Jan 1, 2025
A red 2022 GMC Yukon

The GMC Yukon is a big SUV, providing you with space for up to nine passengers. If you’re heading out of town for the weekend, the Yukon is more than capable of pulling a camper or trailer. To learn more about this crossover’s engine and towing specs, check out the guide put together by our GMC experts here at Vaden of Beaufort. Should you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us today.

2023 Yukon Engine Specs

The 2022 Yukon’s towing abilities are impressive with all three available engine options. The first engine is a 5.3-liter V-8 capable of putting out 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. You can upgrade to a larger V-8, a 6.2-liter unit with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Some of the best towing numbers are provided by the third engine option: a six-cylinder turbodiesel with 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.

All three engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, which takes care of your gear changes. Rear-wheel drive comes standard, with four-wheel drive available as an optional upgrade.

If you prioritize fuel economy, the diesel engine is your best option. It can return figures of up to 27 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg on city roads. The 5.3-liter V-8 achieves 20 mpg and 15 mpg respectively, while the larger V-8 manages 19 mpg and 14 mpg respectively.

GMC Yukon Towing Capacity

The Yukon’s towing capacity varies between 7,400 pounds and 8,400 pounds depending on a range of configuration options. The highest towing capacity is achieved with the 5.3-liter V-8 engine and rear-wheel drive combined with the optional Max Trailering package. This setup will get you the maximum 8,400-pound capacity.

If you don’t add the trailering package, the diesel engine provides you with the best towing numbers. It can pull up to 8,100 pounds, which it achieves with rear-wheel drive. The larger V-8 has a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, but you can increase it to 8,200 pounds by adding the Max Trailering package.

Yukon Cargo Space

Cargo space in this large SUV varies depending on the choice of body style you make. The standard Yukon has a spacious cabin that offers plenty of room. Behind the third row of seats, you get over 25 cubic feet of storage space. Fold down the rear row and you’ll open up around 72 cubic feet of capacity. With both rear rows down, you’ll have 122.9 cubic feet of space to work with.

The Yukon XL increases the cabin’s size even more. With a full load of passengers, you’ll have about 41 cubic feet of space at the rear. This increases to 93.8 cubic feet with the third row folded flat, and 144.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down.

GMC Passenger Capacity

The GMC Yukon’s standard seating setup includes bench seating in the second and third rows, giving you a maximum capacity of eight people. Legroom in all three rows is ample, so adult passengers can sit anywhere they like. You can reduce passenger capacity to seven if you opt to have captain’s chairs in the second row, which provide a little more comfort for long drives. Alternatively, you can up the seating capacity to nine by adding a bench seat to the front row.

The Yukon’s cabin is very upscale. You get leather seats, wooden and aluminum trim, and power-adjustable seats in the front row. You can upgrade to several even more luxurious options, like heated and ventilated front seats.

GMC Technology And Safety Features

The Yukon’s infotainment system features a 10.2-inch screen and a six-speaker stereo in its base setup. Some other standard features you’ll get to take advantage of include BlueTooth, smartphone compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a WiFi hot spot. There are six USB ports located throughout the cabin, allowing you to keep your phone or other device charged while you’re on the go.

One of the highlights among the infotainment upgrades is GMC’s rear-seat infotainment system. This system adds two screens so that second-row passengers can choose what to watch or listen to on their journey. Other possible upgrades include a navigation system and a 14-speaker premium sound system.

GMC equips the Yukon with a long list of safety features. The front and rear parking sensors make it much easier to maneuver this big SUV in and out of a parking spot. The lane keep assist and lane departure warning features can help you have an easier time when you’re on the highway.

GMC’s Teen Driver system is useful if a younger member of your family is learning to drive, since you can impose speed limits and other restrictions on how your Yukon is used. Finally, the standard rear seat reminder feature alerts you to check behind you before you exit the Yukon to make sure you don’t leave children or pets behind.

A number of optional safety upgrades are available. The surround-view parking camera gives you an even clearer overview of any obstacles around your Yukon’s parking area. You can also add adaptive cruise control, which can adjust your speed on the highway, and blind spot monitoring.

GMC Yukon Trims

The 2022 Yukon is sold in four trim options: SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali. The base SLE trim comes standard with the 5.3-liter V-8 engine, which may be the best choice for you if you want the highest possible towing capacity. The AT4 trim is for off-roading fans, since it’s equipped with several helpful features designed to help you cope with trails and rough terrain. Meanwhile, the range-topping Denali offers all the luxury you could imagine, including an optional sunroof and power-retractable entry steps.

We hope our rundown of the engine and towing specs in the 2022 Yukon has provided you with the information you need to decide whether to purchase this great GMC SUV. If you still have any questions about the Yukon or you’d like to arrange a test drive in Beaufort, don’t hesitate to contact our team. Our finance center is on hand if you require assistance in obtaining a competitive auto loan in South Carolina or if you’d like to learn more about our affordable leasing options.

Image via GMC