GMC Yukon

Name: 2008 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's handling is more agile, and the steering and brakes feel better than in the previous generation. The ride is supple and controlled. Interior quality and the seats are much improved. It retains impressive trailer-towing capability. The 5.3-liter engine is powerful, but the Tahoe twin we tested delivered only 14 mpg overall. The Yukon typically seats seven or eight but offers little cargo space behind its cramped and very low third-row seat. 4WD models have a selectable full-time system that can remain engaged at all times without worry. ESC is standard. A hybrid version is available and Denali models get the 6.2-liter V8 and six-speed automatic for 2009.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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2008 SUVs Reliability

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GMC Yukon

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Chevrolet Suburba...

Chevrolet Suburban

Chevrolet Tahoe

GMC Yukon XL

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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

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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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2008 Large SUVs Ratings

2008 GMC Yukon

$3,475 - $6,925

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Chevrolet Suburban

$5,675 - $8,200

EPA MPG 17 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Chevrolet Tahoe

$4,250 - $7,600

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Chrysler Aspen

$3,700 - $4,475

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Dodge Durango

$4,675 - $6,350

EPA MPG 15 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Ford Expedition

$4,425 - $6,475

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 GMC Yukon XL

$5,575 - $7,200

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Infiniti QX

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Nissan Armada

$3,950 - $5,100

EPA MPG 15 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Toyota Sequoia

$7,400 - $10,325

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 (295 hp)
5.3-liter V8 (320 hp)
6-liter V8 hybrid (332 hp)
6.2-liter V8 (380 hp)

6-speed automatic
CVT
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.