18 MPG combined is what buyers of the 2021 GMC Yukon XL 2WD with the 5.3L V8 actually get. No one is buying this big SUV for its fuel efficiency. The Yukon XL 2WD is bought by families who need serious passenger and cargo space, and who prioritize towing capability and interior volume over saving money on gas. It’s a practical choice, made knowing that compromise is part of the deal. These buyers accept that hauling eight people and their luggage requires a thirsty V8.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2021 Yukon XL 2WD 5.3L are 16 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. The lower city MPG reflects the stop-and-go driving conditions where the Yukon XL’s weight matters. Each acceleration requires significant energy to overcome inertia. The 20 MPG highway figure is more acceptable, achievable because of the 10-speed automatic transmission which allows the engine to cruise at lower RPMs. However, maintaining that 20 MPG on the highway requires a light foot, as any attempt to overtake or maintain speed on inclines will quickly see fuel consumption rise. This figure is a best-case scenario under ideal conditions.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says the annual cost to fuel the 2021 GMC Yukon XL 2WD 5.3L V8 is $2,450. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs may vary significantly depending on your driving habits, the type of driving you do most often, and the price of gasoline in your area. Frequent towing, extended idling, and aggressive driving will all inflate that $2,450 figure considerably. It’s a benchmark, not a guarantee.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates offer a baseline, but real-world results often differ. Owners of the 2021 GMC Yukon XL 2WD 5.3L V8 often report fuel economy figures that are below the EPA’s 18 MPG combined rating, especially in mixed driving conditions. Expect to see numbers closer to 14-15 MPG during typical suburban driving, and only achieving the 20 MPG highway when traveling at consistent speeds on flat terrain. Towing greatly hurts fuel economy, instantly dropping it into the single digits. The 10-speed automatic transmission does its best, but physics ultimately wins. The size and weight of the Yukon XL, combined with the demands placed on the 5.3L V8, require realistic expectations.

How it compares

The 2021 Ford Expedition 2WD with its 3.5L EcoBoost V6 is rated at 17 MPG City, 23 MPG Highway, and 19 MPG Combined. The Nissan Armada 2WD, equipped with a 5.6L V8, achieves 13 MPG City, 18 MPG Highway, and 15 MPG Combined. All Gmc fuel economy data shows that even the Yukon’s similar stablemates aren’t necessarily more efficient; the Chevrolet Tahoe 2WD with the same 5.3L V8 also achieves 16 City/ 20 Highway/ 18 Combined. For buyers considering these full-size SUVs, the differences in MPG numbers may be less important than other factors, such as price, features, and towing capacity. However, the Expedition’s slightly better fuel economy, primarily due to its turbocharged V6, offers a potential financial advantage over the long term. Checking the YUKON MPG across all years will show generational changes.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 5.3L V8 is a known quantity, and how you drive greatly affects real-world fuel economy. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed when you can. The Yukon XL’s mass requires gradual inputs, both when accelerating and braking, to achieve optimal fuel efficiency.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consuming more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the pressure specified on the doorjamb sticker. The correct pressure is NOT what’s listed on the tire sidewall itself.

Reduce unnecessary weight. The more weight you carry in the Yukon XL, the harder the engine has to work. Remove any cargo that you don’t need for your current trip. This includes items in the cargo area, and anything stored in the rear seats.

Use cruise control on the highway to help maintain a constant speed, which minimizes fluctuations in fuel consumption. Be mindful of hilly terrain, as the cruise control may downshift aggressively to maintain speed, negating any fuel savings. On rolling hills, it’s often more efficient to manage the throttle manually.

Consider using the Yukon XL’s drive mode selector, if equipped. Some trims offer an “Eco” or “Tour” mode that optimizes the vehicle’s settings for fuel efficiency. These modes typically adjust throttle response and shift points to prioritize fuel economy over performance.