15 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Toyota Sequoia

$5,700 - $6,475

EPA MPG 15 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

4-door SUV

3 front, 3 rear, 3 third

4WD, AWD, Rear

4.8-liter V8 (285 hp)
5.3-liter V8 (295 hp)
6-liter V8 (325 hp)

4-speed automatic

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2021-Present

Current Generation

The redesigned 2021 Yukon enters the modern era with an independent rear suspension that improved ride comfort, handling and third-row room. This is a massive vehicle that’s very functional, comfortable and high-tech. The standard 5.3-liter V8 is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and together the powertrain supplies plenty of predictable uninterrupted power. The ride is comfortable. Handling is rather ponderous but secure. The enormous cabin is eerily quiet. Cargo capacity is generous, weakening the case for the Yukon XL. Controls are very easy to use except for the tricky gear selector. It’s a big step to get into the Yukon and the tall hood cuts forward visibility. Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection are standard, but blind spot warning, lane departure and lane keeping assistance are optional. Freshened for 2025, the Yukon received new exterior styling and an updated interior featuring a vertically-oriented 16.8-inch infotainment screen. The optional diesel engine got a power bump up to 305-hp. GM's Super Cruise active driver assistance system became available as did optional features that make towing easier. The tricky to operate by feel push-button gear selector was replaced by a column stalk selector.

2015-2020

2015 Redesign Year

The 2015 redesign brought a sumptuous and quiet interior, power folding second- and third-row seats, and available advanced safety features. Top-trim Denali versions offer a larger V8 and plusher interior furnishings. We think it's important to get the Magnetic Ride Control suspension, because it significantly improves the Yukon's emergency handling, as well as ride comfort. Lower trim lines without this feature have sloppy handling in emergency situations. Getting that suspension, however, requires going all the way to a Denali. In all honesty, other than that, we'd skip the GMC altogether. You can get the Magnetic Ride Control in a top LTZ-trim-level Chevrolet Tahoe without the big engine. That will cost you less money and consume less fuel.

2007-2014

2007 Redesign Year

The 2007 redesign brought a better ride and improved steering, along with a much nicer interior. However, the third-row seats lack thigh support and don't fold flat into the floor, eating up cargo room. The powertrain we tested, a 5.3-liter V8 with the six-speed automatic transmission, was strong enough -- but unrefined. Controls are mostly simple, but some are tiny and too far from the driver.

2000-2006

2000 Redesign Year

This twin of the Chevrolet Tahoe shares a platform with the other full-sized GM trucks. It has strong, fuel efficient engines, as well as a more comfortable ride. ESC was offered starting with 2003 models, preventing tip-ups in government rollover tests.